Abstract: An OLED device, comprising: a substrate; a first electrode formed over the substrate; one or more organic layers formed over the first electrode, at least one organic layer being a light-emitting layer; and a bi-layer electrode comprising a first transparent conductive protective hermetic layer formed over the one or more organic layers, and a second transparent conductive non-hermetic layer formed over the first transparent conductive protective hermetic layer.

Abstract: An organic EL light-emitting device includes a substrate, thin films having a reflecting function formed on the substrate, an organic EL light-emitting layer, and upper electrodes. The thin films having a reflecting function are formed from an amorphous alloy, whereby there can be provided an organic EL light-emitting device having reflective films that have all of a reflecting function, a function of shielding transistors from light, and an electrode function, and moreover have little surface unevenness.

Abstract: An organic light-emitting diode (OLED) device, comprising: a first electrode and a second electrode. One or more organic layers are formed there-between, including an organic light-emitting layer. The second electrode is transparent. A contrast enhancement element is formed on a side of the second electrode, opposite the organic layer, and has a geometric area for controlling ambient light contrast ratio of the OLED device.

Abstract: An electro-luminescence (EL) panel is provided. The EL panel comprises a substrate, a cover, an EL device, and a buffer structure. The cover is disposed above the substrate. The EL device is disposed on the substrate and between the substrate and the cover. The buffer structure is disposed on the cover and between the EL device and the cover.

Abstract: An organic EL device array in which water or oxygen hardly enters a light emitting region, and high-quality light emission can be maintained for a longer period of time. The organic EL device array includes: a light emitting region (region I) having a plurality of organic EL light emitting portions for emitting light in an organic compound layer disposed between a pair of electrodes; a protective layer in contact with an upper electrode of the pair of electrodes; a member disposed on the protective layer; an intermediate layer disposed between the protective layer and the member, in which a thinner portion of the intermediate layer is present outside a light emitting region (region O) within the surface thereof.

Abstract: An electrons' emission device is presented. The device comprises an electrodes' arrangement including at least one Cathode electrode and at least one Anode electrode, the Cathode and Anode electrodes being arranged in a spaced-apart relationship; the device being configured to expose said at least one Cathode electrode to exciting illumination to thereby cause electrons' emission from said Cathode electrode, the device being operable as a photoemission switching device.

Abstract: A plasma display panel that is capable of reducing power consumption and improving exhaust efficiency.

Abstract: There is disclosed a light source module comprising a high intensity discharge light source; optical elements including at least a reflector for redirecting and focusing the light emanating from said light source; and electronic elements for supplying said light source with voltage and current of a predetermined waveform and magnitude. The light source may have optical and/or electric parameters at least partially different from optical and/or electrical standard parameters of a light source of identical type. In order to provide a predetermined illuminating beam pattern compatible with the standard, the optical and/or electronic elements are adjusted to the optical and/or electrical parameters of said light source.

Abstract: A driver circuit or controller flexibly drives either a half-bridge or a full-bridge switching network in a backlight inverter without modification, redundant circuitry or additional components. The driver circuit includes four outputs to provide four respective driving signals that establish a periodic timing sequence using a zero-voltage switching technique for semiconductor switches in the switching network.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a switching regulator power supply apparatus that realizes a plurality of light emitting amount outputs without increasing a total number of structural components thereof. A switching regulator power supply apparatus according to the present invention includes a switching type power converting circuit; a current detecting circuit for producing a feedback signal in response to a load current; and an SWR control circuit for driving the power converting circuit. In the switching regulator power supply apparatus, the SWR control circuit is provided with a control signal input terminal and a reference voltage circuit capable of outputting a plurality of reference voltages based upon a control signal inputted to the control signal input terminal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling emission of light are provided. The light emitting apparatus comprises a plurality of first light emitting parts which are connected with each other in series, a first current supply which supplies a current to the plurality of first light emitting parts, a plurality of switches which are respectively connected with the plurality of first light emitting parts in parallel to make the current be transmitted to or bypass the first light emitting parts and a controller which receives brightness information corresponding to the respective first light emitting parts and controls the plurality of first switches to make overall light emitting time of the first light emitting parts within time intervals correspond to a brightness level of the brightness information.

