Abstract: Systems and methods for backlighting an image display by independently driving multiple backlights for the display. The display may be, for example, a LCD display panel of a portable information handling system such as a battery-powered notebook computer that employs two or more cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs) for backlighting the LCD display. The multiple backlights may be independently driven, for example, using a common inverter that is capable of independently driving two or more backlight lamps, or by driving each backlight lamp with a separate inverter.

Abstract: A method and a circuit arrangement for the operation of a discharge lamp, in particular of a high-pressure gas mercury discharge lamp (HID[high intensity discharge]) lamp or a UHP [ultra high performance] lamp, are described, which are used to improve the color rendering index of the light. This is essentially achieved by feeding the lamp current on which current pulses with a suitably adjusted amplitude Ip and/or duration ?p and/or repetition rate f are superimposed.

Abstract: A lighting control circuit for dimming a light is provided with different algorithms that are utilized to dim fluorescent and incandescent lights. Some method of identifying the type of light which is to be dimmed, reports to a control for the lighting control circuit, and the appropriate algorithm is then selected and utilized.

Abstract: A method of compensating for changes in an OLED drive circuit, includes: providing a drive transistor; providing a first voltage source and a first switch; providing an OLED device connected to the drive transistor. Voltages are measured and used to compensate for changes in the OLED drive transistor.

Abstract: There is provided an LED driving circuit including: at least one ladder network circuit including: (n+1) number of first branches connected in parallel with one another by n number of first middle junction points between a first junction point and a second junction point, where n denotes an integer satisfying n?2, (n+1) number of second branches connected in parallel with one another by n number of second middle junction points between the first junction point and the second junction point, the (n+1) number of second branches connected in parallel with the first branches; and n number of middle branches connecting the first and second middle junction points of an identical m sequence to each other, respectively, wherein each of the first and second, and middle branches comprises at least one LED device.

Abstract: Lighting of a discharge lamp is controlled in a manner to reduce deterioration of the discharge lamp subjected to high temperature and extend the lifetime of the discharge lamp. A method for controlling lighting of the discharge lamp includes a first constant current control process (period T1, which corresponds to steps S3 and S4) in which constant current control is executed by supplying a first current to the discharge lamp, a second constant current control process (period T3, which corresponds to steps S7 and S8) in which constant current control is executed by supplying a second current greater than the first current to the discharge lamp after the first constant current control process, and a constant power control process (period T4) in which constant power control is executed after the second constant current control process.

Abstract: A lighting system and method combine at least one LED and at least one gas discharge lamp within a common housing. The lighting system includes a control system to dependently operate each LED and each gas discharge lamp during overlapping, non-identical periods of time. In at least one embodiment, the control system can provide light output by activating LEDs during gas discharge preheating operations and thus extend the useful life of each gas discharge lamp. When dimming the lighting system, the control system can reduce current to the gas discharge lamps and one or more gas discharge lamps can be phased out as dimming levels decrease. As dimming levels decrease, one or more of the LEDs can be activated or groups of LEDs can be phased in to replace the light output of the dimmed gas discharge lamps. Thus, the lighting system can reduce power consumption at low dimming levels.

Abstract: A method and electrical circuit corrects a difference in light output at opposite ends of a fluorescent lamp array. An electrical circuit for correcting a difference in light output at the ends of a fluorescent lamp array includes a microcontroller and firmware for generating a first pulse-width modulated inverter switch control signal having a first duty cycle that may be varied by computer program instructions executed by the microcontroller. An inverter bridge driver is coupled to the microcontroller for generating a switching signal for a first inverter bridge from the first pulse-width modulated inverter switch control signal to generate a first inverter voltage having a magnitude determined by the first duty cycle.

Abstract: A method and firmware for controlling voltage and current in an electrical load includes steps of calculating a numerically quantized duty cycle of a pulse-width modulated, digital switch control signal by firmware in an inverter voltage microcontroller as a function of an inverter voltage and controlling the inverter voltage by adjusting the duty cycle of the digital switch control signal to generate a load current in the electrical load.

