Abstract: A circuit and method for detecting an operating transition of a mechanical apparatus driven by a hydraulic prime mover comprising a hydraulic pump driven by an electric motor, the operating transition causing a change in the force applied by the mechanical apparatus on the prime mover. A motor current sensing circuit is connected in a motor power supply circuit to provide a motor current signal representing motor current. A bandpass filter receives the motor current signal and provides a filtered motor current signal consisting essentially of motor current signal components in the frequency range from a lower frequency boundary greater than zero Hz to an upper frequency boundary below substantially all the motor noise frequencies. A comparison circuit compares the filtered motor current signal to a first selected threshold level and outputs a signal representing the occurrence of the operating transition when the filtered motor current signal exceeds the selected threshold level.

Abstract: In an impulse wrench there is provided an impulse unit with a motor driven inertia drive member, and a movement detecting device arranged to detect an angular movement of the inertia drive member. The movement detecting device includes a rotating disc rigidly connected to and co-rotating with the inertia drive member. The impulse wrench also includes a sensing device including four Hall-element type sensors, and the disc has a rim portion which is magnetised to provide a number of magnetic poles for activating the sensors at rotation of the inertia drive member. The sensors are arranged in pairs such that the delivered signals from the sensors in each pair has a relative phase lag of 180 degrees, and the sensors of one of the pairs are arranged to deliver signals with a phase lag of 90 degrees relative to the sensor signals from the other pair.

Abstract: A synchronized rear vision system for a vehicle includes a pair of external side rearview mirrors for attachment to the vehicle and an interior rearview mirror for attachment to the vehicle. The synchronized rear vision system also includes a system master controller for detecting an instantaneous position of one of the side rearview mirrors and calculating position output signals for at least another one of the side rearview mirrors and the interior rearview mirror to automatically position at least the another one of the side rearview mirrors and the interior rearview mirror based on the instantaneous position. The synchronized rear vision system may include a controller to readjust the position of the rearview mirrors based on a position of a driver seat of the vehicle.

Abstract: A medical robotic system has a joint coupled to medical device or a slave manipulator or robotic arm adapted to hold and/or move the medical device for performing a medical procedure, and a control system for controlling movement of the joint according to user manipulation of a master manipulator. The control system includes at least one joint controller having a sliding mode control for reducing stick-slip behavior on its controlled joint during fine motions of the joint. The sliding mode control computes a distance to a sliding surface, computes a reaching law gain, and processes the distance and reaching law gain to generate a sliding mode control action that is in absolute value less that a maximum desired feedback control action. The sliding mode control action is then further processed to generate a feedback torque command for the joint motor.

Abstract: In a method for controlling a positioning device, the positioning device has a stator and mover, the mover being movable relative to the stator; a position sensor configured to generate a position signal indicative of a position of the mover relative to the stator; a controller configured to receive the position signal, compare it to a setpoint signal to obtain an error signal, and generate a mover control signal on the basis of a signal component of the position signal, the controller having a variable gain. The positioning device, including the position sensor and the controller, defines a control loop. For error signals having a magnitude in a predefined range, the gain is selectively set to a value higher than a value for error signals having a magnitude outside the range.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the operation of a reciprocating compressor are capable of preventing distortion of a current applied to the reciprocating compressor by generating a current amplitude value for compensating a difference value between a stroke reference value of the reciprocating compressor and a stroke estimate value and outputting the current amplitude value in a form of a sine wave to the reciprocating compressor. The apparatus for controlling an operation of a reciprocating compressor generates a current amplitude value for compensating a difference value between a stroke reference value and a stroke estimate value of the reciprocating compressor and outputs the current amplitude value in a sine wave form to the reciprocating compressor.

Abstract: The circuit comprises a pulse width modulated (PWM) input signal, a resistor, an instrumentation amplifier, a filter and an analog to digital converter. The method of performing synchronization comprises sampling an analog signal and forming a digital data stream representing the signal, filtering the data stream to remove harmonics, measuring an approximate level of ripple in the data stream, detecting a change in the level of ripple, and based upon change in the level of ripple, determining if a stall has occurred.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an electric vehicle control device which is capable of detecting even a state in which only one phase of one induction motor is disconnected in a system where a plurality of induction motors are connected in parallel with each other and driven by one vector-controlled inverter device.

