Abstract: The described embodiments include a power-management unit that receives and stores a representation of a temperature state of a battery pack from a battery-monitoring mechanism in a battery pack. For example, an interface circuit (such as a single-wire-interface or SWI circuit) may receive the information from the battery-monitoring mechanism via a signal line, and the information may be stored in a memory (such as a non-transitory computer-readable memory). This stored information is then used by a temperature-monitoring mechanism or circuit to determine the temperature state of the battery pack, which may be used to control or gate charging of a battery in the battery pack.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for providing a homopolar generator charger with an integral rechargeable battery. A method is provided for converting rotational kinetic energy to electrical energy for charging one or more battery cells. The method can include rotating, by a shaft, a rotor in a magnetic flux field to generate current, wherein the rotor comprises an electrically conductive portion having an inner diameter conductive connection surface and an outer diameter conductive connection surface, and wherein a voltage potential is induced between the inner and outer diameter connection surfaces upon rotation in the magnetic flux field. The method can also include selectively coupling the generated current from the rotating rotor to terminals of the one or more battery cells.

Abstract: An electricity accumulation device has a dedicated charge terminal that connects to a distributed power generation system such as a solar power generation system and a grid-dedicated discharge terminal that connects to the power grid, a grid-dedicated charge terminal that connects to the power grid and a discharge terminal for discharging to an electric load such as an electric apparatus. The electric power charged to the electricity accumulation device can be made between an electric power generated by the distributed generation and an electric power generated by the power grid, by providing an electric power measurement device for each charge terminal and each discharge terminal that connects to the distributed generation, and thus charge and discharge control can be performed.

Abstract: The charger includes: a connector to be connected to a battery; an identification unit configured to perform an identification process of judging whether the battery being connected to the connector is a compliant battery allowed to be directly connected to the connector or a non-compliant battery allowed to be indirectly connected to the connector, and output a result of the identification process; a main charging unit configured to charge the compliant battery according to a main charging condition appropriate to the compliant battery; an auxiliary charging unit configured to charge the non-compliant battery according to an auxiliary charging condition which does not cause a harmful effect on the non-compliant battery; and a control unit configured to receive the result from the identification unit, and, when the result indicates the compliant battery, activate the main charging unit, and, when the result indicates the non-compliant battery, activate the auxiliary charging unit.

Abstract: A charging system for regulating the temperature of an electronic device. The charging system includes a base having a top surface configured to support the electronic device. The base is configured to draw heat away from the electronic device. The base may include at least one channel disposed along the top surface. A charger is operable to electrically charge the electronic device and a blower is configured to blow air along the channel so as to facilitate cooling of the electronic device during charging operations.

Abstract: The invention provides a gunstock for BB bullet gun, comprising a gunstock body, a battery compartment provided in the gunstock body for holding a rechargeable battery, and a rear cover arranged at the rear end of the body, wherein the battery compartment is provided at the front end thereof with a fast locking conductive device; the rear cover is provided with a charging coil for charging the rechargeable battery; the charging coil contacts the rechargeable battery via a conductive elastic plate. The charging mode is changed because the rechargeable battery in the art is replaced by a wireless rechargeable battery. The battery does not need to be dismantled and taken out when charging, so that the charging becomes simple and easy to be operated. In addition, the fast locking conductive device arranged at the front end of the battery compartment and the conductive elastic plate arranged on the rear cover overcome the defects of space occupation and disorder caused by a relatively long wire needed in the art.

Abstract: To satisfy the NFC communication standard in wireless charging with a shared antenna, used for NEC communication. A power supply unit includes a voltage step-down circuit 331, a charge control circuit 332, and a communication controller power supply circuit 333. The voltage step-down circuit includes a switching regulator 200, and a selection circuit 206 and 208 which can select an output path PT1 of the switching regulator and a bypass path PT2 of the switching regulator. The voltage step-down circuit includes a selection control circuit 207. The selection control circuit supplies voltage to the communication controller power supply circuit via the bypass path at the time of activating the communication controller. Since the output voltage of the series regulator stabilizes in a shorter time than the switching regulator, it becomes possible to keep the time from when RF power rises to when initial communication becomes possible, within standards.

Abstract: A wireless charging system can optimize charging efficiency regardless of a location of a mobile terminal. The wireless charging system wirelessly charges a mobile terminal using electromagnetic induction between a first coil included in a charging pad and a second coil included in the mobile terminal. The charging pad can detect a location of the mobile terminal on the charging pad. The charging pad can move the first coil to correspond to the detected location of the mobile terminal; and supply power to the first coil and charging a battery.

