Abstract: Some embodiments include gated bipolar junction transistors. The transistors may include a base region between a collector region and an emitter region; with a B-C junction being at an interface of the base region and the collector region, and with a B-E junction being at an interface of the base region and the emitter region. The transistors may include material having a bandgap of at least 1.2 eV within one or more of the base, emitter and collector regions. The gated transistors may include a gate along the base region and spaced from the base region by dielectric material, with the gate not overlapping either the B-C junction or the B-E junction. Some embodiments include memory arrays containing gated bipolar junction transistors. Some embodiments include methods of forming gated bipolar junction transistors.

Abstract: A motor controller with a reverse-bias preventing mechanism includes a pre-charging unit, a protection unit, a conversion unit and a control unit. The pre-charging unit receives a power signal through a first electric-conduction path, and converts the power signal into a pre-charging signal according to a control signal. The protection unit receives the power signal through a second electric-conduction path, and determines whether to output the power signal, according to the polarity of the power signal. The conversion unit, coupled to the protection unit, receives the power signal outputted by the protection unit, and converts the power signal into a work voltage. The control unit, coupled to the conversion unit and the pre-charging unit, receives the work voltage to generate the control signal. The current of the power signal flowing through second electric-conduction path is smaller than the current flowing through first electric-conduction path.

Abstract: A field device interface module includes a connector, a plurality of terminals, a protocol interface module, a controller and a power supply module. The connector is configured to operably couple to a computer. The terminals are operably coupleable to a field device. The protocol interface module is coupled to the plurality of terminals and configured to generate signals in accordance with a process communication protocol. A power supply module is coupled to the plurality of terminals. The controller is coupled to the protocol interface module and to the power supply module and is configured to measure a voltage across the plurality of terminals and selectively cause the power supply module to provide power to the field device.

Abstract: An apparatus for disinfecting a fluid has a fluid-containing structure; an inward-facing first electrically conductive cylindrical body contained within said fluid-containing structure; an outward-facing electrically conductive-second cylindrical body disposed within said first cylindrical body, in mutually facing parallel and coaxial relation thereto, and spaced apart therefrom to define a fluid-occupiable cavity; a power supply electrically coupled between said first cylindrical body and said second cylindrical body, said power supply producing therebetween an electric field, said field comprising a waveform approximating a series of alternating square wave pulses of opposite polarity, said pulses having a maximum absolute value of approximately 60 volts per centimeter, a complete cycle of said waveform, comprising a first pulse and a succeeding pulse of opposite polarity, recurring with a frequency of between about 2 kHz: and about 5 kHz and providing about 2 amps to about 4 amps.

Abstract: Provided are a charge and discharge control circuit capable of reducing a circuit size, and a battery device. In a charger reverse connection detection circuit (116), a comparison circuit or the like is not used, and two NMOS transistors are used, whereby circuit sizes of the reverse connection detection circuit (116) and a charge and discharge control circuit (110) are reduced. Accordingly, a consumption current is reduced, and a manufacturing cost is also reduced.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a semiconductor device that includes a transistor device having a first, a second, and a third node; and an interconnect structure having at least one wire and the wire having a first and a second end with the first end of the wire being connected to one of the first, the second, and the third node of the transistor device. The wire is conductive and adapted to provide an operating current in a first direction during a normal operating mode, and adapted to provide a repairing current in a second direction opposite to the first direction during a repair mode of the semiconductor device. In one embodiment the transistor device is a bipolar transistor with the first, second, and third nodes being an emitter, a base, and a collector of the bipolar transistor. The wire is connected to one of the emitter and the collector. Method of operating the semiconductor device and current supplying circuit for the semiconductor device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A wiring fault correction circuit for determining wiring conditions of an AC supply system includes: input line and neutral conductors connectable to the AC supply system; output line and neutral conductors connectable to a load; first, second, third, and fourth single pole, single throw relays; a first driver circuit for controlling the first and second single pole, single throw relays to respectively connect the input line conductor to the output line conductor and the input neutral conductor to the output neutral conductor in response to a correctly wired AC supply system; and a second driver circuit for controlling the third and fourth single pole, single throw relays to respectively connect the input line conductor to the output neutral conductor and the input neutral conductor to the output line conductor in response to an incorrectly wired AC supply system in which line and neutral conductors are reversed.

