Patents Issued in December 4, 2008
  • Publication number: 20080297060
    Abstract: A nightlight including a light emitting diode (LED) is provided. The nightlight includes a switch that is operative to control the flow of power to the LED. The nightlight also includes a driver circuit that is configured to convert alternating current to direct current, where the direct current provides power to the LED. The nightlight also includes a housing coupled to the nightlight that contains the driver and is configured to fit within a single-gang junction box. The switch includes an LED that is powered by the driver circuit, where the LED is illuminated without regard to the position of the switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Wai-Shing Peter Ko, James H. Bowden, JR.
  • Publication number: 20080297061
    Abstract: A voltage control apparatus (10) for an HID lamp includes a voltage control transformer circuit (20), and is connected between supply mains (22) and a high intensity discharge (HID) lamp. The HID lamp is started at full line voltage, and after a sufficient operating interval ensuring that the lamp has achieved a sustaining temperature, the operating voltage applied to the lamp is reduced, effecting a considerable savings in energy use, with little or only an acceptably small decrease in light output from the lamp. Further, the voltage control apparatus include a circuit portion responsive to voltage transients on the AC line, and which effects restarting of the HID lamp in the event a voltage transient occurs which is sufficiently long (i.e., about 1/2 cycle) as to extinguish the HID lamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: James M. Archdekin
  • Publication number: 20080297062
    Abstract: To a constant-current power supply whose output current can be variably set, light emitting modules can be connected in parallel. A control unit recognizes connection information outputted from an information output unit provided in each of the light emitting modules and varies the output current of the constant-current power supply. Drive can be controlled in response to a state of the connected light emitting modules such as the connecting number of light emitting modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: Toshiba Lighting & Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Hirokazu Otake, Toshiyuki Hiraoka, Keiichi Shimizu, Nobuo Shibano
  • Publication number: 20080297063
    Abstract: A control device for controlling power supplied to circuitry is disclosed. The circuitry comprises a plurality of portions, each of said plurality of circuit portions being arranged between a first voltage level source and a second voltage level source, said first and second voltage level sources being adapted to output different voltage levels; said control device being adapted to control power supplied to each of said plurality of circuit portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: David John Willingham, Andrew John Sowden
  • Publication number: 20080297064
    Abstract: The high-pressure discharge lamp includes: a pre-seal glass inserted in the internal space of each of seal portions and integrally comprising a metal foil sheathing portion which sheathes a metal foil, an electrode sheathing portion which sheathes a portion of an electrode that extends from a first end of the metal foil toward a base portion and an external lead pin sheathing portion which sheathes a portion of an external lead pin that extends outwardly from the other end of the metal foil; and a conductor for generating discharge between the conductor and the metal foil. The electrode sheathing portion is fused to the base portion. The external lead pin sheathing portion has an outer surface hermetically fused to an inner surface of one of the seal portions. A clearance hermetically sealed between the pre-seal glass and the seal portion encapsulates inert gas therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Toshitaka Fujii, Atsuji Nakagawa, Hiroki Takahashi, Tomihiko Ikeda
  • Publication number: 20080297065
    Abstract: A solid state microprocessor or digital signal processor (DSP) for dual mode illumination and dimming into modern aerospace searchlights. The system is a universal dimming platform with “smart functions” that include and are not limited to multiple light intensity linearization curves, analog and/or digital input dimming interface, built-in tests and health monitoring, synchronized dual mode light output with canopy position, light driver redundancy, lamp life reporting, and controlled switching with improved EMI. With real-time monitoring of the system parameters it monitors the lights proper operation and failures which can be a concern for flight-critical lighting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Saed M. Mubaslat, Craig E. Giffen, Richard P. Policy, Joseph L. Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20080297066
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling an illumination device (100), the illumination device (100) comprising a flux sensing unit (101) and at least two differently colored light sources (102, 103, 104), the method comprising the steps of switching on and off each of the light sources according to a predefined pattern, acquiring measurement values by means of the flux sensing unit at predetermined intervals in accordance with the predefined pattern, calculating a color point for each of the light sources based on the measurement values, calculating a difference between the color points and corresponding reference color points, and adjusting an analog current drive level of the light sources, wherein the difference is minimized such that a desired color is obtained. The present invention provides for the possibilities to in a more accurate way correct for the color changes due to change in drive current, temperature, and aging effects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Eduard Johannes Meijer, Christoph Martiny, Volkmar Schulz, Matthias Wendt, Per Ambrosiussen
  • Publication number: 20080297067
