Abstract: There is provided method and apparatus for illuminating a foldable enclosure.

Abstract: A touch switch is composed of an EL light emitting layer configured by stacking a fluorescent layer and an insulation layer between first electrodes and a second electrode, a judgment means for making a judgment on touch manipulation with the first electrode by an operator and an EL driving unit for driving the EL light emitting layer for light emitting, with each of a plurality of first electrodes, each of plurality of fluorescent layers and each of plurality of insulation layers being provided as a set and the second electrode being provided as a single electrode with respect to the plurality of first electrodes, wherein the judgment means makes a judgment on which of the plurality of first electrodes has been touched by an operator on the basis of a high-frequency component inputted from the second electrode through the first electrode each time the touch switch is touched by an operator.

Abstract: LED lamp, light comprising an LED lamp, method for operating a light and method for generating an electrical dissipation power in association with an LED lamp An LED lamp (10) is [specified], comprising at least one LED (1) and at least one radiation-emitting semiconductor component (2), it being the case that when the LED lamp is operating, the at least one LED emits visible light and the at least one radiation-emitting semiconductor component emits electromagnetic radiation having a peak intensity outside the visible region of the spectrum. Further specified is a light comprising such an LED lamp, a method for operating a light and a method for generating an electrical dissipation power in association with an LED lamp.

Abstract: A coupled lamp driving device is described, comprising an alternating current (AC) power supply providing a sine-wave to two ends of each of a plurality of coupled transformers each having a primary side connected to each other at a primary side thereof and a secondary side; the plurality of coupled transformers connected to each other at the primary side thereof directing the sine-wave signal from the AC power supply to the two sides of the primary side of each of the coupled transformers and connected to an end of one of a plurality of lamps at one end of the secondary side thereof and connected to a reference level at the other end thereof, and the plurality of lamps each having the other end connected to a reference level. Since the primary sides of the coupled transformers are connected in series, a current flown on the primary side of each of the coupled transformers is equal to each other, respectively.

Abstract: A backlight module and a current providing circuit thereof are provided. The current providing circuit includes a signal generating unit, a switching unit, a first capacitor, a transformer and an output node. The signal generating unit generates a PWM signal according to a level of a power source. The switching unit determines whether a first signal end and a second signal end of the switching unit are conducted according to the PWM signal received by a control end of the switching unit. Following a switch performed by the switching unit, the first capacitor charges and discharges through a current path provided by a primary coil of the transformer. Thereby, a secondary coil of the transformer generates a corresponding AC voltage by sensing a current change in the primary coil and outputs the AC voltage through the output node.

Abstract: A ballast (11) includes a variable output DC converter source (12) and an inverter circuit (14) arranged to provide AC output voltage to an electro-luminescent (EL) lamp (16). A Q factor of EL lamp can characterize the age of the EL lamp. A series resonance-parallel loaded circuit and two voltage detector (18, 20) are constructed to measure the Q factor. A processor (17) controls the output of DC voltage source in accordance with a look-up table containing constant brightness algorithm based on the derived voltage and Q relationship.

Abstract: A hybrid power supply provides powers to a load, such as a light emitting diode (LED) backlight display, using pulse wave modulation (PWM) enable signal to control activation of a linear power supply and a switching power supply. During an initial part of an active portion of a duty cycle of the PWM enable signal, the linear power supply is activated to supply the load with constant current. During the remainder of the active portion of the duty cycle of the PWM enable signal, the linear power supply is deactivated and the switching power supply is activated to provide current to the load. A bias current and voltage may be provided to the LED during an inactive portion of the duty cycle of the PWM enable signal. The hybrid power supply combines the high efficiency of the switching power supply with smooth dimming control at low luminance of the linear power supply.

Abstract: A current driven toroid-free feedback type ballast comprising a filter and rectifier circuit, a switch and resonant circuit and a lamp load including capacitors, wherein the filter and rectifier circuit is coupled to input ends of the switch and resonant circuit with its output ends; the switch and resonant circuit is coupled to the lamp load with its output ends and comprising: a trigger circuit comprised of resistors R1, R2, a capacitor C3, a diode D5 and a trigger diode DB3; a half bridge circuit comprised of transistors Q1, Q2 and resistors; and a three winding transformer T comprised of primary winding T3 and two secondary windings T1, T2.