Abstract: A leakage detector for a power supply apparatus for a vehicle having a voltage detection circuit that detects voltages of a plurality of battery modules. The voltage detection circuit comprises a multiplexer that switches the battery modules voltages of which are detected in a time sharing manner, and a voltage detection portion that detects the voltages of the battery modules switched by the multiplexer. In the power supply apparatus, a particular point of the battery module is connected to a chassis through a leakage detection resistance, and the voltage detection circuit detects a chassis voltage that is induced between the ends of the leakage detection resistance by switching the multiplexer of the voltage detection circuit to detect a leakage resistance based on the chassis voltage.

Abstract: An adapter for providing a source of power to a mobile device through an industry standard port is provided. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the adapter comprises a plug unit, a power converter, a primary connector, and an identification subsystem. The plug unit is operative to couple the adapter to a power socket and operative to receive energy from the power socket. The power converter is electrically coupled to the plug unit and is operable to regulate the received energy from the power socket and to output a power requirement to the mobile device. The primary connector is electrically coupled to the power converter and is operative to couple to the mobile device and to deliver the outputted power requirement to the mobile device. The identification subsystem is electrically coupled to the primary connector and is operative to provide an identification signal.

Abstract: A battery pack for a cordless power and a cordless power tool and battery pack includes the battery pack having a modular interface section that interfaces with the power tool and a battery cup section mated to the modular interface section where the battery cup section has one of a plurality of different battery/voltage configurations.

Abstract: A modular uninterruptible power supply is disclosed, which provides complete redundancy for all components required for UPS operation. Novel aspects of the invention include design of the modules and their interconnection and interoperability, as well as improved operation techniques applicable to UPS systems generally.

Abstract: Disclosed are a multi-battery pack system, a method for controlling battery packs, and a battery pack, in which plural battery packs provided in the multi-battery pack system can be set as a master battery pack and slave battery packs by themselves. The method for controlling the battery packs constructing the multi-battery pack system includes: a first step of checking if a communication line is maintained at a first level for a first desired amount of time when an activation signal or a message of setting a master battery pack is received; and a second step of outputting signals of a second level to the communication line for a second desired amount of time when the communication line is maintained at the first level for the first desired amount of time, and setting a battery pack as a master battery pack.

Abstract: A battery pack that detects the voltage of a plurality of batteries (1) connected in series with a plurality of voltage detection circuits (2). When a voltage detection circuit output is HIGH, batteries (1) discharge through an output resistor (6). In addition, discharge circuits (7), which are series connections of balance resistors (8) and switching devices (9), are connected in parallel with batteries (1) left “un-discharged” by the output resistors (6). When a voltage detection circuit output is HIGH, some batteries (1) are discharged by the output resistor (6) and the “un-discharged” batteries (1) are discharged by the discharge circuit (7). When a voltage detection circuit output is LOW, no batteries (1) are discharged by the output resistor (6) and the “un-discharged” batteries (1) are also left un-discharged by the discharge circuit (7) to balance the discharge currents of all the batteries (1).

Abstract: A battery control module for a battery system comprises a voltage measuring module that measures battery voltage and a current measuring module that measures battery current. A state of charge (SOC) module that communicates with the current and voltage measuring modules and that estimates SOC based on relaxation voltage.

Abstract: A charging device that may perform charging with larger current is provided. The charging device comprises a switching element for increasing or decreasing charging power, a PWM controlling circuit for intermittently turning the switching element on or off, a current detecting circuit for detecting current flowing through the switching element, and a rectifying circuit for rectifying output voltage of the current detecting circuit in response to power supply voltage. The PWM controlling circuit has a limiter terminal for turning off the switching element when voltage equal to or above a determined value is input, and rectified voltage from the rectifying circuit is input to the limiter terminal. In this charging device, an amount of temperature increase of the switching element is suppressed so as to remain within a fixed range, and the charging power is not restricted unnecessarily.

Abstract: A generator having a field coil L, and an SW1 control circuit 2 for controlling field current flowing through the field coil L. When a generating operation of the generator is to be ended, a switch 1 SW1 is turned off to interrupt the field current flowing through the field coil L, and a switch 2 SW2 is turned off to allow the field current remaining the field coil L to the current path including a resistance element 1 with a resistance element capable of quickly attenuating the field current.