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a power regulator system. The system comprises at least one current regulator configured to maintain a substantially constant current flow through each of at least one series connected light emitting diode (LED) string. The system also comprises a power converter configured to generate an output voltage to provide power to the at least one current regulator and the at least one series connected LED string. The system further comprises a voltage regulator configured to determine a voltage that provides power to the at least one current regulator and to adjust the output voltage based on the determined voltage to mitigate power loss due to excessive voltage provided to power the at least one current regulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Michael Wang, Xianwei Zeng, Jingwei Xu
  • Publication number: 20080297068
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling an entertainment system is provided. The system can have at least one light source to generate variable light output and at least one controller coupled to the at least one light source to control the variable light output based on a number of interruptions of power supplied to the apparatus over a pre-determined time period. The variable light output can be a light temperature. The at least one light source can be a plurality of light sources, with the at least one controller having a plurality of addresses and each of the addresses designating one or more of the plurality of light sources to be controlled. The at least one controller can synchronize or unsynchronize the plurality of light sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: Nexxus Lighting, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Koren, Stephen Faber, Roy Archer, Michael Bauer
  • Publication number: 20080297069
    Abstract: In a method for producing a control signal for regulating a drive current for driving an LED, a current through the LED is sensed, wherein the LED is driven by a power converter output, and wherein an output voltage of the power converter is proportionately controlled by a control signal. Next, a power supply voltage is sensed. The control signal is produced for the power converter, wherein the control signal is proportional to a difference between a reference voltage and the current through the LED. The control signal is then offset in response to the power supply voltage to reduce the current through the LED as the power supply voltage drops.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Jianwen Shao, Clifford J. Ortmeyer, II
  • Publication number: 20080297070
    Abstract: A programmable lighting unit includes a radio interface to be remote controlled by a radio remote control. In particular, the remote control sends parameter data which is supplied to parameter adjustment means in the programmable lighting unit which programs the parameter data such that a controller of the programmable lighting unit controls a controllable lamp dependent on the parameter data. In particular, the controller is adapted to be programmed using the one or the multiple parameters such that a reaction by the controller to the control data depends on the one or the multiple parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Udo Kuenzler, Markus Salm, Oliver Klee, Walter Englert
  • Publication number: 20080297071
    Abstract: The present invention provides an addressable or static electronic apparatus, such as a light emitting display. An exemplary apparatus comprises a substrate having a plurality of cavities; a plurality of first conductors coupled to the substrate and at least partially within the cavities, with the plurality of first conductors having a first and substantially parallel orientation; a plurality of light emitting diodes or other electronic components coupled to the plurality of first conductors and having a second orientation substantially normal to the first orientation; and a plurality of substantially optically transmissive second conductors coupled to the plurality of light emitting diodes and having a third orientation substantially normal to the second orientation and substantially perpendicular to the first orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: APPLIED PRINTED ELECTRONICS HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventors: William Johnstone Ray, Mark David Lowenthal
  • Publication number: 20080297072
    Abstract: This invention relates to a lighting system. The lighting system includes a plurality of interconnectable polygonal lighting modules, wherein each lighting module has a plurality of connection members each including at least one electrical terminal. The connection members are arranged rotationally symmetrically at the lighting module. The lighting system further includes bridge members. Each bridge member has bridge terminals and is mountable at neighboring connection members of different lighting modules, to form a bridge providing an electric connection between connection terminals of the different connection members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Pieter Jacob Snijder, Martin Gerard Hendrik Hiddink, Pieter Hubertus Franciscus Deurenberg, Johannes Martinus Maria Welschen, Victor J. Zwanenberg
  • Publication number: 20080297073
    Abstract: An electric force transmission device employs a differential device, having at least three rotating members and having two degrees of freedom that, when rotating states of two of the rotating members are determined, a rotating state of the other is determined, and in which differential device an output to a drive system is connected to the rotating member located on an inside on an alignment chart among the rotating members, two motor generators are coupled to the rotating members located on both sides of the rotating member related to the output on the alignment chart, and the drive system is driven by only a power from the motor generators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Kazuo Yatabe, Yuusuke Minagawa, Tomoya Imazu
  • Publication number: 20080297074