Abstract: To achieve high modulation frequencies when modulating an LED, a circuit-arrangement for modulating at least one LED comprises a modulation-circuit (3) parallel to the LED, wherein the modulation-circuit (3) comprises in a series connection a switching device and a threshold device. In a method for operating an LED, the LED is modulated by alternating the switching device between a closed state and an open state.

Abstract: A lighting control system is disclosed. The lighting control system is electrically coupled to a load circuit for controlling indoor and/or outdoor lighting. The lighting control system includes a control module with a night light for providing low-level night light illumination and one or more sensors for operatively controlling the indoor and/or outdoor lighting and the night light in response to measured light levels and/or detected motion.

Abstract: A lighting system (100) includes at least one controllable light source (125) configured to provide a light having at least one attribute; an image renderer (135) configured to render at least one image; and a system controller (110) configured to select the image in corresponding to the selected attribute. The system controller (110) may be configured to receive at least one script associated with different light attributes such as different light intensity or brightness levels, and to change the image in response to changes of the light attribute in accordance with the script.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a color lighting device, comprising the following steps: (a) selecting in a user interface to generate a control instruction having various colors with different mixing ratios; (b) transmitting the control instruction to the color lighting device, and storing the control instruction in a memory of the color lighting device; and (c) adjustably emitting color lighting according to the control instruction of step (b). The present invention provides the users the capability of adjusting the color lighting device, thereby furnishing atmosphere of enjoyment to the life of the users.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing illumination in a manner that is energy efficient and intelligent. In particular, the present invention uses distributed processing across a network of illuminators to control the illumination for a given environment. The network controls the illumination level and pattern in response to light, sound, and motion. The network may also be trained according to uploaded software behavior modules, and subsets of the network may be organized into groups for illumination control and maintenance reporting.

Abstract: This invention relates to a LED lighting device having a plurality of LEDs, and a LED drive system. The LED drive system includes basic light circuitry for generating, for each LED, a basic current causing continuous basic light output of the LED. Additionally, the LED drive system includes flash light circuitry, for generating, for each LED, a momentary flash current through the LED, which causes a momentary flash light output. An average current amplitude of the flash current is higher than an average current amplitude of said basic current. Thereby flashes, or twinkles, will be observed by a person watching the LED lighting device.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus includes a solid state lamp including one or more solid state lighting elements, and a power circuit including a current limiting device electrically connected to the lamp. The current limiting device configured to impose a maximum threshold on the current delivered to the lamp, wherein the current limiting device functions as essentially a constant current source. The lighting apparatus includes a housing for the power circuit and lamp, as a module unit.

Abstract: A light panel (115, 215, 403, 503, 513, 603, 605) having a predetermined number of emitted color options and a processor (113, 213) operably coupled to the light panel (115, 215, 403, 503, 513, 603, 605). The processor (113, 213) responds to a first color selection actuation by controlling the light panel (115, 215, 403, 503, 513, 603, 605) to display each of the predetermined emitted light options within different portions of the light panel (115, 215, 403, 503, 513, 603, 605). Thereafter, the processor (113, 213) responds to a second color selection actuation by controlling the light panel (115, 215, 403, 503, 513, 603, 605) to display a selected one of the predetermined emitted light options substantially over the light panel (115, 215, 403, 503, 513, 603, 605), wherein the selected one of the predetermined emitted light options is indicated by the second color selection actuation.

Abstract: A power limiting circuit for controlling the power of the incandescent lamp not to overrun the rated power limit includes a sampling circuit that consists of two resistors connected in parallel. A control chip compares the received sample voltage with the standard voltage then outputs control signal to drive the conduction of a SCR (silicon controlled rectifier) to change the inner states of contacts of a relay so as to further control the on/off between the input and the output. Based on this control process and technique, this invention prevents the employment of incandescent lamps having a greater power than power rating. Besides, a bi-operational amplifier circuit is used to fulfill the whole examination and control perfectly.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatuses, computer media, and methods for controlling the speed and direction of a controlled device. An input device provides input information, which is converted into speed information and direction information. A controlled device, e.g., a variable speed motor, is then instructed to operate at a device speed and direction in accordance with the speed information and direction information. The remote device may include a circular input device through which a user draws strokes. The remote device instructs the controlled device to operate at a device speed and a direction in accordance with extracted characteristics of the entered stroke such as the speed of drawing the stroke and the direction of the stroke. The remote device then transmits a signal with speed and direction information to control the controlled device.

