Patents Issued in November 6, 2008
  • Publication number: 20080272720
    Abstract: A method of and system for controlling a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor includes providing with a lookup table a predetermined corresponding desired revolution time (DRT) for the BLDC motor for an ambient temperature. A Hall device is used to measure an actual revolution time (RT) of the BLDC motor. DRT and RT are compared to change duration of a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal in response to the comparison result. The PWM signal is applied to one of two BLDC motor windings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: ATMEL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Marvin L. Kausch
  • Publication number: 20080272721
    Abstract: A brushless electrical machine has at least one phase winding which produces magnetic flux in the machine. A controller controls the flux in the machine with reference to a demanded flux and a stabilisation signal which, in combination, enable the controller to operate in a stable manner in the presence of disturbances in the inputs or parameters of the controller. The controller is able to operate with either a hardware rotor position detector or with a sensorless position algorithm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: Switched Reluctance Drives Limited
    Inventors: Peter Richard Mayes, Michael James Turner
  • Publication number: 20080272722
    Abstract: A brushless DC motor drive circuit includes a drive unit and a transient current suppression circuit. The drive unit comprises a Hall component, a drive component, a first transistor and a second transistor. The Hall component detects the position of a rotor of the DC motor and transmits digital command signals to the drive component; the drive component further generates two complementary digital command signals; and the first and second transistors connect with the drive component respectively. The transient current suppression circuit comprises a first auxiliary transistor and a second auxiliary transistor, wherein the first auxiliary transistor receives one of the complementary digital command signals different from the other one received by the first transistor and the second auxiliary transistor receives the other one of the complementary digital command signals different from the one received by the second transistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Alex Horng, Chung-Kne Cheng, Shih-Chang Hsu
  • Publication number: 20080272723
    Abstract: An electric motor (10) has: a stator (12) and a rotor (14) having a shaft (87). The rotor (14) has a sensor magnet (82) having a number SP of sensor poles (71, 72, 73, 74) for generating a predetermined distribution of the magnetic flux density, such that SP=2, 4, 6, 8, etc. The motor also has at least two rotor position sensors (450, 455, 460, 465) for generating rotor position signals (B_S1, B_S2) characterizing the magnetic flux density, the rotor position sensors (450, 455, 460, 465) being arranged in the region (30) of the circumference of the sensor magnet (82). The motor also has an evaluation apparatus (32) that ascertains, from the rotor position signals (B_S1, B_S2), an absolute value (phi_el, phi_mech) for the rotational position of the rotor (14). A method of generating an absolute value for the rotational position of an electric motor is likewise described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Christian Rudel, Jorg Hornberger, Michael Schauble, Michael Kisch
  • Publication number: 20080272724
    Abstract: A fan motor driving circuit controls an energized state of a fan motor by performing on and off control of a switching circuit connected to a coil of the fan motor of a driving object. A variable reference voltage circuit generates a voltage whose voltage level changes with time by charging or discharging a capacitor at the start of starting up the fan motor. A drive signal combining unit generates drive signals on the basis of the voltage when at least starting up, and performs on and off control of the switching circuit by the drive signals. An initialization circuit initializes the capacitor before starting up with a transition from off to on of a power supply voltage to be supplied to the fan motor driving circuit as a turning point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: ROHM CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroaki Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20080272725
    Abstract: A load monitor for monitoring the load of a motor comprises a Central Processing Unit (CPU) and a memory. During normal operation of the motor, the load monitor is arranged to repeatedly measure the torque and registering the speed of the motor. In connection with each measurement of the torque and registering of the speed, the load monitor determines a load limit value valid for the registered speed, which load limit value is a function of a plurality of torques and speeds and a predetermined deviation value stored in the memory. The measured torque is then compared with the determined load limit value and if the measured torque is not within an acceptable range limited by the determined load limit value then an appropriate action is taken.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: Emotron AB
    Inventors: Martin Bojrup, Tom Jonsson, Niklas Sparrenbom
  • Publication number: 20080272726
    Abstract: Control apparatus for an adjusting device in a motor vehicle, having a sensor, particularly a current sensor (S1), for generating a signal (U1 to U10, I1 to I3, ?t1 to ?t8) which is dependent on a motor movement by a motor in the adjusting device, a power driver for controlling a motor current, and a processor (RE) which is designed and set up to find a position (xm) from the sensor signal (U1 to U10, I1 to I3, ?t1 to ?t8), particularly from the ripple in the motor current, to associate a reference characteristic (Chref) of orderly signals (U1 to U10, I1 to I3, ?t1 to ?t8) from the sensor, particularly for the ripple, with a reference position (xref), to correct the position found (xm) on the basis of the reference characteristic (Chref) and the reference position (xref), and to control the motor current on the basis of the corrected position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Jurgen Buhlheller, Wolfgang Ubel