Abstract: An adapter for a handpiece system , especially for use in conjunction with medical and dental light emitting apparatus for the transmission of light to cure photo-polymerisable materials. A device, preferably in the form of an adapter, enables the user to correctly match the polarity of the contacts in the supply hose or conduit with those of the light emitting apparatus.

Abstract: A reverse polarity protected system comprises a voltage source that includes positive and negative terminals. A polarity-sensitive device has a first terminal that communicates with the positive terminal of the voltage source, and that includes a second terminal. A low-resistance switch communicates with the first and second terminals of the voltage source, and communicates with the second terminal of the polarity-sensitive device. The low-resistance switch assumes a conducting state between the second terminal of the polarity-sensitive device and the negative terminal of the voltage source when a first voltage at the positive terminal of the voltage source minus a second voltage at the negative terminal of the voltage source is greater than a threshold voltage. Otherwise, the low-resistance switch assumes a non-conducting state.

Abstract: An alarm device that connects to a circuit using two wires and is actuated when a switch changes the status of the circuit from a normally closed circuit condition to open circuit condition. The alarm device includes a PC board with an electronic buzzer, an electronic signal transmitter and/or a visual indicator, such as a flashing LED, all of which may be enclosed within a case. The circuitry of the alarm device is non-polarized, thereby allowing the two wires to be connected to either terminal connection point in the circuit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a Silicon-On-Insulator (SOI) Metal-Oxide Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor (MOSFET) logic family composed of ratioed logic with intrinsically “on” symmetric fully depleted double-gate (DG) SOI MOSFET load(s) and asymmetric fully depleted double gate MOSFET driver(s).

Abstract: The invention relates to a switching device comprising programmable compensation means which are associated with the input/output connections for inverting the polarity of the input/output connections when said connections present a polarity inversion which is inherent in the conception of the circuits.

Abstract: A polarity correction circuit including a polarity controller and an inversion circuit. The polarity controller is configured to detect an incorrect polarity in a polarity sensitive signal and provide inversion signal in response to the incorrect polarity. The inversion circuit inverts the polarity sensitive signal in response to the inversion signal. A video system consistent including a polarity correction circuit consistent with the invention, and a circuit for correcting mis-wiring of transmit and receive connections are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hard disk drive system having overvoltage protection circuits for various types of overvoltage conditions. For example, the system includes one or more hard disk drive integrated circuit chips residing on a board and a hard disk drive power plug receptacle residing on the board having two different value power supply ports associated therewith. The receptacle is operable to receive a power plug therein, wherein when the power plug is inserted therein in a proper orientation the two different value voltages are properly supplied to the one or more hard disk drive integrated circuit chips, and wherein when the power plug is inserted therein in an improper orientation the two different value voltages are switched with respect to their intended values.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus provides an output with high spatial uniformity of luminance. The illumination apparatus includes a cavity that has reflective surfaces and an output area. At least one light source is disposed in the cavity, with the light source including a point source (such as an LED) and an optical diverter having a flared (e.g., cuspated) reflecting surface. Light from the point source is distributed by the optical diverter towards the reflective surfaces within the cavity. Before exiting the device, light passes through an optical conditioning element that is positioned over the output area of the cavity. The optical conditioning element includes at least a diffuser, such as a translucent film or plastic sheet, and preferably also includes one or more prism sheets such as a brightness-enhancing film.

Abstract: Process for polarizing at least a part of a ferroelectric material in a cylindrical shape having a longitudinal axis, and having an internal conductor inside the cylinder disposed along the longitudinal axis. At least part of said cylinder is placed in a conductive liquid with the cylinder being free from any stresses other than pressure exerted by the conductive liquid. A low frequency AC voltage is then applied between an electrode in contact with the conductive liquid and the internal conductor, and the amplitude of the voltage is increased progressively up to a value such that an electrical field is created having an amplitude greater than a coercive field of polarization Ec of the ferroelectric material.