Abstract: An in-vehicle charger includes a case whose one face having an opening, a lid that covers the opening of the case in an openable and closable manner, a charging coil that is provided in an inner portion of the case facing the lid, and an urging portion that is provided on an inner surface side of the lid and urges a mobile device disposed in the case toward the charging coil.

Abstract: According to the present invention, the wireless power transmitting device for transmitting power wirelessly includes: a signal processing unit for processing a communication signal to communicate with an external device; a wireless power transmitting unit for outputting a predetermined amount of wireless power to the external device and transmitting/receiving the communication signal to/from the external device; and a control unit for controlling the signal processing unit to generate a detection signal for detecting an external device in order to output the generated detection signal to the wireless power transmitting unit, to allocate an ID to an external device which outputs an authentication signal on the basis of the time at which the authentication signal is received upon receiving the authentication signal according to the detection signal, and to generate the communication signal having the ID to be outputted to the external device in order to output the generated communication signal to the wireless

Abstract: A charging coil body includes a base and a charging coil mounted on the base. The base has long-side side through-holes penetrating toward long-sides of the rectangular installation area and short-side side through-holes penetrating toward short-sides of the rectangular installation area. Both end portions of a first driving shaft passing through the long-side side through-holes are connected to the first pinions which are meshed with the long racks. Both end portions of a second driving shaft passing through the short-side side through-holes are connected to the second pinions which are meshed with the short racks.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an electric vehicle charging station comprises a body attached to a base, wherein the base is operably connected to a deflector mechanism, wherein the body moves from a rest position disposed along a major axis of the electric vehicle charging station to an impact position, with an articulation angle disposed therebetween, upon an impact having a force greater than or equal to 5 kiloNewtons.

Abstract: An exemplary charging system and method for controlling a fast charging process involving an external power source (e.g., a high-voltage charging station providing 10 kW-300 kW of power) and a plug-in electric vehicle. In one embodiment, the charging method uses a costing function to estimate the negative impact each fast charging session has on battery life. If the overall negative impact of past and/or present charging sessions has exceeded some threshold, then the charging method may reduce charging parameters (e.g., limit the charging amperage, voltage, power, duration, etc.) in an effort to avoid further diminishing the battery life. Thus, the charging system and method enable a user to frequently engage in fast charging sessions with an external power source, yet minimize the impact that such sessions have on the battery.

Abstract: A method of charging a traction battery, in particular of a motor vehicle, from an external AC power supply system, in particular a three-phase power supply system. The traction battery to be charged is coupled, via an inverter, to an electric alternating-field machine in such manner that the AC power supply can be connected to the phase windings of the alternating-field machine. During a first step, the rotational speed of the alternating-field machine is synchronized with the frequency of the AC power supply, and during a second step, the AC power supply is connected to the phase windings of the alternating-field machine and the inverter, electrically coupled to the alternating-field machine, is operated as a step-up converter.

Abstract: An intelligent identification charging method includes the steps of: monitoring the voltage signal at the detection pin of the connector; generating a first voltage control signal according to the voltage signal at the detection pin; regulating the output voltage according to the first voltage control signal; and outputting the output voltage via the first charging pin of connector. A corresponding voltage is output by gathering a signal at the detection pin of the connector, and controlling the voltage according to the gathered signal at the detection pin so as to charge for the different electronic devices, which solves the problem that power adapters of all kinds of electronic products are not matched with each other. The intelligent identification charging device can be compatible with the connection of a USB interface, so that it can charge for the electronic device by the USB connector.

Abstract: A battery management system can be provided which can include a plurality of battery management units connected in series and a host controller. Each battery management unit can include a battery cell, an isolation element, and at least one bypass element. The isolation element is connected with the battery cell in series, and the battery cell is isolated by turning off the isolation element. The bypass elements can be in parallel connection with the battery cell and isolation element, and the battery cell is bypassed by turning on the bypass element. A battery management method can include: activating the battery cell of the battery management unit by turning on the isolation element and turning off the bypass elements of the battery management unit; and deactivating the battery cell of the battery management unit by turning off the isolation element and turning on the bypass elements of the battery management unit.

