Abstract: A solid-state lighting fixture assembly having a lighting fixture with a socket configured to receive a plug associated with one or more accessories to allow for easy in-field mounting of accessories, e.g., controls, onto installed lighting fixtures. The socket may be internally electrically connected to an auxiliary power output of a driver and/or to a battery power pack within the lighting fixture assembly, thereby providing direct-current voltage power for the accessory and, also, allowing for signal transmission to and from the accessory. Each accessory includes one or more sensors and communication components to provide the connected lighting fixture assembly with specific capabilities including, but not limited to, motion detection, ambient light level detection, ambient temperature measurement and wireless communications.

Abstract: A solid-state lighting fixture assembly having a lighting fixture with a socket configured to receive a plug associated with one or more accessories to allow for easy in-field mounting of accessories, e.g., controls, onto installed lighting fixtures. The socket may be internally electrically connected to an auxiliary power output of a driver and/or to a battery power pack within the lighting fixture assembly, thereby providing direct-current voltage power for the accessory and, also, allowing for signal transmission to and from the accessory. Each accessory includes one or more sensors and communication components to provide the connected lighting fixture assembly with specific capabilities including, but not limited to, motion detection, ambient light level detection, ambient temperature measurement and wireless communications.

Abstract: A system for controlling a plurality of power converters in a power system so as to turn each of the plurality of power converters into an ON state or an OFF state as a function of a sensed input power and a sensed output power such that one or more of the plurality of power converters in the ON state are operating in an optimal power efficiency range.

Abstract: A switching power stage for producing an output voltage to a load may include a configurable switched mode power converter and a controller. The power converter may include a power inductor, a plurality of switches arranged to sequentially operate in a plurality of switch configurations, and an output for producing the output voltage, the output comprising a first output terminal and a second output terminal. The controller may be configured to, for at least one range of magnitudes of the output voltage, control the plurality of switches to operate in at least three switching phases per switching cycle of the power converter in order to generate the output voltage, wherein switching cycles of the power converter are substantially approximately equal in period and control the plurality of switches to apply for each of the at least three switching phases a respective switch configuration of the plurality of switch configurations.

Abstract: In an apparatus for controlling switching operations of switching elements of a power converter to convert input power to output power, a drive controller is configured to generate a drive control instruction indicative of predetermined switching operations of the switching elements, and output the drive control instruction. A driver is configured to drive, in accordance with the drive control instruction, the switching elements, so that the switching elements perform the predetermined switching operations. A switching speed adjuster is configured to obtain at least information indicative of atmospheric pressure, and adjust a switching speed of each of the switching elements such that the switching speed of the corresponding switching element decreases with a decrease of the atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: An electronic device with a cooling function includes a cap nut, a case, a semiconductor unit, a second bus bar for external output, and a connecting bolt. The case includes a side wall and a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the case has a coolant passage and a recessed portion to receive the cap nut. The coolant passage is open to above and is generally U-shaped. The recessed portion is positioned in a position surrounded by the coolant passage and the side wall of the case, and the cap nut is received in the recessed portion. The semiconductor unit includes a first bus bar that extends from the semiconductor unit. The semiconductor unit is fixed to the case in a posture and position that closes off the coolant passage from above. The second bus bar passes through the side wall of the case.

Abstract: A light source unit may be disposed at a first posterior side location of a server computing device. The light source unit may be configured to at least provide lighting to a posterior side of the server computing device via one or more light emitting diodes. The light emitting diodes may be coupled to at least a second posterior side location of the server computing device. The light source unit may include a first universal serial bus (USB) interface configured to receive a first end of a USB cable. The USB cable may be configured to connect to a power source at a second end. The power source may be for use in providing power to the light emitting diodes.

Abstract: A method of controlling a brushless motor. The method includes measuring a temperature of the motor, adjusting a control value in the event that the measured temperature is lower than a threshold, and exciting a winding of the motor. The control value is then used to define an attribute of excitation, and the adjustment to the control value reduces the input power of the motor.

Abstract: A positive-electrode connecting plate (66) that connects positive-electrode terminals (28, 36, 48) of a plurality of power converter circuits is provided with slits (100, 102). The positive-electrode connecting plate has a positive-electrode bus bar portion (78) on which a first inverter corresponding region (94) that is connected to the positive-electrode terminal (36) of a first inverter as one of the power converter circuits via a positive-electrode connecting piece (80a), a second inverter corresponding region (96) that is connected to the positive-electrode terminal (48) of a second inverter as one of the power converter circuits via a positive-electrode connecting piece (80b) and a boost converter corresponding region (98) that is connected to the positive-electrode terminal (28) of a boost converter as one of the power converter circuits via a positive-electrode connecting piece (80c) are defined.