Abstract: A polarity reversal protective circuit for an electronic power output stage that can be driven via a drive circuit is described. In the case of an incorrect polarization of a supply voltage, power FETs are used in at least one supply terminal to interrupt a connection of the wrongly applied supply voltage to the drive circuit and the power output stage. A definite polarity reversal protection is obtained using a circuit that is improved with respect to cost and space requirement. A single N-channel power FET is looped, with its source-drain path, into the positive supply terminal of the supply voltage. The source terminal of the N-channel power FET is connected with the positive supply terminal. The gate terminal of the N-channel power FET is connected to a collector of a PNP transistor, which is additionally connected to an output of the drive circuit via a current-limiting resistor.

Abstract: A distributed airbag firing system (10) includes a controller (12) receiving sensor signals from a sensor (20) over a two-wire bus (18). The controller provides a firing command over to the two-wire bus to a squib driver circuit (26), which provides the firing current necessary to detonate a squib device (32) and inflate the airbag. The squib driver circuit includes a rectifier (42) with its first and second inputs interchangeably connected to the two-wire bus. The rectifier circuit converts the voltage orientation on the first and second conductors to a positive potential on a first output conductor and a negative or ground potential on a second output conductor. The interchangeability of the first and second inputs of the rectifier to the two-wire bus makes the connection arbitrary and fail-safe.

Abstract: An uninterruptible power supply unit for coupling between an adapter with an adapter connector and an electronic device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention includes a self-contained housing, a backup power supply, and an output switch system. The self-contained housing has an input port for coupling with the adapter connector from the adapter and an output connector extending from the housing for coupling with the electronic device. The backup power supply is located in the housing and provides the backup power. The output switch system is also located in the housing. The output switch system is coupled between the output connector and the input port and the backup power supply and couples the backup power from the backup power supply to the electronic device when incoming power from the adapter fails.

Abstract: An uninterruptible power supply unit for coupling between an adapter with an adapter connector and an electronic device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention includes a self-contained housing, a backup power supply, and an output switch system. The self-contained housing has an input port for coupling with the adapter connector from the adapter and an output connector extending from the housing for coupling with the electronic device. The backup power supply is located in the housing and provides the backup power. The output switch system is also located in the housing. The output switch system is coupled between the output connector and the input port and the backup power supply and couples the backup power from the backup power supply to the electronic device when incoming power from the adapter fails.

Abstract: A polarity reversing circuit having energy compensation may comprise a first inductor connected between the first electrode and a negative terminal of a power supply. The positive terminal of the power supply is connected to the second electrode. A diode and a first capacitor are connected in series across the first inductor so that the cathode of the diode is connected to the first electrode. A second capacitor and a switching device are also connected in series across the first and second electrodes. A second inductor is connected between the switching device and the anode of the diode. A bi-directional converter is connected between the power supply and the second capacitor. The voltage polarity between the first and second electrodes may be reversed by actuating the switching device to switch between a non-conducting state and a conducting state.

Abstract: A circuit for reversing a voltage polarity on a first electrode and a second electrode may comprise a first inductor connected between the first electrode and a negative terminal of an external power supply. The positive terminal of the power supply is connected to the second electrode. A diode and a first capacitor are connected in series across the first and second electrodes so that the cathode of the diode is connected to the first electrode. A second capacitor and a switching device are also connected in series across the first and second electrodes. A second inductor is connected between the switching device and the anode of the diode.

Abstract: A MOSFET is used to protect a battery driven load against the effects of a reverse-connected battery. This invention is particularly suitable for use with loads, such as those commonly found in motor vehicles, which contain semiconductor devices that may be severely damaged by a reverse voltage. The source of the MOSFET is connected to the positive terminal of the battery, and a gate driver circuit is used to provide a gate to source voltage sufficient to turn the MOSFET on when the battery is properly connected. If the battery is connected in reverse, the gate driver turns the MOSFET off, and the intrinsic body-drain diode in the MOSFET prevents a reverse current flow through the load. In conjunction with the MOSFET, a sensing device sends out a warning signal which may be used, for example, to turn off a portion of the load if the output of the battery falls below a level necessary to maintain the MOSFET in a fully on condition.