    Abstract: In an embodiment, an actuator includes a plurality of stator windings adapted to produce a first stator magnetic field that translates along a stator axis, and to produce a second stator magnetic field that rotates around the stator axis. In addition, the actuator includes a rotor, coupled to a shaft, and positioned within a central stator channel. The rotor is adapted to produce a first rotor magnetic field that translates along a shaft axis and to produce a second rotor magnetic field that rotates around the shaft axis. An actuator system includes an actuator and an actuator controller unit, which is adapted to produce actuator inputs. An embodiment of a method for controlling the actuator includes providing actuator inputs to produce a translating magnetic field in the stator, a translating magnetic field in the rotor, a rotating magnetic field in the stator, and a rotating magnetic field in the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: James J. Sheahen, JR., Charles E. Morris, Paul Kersens
  • Publication number: 20080297075
    Abstract: A method of operating a power system is provided. The method may include running one or more of a plurality of generator units that each include a power source, a first electric generator, and a second electric generator. Additionally, the method may include supplying electricity from one or more of the first electric generators of the one or more running generator units to a first set of one or more electric power loads. The method may also include supplying electricity from one or more of the second electric generators of the one or more running generator units to a second set of one or more electric power loads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Jeffrey Holt Wright, Roy Christopher Fonseca
  • Publication number: 20080297076
    Abstract: A controller prestores average moving speed data, which corresponds to respective corresponding positions of a window glass of a door driven by a motor at the time of the closing movement of the window glass, as learning data. The controller senses pinching of an object by the window glass based on the learning data and the speed measurement signal obtained at the time of the closing movement of the window glass. The controller senses a disturbance when the speed measurement signal obtained at the time of the closing movement of the window glass exceeds a predetermined value. The controller updates the learning data based on the average moving speed data at the time of the closing movement of the window glass. The controller controls execution and non-execution of updating of the learning data in response to a close state and an open state of the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: ASMO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shin Sakai, Takahiro Sumiya
  • Publication number: 20080297077
    Abstract: A motor drive control device includes: a generation part for generating a current command value; a current detection part for detecting a drive current of an electric motor; a motor feedback control part for controlling feedback of the electric motor based on the current command value and a drive current detection value; a prefilter with order of one or more for adjusting the current command value, the prefilter being interposed between the generation part and the motor feedback control part; and a series compensator with order of two or more for determining a voltage command value of the motor feedback control part based on the current command value adjusted by the prefilter and the drive current detection value of the electric motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Lilit KOVUDHIKULRUNGSRI, Kenji MORI
  • Publication number: 20080297078
    Abstract: A motor control device that controls the driving of a motor having a permanent magnet provided at a rotor has: an angle detector that detects the angle of the rotor by use of an angle sensor; a current detector that detects, as a detected current, the outflow current from or inflow current to a direct-current power source serving as the source for driving the motor; and an angle corrector that corrects the detected angle based on the detected current. The driving of the motor is controlled by use of a corrected angle obtained through the correction by the angle corrector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Naoya IWASAKI, Hiroshi TAKAO
  • Publication number: 20080297079
    Abstract: A rotor position detecting circuit includes a first position detecting circuit having a low-pass filter that shapes up phase voltage induced in a phase coil and a first comparator that compares the output voltage of the low-pass filter with a threshold level to form a first rotor position signal, and a second position detecting circuit having a second comparator that compares the phase voltage with a threshold voltage and a control unit that digitally processes the output voltage of the second comparator to form a second rotor position signal. The control unit corrects the first rotor position signal by the second rotor position signal to provide a final rotor position signal when the rotation speed of the brushless DC motor is in a measurable range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Atsushi Kanamori, Satoshi Yoshimura
  • Publication number: 20080297080
    Abstract: A hand-guided or stationary power tool has a drive unit having a motor that includes a rotor having a permanent magnet and a stator and has a motor control designed to trigger the motor in a first rotational speed range according to a voltage-controlled mode and to trigger the motor in a second rotational speed range following the first rotational speed range in the direction of a higher rotational speed according to a field-weakening operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Volker Bosch
  • Publication number: 20080297081
    Abstract: In a brushless motor driving apparatus, a drive circuit arranged to rotate a magnet rotor by sequentially switching energization of coils of phases, detect a position of the magnet rotor based on back electromotive force voltage generated in each phase coil, and control the energization of each phase coil based on the detected position. The drive circuit is configured to energize each phase under duty control and, before the back electromotive force control, perform initial setting twice sequentially for sweeping energization duty with respect to each phase coil to set the magnet rotor in a predetermined initial position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toru Morita, Tsutomu Ikeda, Yasushi Shinojima, Yasutoshi Sugiura