Abstract: A power supply method for an universal serial bus apparatus is provided. The USB apparatus includes an upstream port module and a plurality of downstream port modules. The power supply method comprises the following steps: setting a maximum charging port number for the downstream port modules according to the connection configuration between the upstream port module and a host, and the condition of power supply from an external power supply; detecting the coupling condition of the electronic apparatuses to the downstream port modules so as to customize a specific charging specification for one of the electronic apparatuses; respectively providing a plurality of power to the electronic apparatuses according to the specific charging specification and the maximum charging port number. Thus, the electronic apparatuses enable to be charged with maximum charging currents and operate normally under the USB specification without being affected.

Abstract: An energy storage system is provided. The system includes a plurality of energy storage modules connected in parallel. Each energy storage module has an energy storage source, a bidirectional current converter configured for supplying charge to the energy storage source from a power source and for discharging current for use by an electrical device, a monitoring module for monitoring the energy storage source and the current converter, and a controller configured to control the current converter based upon monitored characteristics of the storage source and the current converter to produce a respective output signal for each module. A communications module is in connection with each output signal of the energy storage modules and configured for communicating a combined output signal with one of the power source and the electrical device.

Abstract: A safety device includes a discharge device for discharging an electric energy store in response to a deformation of the energy store, that is impending or has occurred.

Abstract: A battery system is disclosed. The battery system includes a plurality of battery cells, and a battery cell balancing unit, configured to adjust voltages across each of the battery cells to reduce variation among the voltages across the battery cells. The battery cell balancing unit includes a controller configured to receive a DC reference current and to generate an AC current based on the DC reference current, a transformer, a rectifier circuit including a rectifier connected to the output coil, and a switching unit including a plurality of switches, each configured to selectively connect the rectifier to one of the battery cells.

Abstract: In a device for controlling an assembled battery provided with a plurality of single batteries, the device includes a capacity adjustment section for adjusting a capacity such that voltages of the single batteries are equalized at a targeted voltage, an internal state detection section for detecting terminal voltages or SOC of the single batteries and for detecting, based on the detected terminal voltages/SOC, a voltage/SOC difference among the single batteries as voltage-difference/SOC-difference data, and a time-series data storage for storing the voltage-difference/SOC-difference data in time-series. Also provided is a prediction section for more appropriately predicting time when the assembled battery becomes an abnormal state, based on a time-dependent change in the voltage-difference/SOC-difference data detected in a voltage/SOC region different from the targeted voltage by a predetermined voltage, among the stored time-series voltage-difference/SOC-difference data.

Abstract: A discharge circuit for increasing discharge time of battery includes a discharging IC and a delay discharge circuit. When the discharging IC detects any voltage input, a minimum operating voltage of the discharging IC is set to 6.3V, when the discharging IC detects no voltage input, the minimum operating voltage of the discharging IC is set to 5.5 V. The delay discharge circuit is connected with a system voltage via a first current-limiting resistance, to make the discharging IC unable to detect any voltage input when only a battery is used as power source, thereby the minimum operating voltage of the discharging IC is set to 5.5V.

Abstract: A lithium-ion battery is provided and related methods. The lithium-ion battery includes an electrode comprising an Olivine flake-like structure and an electrode comprising a plurality of coated carbon nanofibers. The Olivine flake-like structures form clusters through which the lithium ions are transported while reducing initial cycle irreversibility. The electrode comprising the coated carbon nanofibers additionally reduce initial cycle irreversibility by controlling expansion of the substrate forming the electrode comprising the coated carbon nanofibers.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring energy using onboard power electronics comprises a first energy storage device configured to output a DC voltage and a DC bus coupled to the first energy storage device, the DC bus coupleable to a high-impedance voltage source. The apparatus also comprises a braking resistor coupled to the DC bus and to a control circuit, and a controller. The controller is configured to control the control circuit to cause on the DC bus to be dissipated through the braking resistor during a regenerative braking event, cause the first energy storage device to receive a charging energy from the high-impedance voltage source through the braking resistor during a charging event, and after a threshold value has been crossed, cause the first energy storage device to receive the charging energy from the high-impedance voltage source bypassing the braking resistor during the charging event.

Abstract: An exemplary charge indicator circuit indicates the state of charge of a battery. The charge indicator circuit includes a connection jack, an indicator module, a voltage detection module, a charger IC, and a path connection module. The indicator module includes an indicator. The indicator is on when the battery is being charged. The voltage detection module is to output a first response signal when the connection jack is connected to the power supply. The charger IC is to manage the charging of the battery, and output a low level signal when a condition of the battery is satisfied. The path connection module is in a shunt circuit of the indicator module, and enables the shunt circuit of the indicator module to cause the indicator to be on when the voltage detection module outputs the first response signal and the charger IC outputs the low level signal.

