Abstract: A direct current to direct current converter includes: an input terminal; an output terminal having voltage higher than the input terminal; a coupled inductor boost cell including a coupled inductor connected to the input terminal, a switch connected to the coupled inductor, and an output diode connected to the output terminal; and a clamp and energy transfer cell including a clamp diode connected to the coupled inductor, a clamp capacitor connected to the clamp diode, and an energy transfer diode connected to the output diode.

Abstract: A method of controlling a ballast in a circuit for a lighting application and connected to a mains power supply is disclosed. The method comprises determining whether a dimmer is present in the circuit; in response to detecting that a dimmer is present, determining a zero-crossing of the power supply and setting a bleeder current through the ballast in dependence on the phase of the power supply within a mains half-cycle; and in response to determining that a dimmer is not present, disabling the bleeder current. A ballast which is controlled by such a method is also disclosed. Additionally, a controller, which may include a digital signal processor, for a ballast and operable according to the above method is disclosed.

Abstract: The luminant tile assembly contains a positioning seat, a luminant tile member configured on the positioning seat, and a control device electrically connected to the luminant tile member via the positioning seat. The luminant tile member contains a layered structure and a number of connectors for electrically connecting the positioning seat and the layered structure. The luminant tile assembly can be quickly and conveniently installed on and detached from a wall, floor, or ceiling where various and versatile lighting effects are provided.

Abstract: An illuminating device includes a connecting portion supplied with power, a conversion circuit that converts power supplied from the connecting portion, a case having a tubular shape, a support body that divides the case in the radial direction, and a plurality of light emitting diodes provided on one surface of the support body. The illuminating device further includes a drive circuit that drives the light emitting diodes, a secondary battery provided on the other surface of the support body, a charge/discharge control circuit for the secondary battery, and a control section that lights the light emitting diodes by supplied power and charges the secondary battery. The control section permits lighting of the light emitting diodes by a discharge of the secondary battery in a state in which power supply is stopped.

Abstract: A lighting system for controlling a plurality of light sources includes at least a first and a second light source, the second light source having a color temperature and relative luminous efficiency higher than those of the first light source. Further, the system includes: a driving unit configured to turn on and off each of the light sources; and a control unit configured to transmit a control signal to the driving unit in response to an input signal. In addition, the control unit transmits the control signal to the driving unit, to perform at least one of a fade-in control in which the first light source is turned on prior to the second light source when turning on the light sources and a fade-out control in which the second light source is turned off or is dimmed, prior to the first light source when turning off the light sources.

Abstract: Driving circuits are provided that compensate for devices having characteristics that change with age. A correction circuit has a reference device having an output that changes with age in a known manner over a time span similar to the expected lifetime of the driven device. The output of reference device provides an indication of the current age of driven device.

Abstract: A stick-type controller 21 comprises an acceleration sensor 61 that obtains acceleration values generated in respective directions of the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis, LEDs 64 that emit light corresponding to the acceleration values on the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis obtained by the acceleration sensor 61, and a CPU 63 that controls the light emission of the LEDs 64. Further, if the acceleration values obtained by the acceleration sensor 61 are not a value that can be regarded as 0 on at least one axis among the three axes of the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis of the stick-type controller 21, the CPU 63 causes the LEDs 64 to emit light in a color corresponding to the axis or axes on which an acceleration value other than a value that can be regarded as 0 was obtained.

Abstract: A lamp and proximity assembly is provided that includes a lens having a transparent window and a light source disposed to illuminate light through the transparent window of the lens. The lamp and proximity assembly further includes a proximity switch having one or more proximity sensors disposed near a perimeter of the transparent window of the lens and generating an activation field proximate to the transparent field of the lens to sense activation of the proximity switch to control activation of the light source.

Abstract: A control apparatus for an AC rotary machine includes: a current detection section detecting current from a power converter to the AC rotary machine; and a control section generating a three-phase AC voltage instruction to the power converter, based on current detected by the current detection section and a torque instruction. The control section includes: an observer calculating a magnetic flux estimated value of the AC rotary machine, based on detected current and the voltage instruction; a current instruction calculation unit calculating current instruction values on rotational two axes, based on the torque instruction and the magnetic flux estimated value from the observer; and a voltage instruction calculation unit calculating the voltage instruction, based on the current instruction values from the current instruction calculation unit and the magnetic flux estimated value from the observer.