Abstract: A method for controlling the operation of a motor utilizing a generic motor control module. The method includes sampling at least one motor operating criterion during operation of the motor and executing a generic control algorithm at a predetermined periodic interval. Execution of the algorithm provides a firing angle, duty cycle, or other suitable control function solution for an electronic valve for each periodic interval, thereby controlling the behavior of the motor. Additionally, the method includes firing the electronic valve at the calculated timing during each periodic interval such that the motor functions in accordance with desired motor operational parameters.

Abstract: In a shelf storage system (1) comprising at least two shelf units (1a-1d), wherein each shelf unit has a separate moveable shelf feeder device (5) with electric drive motors (6, 7, 8), and comprising an electric energy supply circuit (P, S1, S2, S3) which supplies the shelf units (1a-1d) with electric energy, the shelf feeder devices (5) are designed for recycling electric energy produced in their drive motors (6, 7, 8) by operating them as generators back into the electric energy supply circuit, with the electric energy supply circuit distributing electric energy recycled by the shelf feeder devices among the shelf units according to requirements (arrow ES1, arrow EP).

Abstract: A method for controlling a driving tool having a power source, a driver, an actuator, a follower, and a control unit. The power source includes a motor and a flywheel that is driven by the motor. The actuator is configured to selectively move the follower to push the driver into frictional engagement with a surface of the flywheel. The control unit is configured to selectively activate the electric motor and the actuator. The control unit includes a speed sensor that is configured to sense a rotational speed of an element of the power source and produce a speed signal in response thereto. The method includes: directly determining a rotational speed of an element in the power source; controlling electrical power provided to the motor based on the rotational speed of the element in the power source to cause the flywheel to rotate at a predetermined speed; and actuating the actuator when a set of actuating criteria has been met, the set of actuating criteria not including a rotational speed of the element.

Abstract: The rotating speed of an output shaft of a door opening and closing motor actuating a sliding door is monitored, and whether a fluctuation value of the rotating speed is equal to or more than a first determination threshold value is determined (step S310). A second determination threshold value having a pinching detecting sensitivity that is higher than the first determination threshold value is set. When it is determined that the shift lever of the transmission is in a P position, or a foot brake is operating, or a parking brake is operating, whether the fluctuation value of the rotating speed is equal to or more than the second determination threshold value is determined (step S360). If the fluctuation value of the rotating speed is equal to or more than each of the determination threshold values, the sliding door is actuated in an opening direction (step S320).

Abstract: An electrically commutated motor comprises a plurality of stator phases and a rotor. Further, sensors for detecting the control deviation of the rotor in relation to the stator phases are provided. A phase control unit controls the stator phase rotary field depending on the detected control deviation. The phase control unit comprises a single-phase controller for a single-phase mode of operation, and a multiple-phase controller for a multiple-phase mode of operation. Further, a control deviation evaluation element is provided which evaluates the magnitude of the control deviation, and selects, depending on the evaluation result, the single-phase mode of operation or the multiple-phase mode of operation.

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

Abstract: In a method for controlling a robot arm, which is particularly suitable for use in medical applications, a robot arm (10) with a redundant number of joints is used. A torque acting in at least one joint (12a, 12b) is sensed. By means of a control device, the torque acting in this joint (12a, 12b) is controlled to become substantially 0.

Abstract: A control circuit for fan operating comprises a drive operating circuit, a potential modulating circuit, a comparator and a switch circuit. The drive operating circuit at least has a voltage source, a drive IC, a Hall IC and a motor coil winding, the drive IC is connected with the voltage source, and the Hall IC and the motor coil winding are connected with the drive IC. The potential modulating circuit is connected with the drive IC of the drive operating circuit and has a modulating signal source to provide a PWM signal with a duty cycle. The comparator has an input end and an output end, the input end is connected with the potential modulating circuit, and potential state of the output end is determined in accordance with the duty cycle of the PWM signal. The switch circuit is connected with the drive IC of the drive operating circuit and the output end of the comparator, and operating state of the drive IC of the drive operating circuit is determined in accordance with potential state of the output end.