  • Publication number: 20080297082
    Abstract: A drive control device of motor capable of starting up even a motor of such a type that the polarity of induced voltage does not switch every 180° of electrical angle or the polarity, positive or negative, does not occur with accuracy without causing a reverse rotation is provided. In a start-up control of motor, the following operation is performed: a current is passed through any coils in two phases, and the polarity of voltage induced in the non-conducting phase is detected. A conducting phase at start-up is determined based on the detected polarity of induced voltage. The average value of induced voltages in non-conducting phase detected with respect to the coils in respective phases is determined. The average value and the detected induced voltages are compared with each other, and relative polarities are determined from the magnitude relation with the average value to determine a conducting phase at start-up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Minoru Kurosawa, Yasuhiko Kokami
  • Publication number: 20080297083
    Abstract: System, method, and apparatus for commutating and controlling a multi-phase motor using one output rotor sensor and circuitry that measures time between rotor pole-to-pole transitions is disclosed. The exemplary system, method, and apparatus may utilize the polarity of the single-output rotor sensor and the measured time between the polarity transitions detected by the single-output rotor sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Mark E. Collins
  • Publication number: 20080297084
    Abstract: A control circuit for an electronically commutated motor (120), having a power stage (122) that comprises at least two semiconductor switches (216, 218) to influence the motor current. The semiconductor switches are controllable by way of commutation signals. The control circuit comprises a current measuring element (170) to make available a motor current control variable (I) dependent on the motor current, a base diode (240) that is arranged in series with the current measuring element and between the current measuring element and the at least two semiconductor switches, and a motor current setting element (180) with which the commutation signals can be influenced as a function of the motor current control variable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Hansjorg Berroth, Frank Jeske, Volker Mauch, Arnold Kuner
  • Publication number: 20080297085
    Abstract: A motor driver system includes an inverter configured to apply a three-phase voltage to a motor; an inverter driver configured to generate a reference voltage to the inverter to control a motor speed to follow a reference speed; and a motor protector configured to control the inverter driver so that a value of the reference voltage is equal to or lower than a predetermined voltage value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Kyung Hoon LEE, June Hee WON, Gil Su LEE, Jun Ho AHN, Jae Yoon OH
  • Publication number: 20080297086
    Abstract: A cleaner that can be operated at motive force of sufficient strength by using a battery voltage as well as by using a AC voltage. The cleaner uses a low-resistance-mode motor to rotate a collecting fan. The low-resistance-mode motor is driven by a motor driver. The motor driver drops a DC voltage converted from the AC voltage, depending on whether the AC voltage is received. Depending on whether the AC voltage is received, the motor driver drives the low-resistance-mode motor using one of the battery voltage and the dropped voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Seung Do HAN, Hyoun Jeong SHIN
  • Publication number: 20080297087
    Abstract: A motor control device is disclosed that reduces the shock caused by torque increase during switching output of a motor's power generator from PWM wave voltage driving to square-wave voltage driving. Switching of PWM wave voltage driving and square-wave voltage driving is determined based on rotation speed of the motor and a torque instruction value. When switching from PWM wave voltage driving to square-wave voltage driving occurs, the voltage output of the power generator is reduced. When generated voltage V drops below a specified threshold voltage, PWM wave voltage driving is switched to square-wave driving.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD
    Inventors: Hideaki Ohtsuka, Hidehiko Sugita
  • Publication number: 20080297088
    Abstract: A fuel/electric drive system having an internal combustion engine is disclosed, having a generator which is driven by the internal combustion engine and has a first stator winding set, having a first rectifier which is connected to the first stator winding set at the AC voltage end and to a first DC voltage circuit at the DC voltage end, and having a first inverter which is connected to the first DC voltage circuit at the DC voltage end and to a drive motor at the AC voltage end. In order to increase the robustness and availability of the fuel/electric drive system, the generator has a second stator winding set, with a second rectifier being connected to the second stator winding set at the AC voltage end and to a second DC voltage circuit at the DC voltage end, and a second inverter being connected to the second DC voltage circuit at the DC voltage end and to the drive motor at the AC voltage end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventor: Peter Steimer
  • Publication number: 20080297089
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating a two-phase rotary current controller. In order to optimize the operation of a two-phase rotary current controller, magnitudes of a parameter that can be varied in both controllable phases of a two-phase rotary current controller is matched in these phases. In particular, the existing principle of phase-symmetric control with a uniform ignition delay in both controlled outer conductors is abandoned, and a separate ignition delay is stipulated for each of the two controlled outer conductors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Andreas Fritsch, Gerd Griepentrog, Diethard Runggaldier