Abstract: A control apparatus for an AC rotary machine includes a control circuit, a power converter, a current detector, and a voltage detector. The control circuit includes: an activation current instruction unit which generates a current instruction for activation; and a start phase setting unit which sets an initial rotation phase for activation control, based on the rotation direction of the AC rotary machine just after activation and on the polarity of current detected by the current detector just after activation. Thus, the current amplitude and torque shock just after activation control is started can be reduced, and assured and stable reactivation is allowed without causing the protection operation.

Abstract: A phase-shift detection circuit detects a phase shift in motor driving, using pulse-shaped position detection signal Rd and measurement signal Ms. The position detection signal is based on sensor signal Hs from a position sensor disposed in a motor. The measurement signal is based on the induced voltage from windings. The phase-shift detection circuit includes a level difference calculator and a phase-shift calculator. The level difference calculator calculates a level difference between the level of measurement signal Ms at a rising timing of position detection signal Rd and the level of measurement signal Ms at a falling timing thereof. The phase-shift calculator calculates the amount of phase shifts based on the level difference.

Abstract: A PWM-signal-output circuit includes a detecting unit to detect time periods during which a speed signal with logic level changing alternately and having a period corresponding to a motor-rotation speed is at one and the other logic levels; a generating unit configured to, when the logic level of the speed signal changes, generate a signal to increase and thereafter decrease a current flowing through a motor coil within a first time period detected by the detecting unit, in a second time period occurring after the first time period; and a second generating unit configured to, when the first time period has elapsed after a change in the logic level of the speed signal but before a subsequent change in the logic level thereof in the second time period, generate the signal from when the first time period has elapsed until when the logic level thereof changes.

Abstract: An actuator system having an actuator with an auxiliary switch. Make and break connection positions of the auxiliary switch relative to a rotative position of an output shaft coupling may be adjusted electronically according to an adjustment signal. The adjustment signal may be conveyed to the actuator from a computer or controller via a two-wire polarity insensitive bus. The adjustment signal may instead be provided an auxiliary potentiometer.

Abstract: Method for control of synchronous electrical motors that enables determining the instantaneous motor load angle and rotor speed without using rotor position sensors. The method is realized with solving the set of differential equations that govern the currents in the stator windings of the motor for the time intervals between each two consecutive crossings of the currents in the windings of their set values and deriving relationships between the induced in the windings back-electromotive force voltages and the parameters of the Pulse Width Modulation. The parameters of the Pulse Width Modulation are measured and stored in a memory and based on the derived relationships the values of the back-electromotive force voltages are calculated continuously in time. From the values of the back-electromotive force voltages the motor load angle and rotor speed are calculated and used as feedback signals for the closed-loop control of the motor.

Abstract: An actuator includes at least one drive arrangement configured to generate output mechanical power from input electrical power. The actuator also includes a communication line port and a processing device. The at least one drive arrangement is configured to generate output mechanical power from input electrical power. The communication line port is configured to connect to a communication line, and is further configured to obtain electrical power from the communication line. The processing device is configured by programming instructions to obtain a first information from the communication line via the communication line port, and to adjust an operation of the at least one drive arrangement based on the first information and based upon information identifying electrical power available for use as input electrical power.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of safety cutoff of an electromechanical motor vehicle power steering, in which safety switches (26, 27, 28) are provided for electrical separation of a servomotor from a control system or a vehicle electrical system, wherein the following steps are provided: a) receiving a fault signal in a control system (30); b) sending a switch-off signal via control lines (31, 32, 33) to the safety switches (26, 27, 28); c) checking the electrical voltages present on the safety switches (26, 27, 28); d) deciding whether the switch-off signal on each safety switch (26, 27, 28) has led to switch-off; e) if the switch-off signal on one or more safety switches (26, 27, 28) has not led to switch-off, switching those safety switches (26, 27, 28) back on, which could not be switched off; f) repeating steps b) to e) until all safety switches have been switched off successfully (26, 27, 28).