Abstract: A piezo-actuator is actuated in a first operating mode (B1) by pulsed supply of a first electrical variable for charging or discharging of the piezo-actuator taking into account at least one actuation parameter (P) for the piezo-actuator. The piezo-actuator is actuated in a second operating mode (B2) by non-pulsed introduction of the first electrical variable for charging or discharging of the piezo-actuator, to be precise with the first electrical variable having a predetermined profile which is substantially independent of any load change on the piezo-actuator (1). A profile of a second electrical variable of the piezo-actuator is recorded during at least one measurement time period while the predetermined profile of the first electrical variable is being applied. The at least one actuation parameter (P) of the piezo-actuator is determined as a function of the recorded profile of the second electrical variable.

Abstract: A driving device includes an electro-mechanical transducer having first and second end portions opposite to each other in an expansion/contraction direction, a stationary member coupled to the first end portion of the electro-mechanical transducer, a vibration friction portion mounted to the second end portion of the electro-mechanical transducer, and a moving portion frictionally coupled to the vibration friction portion, whereby moving the moving portion in the expansion/contraction direction of the electro-mechanical transducer. The moving portion is driven by equalizing a constant expanding speed of the electro-mechanical transducer with a constant contracting speed of the electro-mechanical transducer and by setting a constant rest time interval after one of contraction of the electro-mechanical transducer and expansion of the electro-mechanical transducer.

Abstract: An improved linear motor which compensates for manufacturing or assembly errors in the positioning of the magnetic field detectors. The linear motor synthesises a correction signal which can be simply combined (for example added) to the output of one of the magnetic field detectors so as to ensure that the magnetic field detector outputs have the correct phase relationship. This in turn ensures that accurate positioning of the rotor relative to the stator can be achieved. In a preferred embodiment, a deliberate error is introduced into the positioning of the magnetic field detectors and this error, plus any error due to manufacturing or assembly tolerances, is corrected using the correction signal. This allows a simplified correction circuit which only corrects for phase offset errors in one direction to be used.

Abstract: A drive system for a motor having a rotor and a phase winding (a, b, c) comprises; a drive circuit including switch means associated with the winding a, b, c for varying the current passing through the winding; rotor position sensing means arranged to sense the position of the rotor; control means arranged to provide drive signals to control the switch means; a power input for connection to a power supply at a nominal voltage; and boost means in electric communication with the power input and power output, and controllable to boost the nominal voltage to a higher voltage for application to the winding.

Abstract: A motor control apparatus which controls an output voltage reference for an inverter driving a permanent magnet synchronous motor based on d-axis and q-axis current references, d-axis and q-axis current detected values, and a computed frequency value. When a torque reference specifying torque greater than maximum torque that the motor can output is input, a limit value for a phase angle that is a deviation between a rotation phase reference of control and a rotation phase value of the motor is varied depending on a quantity of the predetermined state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a DC motor for hoist machine that is essentially a design of applying DC brushless inverter motor in the hoist machine. The stator and rotor of the brushless motor are formed in such a manner that a plurality of magnets are placed with alternation in polarity into the inside of the rotor of motor to generate main magnetic field, and that a current is supplied to the windings inserted within the block made of silicon steel lamination to exert push force. The integration of the application of DC brushless inverter motor combined with the electric and electronic elements gradually brings about inverter-controlled technology with maturity, by which excellent energy-saving effect can be obtained in case of the application having variable load, due to the fact that the inverter control has better manipulation property and better features of motor-output, and possesses high torque-output and better manipulation property in low-speed of rotation running condition.

Abstract: A method of operating a direct current motor fan assembly is provided in which a motor controller operates to apply full power to kick-start a motor to overcome static forces. As soon as a sensor determines that the motor has begun to rotate, the motor controller changes the motor drive level from full power to a predetermined lower level to maintain a desired rotational speed.