Abstract: High voltage high current regulator circuit for regulating current is interposed between first and second terminals connected to an external circuit and comprises at least one main-current carrying cold-cathode field emission electron tube conducting current between the first and second terminals. First and second grid-control cold-cathode field emission electron tubes provide control signals for first and second grids of the at least one main-current carrying cold-cathode field emission electron tube for positive and negative excursions of voltage on the first and second terminals, respectively. The current regulator circuit may be accompanied by a voltage-clamping circuit that includes at least one cold-cathode field emission electron tube.

Abstract: An inverter for a vehicle is disclosed. The inverter for the vehicle illustratively includes: a power module provided with a power semiconductor device; a cooling module coupled to the power module and flowing a coolant therethrough; and a capacitor module mounted at the cooling module through a mounting unit and adapted to absorb a ripple current of the power module.

Abstract: A power conversion device having a battery heating function includes a battery, a converter, a temperature sensor, and a controller. The converter is coupled between the battery and a DC link. The temperature sensor measures a temperature of the battery. The controller controls the converter based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor so that the battery repeats charging and discharging during the battery heating mode, thereby heating the battery.

Abstract: An emergency power system for operation during loss of power on power mains comprises a spring-driven energy storage unit (ESU) and a generator. The ESU enters a generator mode responsive to a power outage state of a power sensor, during which mode unwinding of the spring drive powers the generator. After power is restored to the mains, a preferred embodiment automatically rewinds the spring using the generator as a motor.

Abstract: A Voltage Source Converter having at least one phase leg connected to opposite poles of a direct voltage side of the converter and comprising a series connection of switching elements including at least one energy storing capacitor and configured to obtain two switching states, namely a first switching state and a second switching state, in which the voltage across said at least one energy storing capacitor and a zero voltage, respectively, is applied across the terminals of the switching element, has semiconductor chips of said switching elements arranged in stacks comprising each at least two semiconductor chips. The converter comprises an arrangement configured to apply a pressure to opposite ends of each stack.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for capturing cosmic background radiation and for converting cosmic background radiation into electricity. An antenna is configured so as to capture cosmic background radiation. An electrostatic electron multiplier is connected to the antenna. A high voltage power supply is connected to the electrostatic electron multiplier whereby cosmic background radiation is converted to electricity.

Abstract: The vehicle-use power supply control apparatus is for controlling transmission of electric power between a vehicle-mounted power supply apparatus including switching elements turned on and off in accordance with manipulation signals and an external power supply located outside the vehicle. The vehicle-use power supply control apparatus includes a control section to output an electric power transmission command signal depending on an electric power transmission request signal received from an external device, and a manipulation signal generating section to generate the manipulation signals based on the electric power transmission command signal received from the control section. The control section is configured to operate in order that noise sound generated due to switching operation of the vehicle-mounted power supply apparatus is within an audio frequency range.

Abstract: The Desk Top items with LED means has USB-unit(s) or USB-Module to charge other electric or digital device(s) which offer people to charge smart phone or electric & digital data device from near by place items to quick charge other device(s) while people work, rest, stay. The said desk top items with LED means offer people including illumination, visual effects, smell, airflow, liquid, food, sound, music, digital data outputs and put items near by people stay or locations so add the said USB-unit(s) or USB-Module on the said Desk Top items with LED means will easily to allow people to get desired power source from USB-unit(s) or USB-Module's output end(s) to charge the items at most convenient near-by place than before. The said items may in group of combination selected from LED lamp, light fixture, air freshener, air fan, liquid device, food device, radio, music device, sound device, clock, weather station, electric photo frame, or any conventional available electric items with LED means.

Abstract: In a power supply apparatus for supplying a target power supply voltage to a microprocessor, a system controller sets the target power supply voltage to be supplied to the microprocessor based on a voltage configuration signal outputted from the microprocessor and outputs a voltage setting signal corresponding to the target power supply voltage. The regulator circuit generates the target power supply voltage set by the system controller based on the voltage setting signal outputted from the system controller and supplies the voltage to the microprocessor 10. The system controller acquires the conditions of the microprocessor, such as the operating time and temperature of the microprocessor and the amount of computation in the microprocessor, and reflects the acquired conditions on the setting of the power supply voltage.