Abstract: A method and firmware for method of generating a digital dimming waveform for an inverter includes steps of receiving programmable parameters as input to firmware in an inverter voltage microcontroller including a soft start duration, a restrike voltage, a restrike duration, a recovery duration, a sustaining voltage, a dimming duty cycle, and an inverter frequency; and generating by firmware in the inverter voltage microcontroller a first portion of a pulse-width modulated digital switch control signal having a frequency equal to the inverter frequency and a duty cycle that varies from a first value to a second value during a time interval equal to the soft start duration.

Abstract: A light emitting apparatus for regulating a current output of an LED at predetermined value with a power source having a wide variety of voltages and chemistries is described. A light emitting diode is electrically coupled to the voltage source. A pulse width modulation controller controls a duty cycle of the voltage applied. A resistor electrically coupled between the voltage source and the light emitting diode is used to regulate output current for the LED. An amplification circuit is electrically coupled to the resistor and the pulse width modulation controller for supplying a feedback voltage to the pulse width modulation controller that is higher than a voltage measured across the resistor.

Abstract: A backlight modulation circuit includes an illumination controlling signal generating circuit, an illumination control signal separating circuit, and an illumination modulation circuit. The illumination controlling signal generating circuit is configured for receiving an modulation signal and generating an illumination controlling signal according to the modulation signal. The illumination control signal separating circuit is configured for separating the illumination controlling signal into a first modulation signal and a second modulation signal. The illumination modulation circuit is configured for modulating illumination of a backlight module according to the first and second modulation signals.

Abstract: A method and firmware for controlling an inverter voltage includes steps of receiving as input a digitized feedback signal representative of an inverter voltage that varies with frequency according to a transfer function, calculating a frequency of a digital switch control signal in firmware in an inverter voltage microcontroller by the transfer function from the digitized feedback signal to adjust the inverter voltage to a set point value, and generating the digital switch control signal having the calculated frequency by firmware in the inverter voltage microcontroller as output to generate the inverter voltage at the set point value.

Abstract: A user-friendly interface device (100) for interacting with complex, adjustable lighting systems includes a switch (110, 135) configured to provide control signals; and a controller (155) for controlling the lighting system (175) in response to the control signals. A first control signal is provided to change the mode of the lighting system (175), and a second control signal is provided to change light attributes associated with the mode. The interface device (100) may be handheld or wall-mounted. The controller may be configured for selecting the mode of operation, and for controlling the light within a mode of operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing leakage of a material inside a bulb for a plasma lighting system comprises a bulb containing a discharge material therein for emitting light as the discharge material becomes a plasma state by an electric field, and a magnetic field forming portion for preventing the discharge material of a plasma state from being leaked by an external electric field of the bulb by forming a magnetic field at a peripheral portion of the bulb. The discharge material is prevented from being leaked out of the bulb even if the bulb is used for a long time, and thus a lifespan of the bulb is prolonged.

Abstract: An illumination brightness and color control system and method therefor are provided. A broadband light source monitor senses and samples a point light source for a luminous intensity signal value. Then, a corrected current value is computed based on a difference between the luminous intensity signal value and a target brightness/color value, and a driving current generated by a light source driver to drive the point light source is adjusted according to the corrected current value.

Abstract: A dispersion-free radial transmission line preferably for linear accelerators, having two plane conductors each with a central hole, and an electromagnetically permeable material between the two conductors and surrounding a central channel connecting the two central holes. At least one of the material parameters of relative magnetic permeability, relative dielectric permittivity, and axial width of the permeable material is varied as a function of radius, so that the characteristic impedance of the radial transmission line is held substantially constant, and pulse transmission through the radial transmission line is substantially dispersion-free. Preferably, the electromagnetically permeable material is divided into concentric radial sections, with the varied material parameters held constant in each respective section but stepwise varied from section to section as a step function of the radius.