Abstract: A system and method to determine the operating status of an electrical system includes a system controller and an actuator controller. The system controller determines if the actuator controller is operating properly and initiates a safe mode of operation if the actuator is not operating properly. In turn, the actuator controller determines if the system controller is operating properly and initiates a safe mode of operation if the system controller is not operating properly.

Abstract: A control system for a transmission includes a transmission control module having a processor configured to determine an output torque command and having a pulse width modulation (PWM) switch configured to generate a PWM signal at least partially representative of the output torque command. A network is in communication with the transmission control module and is configured to receive and transmit the PWM signal. A driver is integrated with the electromagnetic actuator and is in communication with the network. The driver is configured to receive the PWM signal and convert the PWM signal into a drive current that enables the electromagnetic actuator to fulfill the output torque command.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for suppressing a speed ripple occurring during an operation of an AC motor by using a torque compensator based on an activation function. The method includes the steps of calculating a speed error ?err based on a reference speed ?ref and an actual speed ?act; calculating a controller output Trm by using the speed error ?err as an input of a PI control and an operation of a compensated torque Tcom; and determining a torque variation based on the controller output Trm and a reference torque Tref and operating the torque variation in relation to an anti-windup gain Ka to use torque variation as an input of an integral (I) control. The method suppresses the speed ripple by compensating for the torque ripple through a controller which calculates the compensated torque by taking the signs of the speed error and the differential speed error into consideration.

Abstract: There are provided: a plurality of notch filters which are arranged inside a control system for feedback-controlling a moving operation of a moving section of a motor and attenuate signal components having near frequencies with a notch frequency at a center in an input signal; a plurality of oscillation extracting filters which are set with different frequency bands as being corresponded to the respective notch filters and extract oscillating components in the set frequency bands from a speed detection signal; and a plurality of notch controlling sections which are arranged with respect to the respective oscillation extracting filters and control the notch frequencies of the corresponding notch filters so as to decrease amplitudes of the oscillating components extracted by the oscillation extracting filters.

Abstract: A torque detection device includes: a torsion bar that couples a first shaft to a second shaft; a magnet that is fixed to the first shaft; and a pair of magnetic yokes that are fixed to the second shaft and that are arranged to face each other in an axial direction. Each of the magnetic yokes includes a yoke ring and a plurality of lugs that are arranged in a circumferential direction on the corresponding yoke ring. Each yoke ring includes an extending portion that extends radially outward from base portions of the lugs, and a bent portion that is bent in the axial direction from a radially outer end portion of the extending portion. The outer size of the pair of magnetic yokes in the axial direction is larger than or equal to the length of the magnet in the axial direction.

Abstract: A servomotor drive device has a first converter, a regenerative resistor circuit having a first switching element and a regenerative resistor, a first connection part configured to connect a second converter in parallel to the regenerative resistor circuit in an attachable and detachable manner, and a first control unit configured to control the on and off states of the first switching element. The second converter has a second switching unit and a second control unit configured to return regenerative energy to an AC power source side by bringing the second switching element into the on state when the second converter is connected to the first connection part.

Abstract: A miniaturizable, low-cost highly reliable inverter unit. A control circuit section for controlling operating timing of high breakdown voltage semiconductor elements included in an inverter circuit section and first and second drive and abnormality detection circuit sections for outputting drive signals for driving the high breakdown voltage semiconductor elements according to the operating timing and for feeding back an abnormality of the inverter circuit section to the control circuit section are formed on an SOI substrate as one integrated circuit chip. On the integrated circuit chip, circuit formation areas which differ in reference potential are separated from one another by dielectrics. A plurality of level shifters for transmitting signals exchanged between circuit formation areas separated by the dielectrics are formed.