Abstract: A feedback control method and circuit for inclusion in a control system of an electrical power generating source that comprises a free piston Stirling engine driving a linear alternator. An instantaneous value of a variable, Vinternal, is continuously derived from other sensed and computed parameters and used in a negative feedback control loop of the control system to control engine piston stroke in order to maintain the power produced by the engine equal to the power transferred from the engine to the alternator. Vinternal is the sum of the voltage induced on the alternator winding and the voltage across the equivalent circuit lumped resistance of the alternator winding and a switching mode rectifier connects the alternator winding to an energy storage capacitor or battery.

Abstract: A power generation apparatus and method includes an AC energization synchronous generator, a switching device for connecting to a network disposed on a stator side of the AC energization synchronous generator, an energizing device for applying a variable frequency AC to a secondary winding of the AC energization synchronous generator, and a first voltage detection unit for detecting a voltage of the switching device on the stator side. A rotational frequency of the AC energization synchronous generator is estimated or calculated based on a frequency of a stator side voltage of the switching device, while the switching device is open.

Abstract: If an intermittent oscillation pulse in a case in which the power consumption in the standby state is reduced at the maximum is supplied to a connection point from an output port of a microcomputer through a capacitor and a resistor, a DC component of the intermittent oscillation pulse is removed and is then supplied to the connection point. At this time, even when a voltage of the connection point becomes larger than a power supply voltage of the microcomputer, since a current does not flow backward from the connection point to the microcomputer, the microcomputer is normally operated. As such, the microcomputer is normally operated, so that the intermittent oscillation pulse is effectively supplied to the connection point. Thereby, a transistor is intermittently operated, the oscillation circuit intermittently performs oscillation operation, and the power consumption in the standby state is reduced.

Abstract: A hard saturation mode of operation can be avoided in an LDO regulator by providing an additional feedback control loop. The additional control loop cooperates with the LDO regulator's amplifier stage and output stage to maintain at least a minimum desired voltage drop across the output stage from the power supply to the load.

Abstract: A method for providing precise current regulation and limitation for a power supply is provided. The method includes amplifying any difference between a load current signal and a current setting reference signal with a feedback loop amplifier to generate a feedback signal. A power output signal is generated based on the feedback signal. An output signal for the power supply is generated based on the power output signal. The load current signal and the current setting reference signal are generated based on the power output signal. An offset error signal is generated based on the load current signal and the current setting reference signal. A differential bias for the feedback loop amplifier is adjusted based on the offset error signal.

Abstract: An adaptive pulse positioning system for a voltage converter providing an output voltage, the system including a PWM generation circuit, a sensor, and a pulse positioning circuit. The PWM generation circuit generates a PWM signal with PWM pulses for controlling the output voltage of the voltage controller. The sensor senses an output load condition of the voltage converter and provides a load signal indicative thereof. The pulse positioning circuit adaptively positions the PWM pulses based on the load signal. A method of adaptively positioning PWM pulses that are used to control an output voltage of a voltage regulator including generating a series of PWM pulses based on a clock signal, sensing an output load condition, and adaptively shifting the series of PWM pulses based on the output load condition.

Abstract: A DC to DC converter comprising an inductor, first and second electronically controllable switches and a controller, wherein the first electronically controlled switch is interposed between an input node and a first terminal of the inductor and the second electronically controllable switch extends between a second terminal of the inductor and the ground and where a first rectifier extends between the ground and the first terminal of the inductor and a second rectifier connects the second terminal of the inductor to an output node, wherein the controller controls the operation of the first and second switches to perform voltage step down or voltage step up, as appropriate, to achieve a desired output voltage; and wherein the controller is arranged such that the order in which the first and second switches are operated is maintained irrespective of whether the converter is stepping up the input voltage or stepping down the input voltage.

Abstract: A switching power supply device has a boost power converter which converts a wide range of AC input voltages into a DC voltage larger than an amplitude of the AC input voltage to supply to a DC-DC converter. The switching power supply device includes a load detection circuit, an input voltage detection circuit, and a power conversion controller for the boost power converter. The power conversion controller corrects the determination reference value in accordance with the AC input voltage detected in the input voltage detection circuit. When a light load is detected based on a comparison between the corrected determination reference value and the detection value output from the load detection circuit, the controller disables the boost power converter.