Abstract: An electric powertrain for use with an engine and a traction device is disclosed. The electric powertrain has a DC motor/generator operable to receive at least a portion of a first mechanical output from the engine and produce a DC power output. The DC motor/generator is also operable to receive DC power and produce a second mechanical output. The electric powertrain further has a drivetrain operable to receive the DC power output and use the DC power output to drive the traction device. The drivetrain is also operable to generate DC power when the traction device is operated in a dynamic braking mode.

Abstract: A dynamic braking load analyzer that determines the proper resistance value for a dynamic braking load resistor to be used in combination with a variable frequency drive or servo-drive to accommodate the power dissipated from an induction motor when it is being reduced in speed. The analyzer includes a resistor bank having a plurality of resistors electrically coupled in parallel. Switches are provided between the resistors, and a resistor selector switch determines which resistors are switched into the resistor bank circuit. A heat sensing resistor in the resistor bank measures the heat generated by the resistors and provides a signal that is read by a heat meter. The combination of the temperature measurement and the resistance of the resistors in the circuit gives the proper braking resistance value for the deceleration of the induction motor.

Abstract: In controlling a seatbelt retracting device having a mechanism for retracting a seatbelt with a motor, a current flowing to the motor is detected, and a rate of increase in the current is calculated. The motor is stopped when the rate of increase in the electricity exceeds a predetermined rate and when the electricity exceeds a predetermined value, respectively.

Abstract: A harmonic processor receiving an input signal and providing an output signal, the input signal comprising a first analog signal having amplitude, frequency and phase components and being converted to an instantaneous magnitude output signal, or the input signal comprising an instantaneous magnitude signal for inverse conversion to an output analog signal having amplitude, frequency and phase components, comprising a first component comprising a resistive plane, the first component having a first zone and a second zone, the first zone comprising a first set of first electrodes contacting the resistive plane at first defined locations and the second zone comprising a second set of electrodes contacting the resistive plane at second defined locations; the first electrodes comprising a first subset of first electrodes permanently connected to external terminals; and a second subset of first electrodes for connection to external terminals during controlled time periods; the second electrodes comprising a first su

Abstract: The brushless electric machine includes a first drive member (30U) having a plurality of permanent magnets (32U); a second drive member (10) having a plurality of electromagnetic coils and capable of movement relative to the first drive member (30U); and a third drive member (30L) disposed at the opposite side from the first drive member (30U) with the second drive member (10) therebetween, and having a fixed relative positional relationship with respect to the first drive member (30U). The second drive member (10) has magnetic sensors (40A, 40B) for detecting relative position of the first and second drive members; and a control circuit for carrying out control of the brushless electric machine utilizing the output signals of the magnetic sensors.

Abstract: A speed estimation method for determining the speed of a sensorless permanent magnet brushless motor having one or more phases driven by one or more stages of an inverter, each stage including high- and low-switches connected in series across a DC Bus and having a respective common switched node, the respective switched node being coupled to a respective motor phase terminal.

Abstract: A protective device for a power-assisted steering system, such a power-assisted steering system, and a method for protecting a power-assisted steering system are described. Provided in the described power-assisted steering system is a circuit that closes a separation in the neutral point of an electric motor when the rotational speed of the electric motor exceeds a prespecified value.

Abstract: In a multi-phase motor drive that includes a bus capacitor, a multi-phase motor, a multi-phase inverter, multiple switches each having an on-state and an off-state, and multiple current sensors each being in series with respective phase winding, a method for checking the accuracy of circuit parameters of the motor drive, including using the switches to produce a first loop that includes the capacitor bank, a first phase winding, a first current sensor, a second phase winding, and a second current sensor, using the current sensors to determine a magnitude of current in the first and second phase windings, comparing a magnitude of current indicated by the first current sensor and the second current sensor, and determining a magnitude of a difference between the current in the first and second phase windings.

Abstract: A motor driving circuit comprising first and second input voltage source sets, a reference voltage source, first and second voltage level shift units, a logic unit, and an output voltage terminal. The first input voltage source set provides a first input voltage set. The second input voltage source set provides a second input voltage set. The reference voltage source provides a reference voltage. The first voltage level shift unit raises part of levels of the first input voltage set to a level of the reference voltage. The second voltage level shift unit partially raises levels of the second input voltage set to a level of the reference voltage. The logic unit receives the reference voltage and the first input voltage set and outputs a control voltage. The output voltage terminal receives the control voltage and outputs an output voltage.