Abstract: A method of evaluating a power plant having a design life based on operating the plant within an allowable chemical exposure range includes accumulating a history of a chemical exposure of a steam generating portion of the power plant. The method also includes determining a remaining life of the plant based on the history of the chemical exposure and assuming continued operation of the plant within the allowable chemical exposure range. The method may also include evaluating an economic value of operating the plant based on the remaining life of the plant.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an adapter connection structure, which comprises a first converter and a second converter. The first converter is connected to at least one input terminal to receive an input power and converts the input power into a transitional power. The second converter is connected to the first converter via a transit cable to transmit the transitional power, converts the transitional power into a DC output power and outputs the DC output power via a DC power cable. As the transitional power transmitted from the first converter to the second converter is in form of a high-voltage and high-frequency AC power or a high-voltage DC power, the power transmission loss in the transit cable is reduced. Therefore, the present invention not only can reduce transmission loss but also can adopt a less expensive cable. Thus is reduced the total cost of buying and using the adapter.

Abstract: An electrical switching device having a plurality of parallel coupled IGBTs is provided. The electrical switching device balances electrical currents in each of the IGBTs that are supplied to a load.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a capacitor mounting type inverter unit having a cooling block, an inverter including a plurality of phases of switching circuits provided on the cooling block, and a smoothing capacitor. The inverter unit includes a cover having a first recess for accommodating the inverter and a second recess for accommodating the smoothing capacitor. The second recess has a depth larger than that of the first recess. The second recess is filled with resin in the condition where the smoothing capacitor is accommodated in the second recess.

Abstract: A technique performed by a transformer-coupled DC-DC converter is described for recovering energy, due to leakage inductance in the transformer. A main power supply, providing a power supply voltage to a Vin terminal, is intermittently coupled to the primary winding of the transformer by a switching transistor. When the switching transistor is turned off, creating a voltage spike in the primary winding due to leakage inductance, the spike is conducted by a forward biased diode and filtered by a capacitor. The voltage at the capacitor (Vc) is then applied as an input voltage to a small pulse width modulated (PWM) regulator. The output of the PWM regulator is coupled to the Vin terminal along with the main power supply. The PWM regulator regulates the input voltage Vc to be a predetermined amount above the power supply voltage. Since the voltage spike energy is used to create the input voltage for the PWM regulator, and the output of the PWM regulator is fed back into the Vin terminal, the energy is recovered.

Abstract: A solar backpack comprising: a backpack; a solar panel assembly attached to the top half of the backpack, wherein the solar panel assembly protrudes at an angle between 5 and 45 degrees above the front portion of the backpack to allow the user to walk and charge their batteries at the same time; a battery contained in the backpack and in electrical communication with the solar panel; an interchangeable battery recharge cord for recharging external battery operated devices.

Abstract: A device and method for dynamically optimizing a power converter is disclosed. The dynamically optimized power converter unit includes a processor that maximizes efficiency of a power converter supplying energy to a load.

Abstract: Techniques in which a 1st force, field, or effect caused by a Casimir effect is converted into a 2nd force, field, or effect. The 1st force, field, or effect might be distinct from the 2nd force, field, or effect only in the net vector or might be distinct in other ways. For example, the distinction might involve substituting a torque for a linear force vector or converting a force, field, or effect associated with the Casimir effect into movement or into an electric, magnetic, or electromagnetic force, field, or effect. These changes preferably are caused by an independent element placed proximate or between to the Casimir effect surfaces. Preferably, the torque causes rotation (i.e., spinning) of an element. This rotation is significantly different from prior-art embodiment because energy does not have to be put back into the system to “reset” the structures.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for converting energy from the electromagnetic quantum vacuum available at any point in the universe to usable energy in the form of heat, electricity, mechanical energy or other forms of power. By suppressing electromagnetic quantum vacuum energy at appropriate frequencies a change may be effected in the electron energy levels which will result in the emission or release of energy. Mode suppression of electromagnetic quantum vacuum radiation is known to take place in Casimir cavities. A Casimir cavity refers to any region in which electromagnetic modes are suppressed or restricted. When atoms enter into suitable micro Casimir cavities a decrease in the orbital energies of electrons in atoms will thus occur. Such energy will be captured in the claimed devices. Upon emergence form such micro Casimir cavities the atoms will be re-energized by the ambient electromagnetic quantum vacuum.