Abstract: An integrated circuit including at least one low-dropout voltage regulator (LDO) capable of delivering a regulated output voltage using a reference voltage (VREF), comprises means for generating a substitution voltage (VRMP) in the form of a ramp and control means capable of replacing the reference voltage (VREF) by the substitution voltage as long as the substitution voltage (VRMP) is lower than the reference voltage (VREF).

Abstract: A dual-edge modulation controller including first and second ramp circuits, first and second comparators, an error amplifier and pulse control logic. The first ramp circuit provides a leading-edge ramp synchronous with a clock. The error amplifier compares a feedback signal with a reference and provides a compensation signal. The first comparator compares the leading-edge ramp with the compensation signal and asserts a set signal. The second ramp circuit provides a trailing-edge ramp that begins ramping when the set signal is asserted. The second comparator compares the trailing-edge ramp with the compensation signal and asserts a reset signal. The pulse control logic asserts a PWM signal when the set signal is asserted and de-asserts the PWM signal when the reset signal is asserted. The controller may control multiple phases with current balancing. The slew rate of the ramps may be adjusted based on the number of PWM signal asserted.

Abstract: A control circuit for a PWM switching power regulator including an error amplifier and an amplifier filter circuit. The error amplifier has a first input receiving a reference signal, a second input receiving an output sense signal, and an output providing a compensation signal used to control PWM switching. The amplifier filter circuit has an input receiving a ratio-metric tracking signal and an output providing the reference signal to the input of the error amplifier. The control circuit may include a resistive voltage divider for providing the tracking signal. The amplifier filter circuit may be implemented as a transconductance amplifier having an input receiving the tracking signal and an output coupled to a capacitor. The transconductance amplifier may have a relatively small current drive capacity and its output may have a relatively slow and weak response to changes of the tracking signal.

Abstract: A circuit includes a bandgap core and a bandgap amplifier. The bandgap core is capable of receiving an input voltage and generating an output voltage. A second-order temperature coefficient in the output voltage is at least partially reduced by the bandgap core while a first-order temperature coefficient in the output voltage remains substantially unchanged.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for graphically displaying a sectional image of an object under examination (1, 18) having objects (2, 17) situated therein, in particular for the display of a sectional image of a building wall. The invention provides that the sectional image with the objects (2, 17) situated in the object under examination (1, 18) is displayed already while data acquisition by the position detector (3, 19) is taking place.

Abstract: A chemical sensor has a substrate, a first metallization plane on the substrate, an electrode structure formed in the first metallization plane, a passivation layer applied to the first metallization plane and formed with contact holes, a sensitive ceramic layer on the passivation layer and in the contact holes, and a bond-promoting layer configured as a second metallization plane and between the passivation layer and the ceramic layer.

Abstract: A method and circuit for measuring a time interval between transitions of periodic signals at nodes of a circuit-under-test (CUT), the signals having a periodic clock frequency, the method includes periodically latching a digital value of a first periodic signal at edges of an undersampling clock, simultaneously periodically latching a digital value of a second periodic signal at edges of the undersampling clock, combining the latched digital values of the first and second periodic signals to produce a combined output whose duty cycle is proportional to the time interval between a median edge of latched digital values of the first periodic signal and a median edge of latched digital values of the second periodic signal; and counting the number of undersampling clock cycles in which the combined output is a predetermined logic value within a predetermined time interval whereat the number is proportional to a time interval between a transition of the first periodic signal and a transition of the second periodic

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) current and magnetic field sensor for sensing a magnetic field produced by a conductor includes a magneto-MEMS component for sensing the magnetic field and an interference-MEMS component for sensing an interference, wherein the magneto-MEMS component and the interference MEMS component are used to provide an indication of the current in the conductor.

Abstract: Systems and methods of the present disclosure, in accordance with one or more embodiments, include a current source adapted to provides volts*sec at a fixed frequency, a magnetic core adapted to be saturated with energy, and a control winding around the magnetic core. The control winding is adapted to receive current from the current source to saturate the magnetic core. A control circuit is adapted to selectively provide additional volt*sec for at least one half of a cycle of the fixed frequency to the control winding. A second winding around the magnetic core provides a load current to a load through desaturation of energy stored in the magnetic core.