Abstract: An elevator control device that drives a cage in a high-efficient speed pattern without using a load detector such as a conventional scale device. The elevator control device includes: a current detector for detecting a current that is supplied to a motor from an inverter; a speed detector for detecting a rotation speed of the motor; a speed pattern generator for generating an elevator speed pattern a motor speed control device for controlling the speed so that a speed detection value follows a speed command value of the speed pattern; and a motor current control device for controlling a current that is supplied to the motor with respect to the inverter by using a current detection value and the speed detection value on the basis of the speed command value.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle includes, in one example, a motor-generator driven by an engine to generate alternating current, wherein the motor-generator is further configured to start the engine, a motor for driving the vehicle, a diode rectifier to rectify alternating current generated by the motor-generator, an inverter connected to a feed circuit between the diode rectifier and the motor to convert direct current in the feed circuit into alternating current, a power supply connected to a line connecting the diode rectifier with the inverter, a first feed circuit to supply current to the motor to drive the vehicle through the diode rectifier and the inverter in series a second feed circuit to connect the motor-generator with the power supply while bypassing at least the diode rectifier, and an alternating current converter provided in the second feed circuit.

Abstract: A load drive control circuit for controlling a load that includes connection terminals. The load drive control circuit includes bridge circuits respectively connected to the connection terminals of the load. Each bridge circuit includes two semiconductor elements, which are connected between a power supply and ground, and an output terminal. The semiconductor elements are each controlled to be switched between activated and deactivated states. The output terminal of each bridge circuit generates a bridge output that varies in accordance with a combination of the activated and deactivated states of the semiconductor elements in the bridge circuit. A detection circuit detects whether a short circuit is occurring in the connection terminals. A control circuit switches the bridge circuits to electrically disconnect the load from the power supply when a short circuit is occurring during a period in which the load is in a suspended state.

Abstract: An adaptable electrical braking system for an electrical propulsion system of a traction vehicle is provided. The electrical braking system is configured to dissipate electrical energy in a plurality of resistor grids. The braking system includes a braking system assembly including a baseline chopper circuit topology. The baseline chopper circuit topology includes a first semiconductor-based circuitry in an enclosure for accommodating the first semiconductor-based circuitry. The braking system further includes a second semiconductor-based circuitry electrically coupled to the first semiconductor-based circuitry to produce a chopper including a chopper circuit topology fully contained in the enclosure. The second semiconductor-based circuitry includes a circuit topology selectable to adapt the baseline chopper circuit topology to meet distinct operational requirements to be fulfilled by the braking system.

Abstract: A kit and method for reconfiguring an electrical braking system for a traction vehicle are provided. The kit may include a braking system assembly including a chopper having a first chopper circuit topology. The first chopper circuit topology includes a first semiconductor-based circuitry having a footprint that defines at least one cavity in an enclosure for accommodating the first semiconductor-based circuitry. This enclosure constitutes the enclosure for accommodating the semiconductor-based circuitry in the chopper having electromechanical-based circuitry and semiconductor based circuitry. A second semiconductor-based circuitry is arranged in the at least one cavity in the enclosure for accommodating the first semiconductor-based circuitry. The second semiconductor-based circuitry when electrically coupled to the first semiconductor-based circuitry produces a chopper comprising a second chopper circuit topology fully contained in the enclosure.

Abstract: An electronically commutated motor (ECM 20) has terminals (56, 62) for connection to a DC power source (63). It has a permanent-magnet rotor (22), also a first and a second series circuit (40, 50) in each of which a stator winding strand (30, 32) is connected in series with a controllable semiconductor switch (34, 44), which two series circuits are connected in parallel to form a parallel circuit (52). In addition to the strand-connected switches (34, 44) typically found in an ECM, in a supply lead to said parallel circuit (52), a third controllable semiconductor switch (60) controls energy supply from the DC power source (63). In order to increase motor efficiency and minimize the size of any motor capacitor required, special switching steps are performed so that electromagnetic energy, remaining in the winding(s) after shutoff of power application, is converted into motor torque, instead of being dissipated as heat.

Abstract: A cooling system is provided with a motor drive device, a fan motor, and a Hall element. The motor drive device includes a lock protection circuit and a lock controller. When a control signal instructing rotation of the fan motor that is to be driven instructs stoppage of the motor for a predetermined time-period or longer, the lock controller has the lock protection circuit inactive. At an occasion when the control signal has continued to instruct stoppage of the fan motor for a first time-period or longer, a standby controller starts time measurement, and after a further predetermined second time-period has elapsed, makes at least a part of the motor drive device transition to a standby mode.