  • Publication number: 20080272727
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the chance of a disturbance-free operation of a frequency converter (2) connected to a feeding network (18). According to the invention, during the operation of said frequency converter (2), an intermediate circuit voltage (UZK) is continuously measured and a network-side intermediate circuit current (iZKmains) is continuously determined; these measuring quantities are compared with pre-determined operating values of the frequency converter (2), and quantities which are higher or lower than said values are respectively stored; and the frequency (Hij) of said higher and lower measuring quantities is determined and converted into a characteristic number for the quality of the feeding network (18). As said characteristic number decreases, the chance of a disturbance-free operation of the frequency converter (2) increases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiengesllschaft
    Inventor: Hubert Schierling
  • Publication number: 20080272728
    Abstract: A driven joint for coupling two structural members is angularly adjustable in two polar or orthogonal dimensions and provides a pair of nonparallel, crossed axles, each having a middle section located between a pair of opposed side sections, wherein the pair of axles are mounted to each other along their respective middle sections and each axle of the pair of axles is rotationally mounted at its respective side sections to a respective structural member, a separate arcuate drive member orthogonally affixed to each respective axle and adapted to enable rotation of its respective axle and a separate drive mechanism mounted to each structural member and adapted to engage and rotate the respective arcuate drive member and the respective axle rotationally mounted to said each structural member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Zhong Gao
  • Publication number: 20080272729
    Abstract: A control device is provided for an assembly of a motor vehicle body, which assembly can be moved between at least two positions, specifically at least between a position retracted to the maximum extent and a position deployed to the maximum extent, in particular a spoiler. The control device contains a first sensor which transmits a signal to an evaluation device, which determines the position of the assembly from the signal of the first sensor, in dependence on the rotational speed of a motor which serves to move the assembly, and a second sensor which monitors a deployed position of the assembly and transmits a corresponding signal to the evaluation device. The evaluation device corrects the signal provided by the first sensor when the assembly is at least temporarily located in the position monitored by the second sensor and the signal provided by the first sensor is outside a tolerance range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: DR. ING. H.C. F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Gregor Biskup, Dejan Djordjevic
  • Publication number: 20080272730
    Abstract: A control device for a stepping motor is provided that can reduce torque generated by a motor and control the expansion of a speed deviation when the rotational speed of a rotor exceeds a speed command. The control device includes first judging means (27) for judging whether a positional deviation of a rotor is within a predetermined range, second judging means (28) for judging whether a sign of the positional deviation and a sign of a speed deviation coincide with each other, and phase setting means (34 to 35) for setting a winding current command phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Akihiko Hoda
  • Publication number: 20080272731
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for aligning a resolver in an electric motor system. The method includes commanding a d-axis current command and a speed command, operating an electric motor without a load in response to the d-axis current command and the speed command, determining a rotor speed in response to the speed command, and determining an offset of the resolver based on the speed command and the rotor speed when the rotor speed has substantially stabilized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Steven E. Schulz, Sean E. Gleason, Brian A. Welchko
  • Publication number: 20080272732
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling an electric machine via an inverter while compensating for one or more hardware delays. The method includes receiving a control signal, producing a first sampling signal based on the control signal, and adjusting the sampling signal to compensate for a first delay of the one or more hardware delays. The inverter is operable to produce a voltage signal based on the control signal, and the electric machine is operable to produce a current based on the voltage signal. A sampling of the current is performed based on the first sampling signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Steven E. Schulz, Nitinkumar R. Patel, Bonho Bae, Stephen T. West
  • Publication number: 20080272733
    Abstract: A portable charger is disclosed including; a rechargeable battery module; a fluid energy converting device for converting kinetic energy of fluids flowing therethrough into electric power to charge the rechargeable battery module; a control circuit coupled to the rechargeable battery module; and a power output interface coupled to the control circuit for supplying power to an electronic device under the control of the control circuit when the power output interface is electrically connected to the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Arthur C. Huang
  • Publication number: 20080272734