Abstract: A current/charge-voltage converter having an operational amplifier and a first capacitor connected between the input terminal and the output terminal of the operational amplifier, comprising a first switch which has one end connected to this input terminal, a first signal source that generates control signals for the first switch, a second capacitor connected to the first capacitor, and a second signal source connected to the other terminal of the second capacitor.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the illustrative method defines an engine cycle comprising several state changes that allow for a net gain of energy from an underlying source force field. The potential for a net energy gain via the method results from the discovery that a Casimir force system can be rendered non-conservative. This is done by appropriately altering one or more of a variety of physical factors that affect the Casimir force, or by altering any of a variety of environmental factors that affect such physical factors. In various embodiments, the extracted energy is stored, used to power energy-consuming devices or used to actuate a micromechanical device. In one embodiment, the method is implemented using an energy extraction apparatus that comprises two spaced Casimir force-generating boundaries that are operatively coupled to an energy transformation system. The energy transformation system includes a first device that is operable to alter at least one physical factor of the system.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the illustrative method defines an engine cycle comprising several state changes that allow for a net gain of energy from an underlying source force field. The potential for a net energy gain via the method results from the discovery that a Casimir force system can be rendered non-conservative. This is done by appropriately altering one or more of a variety of physical factors that affect the Casimir force, or by altering any of a variety of environmental factors that affect such physical factors. In various embodiments, the extracted energy is stored, used to power energy-consuming devices or used to actuate a micromechanical device. In one embodiment, the method is implemented using an energy extraction apparatus that comprises two spaced Casimir force-generating boundaries that are operatively coupled to an energy transformation system. The energy transformation system includes a first device that is operable to alter at least one physical factor of the system.

Abstract: An electrical power conversion system for converting power from one voltage to another, especially for converting a higher-voltage, direct current electrical power system, such as a thirty-six volt to forty-two volt (36V-42V) direct current system for vehicles, into a voltage acceptable for powering lower voltage equipment, such as those using twelve volt to fourteen volt (12V-14V) DC vehicle electrical power systems is disclosed. The invention provides the ability to control the operating states of the loads by coupling a control signal to the vehicle's electrical power bus. The invention can take advantage of current or future DC-to-AC inverter or DC-to-DC converter technology and anticipated vehicle electrical systems to devise a electrical power conversion and control system meeting the needs of various vehicle loads.

Abstract: To improve the conversion efficiency of a power converter in a solar cell module in which a solar cell module main body containing a solar cell is integrated with a power converter for converting the output power from the solar cell module main body, a material having small thermal conductivity is used as a member (205) of a protective case for protecting the power converter to be fixed to the solar cell module main body containing the solar cell, thereby preventing easy conduction of heat from the solar cell module main body heated to high temperatures to a power conversion circuit (201). A material having large thermal conductivity is used as a member (206) of a protective case for fixing the power conversion circuit (201), thereby allowing easy radiation of heat generated in the power conversion circuit (201).

Abstract: According to one example embodiment, a power-supply system describing a bi-directional flyback topology includes two flyback converters working in opposite directions. Current flowing from a power supply unit to an apparatus is converted from a mains input in the power supply unit to a rectified output current fed to the apparatus via a two-lead cable. In the opposite direction, a secondary control circuit, situated in the apparatus, including a secondary switch causes excess current to be fed back to the power-supply unit where primary control circuitry reacts to stabilize the current fed to the apparatus. The primary control circuitry serves to minimize the amount of energy received from the feedback. The excess current in the apparatus is determined by monitoring the voltage and the current in the apparatus is load. If the measured parameters are too high, transfer of more energy back to the power-supply unit will be performed.

Abstract: A modular apparatus for and method of alternating current photovoltaic power generation comprising via a photovoltaic module, generating power in the form of direct current; and converting direct current to alternating current and exporting power via one or more power conversion and transfer units attached to the module, each unit comprising a unitary housing extending a length or width of the module, which housing comprises: contact means for receiving direct current from the module; one or more direct current-to-alternating current inverters; an alternating current bus; and contact means for receiving alternating current from the one or more inverters.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the illustrative method defines an engine cycle comprising several state changes that allow for a net gain of energy from an underlying source force field. The potential for a net energy gain via the method results from the discovery that a Casimir force system can be rendered non-conservative. This is done by appropriately altering one or more of a variety of physical factors that affect the Casimir force, or by altering any of a variety of environmental factors that affect such physical factors. In various embodiments, the extracted energy is stored, used to power energy-consuming devices or used to actuate a micromechanical device. In one embodiment, the method is implemented using an energy extraction apparatus that comprises two spaced Casimir force-generating boundaries that are operatively coupled to an energy transformation system. The energy transformation system includes a first device that is operable to alter at least one physical factor of the system.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus is provided for supplying power and communications within a first piping structure. An external power transfer device is positioned around the first piping structure and is magnetically coupled to an internal power transfer device. The internal power transfer device is positioned around a second piping structure disposed within the first piping structure. A main surface current flowing on the first piping structure induces a first surface current within the external power transfer device. The first surface current causes a second surface current to be induced within the internal power transfer device.