Abstract: The micro computer 17 continue an output of a motor control signal to execute a current control to carry to each of two phases a phase current changing like a secant curve or a cosecant curve at making a predetermined rotational angle according to the phase generated the current-carrying failure as an asymptote at the generation of the current-carrying failure. The micro computer 17 provides a rotational angle compensating section 40 compensating an input rotational angle ? to correct a phase offset between a phase current command value Ix* as a current command value and an actual phase current value Ix as an actual current value in the current control.

Abstract: The motor control apparatus includes a memory that stores a correction data group for suppressing a fluctuation of an output of a motor, and a calculating unit that generates, by using a correction value calculated on the basis of a first output command value input thereto and the correction data group, a second output command value for controlling the output of the motor, the correction value being in accordance with operation position information of the motor. The memory stores plural correction data groups corresponding to predetermined output command values for different torque levels. The calculating unit calculates the correction value in accordance with the first output command value and the operation position information of the motor by interpolation processing using correction data included in at least two correction data groups among the plural correction data groups. The apparatus suppresses the output fluctuation of the motor.

Abstract: A method for collecting operational parameters of a motor may include controlling the energization of a phase winding of the motor to establish an operating point, monitoring operational parameters of the motor that characterize a relationship between the energization control applied to the motor's phase winding and the motor's response to this control, and collecting information of the operational parameters for the operating point that characterizes the relationship between the applied energization control and the motor's response. The collected information characterizing the relationship between the applied energization control and the motor's response may be employed by a neural network to estimate the regions of operation of the motor. And a system for controlling the operation of motor may employ this information, the neural network, or both to regulate the energization of a motor's phase winding di-ring a phase cycle.

Abstract: A method and a device with a control apparatus (50) for starting an electric machine (10) with a rotor (20), particularly the spinning cup of an open-end spinning machine, magnetically mounted by a bearing having permanent magnets (31, 32, 33, 34). An actuator system controls the position in the axial direction (35, 36) and two limitation bearings (41, 42), determine the axial end positions of the rotor. The actuator system brings about a lifting from the first axial end position, and a system variable during such lifting is compared with a reference value, and the rotor (20) is moved into the second end position, and the actuator system brings about a lifting from the second axial end position, and a system variable on lifting from the second end position is compared with a reference value.

Abstract: A normal revolution number calculation unit calculates a normal revolution number of a driving motor generator in every control period, based on a signal from a rotational position sensor. A moving average calculation unit calculates a moving average revolution number of the normal revolution number given in every control period. A predicted revolution number calculation unit determines whether or not the revolution number of the motor generator is in an increasing state, from the locus of the moving average revolution number. Determining that the revolution number of the motor generator is in the increasing state, the predicted revolution number calculation unit calculates a predicted revolution number based on respective moving average revolution numbers in the present and preceding control periods. The calculated predicted revolution number is set to be used as a control revolution number and output to a motor control unit and a torque command calculation unit.

Abstract: When a motor temperature exceeds a threshold value, a torque control unit reduces a torque control value for a motor generator. A torque limitation control unit determines from torque control value and vehicular speed whether limiting a torque by the torque control unit should be alleviated, and if so the torque limitation control unit activates a signal for a predetermined period of time. When the signal is activated, the torque control unit stops reducing the torque control value and fixes the torque control value to be constant.

Abstract: A control device for controlling a recovery from a locking of a motor includes: a switching unit which supplies a motor current from a current supplying unit to the motor; and a driving control unit which supplies a PWM control signal to the switching unit to control a driving of the switching unit. The driving control unit supplies the PWM control signal with a low duty ratio lower than a regular duty ratio to the switching unit when the locking of the motor is detected depending on a variation in temperature of the switching unit. The driving control unit supplies the PWM control signal with the regular duty ratio to the switching unit when a cancel of the locking of the motor is detected depending on a variation in inter-terminal voltage of the motor.

Abstract: A motor control device performing vector control for a motor that drives a load whose load torque varies periodically. The motor control device has: a motor speed deriving portion estimating or detecting a motor speed; a speed controller producing a specified torque current value such that the motor speed is made to follow a specified motor speed value fed from outside; a resonance filter producing a corrected torque current value by receiving a control value that varies with variations in the load torque and emphasizing a periodic variation component of the control value; a torque current corrector producing a specified superimposed torque current value by superimposing the corrected torque current value on the specified torque current value; and an adjusting portion adjusting, based on the specified superimposed torque current value, a degree of emphasis placed on the variation component by the resonance filter. The vector control is performed according to the specified superimposed torque current value.