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a type of secure and efficient wheel assembly using fluid or solid stuffing materials so as to minimize the blowout risks, a wheel rim transmission assembly, an energy exchanging arrangement used in transporting system, and a vehicle energy storage system, as well as corresponding methods for manufacturing and preparing such assemblies and arrangements in applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Wen Lin Ren
  • Publication number: 20080272735
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement for transferring electrical charge between accumulators of an accumulator arrangement includes a number of first series circuits, each connecting in parallel to one of the accumulators, and each comprising a switching element and an inductive storage element connected in series to the load path of the switching element. The circuit arrangement also includes a further series circuit connected in parallel to the accumulator arrangement and comprising a further switching element having a load path and a control terminal, and a further inductive element connected in series to the load path, the further inductive element being inductively coupled to the inductive elements of the first series circuits. The circuit arrangement also includes a control circuit comprising a number of first control outputs connected to the control terminals of the switching elements of the first series circuits, and a further control output connected to the control terminal of the further switching element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: Infineon Technologies
    Inventor: Werner Roessler
  • Publication number: 20080272736
    Abstract: A smart lead-acid battery (dis)charging management system comprised of one or a plurality of identical smart battery unit with each including a controller, a lead-acid battery, and a sensor switch device working together with a alternator and a voltage regulator to upgrade charging efficiency, achieve consistent capacity among batteries, and isolate malfunctioning or failing battery to extend service life of the battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Jenn-Yang Tien, Jan-Wu Hong
  • Publication number: 20080272737
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention discloses a circuitry and an element which can be activated, charged, or interacted using any useful source of EM-radiation which is able to emit a suitable EM-field, which circuitry or element can be produced in a cost-effective manner, as well as a method for charging the same. The circuitry or element includes an antenna for receiving and converting EM-radiation into electric energy; a rectifier for converting the energy to a rectified current, and a dechargeable energy cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Mats Robertsson
  • Publication number: 20080272738
    Abstract: An integrated circuit for charging a secondary battery including a charge current detection circuit detecting a charge current output from a charging transistor, and generating a signal including the charge current information; a voltage comparison circuit comparing a voltage of the battery with one or more predetermined voltages, and generating a signal including the voltage comparison information; and a charge controlling circuit controlling the charging transistor according to information on the voltage of the battery and the signals output from the charge current detection circuit and the voltage comparison circuit such that the charging transistor performs constant current charging or constant voltage charging, wherein the charge controlling circuit stops applying a charge current for a predetermined time in the beginning of charging, and judges that the battery is abnormally connected when the voltage of the battery becomes less than a predetermined voltage within the predetermined time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Tomohiko Kamatani
  • Publication number: 20080272739
    Abstract: A battery monitoring device of a battery pack configured for powering a cordless power tool may include an integrated circuit connected to a microprocessor of the pack that is external to the integrated circuit, and which is connected to each of N battery cells of the pack. The integrated circuit may be configured to take, singly or sequentially, a sampled reading comprising one of an individual cell voltage or a total pack voltage for all cells in the pack. The sampled reading is filtered in the integrated circuit prior to being read by the microprocessor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: David A. Carrier, Danh T. Trinh, Geoffrey S. Howard, Andrew E. Seman, Daniele C. Brotto, John C. Vanko, Robert Bradus
  • Publication number: 20080272740
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for charging a lithium-ion accumulator with a negative electrode at an operating potential larger than 0.5 volts relatively to the Li+/Li pair, which comprises a first charging step at a constant voltage between 2 volts and 5 volts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE
    Inventors: Sebastien Martinet, Frederic Le Cras, Dominique Perrin, Djamel Mourzagh
  • Publication number: 20080272741
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include techniques for detecting power sources. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method of detecting a power source comprising coupling a power source to a portable electronic device, the power source comprising a first supply voltage and a second supply voltage, and at least a first data terminal and a second data terminal, coupling a resistor to the first data terminal a predetermined time period after the power source is coupled to the electronic device, detecting the voltage on the first data terminal and second data terminal, and generating a first signal corresponding to a first power source if the first and second data terminals have the same voltage after said predetermined time period, and generating a second signal corresponding to a second power source if the first and second data terminals have differential voltages after said predetermined time period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: Summit Microelectronics, inc.