Abstract: A system is provided to enable leakage current measurement or parametric tests to be performed with an isolation buffer provided in a channel line. Multiple such isolation buffers are used to connect a single signal channel to multiple lines. Leakage current measurement is provided by providing a buffer bypass element, such as a resistor or transmission gate, between the input and output of each buffer. The buffer bypass element can be used to calibrate buffer delay out of the test system by using TDR measurements to determine the buffer delay based on reflected pulses through the buffer bypass element. Buffer delay can likewise be calibrated out by comparing measurements of a buffered and non-buffered channel line, or by measuring a device having a known delay.

Abstract: A process, device and apparatus for loading a socket and/or adapter device with a semi-conductor component, where the mechanism has a device, in particular a mechanical device, for instance and appropriate attachment for opening the socket and/or adapter device.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of testing a circuit on a substrate. Generally speaking, a substrate is located in a transfer chuck, a surface of a test chuck is moved into contact with a substrate, the substrate is secured to the test chuck, the test chuck is moved relative to the transfer chuck so that the substrate moves off the transfer chuck, terminals on the substrate are moved into contact with contacts to electrically connect the circuit through the terminals and the contacts to an electric tester, signals are relayed through the terminal and the contacts between the electric tester and the circuit, the terminals are disengaged from the contacts, and the substrate is removed from the test chuck.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the functionality of a wafer probe is disclosed. The method comprises applying a multi-site probe to a plurality of semiconductor dies; comparing the failure rate of a first probe site of the multi-site probe with the failure rate of a second probe site of the multi-site probe for a test of the plurality of semiconductor dies; and determining that a probe site of the multi-site probe is defective based upon comparing the failure rate of the first probe site of the multi-site probe with the failure rate of the second probe site of the multi-site probe. A system for monitoring the functionality of a wafer probe site is disclosed.

Abstract: A rotational speed detecting sensor includes a detecting portion having a detecting member provided facing a magnetized portion to be detected, the detecting portion for detecting variations of a magnetic flux generated by a rotation of the portion to be detected, a fix portion for fixing the detecting member, the fix portion being formed by means of molding and a case, a first end of which is closed and a second end of which is opened. The case includes a housing portion recessed toward the first end of the case from an opening portion side of the case, the housing portion for housing the detecting member, and a positioning portion for restricting a movement of the case in a mold in a direction toward the opening portion side of the case from the first end of the case.

Abstract: A reference-current optimizing apparatus of a Reference Junction Double Relaxation Oscillation SQUID (RJ-DROS) with a signal SQUID and a reference junction for detecting a magnetic flux signal is provided. The reference-current optimizing apparatus includes a voltage controller for converting a digital signal into an output voltage; a buffer for receiving the output voltage and preventing a current generated in the RJ-DROS from flowing inversely into the reference-current optimizing apparatus; a low-pass filter for eliminating a noise mixed in an output voltage of the buffer; and a resistor for converting an output voltage of the low-pass filter into a current and providing both ends of the reference junction with the current. The reference-current optimizing apparatus may also include a preamplifier having a number of junction bipolar transistors.

Abstract: A magnet for a Magnetic Resonance Imaging apparatus, said magnet having at last two, preferably three open sides, and delimiting the patient receiving area, said magnet being composed of three yoke elements, i.e. two parallel magnetically permeable elements and one transverse yoke element for connection of said two parallel elements, whereby said magnet has a C shape and wherein, for both of said parallel elements, the terminal portion associated to said transverse connecting element has a transverse wall for connection of said two parallel elements with the transverse element, which has an end step for engagement of a corresponding end of said transverse element.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the position of an oil/water contact (OWC, 22) between an oil-continuous fluid (2o) overlying a water-continuous fluid (2w) inside a casing pipe (7). The device includes a transmitter (5) for a generating an electromagnetic signal (ST) and the transmitter (5) is provided with electrical energy (GT) from a voltage signal generator (G). The transmitter (5) is arranged inside the casing pipe (7) in the oil-continuous fluid (2o) and above the oil-water contact (22). The electromagnetic wave signal (ST) partly propagates downwards from the transmitter (5), is partly reflected from the oil-water contact (22), and is partly reflected by the end of the casing, giving rise to an upward propagating, reflected electro-magnetic signal (SR).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an electronically controlled humidity chamber with temperature controls: to determine, by vapor desorption, high capillary pressures of core samples; to produce core samples with a high capillary pressure for testing electrical properties; and, using a curve of high capillary pressures from vapor desorption data, to transform a curve of high capillary pressures determined from high pressure mercury injection.