Abstract: A battery electric vehicle charging station is disclosed, having grid and vehicle connections with a DC charger and controller that selectively charges the vehicle battery directly with DC power in a first mode and converts DC power from the vehicle battery to drive an inverter in a second mode to provide AC power to a power grid.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems disclosed herein relate to a universal charger which provides a power supply for the charging of OMTP devices and non-OMTP devices based on whether an OMTP mobile communication device or a non-OMTP mobile communication device is connected. A power charging apparatus is provided for charging a mobile communication device. The power charging apparatus includes a connector for connecting to a charging port of the mobile communication device, and a controller coupled to the connector, the controller configured to determine whether the mobile communication device connected to the connector is a non-OMTP mobile communication device or an OMTP mobile communication device, the controller further configured to charge a non-OMTP mobile communication device when a non-OMTP mobile communication device is connected to the connector, and further configured to charge an OMTP mobile communication device when an OMTP mobile communication device is connected to the connector.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for performing charging port detection control are provided, where the method is applied to an electronic device, a communication port of the electronic device has a functionality of obtaining power from an external power source for the electronic device, and a power path switching unit of the electronic device is arranged to control electrical connection between a system within the electronic device and a battery of the electronic device. The method may include the steps of: performing charging port detection; and control operation(s) according to the charging port detection. For example, the method may include: controlling the power path switching unit to have different configuration according to the charging port detection in order to charge the battery with different charging profiles; and detecting the system voltage level during charging for switching from the constant current mode to the constant voltage mode.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a charge/discharge controlling apparatus, including: a charging circuit; a discharging circuit; and a control section configured to control starting and stopping of charging into an electricity accumulating section through the charging circuit and starting and stopping of discharging from the electricity accumulating section through the discharging circuit; the charge/discharge controlling apparatus returning a response, in response to a charging starting instruction received when the electricity accumulating section is in a charging state and to a discharging starting instruction received when the electricity accumulating section is in a discharging state, representing that a process corresponding to the received instruction has been executed.

Abstract: A charge control device includes a current acquisition unit that acquires a charge current value of each battery, and a main charge unit that performs main charge for each battery based on the charge current value acquired by the current acquisition unit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a power supply apparatus, including: a first switch configured to change over electric connection to an electric power generation section; a voltage sensor configured to acquire a magnitude of an input voltage; a control section configured to control the first switch in response to an input from the voltage sensor; and a voltage conversion circuit configured to convert an input voltage into a desired voltage and output the converted voltage, wherein, when the input voltage is lower than a voltage necessary for starting up of the voltage conversion circuit, switching on and off of the first switch are repeated until the input voltage reaches the voltage necessary for starting up of the voltage conversion circuit.

Abstract: A holster for use with a handheld device and a peripheral device is disclosed herein. The holster provides a mating structure for holding a peripheral device so that a mobile device charges the peripheral device. The holster removes the inconvenience of having to charge a peripheral off a battery charger at work or home by permitting the peripheral to charge off the handheld device. The holster can be used with any handheld device and peripheral device, such as a cellular phone and a wireless headset.

Abstract: A universal organizing and charging station apparatus an related method of use for organizing and charging electronic devices, comprising: a bottom surface plane; a substantially vertical rear surface; a top surface which is substantially horizontal running from front to back and side to side; a slanted front surface connecting a front of the bottom surface with a front of the top surface; left and right side surface planes; a plurality of charging cable slots originating on the rear surface, running vertically up the rear surface, continuing over the top surface from back to front, continuing down at least part of the slanted front surface, and terminating on the slanted front surface; a plurality of charger head apertures, one associated with each the slot, disposed upon the rear surface in continuous connection with the associated slot; and an interior access opening between an exterior and interior of the apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a display system incorporating wired and wireless charging apparatuses, including: a switching processing unit supplying and processing a power of a power supply unit according to a mode selected through a switch; a wireless charging unit connected to the switching processing unit and including a pad for wireless charging; a wired charging unit connected to the switching processing unit and a terminal for wired charging; a display unit connected to the switching processing unit; and a control unit connected to the switching processing unit to control operations according to the mode.

