50th week of 2012 patent applcation highlights part 19 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20120313555 | INTERLEAVING MULTI-ENERGY X-RAY ENERGY OPERATION OF A STANDING WAVE LINEAR ACCELERATOR USING ELECTRONIC SWITCHES - The disclosure relates to systems and methods for fast-switching operating of a standing wave linear accelerator (LINAC) for use in generating x-rays of at least two different energy ranges with advantageously low heating of electronic switches. In certain embodiments, the heating of electronic switches during a fast-switching operation of the LINAC can be kept advantageously low through the controlled, timed activation of multiple electronic switches located in respective side cavities of the standing wave LINAC, or through the use of a modified a side cavity that includes an electronic switch. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313556 | DC High Voltage Source and Particle Accelerator - A DC high voltage source may include a capacitor stack having a first electrode that can be brought to a first potential, a second electrode arranged concentrically with the first electrode and which can be brought to a second potential different from the first potential, at least one intermediate electrode arranged concentrically between the first and second electrodes and which can be brought to an intermediate potential between the first and second potentials, a switching device for charging the capacitor stack, to which switching device the electrodes of the capacitor stack are connected and which is configured such that upon operation of the switching device the electrodes of the capacitor stack arranged concentrically with respect to each other can be brought to increasing potential levels, wherein the switching device comprises electron tubes, e.g., controllable electron tubes. A particle accelerator comprising such a DC high voltage source is also provided. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313557 | CAMERA MOTION CONTROL SYSTEM WITH VARIABLE AUTONOMY - Variable autonomy level control systems are provided. A control system illustratively include an analog communications support component, a digital communications support component, a processing component, and a motor controller. The processing component synthesizes inputs received from the analog and the digital communications support components to generate an output. The motor controller utilizes the output from the processing component to generate a control signal for a motor. In certain embodiments, the input from the digital communications support component includes an indication of an autonomy level, and the processing component synthesizes the inputs by applying the autonomy level to the input received from the analog communications support component. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313558 | INVERTER, INVERTER COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, COMMUNICATION METHOD THEREOF - An inverter communication system is provided. The system includes a plurality of inverters connected to each other through a communication line, and assigned with different original identifiers for mutual distinction, wherein each of the plurality of inverters: receives a data frame transmitted through a previous inverter; selectively transmits the received data frame to a subsequent inverter; generates a data frame to be transmitted when data to be transmitted to a specific inverter occur; and transmits the generated data frame to a subsequent inverter. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313559 | BATTERY MODULE, ELECTRONIC APPARATUS, ELECTRIC POWER STORAGE SYSTEM, ELECTRIC POWER SYSTEM, AND ELECTRIC VEHICLE - A battery module includes a plurality of battery supports each having a face orthogonal to the stacking direction, and a side face, the battery supports each containing a plurality of cells and being made of an insulating material, a coupling part that is located between the face of one battery support and the face of another adjacent battery support, and contracts in the stacking direction upon stacking the battery supports to bring the faces of the battery supports into intimate contact, a group of cells including the battery supports stacked with the coupling part being placed between the battery supports, a base plate, and first and second regulating plates placed facing each other in a standing position on the base plate, the first and second regulating plates sandwiching the group of cells arranged between the first and second regulating plates and stacked with the coupling part being contracted. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313560 | HIGH-CURRENT BATTERY SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A HIGH-CURRENT BATTERY SYSTEM - The present invention relates to a high-current battery system in which a high operating current flows, in particular for vehicle drives. The high-current battery system has a battery system monitoring electronics unit and a plurality of battery modules, each module including at least one rechargeable battery cell and being electrically connected in series by means of an operating current line such that an operating current flows through the operating current line during operation. At least one of the battery modules is designed as a bypass battery module which comprises a bypass switch and a bypass line, which are designed and disposed such that the battery module is electrically bridged by the bypass line after the bypass switch is switched from a normal operating position into a bypass position, so that the operating current flows through the bypass line. For each bypass battery module, the battery system monitoring electronics unit incorporates a module monitoring unit which monitors the associated battery module and detects a fault state of the module. Upon detection of a fault state of a battery module by one of the module monitoring units, the battery system monitoring electronics unit measures the current flow in the operating current line and switches the bypass switch of the battery module in question from the normal operating position into the bypass position at a time at which the current flow in the operating current line is less than a predetermined limit value. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313561 | MOTOR DRIVE UNIT - A switching element is switched off after having been switched on for only a short time interval called a first predetermined time interval, and a determination is made, based on a mode of a change in a contact point potential (a regeneration voltage) between an electric motor and the switching element when the switching element as switched off, as to whether or not one of the electric motor and the switching element has failed. Next, the switching element is switched on for a time interval called a second predetermined time interval, which is longer than the first predetermined time interval, and a determination is made, based on the magnitude of the contact point potential at that time, as to which one of the electric motor and the switching element has failed. It is thus possible for a failure of the switching element and electric motor to be detected. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313562 | BATTERY CONTROL DEVICE, BATTERY SYSTEM, ELECTRIC VEHICLE, CHARGE CONTROL DEVICE, BATTERY CHARGER, MOVABLE BODY, POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM, POWER STORAGE DEVICE, AND POWER SUPPLY DEVICE - A battery control device is connected to a plurality of battery cells. The battery control device includes a voltage value calculator, a communicator, and a voltage value updater. The voltage value calculator calculates, based on a current flowing through a plurality of battery cells, a voltage of each battery cell. If the battery control device is connected to a charge control device, the communicator receives information relating to a voltage of each battery cell, which has been detected by a voltage detector in the charge control device, from the charge control device. The voltage value updater updates the voltage calculated by the voltage value calculator based on the voltage information received by the communicator. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313563 | System and method for supplementing a generated DC power supply - A renewable energy source is converted into a desired DC voltage that is delivered to a DC motor controller of a permanent magnet motor. A micro controller monitors the amount of supplied renewable DC having the desired DC voltage, which is delivered to each phase of the motor by turning on FET switches on demand. If the renewable DC available at a given instant is not adequate to power a particular phase of the motor, then the micro controller turns on backup FET switches that are part of an independent drive circuit that is in parallel with drive circuits of the renewable DC power circuit, to deliver to the motor line DC, which is produced from an AC supply that has gone through an AC to DC converter. Once charged, the renewable DC power will power the next available phase of the motor. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313564 | RECONFIGURABLE INVERTER HAVING FAILURE TOLERANCE FOR POWERING A SYNCHRONOUS POLY-PHASE MOTOR HAVING PERMANENT MAGNETS, AND ASSEMBLY INCLUDING SAID INVERTER AND MOTOR - Reconfigurable fault-tolerant inverter for powering a multi-phase synchronous permanent-magnet motor, and assembly of the said inverter and motor. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313565 | System and method for providing control of an electric motor using inductive rotary sensor - A sensor system for providing control of an electric motor having an inductive angle sensor system including a first inductive coil configured for affixation to a rotor shaft of the electric motor wherein rotation of the rotor shaft causes corresponding rotation of the first inductive coil. A second inductive coil fixedly mounted in spaced relationship to the first inductive coil. An evaluation circuit coupled to the second inductive coil and to the electric motor operative to determine a rotor shaft angle for the rotor shaft of the electric motor through evaluation of an induced magnetic field between the first and second inductive coils. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313566 | DEVICE FOR OPERATING SYNCHRONOUS MOTORS AND ASSOCIATED METHOD - The synchronous motors are controlled by a three-phase AC power controller. According to an embodiment of the invention, firing points for the AC power controller are determined. A pair of two or three phases is determined from the angular position of the rotor, for which the firing points can be present for the respective A.C power controller. Actual firing points are determined from the mains voltage phase position of the phases so that only positive torque is produced. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313567 | POWER-SUPPLY SYSTEM, POWER-SUPPLY DEVICE AND POWER-SUPPLY METHOD - A plurality of power-supply devices, in which power generated by solar energy is stored, are allowed to exchange power among themselves. Power generated by a solar panel connected to a first power-supply device is stored in a power storage section of the first power-supply device. Power supplied by the second power-supply device, which has a power storage section for storing power generated by the solar panel, is stored in the power storage section of first power-supply device. Power stored in the power storage section of the first power-supply device is supplied externally. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313568 | SOLAR POWERED CHARGING STATION FOR ELECTRIC AND PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLES - This invention is a solar-powered charging station for electric and hybrid vehicles. A vehicle parks at a space with the charging station and uses a credit card, debit card, cash, smart card or network connection to a database like EZ-Pass to pay for the space and the electricity. The station automatically charges the vehicle as long as it is connected to the station. The station automatically stops charging when the vehicle is fully charged. The customer only pays for the space and the electricity consumed. If the charging circuit is broken the customer must reinsert the smart card or credit card to restart charging. Sufficient funds are removed from the payment method on initiation of charging. Any money not used for charging is put back onto the smart card or account if the user reinserts it prior to leaving. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313569 | PORTABLE, SELF-SUSTAINED SOLAR DEPLOYMENT - A solar panel deployment system includes a main support frame and a solar panel array providing at least one solar panel, wherein the solar panel array is coupled to the main support frame, and each of the solar panels are mounted in a solar panel frame. The system also includes a lift mechanism coupled to the main support frame and solar panel array, and an array extender/retractor coupled to the solar panel array, wherein the array extender/retractor is actuated to deploy the solar panel array or to retract the solar panel array. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313570 | NONAQUEOUS ELECTROLYTE AND NONAQUEOUS ELECTROLYTE BATTERY, AND BATTERY PACK, ELECTRONIC APPLIANCE, ELECTRIC VEHICLE, ELECTRICITY STORAGE APPARATUS, AND ELECTRIC POWER SYSTEM EACH USING NONAQUEOUS ELECTROLYTE BATTERY - A nonaqueous electrolyte includes: a nonaqueous electrolytic solution containing a nonaqueous solvent, an electrolyte salt, an overcharge controlling agent capable of generating a redox reaction at a prescribed potential, and at least one member selected from the compounds (1) to (10). | 2012-12-13 |