  • Publication number: 20080297090
    Abstract: The drive control circuit (200) includes a driver circuit (250) for intermittently supplying the magnetic coils with a supply voltage VSUP; a switching signal generating circuit (240) that generates a switching signal supplied to the driver circuit (250); and a voltage setter (270) that supplies a supply voltage control value Ya to the switching signal generating circuit (240). By adjusting pulse width of the switching signals DRVA1, DRVA2 with reference to the supply voltage control value Ya, the switching signal generating circuit (240) adjusts the effective voltage which is applied to the magnetic coils.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kesatoshi Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20080297091
    Abstract: Disclosed are a foot of a walking robot, which minimizes tilting of a sole of the foot and reduces a degree of freedom to easily control the walking of the robot, and a walking robot having the same. The foot includes a frame connected to a lower portion of a leg of the walking robot; and a plurality of impact absorbing plates having elasticity respectively connected to two sides of the frame such that the impact absorbing plates are separated from each other. Each of the impact absorbing plates includes a separation part connected to the frame and separated from a ground surface, a front ground part extended forward from the separation part and contacting the ground surface, and a rear ground part extended backward from the separation part and contacting the ground surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Joong Kyung Park, Tae Won Park, Ji Won Yoon
  • Publication number: 20080297092
    Abstract: A control apparatus (10) for a machining robot (1) adapted to machine a workpiece (20) by coming into contact with an effector (19) of a tool (18) attached to the machining robot with the workpiece comprises: detecting means (15) for detecting a force or moment acting between the effector of the tool and the workpiece; converting means (22) for converting the force or moment detected by the detecting means into a force or moment acting on the joint axis of the machining robot; deflection calculating means (25) for calculating a deflection occurring at the joint axis of the machining robot on the basis of the force or moment acting on the joint axis of the machining robot and obtained from the converting means; and correcting means (28) for correcting at least one of a position command or a speed command for the joint axis of the machining robot in such a manner as to compensate for the deflection calculated by the deflection calculating means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: FANUC LTD
    Inventors: Ryo NIHEI, Tetsuaki Kato, Teruki Kuroshita
  • Publication number: 20080297093
    Abstract: Various systems and methods for reducing cross coupling in proximate signals are disclosed. As one example, a system for reducing cross-coupling in adjacent signals that includes an active slew rate limiter circuit is disclosed. The active slew rate limiter circuit is operable to receive an input signal, and to provide an output signal based on the input signal with a controlled slew rate. In some cases, such systems may be included within a storage device that includes a read head. In such cases, the systems may operate to assure a substantially constant power dissipation within the read head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Robert J. Wimmer, Ram S. Narayan, Jaydip Bhaumik, Michael J. Peterson, David W. Kelly
  • Publication number: 20080297094
    Abstract: A control apparatus includes: a memory storing data regarding an interference matrix; a position compensation calculator calculating position compensation by using the data based on a target position of an output shaft and a detected position of the output shaft; a torque compensation calculator calculating torque compensation by using the data based on the detected position of the output shaft and a detected position of a drive shaft; and a command value calculation unit calculating a command value for the drive source based on the position compensation and the torque compensation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventor: Junichiro Ooga
  • Publication number: 20080297095
    Abstract: Even when there is some degree of variation in the characteristics among components constituting a polyphase motor and a driving circuit therefor, current control signals of respective phases being input to the drive circuit have their amplitude finely adjusted by an amplitude control circuit, so that amplitude is uniform among armature currents of respective phases that are ultimately output from the drive circuit. The amplitude adjusting circuit is configured by gain variable amplifiers, for example. Thus, rotation fluctuation and vibration of the polyphase motor can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Aono, Akio Nakajima
  • Publication number: 20080297096
    Abstract: When the magnitude of a traverse signal exceeds a predetermined level, the value of a microstep drive signal is changed by one microstep angle so that the rotation angle of the stepping motor changes in a rotation direction in which the magnitude of the traverse signal decreases. A determination is made as to whether or not the magnitude of the traverse signal becomes a predetermined level or less. When the magnitude of the traverse signal does not become the predetermined level or less, the magnitude of the microstep drive signal is returned to the pre-change value and the value of the microstep drive signal is incremented by an additional microstep angle so that the rotation angle of the stepping motor changes in a rotation direction in which the magnitude of the traverse signal decreases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Hiromichi Yamamoto, Keisuke Abe
  • Publication number: 20080297097
    Abstract: A motor driver system and its control methods are discussed. Even when a command magnetic flux decreases as a motor operates in a field weakening region, a current angle can be maintained always below a limit value, thereby obtaining the stability of the motor control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Kyung Hoon LEE, June Hee Won, Gil Su Lee, Jun Ho Ahn, Jae Yoon Oh