Abstract: A wireless power receiver according to an embodiment wirelessly receives power from a wireless power transmitter. The wireless power receiver includes a printed circuit board having a reception space in a predetermined area, a receiving coil disposed in the reception space of the printed circuit board for receiving power from the wireless power transmitter, and a short-range communication antenna disposed on the printed circuit board while surrounding the receiving coil.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a wireless power supply having a plunger for mechanically interconnecting a remote device with the power supply. The plunger may be extendable/retractable to interfit with the remote device. In a second aspect, the present invention provides a wireless power supply with a movable primary that allows for close alignment between the primary and the secondary when the remote device is disposed within a range of different positions with respect to the charging surface. The movable primary may, for example, be coupled to the remote device by a peg, a plunger or a magnet. Alternatively, the position of the movable primary may be adjusted manually. In a third aspect, the present invention provides a charging bowl having a plurality of charging stations disposed about a common axis. Each charging station may include a movable primary that permits some freedom in positioning of the remote device on the charging surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a temperature-controlled external battery charger and standardized, hand-changable battery modules for electric-powered vehicles such as automobiles, trucks, buses, boats, ships, air and spacecraft. Charging a vehicle's batteries in an external charger with a controlled temperature solves the problems of current designs, in which batteries degrade due to charging-induced heating, and must be either charged in the vehicle or must be changed by prohibitively-expensive changing robots. The present invention makes it possible to change vehicle batteries by hand, thereby permitting the vehicle to operate for very long durations by simply changing battery modules. By permitting the batteries to be charged outside of the vehicle the vehicle needs no on-board power source for charging, and need not sit idle for periods of time while its batteries are charging.

Abstract: An electric supply pop up apparatus for use in a generally horizontal surface that has three main sections, first, a permanently installed, weatherproof containment unit where the unit has a bottom, at least one side wall and an open top; second, a moveable tower that has at least one side wall and a cover; and at least one electrical receptacle module installed in said tower; the tower is slideably moveable within the containment unit so that the tower can be raised or lowered within the containment unit such that when the tower is lowered and in a down position the tower is fully secured and enclosed within the containment unit or the tower can be raised to an up position so that the electrical receptacle module is accessible to a user; and where power is available at the electrical receptacle module when the tower is in the up position.

Abstract: A battery control system controls an external charging unit in a vehicle including a vehicle body, engine, motors, secondary battery, and the external charging unit, and includes a degradation detecting unit that detects degradation of the secondary battery, during charging of the second battery by the external charging unit.

Abstract: A battery pack according to the present invention includes a battery, a control unit, a power supply circuit, and a supply source selection unit. The power supply circuit is configured to receive electric power selectively from one of the battery and a charger, and generate a voltage for driving the control unit. The supply source selection unit is configured to select the charger as a power supply source to the power supply circuit when the battery is in a state of being able to supply electric power to the power supply circuit, the battery pack is attached to the charger and it is possible to supply electric power to the power supply circuit also from the charger.

Abstract: A multi-series battery control system comprises a plurality of unit battery cell of which unit consists of multiple battery cells connected in series; a plurality of control IC comprising a control circuit for controlling the unit battery cell; a main controller that sends and receives signal to/from the control ICs via an insulation; means for sending an abnormality signal, which represents the existence or the absence of abnormality of the control ICs or the battery cells, to the main controller from the control ICs, responding to the first signal outputted from the main controller via the insulation; and means for searching contents of the abnormality in the control ICs or the battery cells and sending the abnormality contents signal based on the search, to the main controller from the control ICs, responding to the second signal outputted from the main controller via the insulation.

Abstract: A battery pack includes a battery module including a battery cell and configured to perform a first identification function for enabling a device outside the battery module to recognize characteristics of the battery cell, and a battery management system for controlling operations of the battery cell and configured to perform a second identification function for enabling a device outside the battery management system to recognize a type of the battery management system.

Abstract: A battery pack and a method of controlling the same are disclosed. According to one aspect, when a voltage of a battery pack or a terminal voltage is greater than a predetermined voltage when the battery pack returns from an over-discharge state, an input voltage switch of a direct current (DC/DC) converter is switched on, whereby power is stably supplied to a control unit of the battery pack. When the voltage of the battery pack is less than a predetermined voltage during discharging, a leakage of current to the DC/DC converter from a battery cell is reduced or avoided and consumption of power of the battery cell is reduced or avoided.