Abstract: An all-terrain mobile robot comprising a mobile robotic platform, having either wheels or tank-treaded-like legs capable of navigating over rough terrain, wherein the robotic platform utilizes dynamic balancing behavior; a hydraulic powered anthropomorphic torso and articulated arms, wherein the hydraulic system possesses a pressure sensor for enabling the anthropomorphic torso and articulated arms to lift a payload using acute and delicate movements that reduce the chance of causing structural harm to the payload.

Abstract: A method for driving a motor by using an output stage amplifier that operates between two or more separate supply voltages, depending on the amplitude of the input signal, is presented. This bridge unipolar class G stage allows driving the motor with high accuracy and improved efficiency without introducing switching noise typical of PWM motor driving. This method can be applied with the same benefits to class AB, pseudo class AB or to class A output stages. When this method is associated with an imposed current driving approach and with a current oversampling digital to analog converter the resulting advantages are very significant.

Abstract: A method of estimating stator resistance of a permanent magnet synchronous machine, when the permanent magnet synchronous machine is controlled with an inverter using a control system having an adaptive observer which is augmented with a signal injection, the adaptive observer having a stator resistance estimate ({circumflex over (R)}s) as a parameter, in which method an error signal (?) is obtained from the signal injection, a speed correction term (??) is calculated from the error signal (?), the rotor position estimate is corrected using the speed correction term (??) in the adaptive observer, whereby the error signal (?) is driven to zero. The method comprises the step of correcting the value of the stator resistance estimate ({circumflex over (R)}s) in the adaptive observer when the speed correction term (??) differs from zero.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for compensating for a position error of a step motor. A method for compensating for a position error of a step motor includes: sequentially inputting a predetermined number of a pulse as a rotator position command to a step motor driver; driving a step motor in a micro step method based on the rotator position command and a predetermined current command table; detecting an actual position of a rotator of the step motor while the step motor is being driven; calculating a position error by comparing the rotator position command and the detected actual position of the rotator; and compensating for the predetermined current command table based on the calculated position error. According to the present invention, a position error which may occur when the step motor is driven by a micro step method can be removed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a high-current high-resolution driving circuit comprising a controller, a digital-to-analog converter and a voltage-to-current converter. The controller is provided for receiving a control signal for operating a load and outputting a digital signal corresponding to the control signal. The digital-to-analog converter is provided for generating an analog voltage signal corresponding to the digital signal. The voltage-to-current converter is provided for generating a current signal corresponding to the analog voltage signal and transmitting the current signal to the load in order to drive the load.

Abstract: A movable member is moved in a preset direction in a linear motor. A characteristic-change position-detecting unit detects a position where the magnetic characteristic of the magnets has abruptly changed. The position detected is used as an origin-setting reference position. A reference position for the absolute position of the magnetic linear encoder is set based on the reference position.

Abstract: A step motor driving circuit is provided. An exemplary step motor driving circuit includes an input voltage source set, a reference voltage source, a voltage level shift unit, a logic unit, a reset voltage source, and an output voltage terminal. The input voltage source set provides an input voltage set. The reference voltage source provides a reference voltage. The voltage level shift unit raises one of the levels of the input voltage set to a level of the reference voltage. The logic unit receives the reference voltage and the input voltage set and outputs a control voltage. The reset voltage source outputs a reset voltage to reset the logic unit. The output voltage terminal receives the control voltage and outputs an output voltage.

Abstract: A multiple-winding induction machine may be used to obtain a reduced-speed-variation electric drive when using a variable-frequency power distribution system. Each winding may have a different number of poles. The winding with the smallest number of poles may operate the machine at the lowest bus frequency, while the winding with the largest number of poles may operate the machine at the highest bus frequency. In one embodiment, a third winding, with a middle number of poles, may operate the machine at the middle frequency ranges. The speed of the induction machine is a function of the electrical frequency and the number of the winding poles. Therefore, the operating speed range can be reduced by switching from one winding to another. According to the present invention, windings with different numbers of poles can be designed to achieve different reductions in speed variation.