  • Publication number: 20080297098
    Abstract: A washing machine is provided that includes an induction motor and a motor control circuit with a feedback loop. The feedback loop provides rotor speed to a microprocessor of the motor control circuit. The motor control circuit and feedback loop control the motor such that the motor operates in a negative slip mode which provides braking to the washing machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Robert Keith Hollenbeck, Justin Brubaker, James Robert Crowell, Bruce Calvin Ley
  • Publication number: 20080297099
    Abstract: A motor controller includes an output voltage modulator that outputs sinusoidally-modulated voltage for driving a motor; a modulation factor specifier allowing specification of a modulation factor greater than 1.0 for the output voltage; a current detector that detects current flowing in the motor; and a field-oriented controller that divides the current detected by the current detector into a d-axis current component and a q-axis current component and that conforms each of the components to a command current produced based on a command rotational speed; a rotational position estimator that estimates motor rotational speed and rotor rotational position for use by the field-oriented controller; wherein the position estimator includes a filter that smoothes a d-axis induced voltage obtained during the estimation, and the motor rotational speed and the rotor rotational position are estimated based on the d-axis induced voltage smoothed by the filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventor: Sari Maekawa
  • Publication number: 20080297100
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for reducing voltage source inverter losses. One apparatus includes a sensor couplable to the motor and configured to sense an operating frequency of the motor and an amount of torque produced by the motor. The apparatus also includes a controller coupled to the sensor, the controller configured to determine a zero vector modulation (ZVM) based on the sensed frequency and torque. A system includes means for sensing a threshold output frequency of the motor and means for sensing a threshold torque of the motor. The system also includes means for determining a ZVM for the inverter based on the sensed threshold frequency and threshold torque. One method includes sensing that a motor is operating below a threshold frequency and is producing torque above a threshold torque amount. The method also includes determining a ZVM for the inverter based on the sensed frequency and torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Silva Hiti, Steven E. Schulz, Brian A. Welchko
  • Publication number: 20080297101
    Abstract: A cleaner that can have the sufficient capability of collecting pollutant particles by a battery voltage as well as a AC voltage. The cleaner uses a switched reluctance motor to rotate a collecting fan. The switched reluctance motor is driven by a motor driver in one of a PWM mode or a pulse trigger mode. The motor driver drives the switched reluctance motor using one of the battery voltage and a DC voltage converted from the AC voltage, depending on whether the AC voltage is received. The PWM mode and the trigger mode are switched depending on whether the AC voltage is received. Accordingly, the cleaner makes it possible to reduce the time taken to clean up pollutant particles using the battery voltage to the time taken to clean up the pollutant particles using the AC voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Myung Keun YOO, Sang Young KIM, Kwang Woon AHN, Hyoun Jeong SHIN
  • Publication number: 20080297102
    Abstract: A cleaner that can automatically respond to a change in an AC voltage and a voltage of a battery. In the motor, a motor for rotating a collecting fan is driven by a motor driver. The motor driver drives the motor using a voltage from a voltage selector. The voltage selector switches between a low-level voltage of the battery and a high-level voltage derived from the AC voltage to be supplied to the motor driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Sang Young KIM, Myung Keun YOO, Kwang Woon AHN, Hyoun Jeong SHIN
  • Publication number: 20080297103
    Abstract: A portable power and utility system for mounting in or on a host vehicle with an electrical system or, alternatively, operating in a standalone, portable configuration. The portable power and utility system includes an enclosure, an AC power subsystem mounted in the enclosure, a fluid power air subsystem mounted in the enclosure and an optional host vehicle connection adapted for selectively connecting the electrical system of the host vehicle and the AC power subsystem. A battery charger subsystem is connected to one or both of the host vehicle electrical system and the AC power subsystem. Wheels can be mounted on the enclosure for transportation. A control panel is mounted in the enclosure and includes multiple switches for controlling operation of the subsystems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Michael E. Windsor
  • Publication number: 20080297104
    Abstract: A battery charger (180) and method (400) for communicating battery pack charging status information of a battery pack (140) coupled to both the battery charger (180) and an electronic device such as a radio (110). The method (400) performs reading an authenticity battery pack identifier and battery status information provided by the battery pack (140) to the battery charger (180). Next the method (400) performs transmitting in a status message over a wireless link (199) the authenticity battery pack identifier and charging status information from the battery charger (180) to the radio (110). Processing (555) the charging status information is then performed by the radio (110). This processing (555) is performed when the authenticity battery pack identifier matches a currently coupled battery pack identifier stored on the radio (110), the currently coupled battery pack identifier identifying the battery pack (140) that is coupled to the radio (110).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: MOTOROLA, INC.