Abstract: A control system and method for a hybrid electric vehicle. One example control system includes a current calculating module to calculate a current, the current being at least one of a current to drive a motor of the vehicle and a current generated by the motor, and a feed controller to selectively implement a first mode when the calculated current is below a predetermined current value and to selectively implement a second mode when the calculated current is more than the predetermined current value, wherein either the first feed circuit or the second feed circuit is used in the first mode and both the first feed circuit and the second feed circuit are used in the second mode.

Abstract: An axial gap type motor/generator is provided with a stator, a rotor and an alternating current control device. The alternating current control device executes alternating current control of a single phase or multiple phase alternating current flowing in the coils. The alternating current control device includes a superpositioning control section and a frequency component control section. The superpositioning control section produces the alternating current by superpositioning a plurality of frequency components including a first order fundamental wave component and a plurality of higher harmonic wave components that have frequencies equal to integer multiples of a frequency of the fundamental wave components and are of orders that are equal to values of the integer multiples. The frequency component control section controls a relationship among the frequency components such that two pairs of the frequency components whose orders differ by two are aligned with respect to each other.

Abstract: It is possible to reduce the size of a parallel multiplex matrix converter as a whole. The parallel multiplex matrix converter couples in parallel at least two matrix converters, each of which PWM-controls bidirectional switches coupling input phases from an AC power supply to each output phases so as to output an arbitrary AC voltage or DC voltage. The output sides of the matrix converters are directly coupled in parallel to each other without any reactor. The input sides of the matrix converters use reactors inserted between the input phases from the AC power supply and the AC power supply at each of the respective matrix converters coupled in parallel.

Abstract: An industrial robot having: an arm, a wrist element rotatably interconnected to the arm, a work tool mounted on a distal end of the wrist element, and a motor mounted on the wrist element; wherein an umbilical-member connected to the work tool and a flat cable connected to the motor are disposed to run along the wrist element from the arm side to aid work tool or to the motor, characterized in that a pipe member extending in a direction of a rotation axis of the wrist element is provided inside the arm, the umbilical-member connected to the work tool being passed inside the pipe member, the flat cable connected to the motor being wound around outside of the pipe member, with the flat cable slacked in a rotating direction of the wrist element.

Abstract: A device for finding a home position of a moveable member includes a magnet mounted on the moveable member and two switch-type Hall effect detectors, one on each side of the home position and equally spaced from the home position. The device includes a device for measuring movement of the moveable member and a microprocessor with a memory that receives information from the two Hall effect detectors and the device for measuring movement.

Abstract: For a multiphase alternating current (AC) wound field synchronous machine (WFSM) that has a stator with a selected number of poles, the WFSM having an associated exciter and multiphase AC permanent magnet machine (PMM) directly coupled to the WFSM, a method of sensing the position of a rotor in the WFSM comprises the steps of: configuring a stator for the PMM to have a number of poles that is a sub-multiple of the selected number of WFSM stator poles; configuring a rotor for the PMM to have high saliency; applying multiphase AC power of a selected frequency to the PMM stator: detecting at least one set of stator harmonic currents of the multiphase AC power resulting from the rotor saliency; converting the detected PMM harmonic stator currents from their multiphase coordinates to ?? coordinates; rotating the converted PMM stator currents into a reference frame for at least one selected harmonic to generate ?? coordinate harmonic current vectors; and estimating the position of the WFSM rotor based on the values

Abstract: A control and power device for a rotating electrical machine comprising a management circuit and a power circuit including a number of power transistors and driver circuits associated with the power transistors. The invention is characterized in that it comprises connection means between the management circuit and the driver circuits for switching on the driver circuits and transmitting at least one transit potential between the management circuit and the driver circuits. The invention is applicable to alternator-starter.