    Inventor: Takashi Kanamori
  • Publication number: 20080272742
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for acquiring battery temperature measurements using stereographic thermal imaging sensors or a simple single thermal imaging sensor which can detect increases in battery heat within the field of view of any single thermal sensor, or any combination of a plurality of thermal imaging sensors is presented. Infrared Detection (ID) using the thermal imaging sensor (pyrometer) is used to focus on certain parts of a housing thereby providing an ability to “see through” or “partially see through” the battery housing to battery cells enclosed by the battery housing. Advantageously, this affords the unique capability of measuring the battery temperature before heat propagates from an individual battery cell or a plurality of battery cells to the battery housing, allowing faster heat gradient detection. Moreover, universality of battery temperature monitoring is achieved by elimination of proprietary communication between the manufacturer of the battery and the charger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: William Stephen Hart, Brian L. Graham, John Arthur Fee
  • Publication number: 20080272743
    Abstract: The invention relates to a driver circuit arrangement (1?) for driving a plurality of individually switchable electrical subsystems (A?, B?, C?), such as (arrangements of) LEDs (9-A, 9-B, 9-C). Each subsystem has at least one energy storage device (10-A, 10-B, 10-C), such that when the subsystem is disconnected from the main source (7) of electrical energy, the energy storage device can supply energy to the device(s) of the subsystem. By furthermore providing at least one subswitch (13-A, 13-B, 13-C) in the subsystem, between the energy storage device and an electrical device of the subsystem, control over the device is still possible when the subsystem is disconnected form the main source of electrical energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventors: Bernd Ackermann, Henricus Petronella Maria Derckx, Wilhelmus Johannes Robertus Van Lier, Eberhard Waffenschmidt
  • Publication number: 20080272744
    Abstract: A power control system includes a switching power converter and a power factor correction (PFC) and output voltage controller. The switching power converter utilizes a nonlinear energy transfer process to provide power to a load. The PFC and output voltage controller generates a control signal to control power factor correction and voltage regulation of the switching power converter. The PFC and output voltage controller includes a nonlinear delta-sigma modulator that models the nonlinear energy transfer process of the switching power converter. The nonlinear delta-sigma modulator generates an output signal used to determine the control signal. By using the nonlinear delta-sigma modulator in a control signal generation process, the PFC and output voltage controller generates a spectrally noise shaped control signal. In at least one embodiment, noise shaping of the control signal improves power factor correction and output voltage regulation relative to conventional systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: John L. Melanson
  • Publication number: 20080272745
    Abstract: A power control system includes a feedback loop having a power factor correction (PFC) and output voltage controller and a switching power converter. The switching power converter includes an inductor to supply charge to an output capacitor and a switch to control inductor current ramp-up times. The PFC and output voltage controller provides a control signal to the switch to control PFC and regulate output voltage of the switching power converter. During a single period of the control signal, the PFC and output voltage controller obtains the line input voltage and output voltage of the switching power converter using a single feedback signal received from the switching power converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: John L. Melanson
  • Publication number: 20080272746
    Abstract: A power control system includes a switching power converter and a power factor correction (PFC) and output voltage controller. The PFC and output voltage controller provides a control signal to a switch to control power factor correction and regulate output voltage of the switching power converter. During a single period of the control signal, the PFC and output voltage controller determines the line input voltage, the output voltage, or both using a single feedback signal received from the switching power converter. The feedback signal is received from a switch node located between an inductor and the switch. The PFC and output voltage controller determines either the line input voltage or the output voltage, whichever was not determined from the feedback signal, using a second feedback signal received from either a PFC stage or a driver stage of the switching power converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: John L. Melanson
  • Publication number: 20080272747
    Abstract: A power control system includes a switching power converter and a programmable power factor correction (PFC) and output voltage controller. The programmable PFC and output voltage controller generates a control signal to control power factor correction and voltage regulation of the switching power converter. In at least one embodiment, the control signal is a pulse width modulated signal. The programmability of the PFC and output voltage controller provides the programmable PFC and output voltage controller flexibility to operate in accordance with programmable parameters, to adapt to various operating environments, and to respond to various operating exigencies. In at least one embodiment, the programmable PFC and output voltage controller includes a state machine to process one or more programmable, operational parameters to determine the period and pulse width states of the control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: John L. Melanson