Abstract: A battery charger voltage control method dynamically adjusts the system voltage generated by a battery charger circuit based on the operating conditions to ensure that sufficient power is supplied to power up the circuitry of the electronic device when the battery charger circuit is connected to a current-limited power source and the battery of the electronic device is deeply depleted or is missing. In embodiments of the present invention, the battery charger voltage control method sets the system voltage to an elevated voltage value to maximize the energy transfer from the power source to the circuitry of the electronic device. In this manner, the battery charger voltage control method enables a near instant boot-up of the electronic device, even under the operating conditions where the battery of the electronic device is deeply depleted or missing and the switching battery charger circuit can only receive power from a current-limited power source.

Abstract: A generator comprises first and second field coils whose combined magnetic flux causes stator current within one or more stator windings which, when rectified via a rectifier circuit, produces rectified output current with reduced voltage fluctuations. A filter circuit extracts the AC component of the rectified output current and delivers it to the second field coil. The magnetic flux generated by the second field coil modifies the magnetic flux of the first field coil effectively cancelling the voltage ripples associated with the rectified output current of the generator.

Abstract: A power supply circuit for supplying electrical energy in an aircraft, the circuit including a power supply generator configured to be driven in rotation by the engine of the aircraft to power electrical equipment of the aircraft engine. The power supply generator includes an asynchronous machine connected to an excitation device. The asynchronous machine includes a rotor configured to be driven in rotation by the engine and a stator connected to the electrical equipment. The excitation device is configured to cause a reactive current of flow in the stator.

Abstract: A method for damping power oscillation in a power system includes generating synchronized generator speed signals by time stamping a plurality of generator speed signals. The synchronized speed signals are transmitted to a control station for determining power oscillations in the power system. The control station provides damping control signals to a plurality of damping devices based on power oscillations in the power system.

Abstract: A modular multilevel converter system. The system includes a plurality of series connected two-terminal M2LC cells arranged into at least two output phase modules. A first one of the output phase modules has an inductance and an effective capacitance associated therewith. The first one of the output phase modules is configured so that a natural resonant frequency of the inductance with the effective capacitance of the first one of the output phase modules is greater than at least one of the following: an operating frequency of the first one of the output phase modules; a switching frequency of the first one of the output phase modules; and a switching frequency of any of the M2LC cells of the first one of the output phase modules.

Abstract: A signal generation circuit includes: a clock signal generator configured to generate a clock signal and to change a frequency of the clock signal in response to a select signal; a transmission control circuit configured to control transmission of the clock signal based on the select signal; and a counter configured to perform an operation among a count operation and a count stop operation based on an output signal of the transmission control circuit and to output the select signal based on a result of performing the operation. When the counter performs the count operation in response to the clock signal output from the transmission control circuit, the counter outputs a most significant bit (MSB) among its count bits as the select signal.

Abstract: In a boost converter operation, a first voltage that is independent of an input voltage of the boost converter is preset in the boost converter, having an increased voltage level compared to the input voltage, as the setpoint output voltage, as long as the input voltage is below a first voltage threshold value, which is lower than the first voltage. As soon as the input voltage exceeds the first voltage threshold value, a second voltage that is a function of the input voltage is preset, having a lower voltage level compared to the input voltage, as the setpoint output voltage. As soon as the input voltage drops below a second voltage threshold value, which is lower than the first voltage, the first voltage is again preset as the setpoint output voltage.

Abstract: An immediate response low dropout regulation system includes a low dropout regulation unit, a tracking voltage generation unit, and a self-driving unit. The low dropout regulation unit is used for generating and outputting an inner output voltage according to a reference voltage. The tracking voltage generation unit is used for generating and outputting a tracking voltage according to the reference voltage. The self-driving unit is coupled to the low dropout regulation unit and the tracking voltage generation unit. When a voltage difference between the tracking voltage and the inner output voltage is greater than a constant times threshold voltage, the self-driving unit provides a compensation current to an output terminal of the low dropout regulation unit.