Abstract: FIGS. 4A and 4B are principle diagrams for correcting deviations among current detectors of a three-phase motor 19 in an inverter apparatus of the present invention, which includes bidirectional switching elements 13 to 18. FIG. 4C shows on and off states of switches in the cases of FIGS. 4A and 4B, in which 1 and 0 mean on- and off-states, respectively. The states shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B are alternately repeated by controlling the switches, and measurement for correcting the deviations among the current detectors are obtained in the state shown in FIG. 4B. Specifically, in FIG. 4B, currents having the same amplitude flow on a U phase and a V phase. Accordingly, a difference in the measured data represents a difference in performances of the current detectors. In the state of normal use, the inverter apparatus is operated by correcting detected current values based on the measurement data.

Abstract: A system and a method for controlling torque of a motor are provided. The method includes modifying a phase advance angle based on an identified phase coil that has a faulted condition, a type of fault condition, and a polarity of a commanded torque to obtain a desired output torque from a motor.

Abstract: A motor control apparatus provided with an inverter for successively commutating the current to a motor using a PWM signal; a PWM signal generating device for generating the PWM signal using a carrier signal; a rotational state quantity sensor for detecting a rotational state quantity; a phase difference detecting device for detecting the phase difference between the carrier signal and the rotational period based on the rotational state quantity; a frequency setting device for setting a frequency of the carrier signal to a value in accordance with a multiplier for one period in terms of electrical angle of the rotational period of the motor, when the rotational frequency is equal to or greater than a specified frequency and the phase difference is equal to or less than a specified value; and a synchronizing device for synchronizing a control period of the carrier signal to the rotational period.

Abstract: A motor driving apparatus including inverter apparatuses, inverter control circuits, and a plurality of inverter control apparatuses for performing variable-speed driving of a single motor, breakers each of which being provided between each inverter apparatus and the motor, the inverter control circuits being connected in parallel to each other. Here, a motor rotation frequency/phase detection circuit of each inverter control circuit is set up on a closer side to the motor than the breakers, then frequency and phase of a terminal voltage at the motor are detected and inputted into failure-time input frequency/phase setting circuits regardless of close/open of each breaker. This feature allows computation by the failure-time input frequency/phase setting circuits to be carried out at all times, thereby making it possible to shorten a computation time needed for computing inverter-apparatus start frequency/phase.

Abstract: A driving level control structure eliminating electric noise from motor includes a drive control unit, a sensing unit, a setting unit, a first comparing unit, and a frequency control unit. The first comparing unit generates a first discriminating signal based on a reference level signal provided by the sensing unit and a preset level signal provided by the setting unit. The frequency control unit generates a second discriminating signal based on the first discriminating signal. The second discriminating signal is set to a specific frequency fallen out of a human ear perceptible frequency range before being sent to the drive control unit for controlling a motor coil unit to on or off as a current limiting operation, so that electric noise from a motor during the current limiting operation thereof is eliminated.

Abstract: A solar-powered photoelectric apparatus comprises a solar cell panel, a rechargeable battery and one or more photoelectric devices. The solar cell panel absorbs light to generate electricity and the electricity is stored in the photoelectric device. The photoelectric device uses power from the rechargeable battery to generate light. In consideration of times of insufficient light to the solar-powered photoelectric apparatus, the photoelectric apparatus may further comprise a USB connector as an interface for charging the rechargeable battery.

Abstract: A wireless power transfer system 20 for charging an electronic device 22 having a secondary coil 24 includes a primary controller 38 disposed on a class B surface 30 of a vehicle. A primary coil 52 is electrically connected to the primary controller 38. The primary coil 52 is disposed remotely from the primary controller 38 on a class A surface 28 of the vehicle. A protective shield 66 is disposed on the primary coil 52 to secure the primary coil 52 to the class A surface 28 and indicia 68 indicating an alignment of the secondary coil 24 of the electronic device 22 is disposed on the protective shield 66.

Abstract: A disclosed battery charger comprises multiple interfaces provided corresponding to multiple mobile devices, the interfaces being connected to the mobile devices in wired or wireless connection; a charge parameter setting unit setting one or more charge parameters for the mobile devices; a switching control unit switching timing of charging the multiple mobile devices based on the charge parameters set by the charge parameter setting unit; and a charging unit charging one of the mobile devices selected by the switching control unit.