Abstract: A setting in position identification potentiometer is connected to terminals of the motor. The motor is supplied with a voltage (U.sub.feed) possibly variable and switchable between two reverse polarity states according to rotation direction. The potentiometer has a slider which is connected via a first dividing bridge to input of an analog-digital converter subjected to a reference voltage (U.sub.ref) connected to same possibly variable voltage via a second dividing bridge. Output of the analog-digital converter is connected to an electronic module. The resistor value at the ground of each of the two dividing bridges is respectively equal to a product of the other resistor value by a same multiplying coefficient A.

Abstract: A transformer isolated circuit for driving a semiconductor power switch includes a transformer which is driven with a high frequency Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) signal in such a way that the constantly present PWM carrier supplies the power needed for high gate current pulses, while different duty cycles determine the "on" or "off" state of the power device under control. Transformer saturation is prevented by sensing primary current and returning it to zero once per PWM cycle. Because of the high PWM carrier frequency used, the average transformer power is low, yet the secondary side is able to deliver high pulse currents for fast "on-off" switching of the gate of even the largest N- or P-channel device, without need for auxiliary power supplies. Also included are provisions for extremely fast output current limiting, for use where short circuit protection is necessary. Discussion of a monolithic implementation is included.

Abstract: A polarity inverting circuit includes first and second output voltage transmission circuits, first and second connection circuits, first and second polarity switching time changing circuits, and a controller. The first output voltage transmission circuit is connected to a first signal line to linearly change an output voltage from a first potential to a second potential. The second output voltage transmission circuit is connected to a second signal line to linearly change an output voltage from the second potential to the first potential when an output voltage from the first output voltage transmission circuit reaches the second potential. The first connection circuit connects the first signal line to a second potential source when the output from the first output voltage transmission circuit reaches the second potential. The second connection circuit disconnects the second signal from the second potential source when the first connection circuit is connected to the second potential source.

Abstract: The synchronous serial communication circuit transmits and receives data, which is added flag patterns for recognizing the coil winding direction at the first and last of data block, by the electromagnetic induction system using a pair of coils. So, the circuit provides modulation and demodulation circuits acting at the clock of twice of the transfer speed and a flag check circuit for recognizing the inversion of the coil winding direction by judging a state of the flag patterns included in the received data. The transmitted data is converted into the biphase signal by the modulation circuit and is transmitted by driving the coil using the biphase signal. The signal received by the coil is converted into the received data by the demodulation circuit. When the winding directions of coils does not agree, the flag check circuit recognizes the inversion of the coil winding direction and the received data is inverted by the demodulation circuit.

Abstract: A lamp power control circuit for electric equipment which has a power supply, supplies power to incandescent lamps fitted to operating parts of electric equipment and is provided with a current-direction inverter unit. This current-direction inverter unit inverts the direction of the electric current flowing through an incandescent lamp in response to a signal generated in response to manual operation of the operating parts. Consequently the effect of electromigration on filaments of incandescent lamps is decreased and occurrence of the notching is reduced, thus extending the life of lamps.

Abstract: A protected reversing contactor is disclosed comprising two electromagnets intended to be alternately energized and whose armatures actuate two sets of respective phase switches and two acknowledgement switches mounted respectively in series in the supply circuit of the two coils of the two electromagnets. These two acknowledgement switches are actuated by a transmission system comprising two coaxial rotary shafts disposed end to end and each having an arm adapted to be driven in rotation, in one direction, by one of the electromagnets and a finger cooperating with the acknowledgement switch of the other electromagnet.

Abstract: For the purpose of achieving an efficient and long-lived switching contact making on the basis of a structural design saving space and material, a reversing circuit for direction reversal in the case of direct current drives comprises four single-pole contactors which are arranged in a square and which are provided with coils 1 and with contact bridges 2 as well as four contact pieces 3 for connecting the outer terminals with fixed contacts formed by said contact pieces 3, the contact pieces 3 being arranged on one side of the coils in a square within one plane.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel switch for iontophoresing cation and anion, comprising an on/off switch for power circuit; a selector switch for reversing the output current from an iontophoretic low-frequency oscillator; and a rotary member actuating said on/off- and selector-switches when turned.