Abstract: An isolated switching-mode power supply with a volt-second clamp circuit is provided. A control circuitry for an isolated switching-mode power supply includes a transformer having a primary winding electrically connected to voltage supply terminals and a secondary winding for providing an output voltage, a volt-second clamp circuit electrically connected to the primary winding for controlling conduction and non-conduction states of the primary winding so as to achieve a maximum volt-second product limit of an input voltage at the primary winding, and a voltage feedback controller electrically connected to the volt-second clamp circuit for generating a feedback signal with reference to a magnitude of the output voltage and then modulating the volt-second product of the input voltage at the primary winding to stabilize the output voltage.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the illustrative method defines an engine cycle comprising several state changes that allow for a net gain of energy from an underlying source force field. The potential for a net energy gain via the method results from the discovery that a Casimir force system can be rendered non-conservative. This is done by appropriately altering one or more of a variety of physical factors that affect the Casimir force, or by altering any of a variety of environmental factors that affect such physical factors. In various embodiments, the extracted energy is stored, used to power energy-consuming devices or used to actuate a micromechanical device. In one embodiment, the method is implemented using an energy extraction apparatus that comprises two spaced Casimir force-generating boundaries that are operatively coupled to an energy transformation system. The energy transformation system includes a first device that is operable to alter at least one physical factor of the system.

Abstract: It is an object to enhance a breakdown voltage without requiring a complicated manufacturing process while maintaining a stable operation. A control signal (A) output from an MCU (11) is transmitted to a driving circuit (3a) for driving a power switching element (1a) of an upper arm through two-stage level shift circuits. The level shift circuit in a first stage is constituted by a series circuit of a switching element (13) and a resistive element (14), and the level shift circuit in a second stage is constituted by a series circuit of a switching element (16) and a resistive element (17).

Abstract: An electric drive system for launches and sailboats utilizing standard three-phase industrial motors, directly driving low speed propellers without the use of gearboxes. The motor is driven with a standard industrial inverter and is operated in the constant torque mode to achieve the desired shaft horsepower at 30% to 40% of full motor rating. The inverter is powered by a battery bank of a series connected cells achieving a nominal voltage of 300 VDC which feeds the DC bus of the inverter directly.

Abstract: Engine driven turbines respectively drive separate propulsion and service ternators to supply power to propulsion motors and service equipment on naval combat ships through propulsion and service controls. Rechargeable batteries are connected through the service controls to the service alternators and to service loads through dc bus lines. The propulsion controls interconnect the propulsion motors with the propulsion alternators to which the electrically operated weapons are also connected through rectifiers and a pulse forming network.

Abstract: An embodiment of the the present invention is a computer system comprised of a main computer circuit having an interruptible CPU, a control program stored in memory connected to the CPU with interrupt procedures, and a power supply that has a mainspring and winder, a generator, a regulator, a power supply, and an internal battery. The power supply is able to accept electrical power from the generator-regulator combination, house current (line voltage) through a standard outlet plug, and the battery. A user is able to input his own kinetic energy into the system by turning a winding key. The action is similar to winding up a large windup alarm clock. A pair of detectors connected to the mainspring sense when the mainspring is fully wound and when it is almost unwound. The unwound condition will interrupt the CPU and one of the interrupt procedures will bring the system to a controlled shut-down. The fully-wound condition will cause the system to be re-enabled to run normally.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for converting high frequency zero point electromagnetic radiation energy to electrical energy. The system includes a pair of dielectric structures which are positioned proximal to each other and which receive incident zero point electromagnetic radiation. The volumetric sizes of the structures are selected so that they resonate at a frequency of the incident radiation. The volumetric sizes of the structures are also slightly different so that the secondary radiation emitted therefrom at resonance interfere with each other producing a beat frequency radiation which is at a much lower frequency than that of the incident radiation and which is amenable to conversion to electrical energy. An antenna receives the beat frequency radiation. The beat frequency radiation from the antenna is transmitted to a converter via a conductor or waveguide and converted to electrical energy having a desired voltage and waveform.

Abstract: Optical energy is conveyed through a region and is subsequently converted to electrical energy when it reaches the area of its intended use. Spatially multiplexed laser light is transmitted through an optical fiber to convey the energy through the area. Several light beams or several light beam paths may be used to convey a plurality of beams of light energy into an area either simultaneously or sequentially. Typically, two light beams enter the fiber at different angles of incidence, resulting in a first annulus of laser light that impinges on a first photocell and a second annulus of laser light that impinges on second photocell. This sequence continues alternately with the electrical outputs of the two photocells being coupled to a step-up transformer to provide electrical power for a system of interest, and or the energy being directed to a communication circuit for removing intelligence signals therefrom.