Abstract: An exemplary device for controlling rotation speed of a computer fan includes an identifying device and a control circuit. The identifying device is configured for identifying the type of the computer fan. The control circuit configured for controlling rotation speed of the computer fan includes an electric switch, an integrated circuit, a first output terminal, and a second output terminal. The electric switch has a first terminal coupled to the identifying device to receive an identifying signal, a second terminal coupled to a super I/O chip to receive a PWM signal. The integrated circuit is configured to convert the PWM signal to an analog voltage signal. The first output terminal is configured to output the PWM signal to a PWM control pin of a fan header. The second output terminal is configured to output the analog voltage signal to a power pin of the fan header.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of adjusting motor parameters in a variable speed drive intended for controlling a synchronous electric motor with permanent magnets M. The method comprises a step of determining the deviations ?ID and ?IQ between references and measurements of the flux current and motor torque current, a step of calculating a correction value ?RS of the stator resistance, a correction value ?L of the inductance and a correction value ?KE of the flux constant of the motor, on the basis of the integral terms of the deviations ?ID and ?IQ, a step of adjusting the values of the parameters of the motor model on the basis of ?RS, ?L and ?KE, a step of formulating the control voltages UD and UQ to be applied to the motor M by using the said adjusted values of the motor parameters.

Abstract: A converter circuit for converting an output voltage from an AC power supply includes a rectifier circuit for rectifying the output voltage of the AC power supply; first and second capacitors connected in series, for smoothing the output of the rectifier circuit; and a switch circuit for switching the connections between the respective capacitors and the AC power supply so that the output voltage of the AC power supply is applied to each of the respective capacitors at a cycle that is shorter than the cycle of the AC power supply.

Abstract: A method for determining a diffusion voltage in an electrochemical cell (e.g., a battery used in connection with an automotive vehicle) includes estimating a previous diffusion voltage, calculating a new diffusion voltage using an equation based on a diffusion circuit model and the previous diffusion voltage, and setting the previous diffusion voltage equal to the new diffusion voltage. The step of calculating the new diffusion voltage may then be repeated.

Abstract: A system for updating battery software includes a programmable battery unit that includes an internal access point. The programmable battery unit includes a battery control unit that controls the overall functionality of the programmable battery unit. A programmable storage medium may be included on the battery control unit. The storage medium has stored therein battery software operable to control certain features of the programmable battery unit. An input port may be connected with the battery control unit. An update device that includes a second storage medium having stored therein updated battery software for the programmable battery unit. A connector may be included for connecting the update device to the input port of the programmable battery unit. A software routine on the update device is operable to automatically transfer the updated battery software from the update device to the first storage medium of the programmable battery unit thereby reprogramming the programmable battery unit.

Abstract: An electrical device is provided. The electrical device of this invention includes a voltage control circuit that couples with an AC-DC adapter and a charger. The voltage control circuit uses the charger to determine the condition of the battery and controls the AC-DC adapter to generate different output voltages by the conditions of the system loading and the battery. The electrical device can be used for portable equipment.

Abstract: Battery protection circuitry and method are disclosed. A battery is protected from a large current overdrawn condition by setting a discharge switch into a controllable conduction state. After the discharge switch is in the controllable conduction state, a tickle discharge current is gradually generated under control of a switch control signal. The trickle discharge current can be used to determine whether the large current overdrawn condition still exists. When the large current overdrawn condition is removed, the discharge switch is turned back on.

Abstract: A method for providing an elective replacement indicator (ERI) voltage for a first implantable electrochemical cell, comprising the steps of providing a second, substantially identical exemplary electrochemical cell; repeatedly connecting and disconnecting the second cell to a sequence of at least three loads, thereby discharging the second cell from a state of about zero percent to at least about ninety percent depth-of-discharge; generating cell voltage vs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of charging a lithium-sulfur electrochemical cell wherein the lithium-sulfur cell comprises a cathode comprising an electroactive sulfur-containing material, an anode comprising lithium, and a nonaqueous electrolyte. Also disclosed are methods for determining charge termination when charging lithium-sulfur cells.