  • Publication number: 20080272748
    Abstract: A power factor correction (PFC) controller and method uses a finite state machine to adjust the duty cycle of a pulse width modulation (PWM) switching control signal. The PFC controller has a target current generator that receives the link output voltage and generates a target current proportionate to the rectified line input voltage. The PFC controller further includes a comparator which outputs a two-level current comparison result signal. The finite state machine responsive to the two-level current comparison result signal, generates a switch control signal that has a duty cycle which is adjusted for controlling the switch so that the sensed current is approximately proportionate to the rectified line input voltage, such that power factor correction is performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: John Laurence Melanson
  • Publication number: 20080272749
    Abstract: The present invention provides a high frequency device in which stabilization of a DC bias voltage applied to an electrostatic drive type vibrator is attempted and a power supply device which can supply a stable DC bias voltage. Also, the present invention provides a communication apparatus including a filter by means of aforesaid high frequency device. The high frequency device of the present invention has a high frequency signal device which includes an electrostatic type vibrator operated by being applied with a DC bias voltage and is formed by being added with a circuit having a function of stabilizing the DC bias voltage between a pad supplying the DC bias voltage and the vibrator. The power supply device is a power supply device serving for a drive of a high frequency vibration device and is formed by being added with a circuit having a function of stabilizing a DC bias voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Masahiro Tanaka, Shun Mitarai, Masahiro Tada, Koji Naniwada
  • Publication number: 20080272750
    Abstract: A device includes an output and a linear regulator coupled to the output. The device also includes a switching regulator coupled to the output and means for controlling said switching regulator in dependence on power loss in said linear regulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Timo Aitto-Oja
  • Publication number: 20080272751
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a single input terminal of a parameter control circuit is utilized to form two different parameters of the parameter control circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Terry Allinder, George H. Barbehenn
  • Publication number: 20080272752
    Abstract: A multiphase regulator which includes an output node developing an output voltage, a feedback circuit determining error of the output voltage and providing a compensation signal indicative thereof, at least three phase circuits coupled in parallel to the output node, and an adaptive controller. Each phase circuit includes a modulation circuit and a switch circuit. Each modulation circuit receives the compensation signal and generates pulses on a corresponding one of the pulse modulation signals. Each switch circuit is coupled to the output node and is controlled by a corresponding pulse modulation signal. The adaptive controller is responsive to a load indication signal, such as indicating a low load condition, and drops operation of at least one of the phase circuits and adds at least one pulse to a pulse modulation signal of each remaining phase circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: INTERSIL AMERICAS INC.
    Inventors: Weihong Qiu, Robert H. Isham, Chun Cheung
  • Publication number: 20080272753
    Abstract: A stabilized regulator circuit is provided A first Pch transistor (PTr) (P1) whose source is connected to a power supply line and whose drain is connected to an output terminal that outputs a load current, a PTr (P2) whose source and gate are respectively connected to the source and gate of the PTr (P1), resistor elements connected in series between the output terminal and ground, a resistor element (R3) connected between a drain of P2 and ground, and an amplifier which controls P1 and P2 based on a difference between potential of a connection point of the resistor elements and a reference. A comparator, with a differential amplifier input stage configured by an Nch transistor, compares potential difference between two ends of R3 and potential difference between the connection point of the resistor elements and ground, and when the former is larger, controls P1 so as to limit load current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: NEC ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinji KAWASHIMA, Kazunori Doi
  • Publication number: 20080272754
    Abstract: A constant-voltage power supply circuit is disclosed that is able to prevent overshoot of an output voltage possibly occurring when changing a constant-voltage circuit in operation and is able to supply a constant output voltage. The constant-voltage power supply circuit includes a first constant-voltage circuit, having a first output transistor and a first output voltage controller, that generates a first reference voltage and generates a first proportional voltage in proportion to a voltage on an output terminal, and a second constant-voltage circuit having a second output transistor and a second output voltage controller that generates a second reference voltage and generates a second proportional voltage in proportion to the voltage on the output terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Shunsei Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20080272755