Abstract: A power supply having a dual-polarity, automatically switchable high voltage output. The power supply includes apparatus for regulating low voltage including a comparator having a programming voltage input and a feedback voltage input. The low voltage is converted by low voltage dc conversion apparatus to both negative and positive polarity high voltage dc signals proportional to the electronic signal applied to the programming input. Apparatus for switching the high voltage output by remote control is provided such that in a first switching mode the high voltage output is derived from the output of the positive polarity conversion apparatus, and in a second switching mode the high voltage output is derived from the output of the negative polarity conversion apparatus.

Abstract: This invention relates to a battery charger which includes a timer which becomes energized upon a battery approaching a fully charged condition and the timer then commences a preset timed equalization or finishing charge which brings each cell of the battery into a 100% fully charged condition. The battery may remain connected to the charger which includes a restart monitor which causes the charger to automatically re-charge the battery to a fully charged condition when it senses that the battery is losing its charge.

Abstract: The method and apparatus are used for operating a magnetic clutch system of the type which includes a magnetic clutch having a clutch magnetizing coil which can be actuated to couple a first rotatable element to a second rotatable element when voltage is applied across the clutch magnetizing coil and which disengages the second rotatable member when voltage is disconnected from, or connected in reverse polarity across, the clutch magnetizing coil and which can include a brake with a brake magnetizing coil.

Abstract: An electronic switch for use in alarm circuits in which line polarity is reversed in the actuation mode such that the electrical continuity of the circuit and the loads in the circuit may be supervised in series and upon polarity reversal the loads may be actuated in parallel. A first embodiment for Class B circuits uses three diodes to steer a current flow from the positive line to the load and back again supervising each load and a field loop in series. Upon polarity reversal, the diodes steer full terminal voltage to each load in the loop. A second embodiment for Class A circuits utilizes a transistor to short out one diode so that current may flow in either direction along one line in the event of a break in that line.

Abstract: A polarity indicating and reversing unit for connecting a power supply line to a load line, the unit having a polarity indicating lamp for indicating a reverse polarity condition at the load and and a polarity reversing switch for reversing the polarity of the voltage applied to the load and to the polarity indicator so that the polarity indicator also indicates when the reversed polarity condition has been corrected. The application also discloses a polarity indicating and reversing unit for connecting two two-wire plus ground power supply lines each having a neutral and a hot inlet conductor to a single three-wire plus ground load line having a common neutral and two hot outlet conductors. The latter polarity reversing unit has a polarity indicator lamp for indicating when above ground potential is applied to the neutral outlet conductor, and two polarity reversing switches which are selectively operable to reverse polarity of the connections of either of the two inlet lines to the common outlet line.

Abstract: A switch including an input terminal which is electrically connected in use to one pole of an electric storage battery, an output terminal and a movable contact movable between an inoperative position wherein the movable contact is isolated from at least one of the input and output terminals and a operative position wherein the movable contact electrically interconnects the input and output terminals. An electro-magnet winding is provided which, when energized prevents movement of the movable contact to the operative position and the winding and a semi-conductor diode are connected in series between the input terminal and a further terminal which in use is connected to the other pole of the battery.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing a reversible local battery current to provide metering pulses on a two-wire telephone trunk circuit. A DC current supply produces a current of one polarity which is increased from zero to 20 milliamps over a period of 75 milliseconds by charging a capacitor, and decreased from 20 milliamps to zero also over a period of 75 milliseconds by discharging the capacitor. The DC current supply is coupled to the trunk circuit by way of a polarity reversing bridge. In response to a control signal initiating a metering pulse, control circuitry causes the capacitor to discharge, gradually reducing the DC current through the trunk circuit to zero. When the current reaches zero, the control circuitry causes the polarity reversing bridge to reverse the connections of the DC current supply to the trunk circuit. At the same time the capacitor charges, gradually increasing the DC current through the trunk circuit.