38th week of 2014 patent applcation highlights part 92 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20140268366 | ZOOM LENS AND IMAGE PICKUP DEVICE INCLUDING THE SAME - A zoom lens includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens unit having a positive refractive power, a second lens unit having a negative refractive power, a third lens unit having a positive refractive power, and a fourth lens unit having a positive refractive power, and is configured to move the second lens unit, the third lens unit, and the fourth lens unit during a zooming operation to change an interval between adjacent lens units. A moving amount of the second lens unit during a zooming operation from a wide angle end to a telephoto end, a focal length of the second lens unit, and transverse magnification of the third lens unit at the wide angle end and the telephoto end are individually set appropriately. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268367 | IMAGING LENS AND IMAGING APPARATUS - An imaging lens includes: a first lens group; an aperture stop; and a second lens group having a positive power, in this order from an object side. The first lens group includes a first lens having a negative power and a second lens having a positive power. The imaging lens satisfies Conditional Formulae (1), (2), and (3): | 2014-09-18 |
20140268368 | Optical device for beam shaping - The invention concerns an optical device and its application to generate an adjustable wave front deformation of a laser beam and thus to generate an adjustable beam spot geometry in the focal plane of laser optics. For this purpose, a device is provided which allows adjusting and modifying a laser beam in such a way that a beam spot, the shape of which can be adjusted continuously based on the original focal shape, is generated after focusing the beam, i.e. at least one dimension parameter of the shape of the beam spot has to be variable and adjustable so that the beam parameter product of the beam can also be modified without having to modify the focal position. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268369 | MINIATURE IMAGE PICKUP LENS - A miniature image pickup lens includes a first lens, a second lens, an aperture, a third lens, a fourth lens, and a fifth lens in sequence along an optical axis from an object side to an image side. The first lens is a negative meniscus lens with a convex aspheric surface toward the object side and a concave aspheric surface toward the image side. The second lens has both aspheric surfaces including a convex surface toward the object side. The third lens is a positive biconvex lens. The fourth lens is a positive biconvex lens. The fifth lens is a negative lens with a concave surface toward the object side. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268370 | LENS SYSTEM FOR REDIRECTING LIGHT RAYS WITHIN A FIELD OF VIEW TOWARD A FOCAL PLANE - A system for displaying an anamorphic image on a viewing surface comprises a screen having a viewing surface and an image source configured to display the anamorphic image on the viewing surface such that an image viewed on the viewing surface appears undistorted from a viewing point. In addition, the system may also include a reflective lens having a convex exterior surface and a refractive lens having a plurality of surfaces to redirect light toward an image capture device. Further, the system may include an image conversion module for converting a non-anamorphic image into the anamorphic image suitable for displaying on the viewing surface and a selected portion of the anamorphic image into at least one non-anamorphic image. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268371 | Apparatuses and Methods to Image Surfaces with Small Spot-Size and Large Field of View - Apparatuses and methods to image a flat surface with a spot-size that is about less than or equal to the wavelength of an incident planar electromagnetic wave, and with large field of view, are disclosed herein. More specifically, the apparatuses and methods disclosed herein utilize two hemispheres comprised of one or more dielectric materials to produce the Fourier transform of an incident planar electromagnetic wave onto a flat surface located in a projection plane. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268372 | WAFER LEVEL DEVICE AND WAFER LEVEL LENS WITH CONCAVE AND CONVEX MODELING - An exemplary wafer level device includes a first wafer and a second wafer. The first wafer has a concave modeling, and the second wafer has a convex modeling, wherein the first wafer and the second wafer are combined together by the concave modeling being engaged with the convex modeling. An exemplary wafer level lens includes a first wafer level lens and a second wafer level lens. The first wafer level lens has a concave modeling, and the second wafer level lens has a convex modeling, wherein the first wafer level lens and the second wafer level lens are combined together by the concave modeling being engaged with the convex modeling. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268373 | COMFORTABLE FINGER MOUNTED OPTICAL DEVICE - A comfortable finger mounted optical device requiring an optical device, at least one bonding holder, strap, or elastic band sized to receive any finger(s) or thumb, and a base plate or case. The comfortable finger mounted optical device can have many different variations including, but not limited to, the incorporation of split rings, straps, elastic bands, sleeves, Fresnel lens, or pivotal or slidable lens assemblies. In addition, the comfortable finger mounted optical device can have various attachments including, but not limited to, advertisements, an elastic cover, or LED's. This device is useable, convenient, as well as comfortable and snug-fitting. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268374 | LENS ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING THE SAME - A lens assembly is disclosed, which includes a base and a lens barrel. The base has a front edge, a back edge opposite to the front edge and a passage penetrating the front edge and the back edge. The lens barrel is disposed in the passage and includes a lens and a lens holding member holding the lens, wherein an outer surface of the lens holding member is in contact with an inner wall of the passage, and at least one of the inner wall of the passage and the outer surface of the lens holding member includes a smooth surface, arranged such that a thrust force applied on the lens barrel while assembling the lens assembly causes a sliding movement between the base and the lens barrel on the smooth surface. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268375 | DEVICE FOR CHANGING OPERATING FORCE OF LENS DEVICE - An outer tube body of a device for changing operating force is connected to a gear part of a zoom ring of a lens barrel to rotate the outer tube body together with the zoom ring. The outer tube body has a cylindrical shape and includes a hollow part into which an inner tube body whose rotation is restricted is arranged. Grease is interposed in a gap is formed between an inner peripheral surface of the outer tube body and an outer peripheral surface of the inner tube body. A load caused by viscosity resistance of the grease is applied against rotation of the outer tube body together with the zoom ring. The inner tube body can be displaced in a direction of the center axis so that area of a sliding contact region between the outer tube body and the inner tube body is changed. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268376 | OPTICAL SYSTEMS FOR MOBILE ELECTRONIC DEVICES - Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to an optical system with a mounting component, a light conveyance member, and an optical component. The mounting component may be removably attached to a mobile electronic device, and light entering the optical component may be conveyed to an onboard camera of the mobile electronic device via the light conveyance member. Additional embodiments disclosed herein relate to a protective case with a light conveyance member and an optical component. The protective case may be removably attached to a mobile electronic device, and light entering the optical component may be conveyed to an onboard camera of the mobile electronic device via the light conveyance member. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268377 | Ultrathin Coating for One Way Mirror Applications - Systems and methods for improving the performance of one way mirror applications are disclosed. Methods consistent with the present disclosure include introducing a glass substrate into a processing chamber. The processing chamber comprises a sputter target assembly disposed over the substrate. Next, depositing metal silicide material within a plurality of site-isolated regions on the substrate to form a metal silicide coating within each region. Notably, each metal silicide coating has a thickness between 0.001 and 0.5 microns. Finally, evaluating results of the metal silicide coating formed within the plurality of site-isolated regions. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268378 | Drag Reducing Mirror Assemblies for Vehicles - A side-view mirror assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The mirror assembly may generally include a mirror housing configured to support a mirror. The mirror housing may define an airfoil shape have a first side surface and a second side surface extending between a forward edge and an aft edge. In addition, the mirror housing may be movable between a first position, wherein the mirror housing is aerodynamically aligned with an airflow flowing past the vehicle, and a second position, wherein the mirror reflects a rearwardly extending side-view of the vehicle. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268379 | MIRROR BRACKET FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - A mirror bracket supports a mirror. A mirror bracket includes a base and an attachment member for attaching the base to a vehicle. A member moves relative to the base. The member is movable in a rotational or linear direction. The member is urged opposite to the rotational or linear direction. The member includes a mirror receiver where the mirror is coupled to the member. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268380 | Adaptively Correctable Light Weight Mirror - A light weight minor comprising a reflecting element adapted to receive shape adjustments or corrections from an actuated frame. Shape adjustments may be as simple as a uniform curvature, although saddle or higher order shapes are also possible. The frame may execute such adjustments by varying tension or by torsion, with variations applied either locally or uniformly. The frame may be configured to contact a membrane reflector either from one or both sides. Thermal and piezoelectric examples of actuation means are provided along with methods of controlling the shape of said mirrors. To suppress the occurrence of possible vibrations, said mirrors are also provided with eddy current vibration damping means. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268381 | OPTICAL MODULE FOR A MICROLITHOGRAPHY OBJECTIVE HOLDING AND SUPPORTING DEVICES - Disclosed is an optical module for a lens, especially a microlithographic apparatus, comprising a first holding device with an inner circumference that extends in a first circumferential direction, and at least one first supporting device which is fastened to the inner circumference of said first holding device and is used for supporting a first optical element, an annular circumferential first assembly space being defined by displacing the first supporting device once in a revolving manner along the first circumferential direction. At least one second supporting device which is fixed to the inner circumference of the first holding device is provided for supporting a second optical element, an annular circumferential second assembly space being defined by displacing the second supporting device once in a revolving manner along the first circumferential direction. The first assembly space intersects the second assembly space. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268382 | Clear Shot Mirror Mount - Clear Shot Mirrors are side view mirrors that are unique because the angles of the mirror base where the mirror head mounts, as well as the angle of the mirror spacer plate under the base, are different. These angles are changed to maximize inward adjustability of each mirror head, eliminating the passenger side blind spot that exists in standard mirrors currently on the market. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268383 | REACTION COMPENSATED TILT PLATFORM - A reaction compensated tilt platform assembly comprises a support base, and a reaction mass, pivotally coupled to the support base. A tilt platform which can function as or support a mirror is pivotally coupled to the support base. At least two linear actuator coil assemblies are carried by the reaction mass. At least two linear actuator magnet assemblies are carried by the tilt platform and are disposable within the at least two linear actuator coil assemblies. The linear actuator magnet assemblies taper from a larger diameter toward a center of the magnet assembly to a smaller diameter toward an end of the magnet assemblies. Actuation of the linear actuator magnets results in pivotal movement of the tilt platform relative to the reaction mass. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268384 | Method of Fabricating A Color Filter Array Using a Multilevel Structure - A method of fabricating a color filter array including providing substrate, forming a multilevel structure that is attached to the substrate, etching the multilevel structure to expose first wells in the multilevel structure, filling at least the first wells in the multilevel structure with the first color component, curing the first color component, etching the multilevel structure to expose second wells in the multilevel structure, filling at least the second wells in the multilevel structure with a second color component, and curing the second color component. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268385 | SELF-POSITIONING LIGHT FILTERING DEVICE AND REPLACEABLE FILTER - A self-positioning light filtering device including a rotational bearing having concentric outer and inner components rotatable relative to one another. The inner component defines an opening for receiving the tip or other component of a light-emitting device. A transparent filter member filters optically harmful light emitted from the light-emitting device. The filter member and the inner component of the rotational bearing are rotatable relative to one another. A counterweight below the rotational bearing causes the filter member to remain in an upright position when the inner component of the rotational bearing rotates relative to the outer component. A replaceable filter member for the filtering device is also disclosed. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268386 | FLY-HEIGHT CONTROL AND TOUCHDOWN DETECTION - An embedded contact sensor (ECS) element for fly-height control and touchdown detection. An embedded contact sensor (ECS) element with a resistance that changes with a temperature change, which senses a clearance change between a head slider and a disk of a disk drive. A resistance measurement section, within said head IC, that determines a value of direct current resistance (DCR) of said ECS element, wherein said value of DCR changes with a temperature change, wherein said temperature change is caused by an air bearing cooling and frictional induced heating at a head disk interface. A resistance slope to fly-height conversion section that dynamically determines a target fly-height value for said head slider over said disk based on changes in said value of DCR. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268387 | DETECTION OF ADJACENT TRACK INTERFERENCE USING SIZE-ADJUSTABLE SLIDING WINDOW - Technologies are described herein for detecting adjacent track interference in a storage device using a size-adjustable sliding window. A value for an inter-track interference factor associated with at least one adjacent track is determined for a first area of a data track of the storage device. The first area may encompass a plurality of sectors of the data track. Next, it is determined whether the value of the calculated inter-track interference factor is greater than a threshold value, and if so, an indication of inter-track interference corresponding to the first area is stored in the storage device. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268388 | RECORDING APPARATUS AND RECORDING APPARATUS CONTROL METHOD - A recording apparatus includes a head unit, which includes a driver, and a recording data transmitter that transfers recording data to the head unit via a signal line. The recording apparatus further includes a switching unit in the head unit that switches a driving signal applied to the driver between conductive and nonconductive states based on the transferred recording data, a partition signal output unit in the recording data transmitter that outputs a partition signal that partitions a data signal of the recording data to the head unit in response to switching by the switching unit, and a data selector in the head unit that selects data to be discarded from the transferred recording data based on the partition signal. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268389 | Systems and Methods for Enhanced Sync Mark Mis-Detection Protection - The present inventions are related to systems and methods for data processing, and more particularly to systems and methods for detecting patterns in a data stream. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268390 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRANSITION BASED EQUALIZATION - Systems, methods, devices, circuits for transition based equalization. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268391 | DATA SEQUENCE DETECTION IN BAND-LIMITED CHANNELS USING COOPERATIVE SEQUENCE EQUALIZATION - A method for detecting a data sequence includes generating a sample stream, which is a time-sequenced digital signal associated with samples of an analog signal. The sample stream is input to n equalization filter banks, which each have m equalization filters to generate m equalized sample streams. The m equalized sample streams from each equalization filter bank are input to a corresponding one of n noise predictive filters. Each noise predictive filter is an m-tap noise predictive filter that receives the m equalized sample streams from a corresponding one of the n equalization filter banks. Each noise predictive filter is associated with one of n data patterns. A filtered equalization stream is generated by each noise predictive filter. Noise sample streams are generated using the filtered equalization streams generated by the n noise predictive filters. A data sequence is detected using the noise sample streams. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268392 | DATA DETECTION IN ADJACENT TRACKS - Devices and/or methods may detect data located in adjacent tracks. A signal representative of a first data unit having a higher signal-to-noise ratio may be detected prior to a signal representative of a second data unit having a lower signal-to-noise ratio, and then may be used to improve the signal representative of the second data unit. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268393 | LOGICIAL BLOCK PROTECTION FOR TAPE INTERCHANGE - A two part process is used for modifying records to be written and retrieved from tape devices. A record is appended with a cyclic redundancy check and a string of zeros. Submitting the entire record to tape drives which are logical block protection enabled will result in no change. For drives that are not LBP enabled, the string of zeros at the end of the record is removed. In addition to determining whether a drive is LBP compliant, a determination may be made as to whether a drive is a linear tape open drive from a particular manufacturer. Linear tape open drives may behave similarly as drives which may not be enabled with logical block protection. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268394 | Shingled Magnetic Recording with Variable Track Spacing - Apparatus and method for writing data to a data storage medium using shingled magnetic recording (SMR). In accordance with some embodiments, a transducer is positioned adjacent a recording medium. The transducer is used to write data to the medium in the form of partially overlapping tracks grouped together into bands so that a first track and a last track in a selected band are wider than remaining tracks in the selected band. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268395 | QUIET FIELD AND SYNCHRONIZATION FIELD DATA FORMAT - Data format that allows for format-efficient data storage, particularly on bit-patterned media. The data format allows for variations in the data storage device, such as reader-to-writer gap variations. A medium can also have at least a pair of a synchronization field and a quiet field with a length greater than a length of the synchronization field. These can be implemented in a bit patterned media system. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268396 | DATA INTERSECTOR GAPS FOR DATA SECTOR FORMAT - A data format that allows for format-efficient data storage, particularly on bit-patterned media. The data format uses an intersector gap that is dimensioned relative to a physical dimension of a transducer. Further described is a data storage medium comprising transducer overhead, such as an intersector gap, interleaved with fragment overhead. Also described is a storage medium comprising intersector gaps that each include a write splice and extra symbols. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268397 | Hardware Support of Servo Format with Two Preamble Fields - A hard disk drive uses a second, reference burst field in a preamble to estimate burst phase and burst magnitude. Such estimations are used for position error signal integration and repeatable runout correction. Gain error is also derived from such estimations. Information contained in a preamble field is used in conjunction with the reference burst phase estimation to synchronize servo address marks. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268398 | Method And Apparatus To Reduce Access Time In A Data Storage Device Using Coded Seeking - Data blocks to be stored on a disk-based data storage device (e.g., a hard disk drive, etc.) are coded together to form a plurality of linearly independent network coded blocks. The network coded blocks are then stored on the data storage device. Coded seeking may then be used to retrieve the original data blocks from the data storage device in a time-efficient manner. A read request may be sent to the data storage device requesting an innovative coded packet associated with the original data blocks. In response to the read request, the data storage device may read an innovative coded packet from the disk that is closest to current position of a read element of the device. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268399 | READING ORDER SEARCH METHOD AND PROGRAM FOR RECORDING GROUPS ON TAPE - The present invention provides a search method used to search for the reading order of a plurality of recording groups when the plurality of recording groups written on tape are continuously read by a tape drive which manages data on tape in recording units having a fixed data length for each recording. This search method includes the steps of: receiving information on a plurality of tape groups to be read; and sorting the plurality of recording groups to be read so the reading time is shortened. In the sorting step, the time required to sort the plurality of reading groups is reduced by combining two or more recording groups into a single object to be sorted in the sorting step when at least two or more contiguous recording groups have been assigned to the same region or are assigned across adjacent regions among the plurality of regions. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268400 | Systems and Methods for Loop Feedback - The present inventions are related to systems and methods for data processing, and more particularly to systems and methods for performing loop feedback in a data processing system. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268401 | Systems and Methods for P-Distance Based Priority Data Processing - The present inventions are related to systems and methods for data processing, and more particularly to systems and methods for priority based data processing. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268402 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR OPTIMIZED STAGGERED DISK DRIVE SPINUP - An array may comprise a plurality of disk drives and a controller coupled to the plurality of drives. The controller may be configured to initiate spin-up of one or more first disk drives of the array; determine when each of the first disk drive(s) of the array for which spin-up was initiated reaches a predetermined spin rate that is less than a target spin rate at which the disk drive is ready to process data access commands; and initiate spin-up of one or more second disk drives of the array as the first disk drive(s) is determined to have reached the predetermined spin rate. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268403 | TAPE FRICTION MEASUREMENT - According to one embodiment, a method includes determining whether a primary velocity is valid and/or in a steady state; averaging a velocity error over a predetermined time period upon determining the primary velocity is valid and/or in a steady state; and calculating a new friction value based on the averaged velocity error. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268404 | MICROWAVE-ASSISTED MAGNETIC RECORDING (MAMR) HEAD WITH HIGHLY RESISTIVE MAGNETIC MATERIAL - In one embodiment, a high-frequency magnetic field-assisted magnetic recording (MAMR) head includes: a yoke adapted for facilitating magnetic flux through the MAMR head; a main pole magnetically coupled to the yoke and adapted for producing a writing magnetic field; a return pole spaced from the main pole; a spin torque oscillator (STO) positioned above the main pole; and a back gap layer positioned between the yoke and the return pole, where at least one of the yoke, the main pole, the return pole, and the back gap layer comprises a highly resistive magnetic material. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268405 | CPP-TYPE MAGNETORESISTANCE EFFECT ELEMENT AND MAGNETIC DISK DEVICE - A magnetoresistive effect element that prevents a recording medium from deteriorating by effectively inhibiting erroneous writing to a medium or the like includes a magnetoresistive effect part, and an upper shield layer and a lower shield layer that are laminated and formed in a manner sandwiching the magnetoresistive effect part from above and below, and is in a current perpendicular to plane (CPP) structure in which a sense current is applied in a lamination direction. The magnetoresistive effect part includes a nonmagnetic intermediate layer, and a first ferromagnetic layer and a second ferromagnetic layer that sandwich the nonmagnetic intermediate layer from above and below, the upper shield layer and the lower shield layer have inclined magnetization structures in which magnetizations of them are respectively inclined with respect to a track width direction, the magnetizations of the upper shield layer and the lower shield layer are mutually substantially orthogonal, the first ferromagnetic layer is indirectly magnetically coupled with the upper shield layer via a first exchange coupling function gap layer that is positioned between the first ferromagnetic layer and the upper shield layer, and the second ferromagnetic layer is indirectly magnetically coupled with the lower shield layer via a second exchange coupling function gap layer that is positioned between the second ferromagnetic layer and the lower shield layer. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268406 | In Situ Sensor Based Contact Detection - Apparatus and method for positional sensing and control. In accordance with some embodiments, a transducer is positioned adjacent a recording medium. The transducer includes a write element, a read element, a heater and a thermally responsive sensor. Power is applied to the heater to establish a selected fly height of the transducer relative to the medium. A contact event between the transducer and the medium is detected responsive to an accumulated plural count of pulses in a bias signal obtained from the thermally responsive sensor. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268407 | HEAD TO MEDIA PROXIMITY DETECTION - In one implementation, a method and apparatus is provided for determining an active fly height setting for a transducer head from samples collected from a proximity sensor during less than a single revolution of a disc. Implementations of the method and system use adaptive discrete wavelet transform parameters generated from the collected samples to determine an active fly height setting for a transducer head. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268408 | AZIMUTH ACTUATED DUAL DEVICE SET POSITIONING - A device for recording and/or reading data to and/or from a magnetic tape includes a read/write head which has a first device set including a first plurality of magnetic data write and/or read elements and a second device set including a second plurality of magnetic data write and/or read elements. The device also includes a lateral positioning actuator and an azimuth actuator. The lateral positioning actuator and azimuth actuator are used together to position both device sets on the magnetic tape. The lateral positioning actuator laterally positions the read/write head such that during write and/or read operations the first and second pluralities of magnetic data write and/or read elements align laterally to first and second pluralities of recordable and/or readable data tracks on the magnetic tape. The azimuth actuator rotates the read/write head about an azimuthal angle. such that the elements align to lateral spacings. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268409 | DETERMINING A SKEW ERROR SIGNAL (SES) OFFSET USED TO DETERMINE AN SES TO ADJUST HEADS IN A DRIVE UNIT - Provided are a computer program product, system, and method for determining a skew error signal (SES) offset used to determine an SES to adjust heads in a drive unit. A determination is made of a first difference in a first orientation with respect to a direction of movement of the recordable storage media based on first and second position information read by first and second servo read elements on a first head. A determination is made of a second difference in a second orientation with respect to the direction of movement of the recordable storage media based on third and fourth position information read by the first servo read element and a third servo read element on a second head. An offset, calculated based on the determined first and second difference, is used to generate an error signal to adjust the first and second heads. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268410 | RESISTANCE TEMPERATURE SENSORS FOR HEAD-MEDIA AND ASPERITY DETECTION - A temperature sensor of a head transducer measures temperature near or at the close point. The measured temperature varies in response to changes in spacing between the head transducer and a magnetic recording medium. A detector is coupled to the temperature sensor and is configured to detect a change in a DC component of the measured temperature indicative of onset of contact between the head transducer and the medium. Another head transducer configuration includes a sensor having a sensing element with a high temperature coefficient of resistance to interact with asperities of the medium. Electrically conductive leads are connected to the sensing element and have a low temperature coefficient of resistance relative to that of the sensing element, such thermally induced resistance changes in the leads have a negligible effect on a response of the sensing element to contact with the asperities. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268411 | MOTOR AND DISK DRIVE APPARATUS - A motor includes a stationary portion and a rotating portion that is rotatable about a central axis extending in a vertical direction with respect to the stationary portion. The stationary portion includes a shaft and a cup portion. The shaft extends in an axial direction and is fixed to the cup portion. The rotating portion includes a sleeve portion including at least a portion thereof arranged inside the cup portion, and is arranged opposite to the shaft. The cup portion includes a cylindrical portion, a bottom plate portion, and a first conical portion. The cylindrical portion is radially opposite to an outer circumferential surface of the sleeve portion. The bottom plate portion is inside the cylindrical portion. The first conical portion extends upward from an inner end portion of the bottom plate portion. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268412 | SPINDLE MOTOR AND HARD DISK DRIVE INCLUDING THE SAME - There is provided a spindle motor, including: a rotating member including a shaft having a fixing groove disposed in a lower portion thereof, a hub base extending from an upper end of the shaft in an outer radial direction, and a magnet support part extending from an outer edge of the hub base downwardly in an axial direction; a sleeve rotatably supporting the rotating member; and a stopper including a fixed part inserted into the fixing groove and a flange part extending from an end of the fixed part in the outer radial direction, wherein the flange part includes a groove part formed by being recessed inwardly and an extension part extending from the groove part in the outer radial direction. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268413 | SPINDLE MOTOR AND HARD DISC DRIVE INCLUDING THE SAME - A spindle motor includes a shaft; a sleeve rotatably supporting the shaft by fluid dynamic pressure; a holder provided outwardly of the sleeve and at least partially formed of a magnetic material; a stator core mounted on an outer surface of the holder; and a base member including a mounting part protruding upwardly in an axial direction and fixed to the holder. The holder has a core seating part protruding outwardly therefrom, and an upper surface of the stator core is seated on the core seating part. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268414 | MAGNETIC RECORDING MEDIUM, SERVO SIGNAL RECORDING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF PRODUCING MAGNETIC RECORDING MEDIUM - There is provided a magnetic recording medium including a magnetic layer. The magnetic layer has a servo signal recorded thereon by magnetizing a part of the magnetic layer in a first direction. The first direction contains a component of a perpendicular direction that is perpendicular to a top surface of the magnetic layer. The magnetic layer is pre-magnetized in a second direction before recording of the servo signal. The second direction contains the component of the perpendicular direction. The second direction is opposite to the first direction. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268415 | GAP BETWEEN MAGNETIC MATERIALS - In accordance with one embodiment, a method may be implemented by depositing a non-magnetic gap layer of material above a main pole layer of magnetic material; depositing a sacrificial layer of material above the non-magnetic gap layer of material; etching a portion of the sacrificial layer of material while not entirely removing the sacrificial layer of material; and depositing additional sacrificial material to the etched sacrificial layer. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268416 | RECORDING HEAD COIL STRUCTURE - A recording head comprising a write pole and a coil structure asymmetric with respect to the write pole and configured to generate more magnetic flux on a trailing side of the main pole than the magnetic flux on a front side of the main pole. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268417 | BOTTOM SHIELD STABILIZED MAGNETIC SEED LAYER - A data reader generally capable of sensing data bits may be configured at least with a magnetic stack that has free and fixed magnetization structures atop a magnetic seed layer. A bottom shield may be positioned contactingly adjacent the magnetic stack opposite a top shield with the bottom shield having a fixed pinning magnetization set to a predetermined magnetic orientation. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268418 | MAGNETIC SIDE SHIELD WITH DIFFUSION BARRIER - Various embodiments may position a side shield adjacent to and separated from a stack sidewall of a magnetic stack with the side shield having a shield layer disposed between the stack sidewall and a permanent magnet. The permanent magnet can be separated from a first portion of the shield layer by a diffusion barrier that decouples the permanent magnet from the shield layer. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268419 | ASPERITY AND HEAD-MEDIA CONTACT DETECTION USING MULTI-STAGE TEMPERATURE COEFFICIENT OF RESISTANCE SENSOR - A multi-stage sensor is situated on the head transducer and configured to interact with a magnetic recording medium. A first sensor stage of the multi-stage sensor has a temperature coefficient of resistance. A second sensor stage of the multi-stage sensor is coupled to the first sensor and has a temperature coefficient of resistance. The first sensor stage is configured to preferentially sense asperities of the media relative to the second sensor stage, and the second sensor stage configured to preferentially sense proximity to, and contact with, a surface of the media relative to the first sensor stage. The first and second sensor stages may be connected in series or in parallel. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268420 | MAGNETIC WRITE HEAD HAVING A WRITE POLE WITH A CONSTANT FLARE ANGLE AND MULTIPLE YOKE ANGLES - A magnetic write head having a write pole with a novel configuration improving write field strength and field gradient while also reducing adjacent track interference and far track interference. The write pole is configured with a pole tip portion that has a narrow track width, preferably 15-30 degrees and a main yoke portion with a larger flare angle of about 45 degrees. The write pole also has an intermediate portion located between the pole tip and main pole portions. The intermediate portion includes a first portion adjacent to the pole tip that has a flare angle greater than the flare angle of the main yoke and has a second portion with a flare angle less than the flare angle of the yoke. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268421 | MAGNETIC SENSOR WITH DIFFERING STRIPE HEIGHTS - A magnetic sensor may be generally configured in accordance with various embodiments to have a magnetically responsive stack with first and second free layers and without a fixed magnetization. The first and second free layers can be tuned to have different stripe heights from an air bearing surface (ABS) and square rear surface features distal the ABS. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268422 | Data Reader Side Shields with Polish Stop - A data reader and associated method of making are generally provided. A data reader capable of sensing adjacent data bits may be configured at least with a magnetic stack disposed between first and second side shields. Each side shield may have a polish stop layer that is tuned to provide a first predetermined polish rate. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268423 | Dual-Piece Heat Sink Layer for Robust Reader in Magnetic Recording Head - A read head structure is disclosed with a dual piece heat sink layer having a front piece formed over a front portion of a dynamic flying height (DFH) element and a back piece above a back portion of the DFH element. A first (S1) shield is formed on the front piece and between the front piece and air bearing surface (ABS). Front and back pieces are separated by an insulator gap. The front piece is used to help control read gap protrusion. As a result, a bottom portion of the S1 shield protrudes to a greater extent than a top portion adjacent to the sensor thereby protecting the sensor from unwanted contact with the magnetic media. The dual piece heat sink layer also enables an improved Figure of Merit in terms of temperature rise in the reader per unit of actuation (nm) delivered by the DFH element. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268424 | MANUFACTURING METHOD OF MAGNET HEAD ABLE TO REDUCE ELECTRODE FILM FOR PLATING - Method for manufacturing a magnetic head includes providing a stopper layer on an upper surface of a main magnetic pole layer applying a magnetic flux to a recording medium via a first insulation layer, providing a second insulation layer on the upper surface of the first insulation layer to cover at least an entire surface of the stopper layer, covering an upper surface portion of the second insulation layer with a mask layer, forming a height difference portion by removing at least a first insulation layer portion not covered by the mask layer by etching to at least partially remove at least a stopper layer portion in a film thickness direction, and subsequently by removing the mask layer, forming a electrode film in the height difference portion, and forming a plating film, which is a magnetic shield for the main magnetic pole layer, on an upper surface of the electrode. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268425 | NON-CIRCULAR FEATURE FOR BOSS TOWER ENGAGEMENT - A head stack assembly comprising an actuator arm having an aperture therein, a head suspension assembly comprising a load beam having a mounting region with a aperture therein, and a base plate adapted to attach the head suspension assembly to the actuator arm, with the base plate comprising a boss tower having an outside surface and a swaging hole. One of the actuator arm aperture, the boss tower outside surface or the swaging hole is non-circular to provide increased compression between the boss tower and the actuator arm aperture in the roll direction than in the pitch direction. Methods of making a boss tower are also provided. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268426 | ARM ASSEMBLY WITH LIFT TAB - An arm assembly for a disc drive. The arm assembly has a load arm for supporting a slider and has a lift tab with a ramp-engaging region for parking the load arm when not in use. This ramp-engaging region has an outer surface defined by a first radius and a second radius different than the first radius. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268427 | HEAD GIMBAL ASSEMBLY WITH DIAMOND-LIKE COATING (DLC) AT TONGUE/DIMPLE INTERFACE TO REDUCE FRICTION AND FRETTING WEAR - A gimbal assembly of a single or dual stage actuator is provided with a layer of Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) as a middle layer at a tongue/dimple interface where a dimple of a supporting loadbeam contacts a tongue on the gimbal assembly. Using the DLC at the tongue/dimple interface greatly reduces the amount of fretting wear particles formed during operation of the microactuator. The reduced wear at the dimple/gimbal interface may provide more stable dynamics over time. The DLC middle layer may be applied on the tongue, or on the tongue only at the tongue/dimple interface, or the DLC may be applied to the dimple. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268428 | COUPLING FEATURE IN A TRILAYER LAMINATION - A data storage device may be generally directed to a data transducing head capable of magnetoresistive data reading. Such a data transducing head may be configured with at least a trilayer reader that contacts and is biased by a coupling feature. The coupling feature may have a smaller extent from an air bearing surface (ABS) than the trilayer reader. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268429 | SHAPED DATA SENSOR SHIELD CONTACTS - A data sensor may be configured in accordance with some embodiments to have a magnetically responsive stack that contacts at least one shield. The at least one shield may be constructed with a non-rectangular shaped electrical contact, such as a triangular and trapezoidal shape, respectively positioned on top and bottom shields on opposite sides of the magnetically responsive stack. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268430 | BREAKER DESIGN FOR POWER SYSTEM RESILIENCY - An autonomous breaker can apply a current through a high impedance source to a bus coupled to either end of a breaker in order to measure an impedance of the bus. The status of the bus can be determined from the measurement. Based on the determined status, a fault detection procedure can be selected and implemented to determine if a fault exists on the bus. When the fault detection procedure has been implemented and no fault has been detected, the breaker can close, and thus couple the bus to another bus. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268431 | ROTATING DIODE ASSEMBLY INCLUDING OVERVOLTAGE PROTECTION CIRCUIT - A brushless wound field synchronous generator configured to generate an output power to drive an electrical load includes a rotating rectifier assembly. The rotating rectifier assembly includes a rotating diode assembly and a field effect transistor (FET) to control voltage across the rotating diode assembly. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268432 | MULTIMOTOR VARIABLE FREQUENCY OVERLOAD - An apparatus for protecting a motor includes two or more motor overloads, within a motor overload enclosure, protecting two or more motors. Each motor overload includes one or more current sensors where each current sensor includes a magnetic core and each current sensor includes a conductor positioned within the magnetic core where the conductor providing power to a motor protected by the two or more motor overloads (“protected motor”). Each motor overload includes a motor trip module that stops current flow to the protected motor in response determining that a thermal state of the protected motor has reached a thermal limit. Determining that the protected motor has reached a thermal limit includes using a current signal from at least one current sensor of the one or more current sensors that senses current of the protected motor to determine a thermal state of the protected motor. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268433 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROTECTION OF A COMPRESSOR WITH AN ALUMINUM WINDING MOTOR - A compressor is provided and includes a single-phase electric motor and a protector device. The electric motor drives a compression mechanism and has a rotor and a stator. The stator is comprised of aluminum windings. The protector device is attached to the stator and is configured to disconnect the electric motor from a power supply when an input voltage of the power supply to the electric motor is less than a threshold voltage value set at a level between a minimum run voltage and an overheat voltage of the compressor. The overheat voltage corresponds to an overheat temperature of the electric motor. The threshold voltage value is set at a level that is between the minimum run voltage and the overheat voltage. The protector device includes a tolerance level such that the threshold voltage minus the tolerance level is greater than the overheat voltage and the threshold voltage plus the tolerance level is less than the minimum run voltage. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268434 | GFCI with Voltage Level Comparison and Indirect Sampling - A circuit interrupting device having an auto-monitoring circuit for automatically testing various functions and structures of the device. The auto-monitoring circuit initiates an auto-monitoring routine which, among other things, establishes a self-test fault during either the positive or negative half-wave, or both, of an AC power cycle and determines whether the detection mechanisms within the device properly detect the self-test fault. An early detection signal indicates that the self-test fault was properly detected without interfering with the normal operation of the detection circuitry and without causing a false trip within the device. Additional functionality of the auto-monitoring circuit permits automatic verification that the device is properly wired, that is, not miswired, and determines whether the device has reached the end of its useful life. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268435 | CURRENT SATURATION DETECTION AND CLAMPING CIRCUIT AND METHOD - A method and circuit for detecting and clamping current in a ground fault circuit interrupter circuit. In accordance with an embodiment the circuit includes an amplifier connected to a switch, where in the amplifier has an input connected to a first conduction terminal of the switch through a resistor and another input connected to a second conduction terminal of the switch. An output of the amplifier is connected to a control terminal of the switch. The circuit may include a ground fault circuit interrupter engine having an input connected to the first conduction terminal of the switch and another second input connected to the second conduction terminal of the switch. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268436 | Protective Device With Non-Volatile Memory Miswire Circuit - The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes a processing circuit is configured to determine the wiring state based on detecting a wiring state parameter at the plurality of line terminals during a predetermined period after the tripped state has been established. The processing circuit is configured to store a wiring state indicator in a wiring state register based on a wiring state determination. The wiring state register being preset to trip the circuit interrupter when the AC power source is applied by an installer to the plurality of line terminals or the plurality of load terminals for the first time. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268437 | GFCI SELF TEST SOFTWARE FUNCTIONAL PROGRAM FOR AUTONOMOUS MONITORING AND FAIL SAFE POWER DENIAL OPERATIONS - Software code for operating a circuit interrupting device having an auto-monitoring circuit for automatically testing various functions and structures of the device. The auto-monitoring circuit initiates the software code which includes an auto-monitoring routine which, among other things, establishes a self-test fault during the positive or negative half-wave of an AC power cycle and determines whether the detection mechanisms within the device properly detect the self-test fault. An early detection signal indicates that the self-test fault was properly detected without interfering with the normal operation of the detection circuitry and without causing a false trip within the device. Additional functionality of the software code permits automatic verification that the device is properly wired, that is, not miswired, and determines whether the device has reached the end of its useful life. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268438 | APPARATUSES AND METHOD FOR OVER-VOLTAGE EVENT PROTECTION - Circuits, integrated circuits, apparatuses, and methods, such as those for protecting circuits against electrostatic discharge events are disclosed. An example apparatus comprises a thyristor coupled to a node and configured to limit the voltage and discharge the current associated with an over-voltage event at the node. The over-voltage event includes a negative voltage having a magnitude that exceeds a trigger voltage of the thyristor. The example apparatus further comprising a transistor coupled to the thyristor and configured to adjust the magnitude of the trigger voltage. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268439 | ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE (ESD) CONTROL CIRCUIT - One or more electrostatic discharge (ESD) control circuit are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, an ESD control circuit has first and second trigger transistors, first and second ESD transistors, and first and second feedback transistors. The ESD transistors provide ESD current paths for ESD current generated during an ESD event. The first and second trigger transistors are on during normal operation to maintain the ESD transistors in an off state. During an ESD event, the first and second transistors are turned off to enable the first and second ESD transistors to provide ESD current paths. The first and second feedback transistors turn on during an ESD event to reinforce the on state of the ESD transistors and to reinforce the off state of the trigger transistors. In this way, the ESD control circuit stably provides multiple ESD current paths to discharge ESD current. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268440 | Micromachined High Breakdown Voltage ESD Protection Device for Light Emitting Diode and Method of Making the Same - This invention relates to a micromachined ESD protection device and its microfabrication method for light emitting diode (LEDs) chips. The LEDs is coupled to the ESD protection device in a shunt connection to absorb and eliminate the electrostatic charges induced by human contact or other voltage spike sources. The ESD protection circuit can prevent the LED from burning down and extend its lifespan. By using a thick polyimide layer as the dielectric film for capacitors in the micromachined ESD protection device at the current invention has the advantages with high breakdown voltage compared to other ESD protection circuits. And furthermore, the device in the current invention is easy for mass production with low manufacturing cost. Another embodiment of the present invention is that the multiple-array arrangement in current micromachined ESD protection device could greatly enhance the liability due to multiple-protection and thus to provide the possibility of multiple-times usage. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268441 | ACTIVE ESD PROTECTION CIRCUIT - A high-voltage gate driver circuit configured to drive a high-side power switch and a low-side power switch includes an active dv/dt triggered ESD protection circuit coupled between a protected node and a power rail node. The active dv/dt triggered ESD protection circuit includes a dv/dt circuit controlling an ESD protection transistor connected between the protected node and the power rail node. The ESD protection transistor is turned on when an ESD event occurs at the protected node to conduct ESD current from the protected node to the power rail node. The dv/dt circuit is charged up after a time constant to disable the ESD protection transistor. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268442 | CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR EVALUATING A SIGNAL - Circuit arrangement including an interface, a protection circuit and a measurement circuit. The interface is configured to receive a signal. The protection circuit is coupled to the interface. The protection circuit is configured to limit a voltage provided by the interface to a protection voltage. The measurement circuit is coupled to the protection circuit and configured to provide at least one of a signal of a first measurement type and a signal of a second measurement type if a voltage provided by the interface is higher than the protection voltage and configured to provide a signal of a second measurement type if the voltage provided by the interface is lower than the protection voltage. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268443 | INPUT POWER PROTECTION - In one general aspect, an apparatus can include an input terminal, an output terminal and a ground terminal. The apparatus can also include an overcurrent protection device coupled between the input terminal and the output terminal. The apparatus can further include a thermal shunt device coupled between the output terminal and the ground terminal, the thermal shunt device being configured to, at a threshold temperature, operate in a thermally-induced low-impedance state. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268444 | ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE PROTECTION CIRCUITS USING CARBON NANOTUBE FIELD EFFECT TRANSISTOR (CNTFET) DEVICES AND METHODS OF MAKING SAME - Device structures and methods for providing carbon nanotube field effect transistor (CNTFET) devices with enhanced current carrying capability at lower densities are disclosed. Apparatuses and methods using CNTFET devices for providing protection from electrostatic discharge (ESD) voltages are also disclosed. According to some aspects of the present disclosure the electrostatic discharge protection circuits are configured with CNTFET diodes and provide protection from electrostatic discharge induced voltages for a protected circuit without affecting the normal operation of the protected circuit. According to some aspects of the present disclosure the methods for providing protection from electrostatic discharge voltages create conducting paths for providing protection from electrostatic discharge induced voltages for a protected circuit without affecting the normal operation of the protected circuit. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268445 | CROSS TALK MITIGATION - Cross-talk is mitigated in a switching circuit. In accordance with one or more embodiments, an apparatus includes a multi-pin connector having signal-carrying electrodes that communicate with a device external to the apparatus, and respective field-effect switches that couple the signal-carrying electrodes to respective communication channels in the apparatus. The switches include a first field-effect semiconductor switch having a gate electrode adjacent a channel region that connects electrodes (e.g., source and drain regions) when a threshold switching voltage is applied to the gate, in which the electrodes are connected between one of the signal-carrying electrodes and a first channel coupled to an electrostatic discharge (ESD) circuit. A bias circuit mitigates cross-talk between the communication channels by biasing the channel region of the first field-effect semiconductor switch (in an off state) to boost the threshold switching voltage over a threshold discharge voltage of the ESD circuit. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268446 | RADIO FREQUENCY INTEGRATED CIRCUIT (RFIC) CHARGED-DEVICE MODEL (CDM) PROTECTION - An apparatus is described. The apparatus includes an input device. The apparatus also includes a positive supply voltage pad. The apparatus further includes an input signal pad. The apparatus also includes a ground pad. The apparatus further includes charged-device model protection circuitry that protects the input device from electrostatic discharge. The charged-device model protection circuitry includes at least one of de-Q circuitry and a cascode device. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268447 | RADIO FREQUENCY INTEGRATED CIRCUIT (RFIC) CHARGED-DEVICE MODEL (CDM) PROTECTION - An apparatus is described. The apparatus includes an input device. The apparatus also includes a positive supply voltage pad. The apparatus further includes an input signal pad. The apparatus also includes a ground pad. The apparatus further includes charged-device model protection circuitry that protects the input device from electrostatic discharge. The charged-device model protection circuitry includes at least one of de-Q circuitry and a cascode device. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268448 | METHOD AND APPARATUS OF ESD PROTECTION IN STACKED DIE SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE - An apparatus includes an interposer and a plurality of dies stacked on the interposer. The interposer includes a first conductive network of a first trigger bus. Each of the plurality of dies includes a second conductive network of a second trigger bus, and an ESD detection circuit and an ESD power clamp electrically connected between a first power line and a second power line, and electrically connected to the second conductive network of the second trigger bus. The second conductive network of the second trigger bus in each of the plurality of dies is electrically connected to the first conductive network of the first trigger bus. Upon receiving an input signal, the ESD detection circuit is configured to generate an output signal to the corresponding second conductive network of the second trigger bus to control the ESD power clamps in each of the plurality of dies. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268449 | CIRCUIT AND METHOD OF ELECTRICALLY DECOUPLING NODES - A device includes a first power node, a second power node, a first input node, a second input node, a protected circuit, and a switch circuit. The protected circuit is coupled between the first power node and the second power node, and the protected circuit is further coupled with the second input node. The switch circuit is coupled with the first power node, the second power node, the first input node, and the second input node. The switch circuit is configured to electrically decouple the first input node and the second input node after (a) the first power node is floating or electrically coupled to the second power node and (b) a voltage level at the first input node is greater than a voltage level at the second power node by a predetermined voltage value. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268450 | HIGH SPEED LATCH WITH OVER VOLTAGE PROTECTION AND INTEGRATED SUMMING NODES - A latch includes a current source, an input amplifier, and a latch output circuit. The current source is configured to output a current based on a voltage source. The input amplifier is configured to receive a differential analog input signal including a first differential input and a second differential input and selectively provide the current based on the first differential input and the second differential input. A latch output circuit is configured to selectively output a differential digital output signal including a first differential output and a second differential output. The latch output circuit includes an over voltage protection circuit configured to receive the current output from the input amplifier, receive the voltage source limit, and output a modified differential digital output signal based on a comparison between a voltage corresponding to each of the first differential output and the second differential output and the voltage source limit. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268451 | HIGH HOLDING VOLTAGE CLAMP - An electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection device with a high holding voltage is disclosed including at least an ESD clamp coupled to a holding voltage tuning circuit. The ESD clamp may be coupled to the holding voltage tuning circuit through a connection circuit such as a diode. The ESD clamp may be implemented by a first silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) and the holding voltage tuning circuit may be implemented as a second SCR. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268452 | ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE CONNECTOR AND METHOD FOR AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE - An illustrative electronic assembly having an electrical connector therein to ground an electronic component of the electronic assembly to a grounding feature of a printed wiring assembly (PWA) of the electronic assembly. The electronic assembly may include a housing, the PWA, the electronic component and the electrical connector. The electrical connector may be a conductive and resilient extender or connector that may have a first portion connected to the PWA and a second portion extending generally away from the PWA toward the electronic component. The second portion of the electrical connector may be in mechanical and electrical contact with the electronic component. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268453 | SUPERCONDUCTING FAULT CURRENT LIMITER SYSTEM - A current limiter system includes a superconducting fault current limiter (SCFCL) operative to conduct load current during a normal operation state in which the SCFCL is in a superconducting state. The current limiter system also includes a shunt reactor connected in an electrically parallel fashion to the SCFCL and configured to conduct less current than the SCFL in the normal operation state, and a protection switch connected in electrical series with the SCFCL and shunt reactor and configured to disconnect the SCFCL for a predetermined time from a load current path during a fault condition after fault current exceeds a threshold current value. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268454 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR POWER INTERRUPTION - A power interruption circuit for use in a power distribution module is provided. The power interruption circuit is configured to provide power to a load and includes a shunt resistor, a plurality of switches, and microprocessor. The microprocessor is configured to determine a digitized value of a current flowing through the shunt resistor, determine a digitized value of an output voltage of the power interruption circuit, calculate, from the digitized current value and the digitized output voltage value, a power provided by the power interruption circuit to the load, compare the calculated power to a threshold power level, and control the plurality of switches based on the comparison. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268455 | REVERSE BATTERY PROTECTION FOR BATTERY-POWERED DEVICES - Reverse battery protection circuits for devices powered by batteries coupled in parallel can include both P-channel and N-channel MOSFETs. Each positive battery terminal connector of a battery-powered device can be coupled to a gate of an N-channel MOSFET or to both a gate of an N-channel MOSFET and a gate of a P-channel MOSFET. In some embodiments, each negative battery terminal connector of the device can be connected to a gate of a P-channel MOSFET. In the event of a reverse battery connection, one or more of the protection circuit's P-channel and N-channel MOSFETS can switch to a non-conductive state to isolate the device's load from an incorrectly installed battery and prevent the incorrectly installed battery and/or other parallel-coupled battery from prematurely discharging. Methods of protecting a load from a reverse battery connection are also provided, as are other aspects. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268456 | Relay Device - A relay device includes a relay circuit to which driving current is supplied from a battery, a driving circuit configured to drive the relay circuit, and a protecting circuit having a Schottky diode and a voltage suppressing element. The battery, the relay circuit, the driving circuit, and the protecting circuit are connected in series. The Schottky diode and the voltage suppressing element form a parallel body in which the Schottky diode and the voltage suppressing element are connected in parallel with each other with their forward directions set to the same directions. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268457 | HIGH VOLTAGE PROTECTION APPARATUS AND METHOD - An apparatus includes first and second switches. The first switch is for coupling a first node to a second node responsive to a first control signal having a first value, and for decoupling these nodes responsive to the first control signal having a second value. The second switch is for coupling the first node to a third node responsive to a second control signal having the first value, and for decoupling these nodes responsive to the second control signal having the second value. A load is coupled between the second and third nodes. A detection circuit coupled to the first node is configured to generate a signal indicating whether voltage at the first node exceeds a threshold. First and second modules are configured to set the first and second control signals to the second value responsive to the signal indicating that the voltage at the first node exceeds the threshold. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268458 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING AND DETERMINING SOURCES OF POWER DISTURBANCES IN CONNECTION WITH EFFECTIVE REMEDIATION - Apparatus and methods for selective protection of an electrical load from disturbances on an input power line. A power protection circuit includes a selectively variable inrush current limiting circuit and a switch for disconnecting the input power line from the load. A control circuit determines that the electrical load is in a first operational state, such as a standby mode or normal operation, or a second operational state, such as full operation at rated current. The power protection circuit provides variable inrush current limiting to the electrical load in response to a first category of disturbances when the electrical load is in the first operational state. The power protection circuit inhibits disconnecting the electrical load in response to a second category of disturbances when the electrical load is in the second operational state. Species of selectively variable current limiting circuits are also described. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268459 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DYNAMICALLY ADJUSTING AN OVER-CURRENT PROTECTION THRESHOLD - Methods and apparatus for dynamically adjusting an over-current protection threshold ( | 2014-09-18 |
20140268460 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PROTECTION IN A MULTI-PHASE MACHINE - In some embodiments, a system includes multiple coils of a multi-phase machine in which the coils are each associated with a different phase. Associated with each coil is a protective element such that each protective element is associated with a different coil. When its associated protective element is in a first configuration, a coil is part of an electrical circuit, and its associated protective element allows a first amount of current to flow through the coil. Its associated protective element allows a second amount of current to flow through the coil when its associated protective element is in a second configuration. When in the second configuration, the coil's associated protective element does not obstruct current flow through other coils that are not associated with the protective element. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268461 | CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR ELECTRIC POWER CIRCUIT SWITCH - A control circuit for an electric power circuit switch includes: a sampling/hold circuit section configured to sample a period of a detection signal of a current of an electric power system and provide a sampled signal; a discrete Fourier transforming (abbreviated as DFT) circuit section perform DFT on the one-period sampled signal to provide a magnitude and a phase of a frequency component of the current of the electric power system; a differentiator configured to differentiate the detection signal to provide a rate of change of the current over time; and a controller to determine whether to perform trip controlling according to the magnitude of the frequency component of the current from the DFT circuit section or the rate of change from the differentiator on the basis of the rate of change of the current and the reference rate of change. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268462 | METHODS AND APPARATUS RELATED TO A PRECISION INPUT POWER PROTECTION DEVICE - In one general aspect, an apparatus can include an input terminal and an overvoltage protection device coupled to the input terminal and configured to receive energy via the input terminal. The overvoltage protection device can have a breakdown voltage at an ambient temperature less than a target maximum operating voltage of a source configured to be received at the input terminal. The apparatus can also include an output terminal coupled to the overvoltage protection device and a load. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268463 | OVERVOLTAGE PROTECTION CIRCUIT - Universal Serial Bus (USB) protection circuits are provided. A circuit includes a plurality of first transistors connected in series between a pad and ground. The circuit also includes a plurality of second transistors connected in series between the pad and a supply voltage. The circuit further includes a control circuit that applies respective bias voltages to each one of the plurality of first transistors and to each one of the plurality of second transistors. The bias voltages are configured to: turn off the plurality of first transistors and turn off the plurality of second transistors when a pad voltage of the pad is within a nominal voltage range; sequentially turn on the plurality of first transistors when the pad voltage increases above the nominal voltage range; and sequentially turn on the plurality of second transistors when the pad voltage decreases below the nominal voltage range. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268464 | OUTPUT OVER-VOLTAGE PROTECTION CIRCUIT FOR POWER FACTOR CORRECTION - An output over-voltage protection circuit for power factor correction, which includes a chip external compensation network, a chip external resistor divider network, a static over-voltage detection circuit, a dynamic over-voltage detection circuit and a compare circuit; The chip external compensation network is connected between the chip external resistor divider network and the dynamic over-voltage detection circuit, the chip external compensation network converts the dynamic over-voltage signal conversion to the dynamic current signal and conveys it to the dynamic over-voltage detection circuit, the dynamic over-voltage detection circuit detects the dynamic current signal and ultimately produces the dynamic over-voltage signal (DYOVP); The dynamic over-voltage signal (DYOVP) is inputted into the compare circuit, which converts the dynamic over-voltage signal (DYOVP) into a voltage compared with a reference voltage and outputs a over-voltage control signal (OVP), so as to achieve a dynamic over-voltage protection function. | 2014-09-18 |
20140268465 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING OPTICALLY TRIGGERED CIRCUIT BREAKER - A system/method for providing an optically triggered circuit breaker is provided. The system comprises a junction field-effect transistor (JFET) and gate drive coupled to the JFET's gate. The gate drive applies voltage bias (V | 2014-09-18 |