    Abstract: A method and system monitor gate charge characteristics of one or more field effect transistors in a switching power converter to detect an end of an inductor flyback time interval. The switching power converter includes a switch coupled to an inductor to control current flow in the inductor. When the switch turns OFF, a collapsing magnetic field causes the inductor current to decrease and the inductor voltage to reverse polarity. When the magnetic field completely collapses, the inductor current goes to zero. At the end of the inductor flyback time interval, a voltage is induced across a Miller capacitance of the switch. The voltage can be detected as a transient change in the gate voltage of the switch. A switch gate sensor detects the gate voltage change associated with the end of the inductor flyback time interval and provides a signal indicating an end of the inductor flyback time interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: John L. Melanson
  • Publication number: 20080272756
    Abstract: A power control system includes a digital FIR filter in an output voltage feedback loop of a switching power converter. A feedback loop includes an output voltage signal of the switching power converter. The output voltage signal includes direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) components. The FIR filter provides discrete samples of an output voltage feedback signal to a switch state controller that allows the switch state controller to generate a control signal that reflects a relatively quick response to changes in the output voltage signal while reducing an influence of the AC component. In at least one embodiment, the FIR filter is configured to generate the discrete samples at a sampling frequency fs, the sampling frequency fs is approximately an integer multiple of a line frequency fL, and the line frequency fL is a frequency of a line input voltage supplied to the switching power converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: John L. Melanson
  • Publication number: 20080272757
    Abstract: A power supply output voltage direct current (DC) offset detector determines a DC offset in a power supply output voltage signal, and the output voltage signal has a DC component and an alternating current (AC) “ripple” component. Once during each period of the ripple, the DC offset detector determines the DC offset from an output voltage signal using a comparison between the output voltage signal and a reference voltage. In at least one embodiment, from the comparison and during a period of the ripple, the DC offset detector determines an ‘above’ duration for which the ripple is above the reference voltage, determines a ‘below’ duration for which the ripple is below the reference voltage, or both to determine the DC offset of the power supply output voltage signal. The DC offset detector uses the above and/or below duration(s) to determine the DC offset of the output voltage signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: John L. Melanson
  • Publication number: 20080272758
    Abstract: A power control system includes a switch mode controller to control the switching mode of a switching power converter. The switch mode controller generates a switch control signal that controls conductivity of a switch of the switching power converter. Controlling conductivity of the switch controls the switch mode of the switching power converter. The switch mode controller includes a period generator to determine a period of the switch control signal and to vary the determined period to generate a broad frequency spectrum of the switch control signal when the determined period corresponds with a frequency in at least a portion of an audible frequency band. Generating a switch control signal with a broad frequency spectrum in the audible frequency band allows the system to utilize switching frequencies in the audible frequency band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: John L. Melanson
  • Publication number: 20080272759
    Abstract: A DC converter with a halt mode setting is disclosed for preventing the occurrence of over-current while alleviating the increase in the size of circuits, along with a method for setting up such a halt mode. The DC converter includes a semiconductor switch, a clock generator for outputting a clock signal to a gate of the semiconductor switch to be utilized for controlling an on/off time of the semiconductor switch such that a predetermined power is output from the generator, and a drive circuit for switching the semiconductor switch to the continuous-on state according to a halt mode setting requirement regardless of the clock signal, when the semiconductor switch, normally repeating on/off operations responsive to the clock signal, is in its off-state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Manabe, Tomonari Katoh, Minoru Sugiyama, Makoto Matsushima, Tadayoshi Ueda
  • Publication number: 20080272760
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rechargeable battery for connection to a load, in particular for supplying a manually operated electric tool device with electrical energy, comprising a rechargeable-battery housing (28) and rechargeable-battery cells (10) arranged therein and an electronics unit (16), wherein the electronics unit (16) comprises a unit for pulse width modulation for producing different voltages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: METABOWERKE GMBH
    Inventors: Bernd Wiesner, Jochen Graeber
  • Publication number: 20080272761
    Abstract: A metal detector for detecting the presence of a ferrite object in the proximity of inductively coupled sensor having overlapping D shaped transmitter and receiver coils. The metal detector has a phase shift circuit to phase shifting a sensor output signal by a known amount and a switch operating in synchronisation with an excitation signal of the sensor for sampling the amplitude of the phase shifted output signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: SOLAR WIDE INDUSTRIAL LTD.