Abstract: A slip frequency is estimated from a current instruction or detected currents in an induction motor. Acceleration impossibility in an induction motor drive unit is determined, when the slip frequency exceeds the maximum torque generating slip frequency for the predetermined interval or the time integrating result exceeds a predetermined value; when the q-axis magnetic flux exceeds the maximum torque generating q-axis magnetic flux or exceeds for a predetermined interval; when the estimated rotational speed is under a predetermined value; when the rotational speed variation rate is negative; and when the rotational speed instruction value or the estimated rotational speed is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value. An induction motor drive system and an elevating system including the induction motor drive unit are also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-sustained current supply device based on a modular concept with an energy-autarkic generator module being connected with appliance-specific exchangeable battery/electronics modules wherein an additional battery matching the small appliance can be charged within a short time.

Abstract: Disclosed are a device, system and method for multiple mobile communication devices that may be charged according to their relative priority and/or for multiple mobile communication devices that may be charged to a minimum level. The devices may be connected in any order physically, but based upon their relative charging priority the device with the highest priority may receive a charge first. The device with second highest priority may receive a charge second. Their relative priority may be communicated between the devices by wireless communication. In one embodiment, one or more devices may receive a minimum charge to allow operation, before the devices with the highest priorities are fully charged. In regions where electrical utility infrastructures are minimally developed users may share electrical facilities to recharge a plurality of mobile communication devices so that the devices with the highest priority of the grouped devices are fully charged first.

Abstract: A electrical generating device installed in an electric vehicle for the purpose of charging direct current batteries. The device being encased in a housing, can be installed behind the nose or front grill section of an electric vehicle. The front section of the device consists of an air intake, which directs high wind speed directly into a pivotal air turbine, which surrounds and connects a shaft. Attached to the shaft is a pulley that is connected to a pulley mounted on an electric generating device with the means of a rotational energy connecting element, thereby resulting in wind powered electrical generation for electric vehicles while in motion.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a multi power supply system for a portable device, particularly a power supply system having a multi power input interface and a universal serial bus (USB) power output interface and capable of receiving a solar electric power and a general battery power. The invention not only provides a multiple of power transmission interfaces of a rechargeable battery of an electric backup power source for supplying power to the portable device, but also achieves the rectification and protection effects.

Abstract: An electrically powered portable device, the device including means for providing a function to be performed by the device, an electrical power supply which incorporates in combination a voltage source and at least one capacitor for storing electrical charge to power the device, the voltage source and the at least one capacitor being arranged so that the voltage source progressively charges the at least one capacitor for any period that the at least one capacitor is not fully charged, and electronic control circuitry to control electrical power drawn from the electrical power supply for driving the function providing means.

Abstract: Vehicle maintenance circuitry for use with a storage battery, and/or electrical system of a vehicle includes an electrical connector configured to electrically couple to the vehicle. OBD communication circuitry is configured to couple to an OBD databus of a vehicle. The operation of the vehicle maintenance circuitry is a function of communication on the OBD databus.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are approaches for providing an adapter that may operate efficiently to provide a DC voltage to systems requiring different voltages.

Abstract: A charger is adopted to charge a first-type battery pack and a second-type battery pack, each type of battery packs having an insertion portion whose shapes are different. The charger is provided with a housing having a battery pack socket for inserting the battery packs. The battery pack socket has a shape that allows the insertion portion of the first-type battery pack and the insertion portion of the second-type battery pack to be inserted thereto selectively in a prescribed attitude. A pair of output terminals that output charging power is disposed within the battery pack socket. The pair of output terminals is electrically connected to the first-type battery pack when the insertion portion of the first-type battery pack is inserted into the battery pack socket in the prescribed attitude.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are some embodiments for safely charging a mobile system battery pack, even when the power source (e.g., adapter) voltage is at a relatively high level that would otherwise result in excessive charge current.

Abstract: A method of charging a battery pack is provided. The method includes: electronically connecting a battery pack to a charger; detecting information regarding the battery pack; determining an appropriate charging regime based on the detected information; and applying the charging regime to the battery pack. A battery charger may also provided. The battery charger includes: a first terminal for connecting to a battery pack; a second terminal for connecting to a battery pack, a microprocessor operatively connected to the terminals and configured to receive a signal from at least one terminal regarding a battery pack connected to the terminal and control the charger to select and apply a charging regime to the battery pack according to the signal.