Abstract: A programmable voltage to current converter is described that is highly linear and may be implemented with a compact MOSFET switching network. With this design, the power consumption is also minimized. The programmable voltage to current converter comprises a switch network comprising one or two sets of N switches and one or two sets of N resistors, an op amp, and a current buffer MOSFET. The output current is independent of the characteristics of the one or two sets of N switches. To implement a single-ended converter, the switch network comprises one set of N resistors and one set of N switches. To implement a differential-ended converter, the switch network comprises two sets of N resistors and two sets of N switches.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for providing a high efficiency bypass circuit for multi-stage direct current to direct current (DC-DC) converters used in battery powered systems. When the system is operating in a battery mode, the vehicle power source is unplugged from the power supply input connector and the external battery is connected in its place. The system uses a relay to bypass the flyback converter so as to connect the boost converter output directly to the output terminals. The system uses a single control signal to: 1) energize the relay connecting the boost converter output directly to the output terminals, 2) adjust the boost converter circuit to cause the boost converter to deliver a voltage equal to what the flyback converter would have delivered, and 3) disable the flyback converter.

Abstract: Provided is a voltage regulator having improved transient response characteristics even when a load current is switched from a light load to a heavy load. The voltage regulator includes, to a gate of a detection transistor constituting an output current detection circuit: a resistive element for interrupting the gate of the detection transistor from an output terminal of a differential amplifier circuit in an AC manner; and a capacitive element connected to an output terminal of the voltage regulator in an AC manner.

Abstract: Provided are a low pass filter circuit having a small output voltage shift caused by a substrate leakage current at high temperature, and a voltage regulator using the low pass filter circuit, which has a small output voltage shift at high temperature. In a low pass filter circuit using a PMOS transistor as a resistive element, a back gate terminal of the PMOS transistor is set to have a higher voltage than a source of the PMOS transistor. Further, in a voltage regulator incorporating the low pass filter circuit to an output of a reference voltage circuit, the voltage of the back gate terminal of the PMOS transistor which is higher than that of the source thereof is generated by the reference voltage circuit.

Abstract: There is provided a regulator circuit capable of increasing the capacity of the output transistor for supplying current, stably generating an internal power supply voltage and adapting to the reduction of a power supply voltage. The regulator circuit includes an output transistor which is supplied with an external power supply voltage and supplies dropped voltage to an internal circuit, a differential amplifier for outputting a gate potential applied to the gate of the output transistor, a reference voltage generating circuit for supplying a reference voltage to the differential amplifier, and a cut-off transistor for turning off the output transistor to stop supplying power to the internal circuit. The output transistor is comprised of a depression NMOS transistor whose threshold voltage is a negative voltage. The regulator circuit further includes substrate potential control means for controlling the substrate potential of the depression NMOS transistor.

Abstract: A power supply device includes a power supply circuit and a power information generation part. The power supply circuit performs voltage conversion in which an input voltage applied to a voltage input terminal is converted into a voltage having a predetermined voltage value, and outputs the voltage obtained as a result of the voltage conversion to a voltage output terminal. The power supply circuit includes a switching part for, by a switching operation thereof, chopping a voltage of the voltage input terminal side, and a control circuit that controls the switching operation of the switching part. The power information generation part generates power information concerning power that is outputted from the voltage output terminal based on a content of the switching operation.

Abstract: A power supply controller produces a compensation value based at least in part on: an estimated or known output capacitance of the power supply, a specified rate of changing a magnitude of the output voltage as specified by the voltage setting information, and/or a load-line resistance of the power supply. The power supply controller utilizes the compensation value to adjust a magnitude of the output voltage during a voltage transition in which the output voltage is changed from an initial output voltage setting to a target output voltage setting at a pre-specified rate.

Abstract: Voltage supply and method having a first reference and a second reference. The first reference has an operation mode configured to supply a first reference voltage at a first accuracy and consume an operation power and a standby mode configured to consume standby power less than the operation power. The second reference is configured to supply a second reference having a second accuracy less than the first accuracy of the first reference and which consumes a second reference power less than the operation power of the first reference, the second reference voltage being trimmable based, at least in part, on a comparison of the first reference voltage to the second reference voltage.

Abstract: Power source, in particular for use in a databus in public means of transportation, wherein the power source has a first transistor (T2), and wherein in a normal operating mode of the power source the current (IA) which is conducted through the first transistor (T2) is determined by a first resistor (R3) at the emitter of the first transistor (T2), is characterized with respect to safe operation accompanied by the smallest possible space requirement and lowest possible manufacturing costs in that a temperature-dependent resistor (RV1) is thermally coupled to the first transistor (T2) and that the temperature-dependent transistor (RV1) is connected to the power source in such a way that when the temperature of the first transistor (T2) is rising the temperature-dependent resistor (RV1) influences the voltage across the first resistor (R3) and thereby brings about a reduction in the output current (IA) of the power source.