    Inventors: Hughes Sanoner, Desmond Wai Nang Tse, Lawrence Chi Hang Chan
  • Publication number: 20080272762
    Abstract: An inverter has an inverter circuit and a current detector. In the inverter circuit, upper-arm switching elements and lower-arm switching elements, which are connected to DC power supply, provide DC with pulse-width modulation (PWM) so as to output AC to a load. The current detector detects current of the load. With the structure above, the inverter calculates an average value of DC that flows between the DC power supply and the inverter circuit according to a product of an ON-period in which any one of the switching elements maintains ON and a current value detected by the current sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasufumi Kurahashi, Naomi Goto
  • Publication number: 20080272763
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for demonstrating the antistatic properties of at least one first transparent glass substrate, at least part of one of the main surfaces of which is an antistatic surface, said device comprising a hollow box having an upper surface provided with at least one window to which said first transparent glass substrate is fitted, wherein said box contains elements capable of moving under the action of electrostatic attraction, said elements being chosen from cellular particles of synthetic or natural polymers, individualized fibres of synthetic or natural polymers and their blends. The present invention further relates to a method for demonstrating the antistatic properties of at least one first transparent glass substrate by means of the above device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL (COMPAGNIE GENERALE D'OPTIQUE)
    Inventors: Frederic Mouhot, Berangere Penaud
  • Publication number: 20080272764
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a test tray for a test handler. According to this invention, there is disclosed a technique that an insert loaded in a loading part which is arranged in a matrix pattern in a frame of the test tray allows an amount and direction of free movement thereof to be determined in accordance with a location of the loading part, where the insert is loaded, on the matrix, thereby enabling a thermal expansion or contraction of a match plate or the test tray to be compensated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: TECHWING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jae Gyun Shim, Yun Sung Na, In Gu Jeon, Tae Hung Ku, Hyun Jun Yoo
  • Publication number: 20080272765
    Abstract: Disclosed is a realization method of a speed signal of a motor using a linear Hall-effect sensor characterized by comprising the steps of: by using a Hall signal in the form of a sine wave of a linear Hall-effect sensor, determining coordinate values on a x-y coordinate system of the position sensor; evaluating a summed coordinate value of the above coordinate values; calculating the angle(?) formed by a summed coordinate value and the x axis; determining the quadrant of the resulted angle(?); and determining a speed signal by dividing the final motor displacement value by the rate of time change.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: Agency For Defense Development
    Inventors: Chi-Young Song, Jeong-Hoi Gu
  • Publication number: 20080272766
    Abstract: An inductive sensor is provided having a housing with a sensing face and a sensing unit arranged in the housing. The sensing unit has an oscillatory circuit with at least one inductive element. The at least one inductive element is arranged proximate to the sensing face of the housing and has an outer surface made of copper or a copper alloy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: BALLUFF GmbH
    Inventor: Manfred Jagiella
  • Publication number: 20080272767
    Abstract: A position detecting circuit provided in an imaging apparatus having an optical system that images a subject image, an imaging element that performs photoelectric conversion of the subject image, and a release switch capable of setting states of two stages includes: a plurality of magnetic field change detecting elements that detect the intensity of a magnetic field formed by a magnetic field generating body attached to either the optical system or the imaging element and that are provided so as to be separated from each other; a position detecting portion that detects the position of the magnetic field generating body on the basis of outputs from the plurality of magnetic field change detecting elements; and a standby portion that stops a function of at least one of the position detecting portion and the plurality of magnetic field change detecting elements until a first stage of the release switch is set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicants: OLYMPUS CORPORATION, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP.
    Inventors: Yasunari HARADA, Hisashi TAKEUCHI, Kenichi MIYASAKO
  • Publication number: 20080272768
    Abstract: A magnetic angular-position sensor is mounted between two carrier elements that are movable in rotation relative to each other about an axis of rotation. The sensor has firstly a magnetic body defining a working zone in which there extends a magnetic field having field lines perpendicular to the axis of rotation, and secondly a detector member having at least one probe extending in the working zone of the magnetic member in order to provide a signal as a function of the angular orientation of the probe relative to the field lines in the working zone. The magnetic member has two parallel magnet segments and two elongate pole pieces of ferromagnetic material extending perpendicularly to the magnet segments and covering the ends thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: Valeo Systemes de Controle Moteur
    Inventors: Christophe Maerky, Mahmoud Sfaxi
  • Publication number: 20080272769
    Abstract: A pulse generator wheel has a cylindrical wall provided with windows distributed about a circumference of the cylindrical wall and closed axially at a first end by a ring. The ring is made of circumferentially extending profiled sections of profiled parts that are separated from one another. The pulse generator wheel is made by stamping in a round sheet metal about the circumference profiled parts each having at least one profiled section extending in the circumferential direction for forming windows between the profiled parts. The profiled sections are spaced from one another in the circumferential direction. The profiled parts are erected and the profiled sections then form a circumferential ring delimiting the windows axially.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: KACO GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Thomas Brokelmann