Abstract: A battery backup system includes a control device including a power sensing device, a discharge circuit, a charging circuit, and a plurality of battery packs. A lower threshold is established representative of a minimum acceptable effective energy capacity. Each battery pack is recharged if its effective energy capacity falls below the lower threshold. Additionally, an upper threshold is established representative of the minimum acceptable effective energy capacity plus a performance margin. In a two battery-pack system, if both battery packs fall below the upper threshold, the battery with the least effective energy capacity is discharged to the minimum acceptable effective energy capacity and then recharged to the battery pack's maximum energy capacity. In this way, both battery packs are prevented from approaching the minimum acceptable effective energy capacity at the same time. This reduces the size or number of battery packs and reduces their associated cost and volume.

Abstract: A battery safety monitor system. The system includes at least one battery, at least one zener diode, at least one safety device, a microcontroller, a display device and a power supply. The at least one battery comprises at least one cell string capable of outputting voltage signals. The at least one zener diode is operatively coupled to the at least one battery cell string. The at least one safety device is operatively coupled to the at least one battery cell string. The microcontroller is operatively coupled to the at least one zener diode. The display device is operatively coupled to the microcontroller. The power supply is operatively coupled to the microcontroller and the display device.

Abstract: A electronic device includes an electrical component powered by a battery and a compartment to receive the battery. A low voltage cutoff circuit is configured to couple to the battery. The low voltage cutoff circuit includes a switching device having a control terminal, a current sourcing terminal and current sinking terminal and a resistor coupled between the control terminal and a first terminal of a battery. The circuit has first and second output terminals. The first output terminal is coupled to the first terminal of the battery and the second output terminal is coupled to the current sourcing terminal of the transistor. The first and second output terminals are configured to accept connections to positive and negative terminals of the electrical component.

Abstract: A device or a method for supplying a current to a load. A peripheral temperature of the load is detected. Based on the detected peripheral temperature and a predetermined time period, the unit amount of the current being supplied is switched between a first current and a second current.

Abstract: A controller for a rechargeable battery and a temperature estimation method and a deterioration determination method for a rechargeable battery enabling an accurate battery temperature to be obtained through calculation. The controller calculates a heat generation amount of Joule heat generated in the rechargeable battery and a heat generation amount of chemical reaction heat generated in the rechargeable battery to calculate the battery temperature of the rechargeable battery based on the calculated Joule heat generation amount and the calculated chemical reaction heat generation amount. When a cooling device is connected to the rechargeable battery, the controller preferably calculates the battery temperature of the rechargeable battery using the Joule heat generation amount, the chemical reaction heat generation amount, and a value indicating the cooling capability of the cooling device.

Abstract: A design structure for an on-chip duty cycle measurement system may be embodied in a machine readable medium for designing, manufacturing or testing an integrated circuit. The design structure may embody an apparatus that measures the duty cycle of a reference clock signal that a clock circuit supplies to a duty cycle measurement (DCM) circuit. The design structure may specify that the DCM circuit includes a capacitor driven by a charge pump and that a reference clock signal drives the charge pump. The design structure may specify that the clock circuit varies the duty cycle of the reference clock signal among a number of known duty cycle values. The design structure may specify that the DCM circuit stores resultant capacitor voltage values corresponding to each of the known duty cycle values in a data store.

Abstract: A brushless generator with permanent-magnet multi-pole rotor disks and coreless stator winding disks includes integral electronics to efficiently generate regulated DC current and voltage from shaft input power over a broad speed range. Its power rating is scalable, and it incurs no cogging torque, or friction from gearing. Integral power control electronics includes high-frequency pulse-width-modulated boost regulation, which provides regulated current at requisite voltage over its broad speed range. A main embodiment to produce DC power at widely variable speeds includes signal processing so output power varies according to the third power of speed. A version for use with vertical-axis wind turbines has a relatively large diameter to facilitate a large number of poles. Combined boost-regulation, zero cogging torque, and no gearing, enable a wide speed range, for better power quality and higher wind energy yields.