Abstract: A branch circuit monitoring system includes a plurality of current sensor modules that are installable in a panelboard. Each of the current sensor modules may be associated with a respective one of a plurality of branch circuits included in the panelboard. Each of the current sensor modules may include a current sensor, operating logic and a communication module. The current sensor may measure a power parameter of the respective branch circuit associated therewith. The operating logic may be coupled with the current sensor and the communication module, and may direct the overall functionality of the current sensor module. The communication module may be operable to communicate with a device external to the current sensor module.

Abstract: MOSFETs are provided to connect the sensor input terminals of a ratiometric output sensor to a pair of power terminals, and the gate of each MOSFET is coupled to the opposite power terminal so that both MOSFETs are rendered conducting to power the sensor when a supply voltage of a predetermined polarity is connected across the power terminals but one of the MOSFETs is rendered non-conducting when a voltage of the opposite polarity is so applied. The MOSFET that is rendered non-conducting is oriented so that any internal source-drain diode does not bypass current around the MOSFET when voltage of the opposite polarity is applied. Optionally, over-voltage protection is provided by an input voltage sensor controlling the other MOSFET through a third MOSFET.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensor and method for measuring the motion of an intermediate member and a method for making the MEMS sensor. The MEMS sensor includes a substrate, a lower magnetic member disposed on the substrate, a layer disposed over the substrate, an upper magnetic member disposed at a side of the layer facing the lower magnetic member, an intermediate magnetic member magnetically levitated between the lower magnetic member and upper magnetic member; and a component measuring at least one of motion, forces acting on, and a displacement of the intermediate magnetic member.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are described for detecting a measurable capacitance using sigma-delta measurement techniques. According to various embodiments, a voltage is applied to the measurable capacitance using a first switch. The measurable capacitance is allowed to share charge with a passive network. If the charge on the passive network is past a threshold value, then the charge on the passive network is changed by a known amount for a sufficient number of repetitions until the measurable capacitance can be detected. Such a detection scheme may be readily implemented using conventional components, and can be particularly useful in sensing the position of a finger, stylus or other object with respect to a button, slider, touchpad or other input sensor.

Abstract: A method of sensing water within a fuel-water separator assembly disposed within a fuel system of an internal combustion engine is provided. The method includes the steps of: A) monitoring a single selectively activatable sensor within the fuel-water separator assembly to detect the presence of water; B) determining if the sensor is activated for greater than or equal to a first predetermined percentage of time, but less than or equal to a second predetermined percentage of time and providing a first level of warning if true; and C) determining if the sensor is activated for greater than the second predetermined percentage of time and providing a second level of warning if true. An apparatus configured to perform the claimed method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for measuring alignment of polysilicon shapes relative to a silicon area wherein the presence of an electrical coupling is used to determine the presence of bias or misalignment. Bridging vertices on the polysilicon shapes are formed. Bridging vertices over the silicon area create low resistance connections between those bridging vertices and the silicon area; other bridging vertices over ROX (recessed oxide) areas do not create low resistance connections between those other bridging vertices and the silicon area. Determining which bridging vertices have low resistance connections to the silicon area and how many bridging vertices have low resistance connections to the silicon area are used to determine the bias and misalignment of the polysilicon shapes relative to the silicon area.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for analyzing current in an integrated circuit under test is described. In one example, an image from detected photon emissions from the integrated circuit is generated. A first intensity of the photon emissions at a first region in the image indicative of a first current having a known magnitude is determined. A second intensity of the photon emissions at a second region in the image indicative of a second current is determined. A magnitude of the second current is estimated from the first intensity, the second intensity, and the known magnitude of the first current.