20120313571 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RATIONING CHARGE OR ENERGY PROVIDED TO A PORTABLE DEVICE - A charging method and system for rationing charge or energy supplied by a host to a portable device. The system includes a power switch, and a current sensing module connected to the power switch. The current sensing module detects instantaneous current drawn by the portable device. The system further includes a current register connected to the current sensing module for storing the instantaneous current value. A timing module generates timing information. The system also includes a charge register storing a cumulative charge drawn by the portable device. The cumulative charge is obtained by multiplying the instantaneous current value with the timing information. A threshold database stores a threshold value, and a rationing module connected to the host and the charge register continuously compares the cumulative charge value with the threshold charge value. When the cumulative charge value exceeds the threshold charge value, a control signal is generated. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313572 | INTEGRATED BUCK-BOOST CONVERTER OF CHARGING APPARATUS - An integrated buck-boost converter of a charging apparatus receives a direct current (DC) input voltage and converts the voltage level of the DC input voltage to provide an output voltage for charging a rechargeable battery. The integrated buck-boost converter includes a first switch, a second switch, a first diode, a second diode, an inductor, and a capacitor. The integrated buck-boost converter can provide step-up and step-down conversion functions by controlling the first switch and the second switch, thus accurately providing the required voltage level of the charging voltage for charging the rechargeable battery, efficiently reducing the switching losses of the first switch and the second switch, and significantly increasing the overall efficiency of the integrated buck-boost converter. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313573 | APPARATUS FOR PREVENTING BATTERY FROM BEING OVERCHARGED - Disclosed is an apparatus for preventing a battery from overcharging. In particular, the apparatus includes a battery module which has a plurality of battery cells and a battery controller that is connected to the battery module. The battery controller has a voltage sensor. A mounting frame is arranged a predetermined distance from the battery module, and is made of a conductor to which a ground is connected. The battery controller determines that overcharging to the battery module has occurred when the voltage sensor senses a low voltage due to the battery module coming in contact with the mounting frame because of swelling. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313574 | CHARGE/DISCHARGE CONTROL CIRCUIT AND BATTERY DEVICE - To solve a problem in that, even after a charge inhibition signal is input from an input terminal and a charge control transistor is turned OFF, if a load is connected between external terminals (EB+, EB−), a discharge current flows, and to solve another problem of power consumption of a charge/discharge control circuit ( | 2012-12-13 |
20120313575 | REGENERATIVE SUSPENSION WITH ACCUMULATOR SYSTEMS AND METHODS - In exemplary embodiments, a regenerative suspension system replaces or complements a standard shock absorber on a vehicle. A pump attaches via a hose to a central accumulator cylinder that is mounted on a vehicle. Pressurized fluid, air, or other material charges the accumulator. The Pressurized fluid, air, or other material is controllably released via a valve in order to perform work. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313576 | CHARGING ARRANGEMENT FOR A VEHICLE - The invention relates to a charging arrangement for a vehicle comprising an inductively chargeable mobile electronic appliance consisting of a multiplicity of different, inductively chargeable, mobile electronic appliances, having a secondary coil, charging electronics and a rechargeable battery and a charging device having a primary coil and a charging surface which is associated with the primary coil and above which the mobile electronic appliance can be placed down for charging. In this case, the primary coil can be fixed in a first primary position and in at least one second primary position on a primary plane relative to the charging surface, with the primary coil being fixed in the chosen primary position independently of shaking, vibrations or centrifugal forces acting on the charging arrangement, and independently of the presence of the mobile electronic appliance. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313577 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING, CHARACTERIZING, AND TRACKING AN INDUCTIVE POWER RECEIVER - A system and method for detecting, characterizing, and tracking an inductive power receiver proximate to an inductive charging surface of an inductive charger. One or more resonators and one or more sensors provide information that can be utilized to detect, characterize, and track the inductive power receiver. The resonators can be configured to determine position of a remote device using magnitude or phase of sensors associated with resonators. In addition, by monitoring the inductive power transmitter and the resonators, the charger can differentiate between whether parasitic metal is present, a remote device is present, or both are present. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313578 | NON-CONTACT AND CONTACT POWER CHARGING DEVICE AND CONTROLLING METHOD THEREOF - A non-contact-contact power charge device, and a controlling method thereof, includes: a charge contact terminal including a charge output voltage pin, a ground pin, and a non-contact charge connection pin, the charge contact terminal being able to connect to a contact power receiver and a non-contact power transmitter; and a voltage controller configured to apply a non-contact voltage to the charge output voltage pin if the charge contact terminal is connected while the non-contact power transmitter is contacted to the non-contact charge connection pin. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313579 | CONTACTLESS POWER SUPPLY DEVICE AND CONTACTLESS CHARGING SYSTEM - A primary-side controller ( | 2012-12-13 |