Abstract: An electric power supply circuit includes a first switching element that turns on or off according to an external signal; an inductor capacitor circuit provided between the power supply and the load that charges or discharges electric power provided by the power supply according to the on or off state of the first switching element; a rectifier diode provided between the first switching element and the ground; a second switching element provided in parallel with the rectifier diode that turns on or off synchronously with the first switching element; and a depletion transistor that detects a direction of a current flowing through the inductor capacitor circuit based on a voltage detected across the second switching element to generate a detection result, and causes the second switching element to turn on or off according to the detection result.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods and apparatuses for concurrently eliminating or substantially reducing two or more switching losses in an inverter switching circuit. Embodiments of the invention concurrently reduce multiple types of switching losses under hard switching mode and soft switching mode for active switching devices and diodes. In one embodiment of the invention, the voltage across a switching device is substantially reduced during switch turn-off and/or turn-on time, and also maintained at a substantially reduced level throughout some or all of the tail current loss time of the switching device. The voltage reduction mechanism is implemented as a transformer circuit electrically serially implemented between the voltage source and the switching device. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.

Abstract: A control circuit of a DC-DC converter is provided. A mode selection section selects an Active Clamp Forward (ACF) or a Logic Link Control (LLC) mode. A soft start section generates a soft start signal in the ACF and LLC modes. A PWM comparison section compares a current detection signal with a feedback signal, a feedback reference signal and the soft start signal in the ACF mode, and generates a PWM signal based on a comparison result. A selection section selects the PWM signal of the PWM comparison section in the ACF mode. A clock generation section generates a clock signal having a fixed frequency in the ACF mode, and generates a clock signal having a frequency based on an operating current and the soft start signal in the LLC mode. A latch section maintains the PWM signal in response to the clock signal in the ACF mode and maintains the clock signal in the LLC mode.

Abstract: A first booster circuit and a second booster circuit include input capacitors, reactors, diodes, switch elements, and output capacitors, and are arranged to be symmetric to each other on a positive side and a negative side. The reactors are magnetically coupled to each other. With such configuration, the switch elements are on/off controlled simultaneously based on terminal voltages of the input capacitors and the output capacitors.

Abstract: A system includes a converter to convert an input voltage to an output voltage, where the converter has an adjustment input. The system further includes a voltage adjustment logic to receive an indication of an electrical current consumed by a load, with the voltage adjustment logic being responsive to the indication of the consumed electrical current to provide a control indication to the adjustment input of the converter to adjust the output voltage from the converter.

Abstract: A power supply including a regulation circuit that maintains an approximately constant load current with line voltage. In one embodiment, a regulation circuit includes a semiconductor switch and current sense circuitry to sense the current in the semiconductor switch. The current sense circuitry has a current limit threshold. The regulation circuit current limit threshold is varied from a first level to a second level during the time when the semiconductor switch is on. One embodiment of the regulation circuit is used in a power supply having an output characteristic having an approximately constant output voltage below an output current threshold and an approximately constant output current below an output voltage threshold.

Abstract: A synchronous switching regulator controller incorporates a switch detection circuit to determine the presence or absence of a power switch at the output of a switch driver so that the switch driver can be disabled when it is left unused. In one embodiment, the synchronous controller includes a switch detection circuit receiving a power cycle signal and the PWM ramp clock signal and measuring a voltage at an output node of the switch driver. The switch detection circuit provides a driver enable signal in response to the assertion of the power cycle signal. The driver enable signal has a first logical state when the voltage at the output node of the switch driver is greater than a reference voltage and a second logical state when the voltage at the output node is less than a reference voltage. The switch driver can be disabled based on the driver enable signal.

Abstract: A holdover circuit is configured with a holdover capacitor, preferably an aluminum electrolytic capacitor, to provide uninterruptible operation for an electrical load operable over a limited range of input voltage during brief power interruptions. The holdover circuit includes a switching regulator configured with two active switches that are controlled with complementary duty cycles to charge and discharge the holdover capacitor at a voltage higher than the voltage of the load. The controller for the switching regulator may be configured to regulate the voltage of the holdover capacitor at a voltage proportional to the load voltage or at a constant voltage. The controller for the switching regulator is configured to operate in different modes during normal powered operation and during holdover.