Abstract: An initial voltage generation circuit includes a reference voltage generator, a reference voltage selector, at least one initial voltage level regulator, and a plurality of stabilization capacitors. The reference voltage generator generates a plurality of reference voltage candidate groups. The reference voltage selector includes a plurality of selection switch groups and a plurality of switch control circuits. Each selection switch group includes a plurality of parallel switches. Each switch control circuit corresponds to a selection switch group for generating a switch signal to control the selection switch group to output a reference voltage candidate of a corresponding reference voltage candidate group. Each initial voltage level regulator generates an inner reference voltage according to a power-up signal, and a stabilization capacitor corresponding to the initial voltage level regulator is used for stabilizing the inner reference voltage.

Abstract: An apparatus, comprising a load; an output FET having a drain coupled to the load; a first and second of a pair strong FETs, wherein: a) a source of the first of the pair of the strong FETs is coupled to the load; b) a drain of the first pair of the strong FETs is coupled to the source of the second of the of the pair of the strong FETs; the drain of the second pair of the strong FETs is coupled to a gate of the output FET; and a fixed current mirror is coupled to the gate of the first of the pair of the strong FETs.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for regulating a voltage profile of an electric power delivery system. According to some embodiments, a system may include a remote voltage regulating device configured to regulate voltage profile by selecting among a plurality of taps on a remote transformer and an associated a remote voltage regulator controller in communication. The remote voltage regulator controller may calculate remote voltage regulation information and may transmit the remote voltage regulation information to a local voltage regulator controller. The local voltage regulator controller may be in communication with a local voltage regulating device configured to regulate the voltage profile of a local portion of the electric power delivery system by selecting among a plurality of taps on a local transformer. The local voltage regulator controller may be configured to receive the remote voltage regulation information and generate a tap change command for the local voltage regulating device.

Abstract: A method and a device for counting energisation events. The device comprises a connector member for connecting to an energisable element; a sampling module coupled to the connector member, the sampling module configured to detect energisation of the energisable element; a count module coupled to the sampling module, the count module configured to count a number of detected energisation events of the energisable element.

Abstract: In an integrated optical circuit, light from a light source is polarized and coupled to a first and second strip waveguide. A waveguide coupling element couples the two optical signals from the two strip waveguides to different polarization modes of an optical fiber line. The optical fiber line is connected to a measuring head, which reflects the optical signal and in which a phase difference between the two optical partial signals is modulated in a magnetic field. In the waveguide coupling element, the reflected signal is split into two optical partial signals having the same polarization and the phase difference between the two partial signals is determined. A phase modulator device provides for closed-loop operation. Compared to fiber-optical concepts, the number of splices is reduced.

Abstract: A power supply monitoring system for monitoring power supplied to electronic components is disclosed. The power supply monitoring system includes a monitoring bus, a monitoring module, an interrupt module, and a data storage module. The monitoring bus is connected to electronic components. The monitoring module monitors variations of levels of power supplied to the electronic components via the monitoring bus. The interrupt module interrupts the monitoring module when the monitoring module monitored the variations of levels of power supplied to the electronic components. The data storage module is connected to the interrupt module. The interrupt module stores the variations of levels of power supplied to the electronic components into the data storage module when the interrupt module is interrupted.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a roller for an input device, where the roller's absolute angular position is measured by a magnetic encoder. A magnet is attached to the roller, possibly inside the roller so as to make the embodiment more compact. In one embodiment, the magnetization is simple and low cost. Further, tight tolerances are not required, and such a system is easy to manufacture. In one embodiment, the sensor is covered by any non-ferromagnetic material, to protect it from foreign particles, and to reduce ESD. In one embodiment, the wheel consumes much less power than conventional wheels in input devices. In one embodiment, the tilting of the wheel is measured using the same sensor that is used for measuring the rotation of the wheel. In one embodiment, a ratcheting feel provided to the user when rotating the wheel is synchronized with the rotation signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the inspection of electrically conductive components is described. The described apparatus comprises a sensor module having a magnetiser unit suitable for generating a variable DC magnetic field within the test component and an eddy current probe. The variable DC magnetic field and eddy current probe are configured to perform a partial saturation eddy current test upon the test component. The eddy current probe further comprises a magnetic field sensor that provides a means for measuring the permeability within the test component. Employing the magnetic field sensor provides apparatus that is more accurate and flexible in its modes of operation since such sensors provide a means for the actual permeability of a material being tested to be measured. The described methods and apparatus find particular application in the inspection of tubular components used in the oil and gas exploration and production industries.