Abstract: A nickel-zinc battery includes a battery housing, a nickel oxide positive electrode supported in the battery housing, a metal substrate negative electrode supported in the battery housing, a spacer disposed between the positive and negative electrodes, an electrolyte contained within the battery housing and a means for circulating electrolyte in fluid communication with the housing for circulating the electrolyte between the positive and negative electrodes. The electrolyte contains zinc and the metal substrate is adapted for deposition of the zinc during charging of the battery. The spacer maintains the positive electrode in a spaced relationship apart from the negative electrode.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for equalization of a battery pack that is composed of plural battery cells. The apparatus includes: a cell balancing device equalizing the voltages of the plural battery cells; a battery cell monitor monitoring the voltage and/or current of each battery cell; a correction voltage calculator calculating correction voltage for a subject battery cell that needs to be equalized, based on the monitored voltage and/or current of the subject battery cell, wherein the correction voltage depends on internal resistance of the subject battery cell; and a cell balancing controller determining the subject battery cell. The cell balancing controller corrects target voltage for equalization of the subject battery cell by the calculated correction voltage, and causes the cell balancing device to execute equalization of the subject battery cell so that the monitored voltage of the subject battery cell reaches the corrected target voltage.

Abstract: A storage capacity management system for a battery provided in a vehicle having an electric motor as a drive source includes a deteriorated state estimating unit that estimates a deteriorated state of the battery, a zone setting unit that sets a storage capacity where the battery can be used into a plurality of zones in accordance with a deteriorated state of the battery, a charged state calculating unit that calculates a charged state of the battery, a zone determination unit that determines to which zone of the plurality of zones set by the zone setting unit the charged state of the battery belongs, and a control instructing unit that instructs to execute a control associated with the charge or discharge of the battery in accordance with the zone determined by the zone determination unit.

Abstract: An electricity storage control device that transmits a charging rate of at least one of electricity storage devices to a management device that manages electric power interchange between the electricity storage devices, the electricity storage control device including: a charge information acquisition unit that acquires the charging rate of the at least one electricity storage device as a first charging rate; a communication unit that transmits the first charging rate to the management device; and a control unit that causes the communication unit to transmit, instead of the first charging rate, a second charging rate that charge and discharge determining information defines as the charging rate at which the charge and discharge are prohibited, when the charge and discharge determining information defines the first charging rate as the charging rate at which the charge and discharge are permitted.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and device 700 for determining an expected usage of the device, determining a charge level of a battery 750 associated with the device, and tuning the charge level of the battery by at least one of charging the battery based on the determined expected usage of the device and the determined charge level of the battery, and discharging the battery by changing an operation of the device based on the determined charge level of the battery and the determined expected usage of the device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a charge controlling method, wherein, when charging into at least one of a plurality of charging apparatus each including a battery is to be started, if it is detected that at least one of the charging apparatus is connected or disconnected, then charging into all of the charging apparatus is stopped.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a control apparatus, including: a discrimination section configured to discriminate a plurality of battery units which are to share and output electric power required by a load; and a control section configured to carry out discharge control for the battery units in response to a situation of each of batteries which the battery units individually have.

Abstract: A power tool including: a motor configured to be rotated by a lithium-ion secondary battery; an end tool configured to be driven by the rotation of the motor; and a switch configured to cause power to be supplied from the lithium-ion secondary battery to the motor when being manipulated by an operator, wherein the lithium-ion secondary battery includes a cell having a 14500 size and is configured to rotate the motor such that an output of the motor is sufficient for driving the end tool.

Abstract: A method for charging a battery, in particular a lithium ion battery, be performing the following: charging the battery using a constant charging current in a first phase, charging the battery using a constant charging voltage in a subsequent second phase, ending the charging as a function of a specifiable boundary value of the charging current in the second phase. In this context, the following operations are provided: comparing a guide voltage specified for setting the constant voltage to at least one stored switch-off value determined as a function of the boundary value, and ending the charging when the guide voltage reaches the switch-off value. Also described is a device for charging the battery.