Abstract: This patent specification describes a power adapter which includes a first amplifier configured to amplify a voltage difference between a voltage proportional to an output voltage of a switching regulator and a first reference voltage, a current detector configured to detect a current proportional to an output current of the switching regulator, a second amplifier configured to amplify an output signal from the current detector, a first converter configured to convert an output voltage of the first amplifier to a first current signal, a second converter configured to convert an output voltage of the second amplifier to a second current signal, an oscillator configured to oscillate with rectangular pulses and a controller configured to modulate an oscillation signal of the oscillator in accordance with the first and second current signals output from the first and second converters.

Abstract: A voltage regulator has an output transistor that receives an input voltage inputted via an input terminal and that outputs a constant output voltage via an output terminal. A voltage divider circuit divides the output voltage to generate a divided voltage. A reference voltage circuit generates a reference voltage. An error amplifier circuit generates an error signal by comparing the divided voltage with the reference voltage. A protection circuit detects an abnormal state of the voltage regulator. A control circuit controls the output transistor to increase the output voltage to maintain the output voltage constant when an error signal is generated by the error amplifier circuit, and does not control the output transistor to increase the output voltage when the protection circuit detects an abnormal state of the voltage regulator.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a PWM controller uses the input power of a power system to regulate a duty cycle of a switching PWM signal.

Abstract: A stress measurement device includes a current supply portion; a series circuit which is connected to the current supply portion and has a piezoresistive element that forms a single gauge resistance and a compensating diode that is connected in series to the piezoresistive element; and a voltage measuring portion that measures voltage between both ends of the series circuit. The single gauge resistance has a piezoresistive effect in which a resistance value changes according to applied stress, and a positive temperature characteristic in which the resistance value increases depending on an increase in temperature. The compensating diode is provided in a forward direction with respect to the current supply portion and has a negative temperature characteristic in which a voltage between an anode and a cathode of the compensating diode decreases depending on the increase in temperature.

Abstract: A method for detecting a leading edge blanking parameter of a power management chip includes generating a pulse signal and inputting the pulse signal to the power management chip, wherein the amplitude of the pulse signal will cause a PWM signal of the power management chip to change its duty cycle; detecting the PWM signal to generate a detecting result; when the detecting result indicates that the duty cycle of the PWM signal does not change, adjusting a pulse width of the pulse signal to generate an adjusted pulse signal, inputting the adjusted pulse signal to the power management chip and detecting the PWM signal; and when the detecting result indicates that the duty cycle of the PWM signal changes, determining the leading edge blanking parameter of the power management chip according to the pulse width of the pulse signal.

Abstract: An electric current measurement device includes a housing defining first and second open ends sealed by first and second sealing means, respectively: a first optical fiber received in an aperture in the first sealing means and in optical communication with a first optical lens in the housing; a first polarization filter in the housing in optical communication with the first lens; a magneto-optical rod within the housing in optical communication with the first polarization filter; a second polarization filter in the housing in optical communication with the rod; and a second optical lens in the housing in optical communication with the second polarization filter. The second sealing means has an aperture for receiving a second optical fiber fixed to the second lens. First and second lids, attachable to the first and second housing ends, respectively include apertures for receiving the first and second optical fibers, respectively.

Abstract: A device inspection apparatus that is capable of judging the functions of operating control buttons on a cellular phone or like device automatically and easily. The device inspection apparatus comprises an adapter unit 2 on which a cellular phone 1 is mounted; a camera 4 for picking up the image of an LCD panel 3, which serves as a display section for the cellular phone 1; a plunger unit 7, which has a plurality of releases 6 for pressing a key button 5 on the cellular phone 1; a computer 8 for controlling the operation of the plunger unit 7 and exercising control; and a monitor 9 for displaying an LCD panel image and an image based on a signal from the computer 8. A still picture, motion picture, or audio output, which is acquired when a release 6 presses a key button 5, is compared against a predetermined expected image or sound to judge the functionality of the cellular phone 1.