    Inventors: Jaya B. Rao, Macwien Krishnamurthi Annamalai, Mohd Hisham Muddin Che At, Poh Huat Low
  • Publication number: 20080297105
    Abstract: A polarity adjusting apparatus for automatically adjusting polarity of a connection between a power supply and a charging circuit includes first˜fourth diodes, first and second input terminals configured for connecting to positive and negative terminals of the power supply, and first and second output terminals configured for respectively connecting to positive and negative input terminals of the charging circuit. The anode and cathode of the first diode are respectively connected to the first input terminal and the first output terminal. The anode and cathode of the second diode are respectively connected to the second input terminal and the first output terminal. The cathode and anode of the third diode are respectively connected to the first input terminal and the second output terminal. The cathode and anode of the fourth diode are respectively connected to the second input terminal and the second output terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: MING-CHIH HSIEH
  • Publication number: 20080297106
    Abstract: The solar charger is provided with a case 1 that can hold a rechargeable battery 5 in a removable fashion, and a solar cell 4 to supply charging power to the rechargeable battery 5 loaded in the case 1. The case 1 is formed in a shape having a bottom surface 2 and at least two tapered surfaces 3 with different slope angles ? with respect to the bottom surface 2, and the solar cell is disposed on the bottom surface 2. The angle of inclination ? of the solar cell 4 provided on the bottom surface 2 of the solar charger is changed by disposing a tapered surface 3 having a different slope angle ? on a flat surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Shoichi Toya, Koichi Fukukawa
  • Publication number: 20080297107
    Abstract: A contactless power transferring coil unit is provided. The contactless power transferring coil unit includes a flat coil, a magnetic film, and a leaking flux detecting coil. The flat coil is formed by winding a conductive wire into a spiral on a substantially flat plane. The magnetic film is disposed so as to cover one entire flat surface of the flat coil. The leaking flux detecting coil is disposed in a periphery outside an outer edge of the flat coil and the magnetic film and detects leaking magnetic flux from the flat coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicants: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Japan, Inc., Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kato, Kuniharu Suzuki, Katsuya Suzuki, Manabu Yamazaki, Kota Onishi, Kentaro Yoda, Yoichiro Kondo, Mikimoto Jin, Takahiro Kamijo, Haruhiko Sogabe
  • Publication number: 20080297108
    Abstract: Automatic system for storing electric cycles, in which the batteries of the cycles (1) are recharged by locking stations (1). The electronic control circuit of each cycle prevents the operation of a battery recharging circuit while the cycle is not locked onto the locking station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: JCDecaux SA
    Inventor: Jacques Le Gars
  • Publication number: 20080297109
    Abstract: The methods, system, and infrastructure described herein generally relate to methods for charging a rechargeable battery of a vehicle. The methods described provide a method of charging a rechargeable battery of a vehicle. The method includes the following steps: (a) while the vehicle is stationary, rotating a shaft of an electric traction motor of the vehicle using mechanical energy; (b) converting the rotation of the shaft into electrical energy by using the electric traction motor as an electrical generator; and (c) storing the electrical energy in the rechargeable battery of the vehicle. A system for charging a rechargeable battery of a vehicle is also described. The system includes a rechargeable battery of a vehicle, an electric traction motor of the vehicle, and an external vehicle interface configured to rotate the shaft of the electric traction motor using mechanical power while the vehicle is stationary. An infrastructure for charging a rechargeable battery of a vehicle is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: ALTAIRNANO, INC.
    Inventors: Chet Sandberg, Alan J. Gotcher, C. Robert Pedraza