20120313580 | ELECTRIC VEHICLE WITH SECONDARY CHARGE CORD RELEASE MECHANISM - A secondary (backup) release (unlocking and unlatching) of a charge cord for plug-in electric vehicles or hybrid electric vehicles is provided. A charging port is configured to receive a charging cord and includes a lock bolt configured to lock the charging cord in the charging port during charging. The vehicle also includes a hood assembly having a hood latch with a first cable coupled to the hood latch. A second cable is coupled to the latch bolt and a sheath of the first cable for unlocking the lock bolt. A retainer is coupled to the hood assembly and is configured to limit movement of the second cable until the hood latch has released the hood assembly. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313581 | VEHICLE - A vehicle is a vehicle in which a high-voltage power supply can be charged with electric power from an external power supply. In a travel mode, a main microcomputer (MMC) of a controller outputs a request signal requesting to forcibly turn a plug-in main relay (PIMR) on to a sub-microcomputer (SMC), in order to activate a charging system that is essentially not required to be activated. Upon receiving the request signal, the SMC outputs a signal for turning the PIMR on to the PIMR. If the MMC does not receive electric power from a low-voltage power supply via the PIMR after outputting the request signal, the MMC determines that there is an abnormality in an activation circuit for the charging system, and alerts a user. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313582 | HAND TOOL HAVING AT LEAST ONE INTEGRATED BATTERY CELL - In a hand tool having at least one integrated battery cell, a pen-shaped tool housing is provided, and the battery cell is connectable to a charger for charging, which is designed to charge removable battery packs. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313583 | CHARGE EQUALIZATION APPARATUS AND METHOD - The present invention relates, in general, to a battery voltage equalization apparatus and method, and, more particularly, to a charge equalization apparatus and method, which decrease the withstand voltages of semiconductor switching elements while maintaining charge equalization performance, thus making it easy to implement the secondary windings of transformers while reducing the costs of the charge equalization apparatus. The charge equalization apparatus includes N first transformers (T | 2012-12-13 |
20120313584 | VEHICLE - A vehicle includes a PCU controlling electric power supplied to a motor, a first power storage device, a second power storage device, an ECU, a charger, system main relays SMR | 2012-12-13 |
20120313585 | Device for lithium ion battery storage and transportation - The present invention generally relates to the area of energy storage. It more specifically relates to a device that increases the safety characteristics of a lithium ion battery during storage and/or transportation. The device comprises a conducting element placed across the terminals of the battery. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313586 | AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRIFIED DRIVE TRAIN SYSTEMS WITH HIGH TEMPERATURE RECHARGEABLE ENERGY STORAGE DEVICE - A propulsion energy storage system for a hybrid vehicle includes ultracapacitor based energy storage to provide rechargeable energy storage. The rechargeable energy storage used performs well over a wide thermal range and thus permits vehicle designers and manufacturers to forego incorporation of temperature management systems. Further, as the rechargeable energy storage exhibit excellent thermal stability, the form factor of the cells of the rechargeable energy storage (e.g., ultracapacitors) may be adjusted to meet the desires of designers, manufacturers and users. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313587 | LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES WITH NANOSTRUCTURED ELECTRODES AND ASSOCIATED METHODS OF MAKING - Several embodiments related to lithium-ion batteries having electrodes with nanostructures, compositions of such nanostructures, and associated methods of making such electrodes are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for producing an anode suitable for a lithium-ion battery comprising preparing a surface of a substrate material and forming a plurality of conductive nanostructures on the surface of the substrate material via electrodeposition without using a template. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313588 | OCCUPANCY SENSOR WITH CONDITIONAL ENERGY TRANSFER FROM LOAD - An occupancy sensor may control a load in response to its own operating conditions. In some embodiments, the occupancy sensor may include an energy storage device to operate the occupancy sensor when a load it controls is not energized. The occupancy sensor may energize the load to transfer energy from the load to the occupancy sensor when the amount of energy stored at the occupancy sensor reaches a threshold level. In some other embodiments, the occupancy sensor may include two sensing circuits and a connection to transfer energy from a load it controls to the occupancy sensor when the load is energized. The occupancy sensor may disable one of the sensing circuits when the load is not energized. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313589 | Energy storage device with large charge separation - High density energy storage in semiconductor devices is provided. There are two main aspects of the present approach. The first aspect is to provide high density energy storage in semiconductor devices based on formation of a plasma in the semiconductor. The second aspect is to provide high density energy storage based on charge separation in a p-n junction. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313590 | RECHARGEABLE BATTERY - A rechargeable battery is disclosed. The rechargeable battery of the invention includes a high density capacitor and an integrated circuit. The high density capacitor is connected to a ground terminal and a first node carrying a first voltage. The integrated circuit includes a band gap circuit, a first detecting unit, a voltage divider, a second detecting unit and at least one low dropout voltage regulator. The band gap circuit generates a band gap voltage according to the first voltage. The first detecting unit measures the first voltage and determines whether to apply an input charging voltage to the high density capacitor. The voltage divider is connected in parallel with the high density capacitor and has a second node carrying a second voltage. The second detecting unit measures the second voltage according to the band gap voltage and determines whether to connect a third node to the first node. Each low dropout voltage regulator is connected to the third node and generates a specified voltage output and a specified current output according to the band gap voltage and the first voltage. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313591 | Energy Storage Media for Ultracapacitors - An ultracapacitor includes at least one electrode that includes carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotubes may be applied in a variety of ways, and a plurality of layers may be included. Methods of fabrication of carbon nanotubes and ultracapacitors are provided. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313592 | SHUNT REGULATOR CIRCUIT HAVING A SPLIT OUTPUT - A shunt regulator for an RFID tag chip is powered from split outputs from the RF rectifier, including a first output for providing a power delivery path to on-chip circuits and a second output for providing a discharge-regulation path. The shunt regulator includes a capacitor coupled between the first output and ground. The shunt regulator further includes an input node for receiving a power supply voltage from the rectifier split outputs, a first diode having an anode coupled to the input node, a second diode having an anode coupled to the input node, a resistor divider circuit and amplifier coupled between a cathode of the first diode and ground, transistor having a control terminal coupled to an output of the resistor divider and amplifier circuit, and a current path coupled between a cathode of the second diode and ground. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313593 | Arrangement for generating a control signal for controlling a power output of a power generation system - An arrangement for generating a control signal for controlling a power output of a power generation system, such as a wind turbine, is provided. The power output is supplied to a utility grid. The arrangement includes a first input terminal for receiving a first input signal indicative of an actual grid frequency of the utility grid, a control circuit for generating the control signal, and an output terminal to which the control signal is supplied. The control circuit includes a bang-bang controller for generating a first power signal being indicative of a predefined amount of power to be added to the power output of the power generation system. The bang-bang controller is adapted to be activated when the first input signal falls below a first predefined threshold. The control signal depends on the first power signal. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313594 | STEP SWITCH - The invention relates to a step switch comprising semiconductor switches for uninterrupted switching between tap windings of a step transformer. The switch is a hybrid switch that has fixed mechanical contact fingers and counter-contacts situated on a movable contact carrier. Semiconductor switch units are provided for the actual load switching, said units being actuated in a predetermined switching sequence by the contacts on the contact carrier. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313595 | Power Converter Package Structure and Method - An embodiment power converter package comprises a semiconductor die, an output inductor, a plurality of input capacitors and output capacitors. The semiconductor die, the output inductor and the plurality of capacitors are mounted on a lead frame and connected one to another through various pads on the lead frame. The semiconductor die comprises a high side switch, a low side switch and a driver. The power converter package is electrically coupled to an external pulse width modulation controller through a variety of input and output pads. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313596 | HIGH-FREQUENCY SUPPLY OF A LOAD WITHOUT IMPEDANCE MATCHING - An energy supplying device for a load has a direct current source, a number of switching stages, and a control device. The switching stages are connected to the direct current source, the load, and the control device such that the control device can drive the switching stages to selectively connect the load to the direct current source. Each switching stage has a field effect transistor and a number of freewheeling diodes connected in opposition to the respective field effect transistor in parallel. The field effect transistors have a maximum operational threshold frequency. Each freewheeling diode has a recovery time. For each switching stage, the recovery times of the respective freewheeling diodes correspond with the reciprocal value of the threshold frequency of the respective field effect transistor. The control device controls the switching stages at least intermittently such that power is reflected back into the switching stages on the basis of a mismatch. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313597 | Wide-Bandwidth Linear Regulator - A linear regulator and a method of regulating a supply voltage are provided. Embodiments include a linear regulator with a first feedback loop and a second feedback loop. The first feedback loop is characterized by a first bandwidth and a first gain. The first feedback loop includes a first amplifier characterized by an output impedance which is significantly reduced in order to maximize the bandwidth of the first feedback loop when driving the capacitance of a control input of a series pass element. The second feedback loop is characterized by a second bandwidth and a second gain. The second feedback loop includes a second amplifier that controls the current in the first amplifier in the first feedback loop. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313598 | SYSTEM THAT REGULATES OUTPUT VOLTAGE AND LOAD CURRENT - A system including a first circuit, a second circuit, and a third circuit. The first circuit receives a supply voltage and a timer signal and is configured to provide an output voltage that is greater than the supply voltage. The second circuit receives the output voltage and enables an output current if the output voltage is sufficiently greater than the supply voltage. The third circuit detects the output current and is configured to provide a load current and a feedback current in response to the output current. The first circuit receives the feedback current and a feed back loop including the first circuit and the second circuit and the third circuit regulates the output voltage and the load current via the feedback current. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313599 | Self-Driven Synchronous Rectification Boost Converter - The present invention provides a self-driven synchronous rectification boost converter. The self-driven synchronous rectification boost converter has a first switch receiving a pulse driving signal, a first winding and a synchronous rectification circuit constructed by an auxiliary winding and a second switch. The first winding stores energy when the first switch is switched on and releases energy when the first switch is switched off to achieve boosting. In the meantime, the auxiliary winding cooperates with a switch circuit to switch on/off the second switch according to a voltage inducted from the first winding, so as to achieve an object of synchronous rectification. Under a condition of outputting high current, the present invention can greatly reduce power-consumption of rectifying and enhance efficiency. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313600 | SWITCHING CIRCUIT AND DC-TO-DC CONVERTER - According to one embodiment, a switching circuit includes a high-side switch, a rectifier, and a driver. The high-side switch is connected between a high potential terminal and an output terminal. The rectifier is connected between the output terminal and a low potential terminal, forward direction of the rectifier is a direction from the low potential terminal to the output terminal. The driver is connected between the high potential terminal and the output terminal. The driver switches a high-side switch ON based on a high-side control signal. The driver switches the high-side switch OFF when a first short detector detects shorts of the output terminal with the low potential terminal after a first period longer than a backward recovery time of the rectifier until the high-side control signal changing. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313601 | SWITCHING REGULATOR - In order to provide a switching regulator having high efficiency even under light load, the switching regulator is configured so that ON/OFF of a switching element is controlled by an output signal of an oscillation circuit having an oscillation frequency controlled by an output signal from an error amplifier. Thereby, the oscillation frequency can be suppressed under light load, thus reducing a switching loss. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313602 | Power Converter With Capacitive Energy Transfer And Fast Dynamic Response - A converter circuit and related technique for providing high power density power conversion includes a reconfigurable switched capacitor transformation stage coupled to a magnetic converter (or regulation) stage. The circuits and techniques achieve high performance over a wide input voltage range or a wide output voltage range. The converter can be used, for example, to power logic devices in portable battery operated devices. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313603 | GENERATION OF VOLTAGE SUPPLY FOR LOW POWER DIGITAL CIRCUIT OPERATION - A voltage regulator for low power operation of digital circuits includes an output node for providing a regulated output voltage, a diode-connected P-channel transistor in series with a second diode-connected N-channel transistor coupled between the output node and ground, and a bias current having a value for biasing the first and second diode-connected transistors in a sub-threshold mode of operation. The low power voltage regulator further includes a buffer amplifier or emitter or source follower stage to provide a low impedance regulated voltage. The bias current may be generated by a bandgap circuit. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313604 | EFFICIENT BIAS POWER SUPPLY FOR NON-ISOLATED DC/DC POWER CONVERSION APPLICATIONS - Unique methods are disclosed to construct an efficient bias supply for a main non-isolated DC/DC power conversion system. Additional bias supplies developed by employing an arbitrary number of transformers and/or an arbitrary number of secondary windings can be used to provide bias power to other isolated and non-isolated power conversion systems. By employing a transformer in forward conversion mode the basic circuit of the efficient bias supply is built without using any extra switching controllers and power switches. Furthermore a new architecture for monitoring and selecting the bias power source to ensure smooth start-up and operation during abnormal conditions and/or maintaining optimum and efficient steady state operation of a power conversion system is disclosed. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313605 | METHOD OF SWITCHING A PWM MULTI-PHASE VOLTAGE CONVERTER - A circuit may generate a clock signal with a variable period given by a ratio between an initial switching period and a number of phase circuits through which a current of a multi-phase PWM voltage converter flows. The circuit may include an adjustable current generator driven by a signal representing the number of phase circuits through which the current flows and configured to generate a current proportional to the number of phase circuits through which the current flows, and a tank capacitor charged by the adjustable current generator. The circuit may include a comparator of a voltage on the tank capacitor with a threshold value configured to generate a pulse of the clock signal when the threshold value is attained, and a discharge path of the tank capacitor, the discharge path being enabled during the pulses of the clock signal. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313606 | METHOD FOR OPERATING SOFT START CIRCUIT AND DEVICES USING THE METHOD - A soft start circuit is disclosed. The soft start circuit includes a reference voltage generator configured to generate a reference voltage, a switch connected between an output node of the reference voltage generator and an output node of the soft start circuit and configured to selectively provide an output signal in response to a switch control signal, a capacitor connected between the switch and a ground, and a current source configured to generate a current having a different level in each of a plurality of intervals to charge the capacitor. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313607 | HIGH EFFICIENCY BUCK-BOOST POWER CONVERTER - A buck-boost power converter switches the switches thereof with a novel sequence and extends the switching periods of the switches to reduce the switching loss and conduction loss when the input voltage thereof approaches the output voltage thereof. The influence of the load current of the power converter on the duty thereof is taken into account to switch the power converter between modes at correct time points, so as to prevent the output voltage from being affected by the mode switching. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313608 | HIGH EFFICIENCY BUCK-BOOST POWER CONVERTER - A buck-boost power converter switches the switches thereof with a novel sequence and extends the switching periods of the switches to reduce the switching loss and conduction loss when the input voltage thereof approaches the output voltage thereof. The influence of the load current of the power converter on the duty thereof is taken into account to switch the power converter between modes at correct time points, so as to prevent the output voltage from being affected by the mode switching. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313609 | CURRENT LIMITING CIRCUIT - A current limiting circuit includes a limit current setting unit that sets a value of a limit current for limiting an output current from a driver circuit connected to the current limiting circuit, the limit current value including a first acceptable value and a second acceptable value larger than the first acceptable value; an excess current detecting unit that detects when the output current from the driver circuit exceeds the first acceptable value; and a limit current adjusting unit that replaces the first acceptable value with the second acceptable value in a period when the output current detected by the excess current detecting unit exceeds the first acceptable value. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313610 | Power Supply Control Circuit - A power supply control circuit includes a mode controlling unit which, in accordance with an output voltage of an amplifying section, performs a mode up for switching a current power supply voltage of the amplifying section to a higher power supply voltage being higher than the current power supply voltage, and which, in a case where a magnitude of the output voltage of the amplifying section is smaller than a threshold voltage for a predetermined time period or longer, performs a mode down for switching the power supply voltage of the amplifying section to a lower power supply voltage being lower than the current power supply voltage, and a threshold setting unit which sets the threshold voltage based on the output voltage of the amplifying section at a timing when the mode up is performed. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313611 | Self-Driven Synchronous Rectification Boost Converter Having High Step-Up Ratio - The present invention provides a self-driven synchronous rectification boost converter having high step-up ratio. The self-driven synchronous rectification boost converter having high step-up ratio has a first switch receiving a pulse driving signal, a first winding, a second winding and a synchronous rectification circuit constructed by an auxiliary winding and a second switch. The first winding inducts a reverse voltage when the first switch is repeatedly switched on and off. The reverse voltage then is raised via the second winding, and the auxiliary winding cooperates with a switch circuit to switch on/off the second switch according to an inducted voltage, so as to achieve an object of synchronous rectification. Under a condition of outputting high current, the present invention can greatly reduce power-consumption of rectifying and enhance efficiency. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313612 | SELF-OPTIMIZING ENERGY HARVESTER USING GENERATOR HAVING A VARIABLE SOURCE VOLTAGE - A self-optimizing energy harvester comprises a thermoelectric generator coupling to a thermal source, producing a source voltage greater than a minimum start-up voltage, where the thermoelectric generator drives a boost circuit and a feedforward circuit, delivering power to a load. A conventional boost circuit has a maximum output power only at the input voltage for which a fixed set point resistor is chosen. The feedforward circuit dynamically optimizes the boost circuit according to a dynamic set point resistance, thus increasing output power for a wide range of input voltages, relative to using a fixed reference resistor. The dynamic set point resistance is the sum of a variable resistance and a reference resistance. A sample element forms a differential voltage between the source and input voltage elements, and the variable resistance corresponds to the differential voltage. A reference resistor is chosen to establish the minimum start-up voltage. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313613 | HIGH VOLTAGE AND HIGH POWER BOOST CONVETER WITH CO-PACKAGED SCHOTTKY DIODE - A high voltage and high power boost converter is disclosed. The boost converter includes a boost converter IC and a discrete Schottky diode, both of which are co-packaged on a standard single common die pad. The bottom cathode is electrically connected to the common die pad. It is emphasized that this abstract is being provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. This abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313614 | SWITCHING POWER SUPPLY CIRCUIT, AND METHOD FOR CONTROL OF SWITCHING POWER SUPPLY CIRCUIT - A circuit includes a reactor, a diode, and a switching element. The reactor and the diode are connected in series with each other on a power supply line. The switching element is provided between a power supply line and a point between the reactor and the diode. A circuit includes a reactor, a diode, and a switching element. The reactor and the diode are connected in series with each other on a power supply line. The switching element is provided between the power supply line and a point between the reactor and the diode. Characteristics of at least any of the reactors, the switching elements, and the diodes are different from each other. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313615 | Summation Circuit in DC-DC Converter - An integrated circuit includes a saw-tooth generator including a saw tooth node configured to have a saw-tooth voltage generated thereon; and a first switch having a first end connected to the saw tooth node. The integrated circuit further includes a second switch coupled between an output node and an electrical ground, wherein the first switch and the second switch are configured to operate synchronously. A first current source is connected to the saw tooth node. A second current source is connected to the output node. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313616 | AC DISCHARGE CIRCUIT FOR AN AC-TO-DC SWITCHING POWER CONVERTER - An AC discharge circuit is disclosed to eliminate the need of bleeding resistors for an AC-to-DC switching power converter. The AC-to-DC switching power converter has two AC power input terminals to be connected to an AC power source, and an AC input capacitor connected between the two AC power input terminals. The AC discharge circuit has a rectifier circuit to rectify a first voltage across the AC input capacitor to be a second voltage applied to an input terminal of a JFET, and a power removal detector to monitor a third voltage at an output terminal of the JFET to trigger a power removal signal to discharge the AC input capacitor when the third voltage has been remained larger than a threshold for a de-bounce time. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313617 | GEOCOMPOSITE ENABLING LEAK DETECTION BY ELECTRICAL SCAN, AND METHOD FOR USE - A geocomposite for positioning under a geomembrane comprising at least one first geotextile covered by at least one second geotextile at least one electrically conductive textile being positioned between the second geotextile and the first geotextile. The conductive textile having a module for connecting to a phase of an electric generator. The geocomposite being in the form of one or several strips at the edges of which the second geotextile, the first geotextile and the electrically conductive textile are separate from each other, the geocomposite comprising perforated ringed mini-drains positioned parallel with each other on the first geotextile and covered with the second geotextile. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313618 | Test Equipment Calibration - Calibrating test equipment may include: aligning timing of a first group of channels in the test equipment; aligning timing of a second group of channels in the test equipment, with the second group of channels being different from the first group of channels; determining a misalignment in timing between a first channel and a second channel, with the first channel being from the first group of channels, and the second channel being from the second group of channels; and compensating, for the misalignment, channels in at least one of the first group or the second group. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313619 | CURRENT MEASURING APPARATUS - What is disclosed is a current measuring apparatus comprising: a mains connector, such as a plug, for connecting to a wire of a mains supply; an apparatus connector, such as a socket, to provide for electrical conduction to an electrical apparatus; a coil in series between the mains connector and the apparatus connector; and a measurement circuit that is operative to measure a voltage drop across the coil. In particular the coil is one present to also filter the mains signal. Also disclosed is a mains voltage powered consumer product, a network and an adaptor utilising the current measuring apparatus. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313620 | LOCAL TRANSFORMER LEVEL GRID MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS - At least one exemplary aspect comprises an apparatus for multi-channel metering of electricity, comprising: (a) a meter head that comprises one or more metering points, the meter head operable to connect and disconnect service on each one of a plurality of electricity consumer lines, and the meter head operable to measure electricity usage for each of the plurality of electricity consumer lines; and (b) a housing containing the meter head and a distribution transformer. In another aspect, an apparatus comprising a meter head is operable, in response to an interruption in flow of electricity being received from a distribution transformer, to actuate corresponding relays to disconnect service on one or more of the electricity consumer lines. In another aspect, an apparatus comprising a meter head is in communication with one or more sensors operable to sense environmental conditions in a distribution transformer housing. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313621 | PROBE BONDING METHOD HAVING IMPROVED CONTROL OF BONDING MATERIAL - In assembly of probe arrays for electrical test, a problem can arise where a bonding agent undesirably wicks between probes. According to embodiments of the invention, this wicking problem is alleviated by disposing an anti-wicking agent on a surface of the probe assembly such that wicking of the bonding agent along the probes toward the probe tips is hindered. The anti-wicking agent can be a solid powder, a liquid, or a gel. Once probe assembly fabrication is complete, the anti-wicking agent is removed. In preferred embodiments, a template plate is employed to hold the probe tips in proper position during fabrication. In this manner, undesirable bending of probes caused by introduction or removal of the anti-wicking agent can be reduced or eliminated. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313622 | ELECTRIC METER EQUIPPED WITH A REMOVABLE COVER THAT CAN BE POSITIONED IN TWO POSITIONS - An electricity meter comprising a box defining a terminal block for connection to cables and a removable cover covering the terminal block at least in part, wherein the meter includes fastener means arranged to hold said cover on a front face of the box while uncovering the terminal block and while leaving visible an inside face of the cover including means for explaining its electrical connection. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313623 | SYSTEM THAT OBTAINS A SWITCHING POINT WITH THE ENCODER IN A STATIC POSITION - A system including an encoder, multiple sensing elements and control logic. The encoder has a pole pitch and is configured to rotate in a direction of rotation. The multiple sensing elements are situated along the direction of rotation and span at least half the length of the pole pitch. The control logic is configured to receive signals from the multiple sensing elements based on the encoder in a static position and obtain a switching point based on the signals. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313624 | LINEAR POSITION MEASURING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE ABSOLUTE POSITION OF A CARRIAGE ALONG A SLIDE RAIL - A linear position measuring system and a method for determining an absolute position of a carriage along a slide rail are disclosed. An analog signal progression (S) based at on at least one reference point is here discretely scanned in response to a first threshold (SW | 2012-12-13 |
20120313625 | VISUAL INDICATOR DEVICE FOR PROXIMITY SENSOR - A device for visually indicating a change in the operational state of a proximity sensor. The device includes a transparent housing having a cavity and a magnet device for generating a magnetic field. In addition, a sleeve is attached to the housing. The magnet device is concealed within the sleeve in a first position to indicate a first operational state. When a target is positioned adjacent the sensor end, magnetic attraction occurs between the target and the magnet device due to the magnetic field to cause movement of the magnet device to a second position within the cavity wherein the magnetic field does not act on the proximity sensor to change the operational state from the first operational state to a second operational state. Further, the magnet device is visible in the second position to indicate the second operational state. The target is attached to a moving element of the valve such as a valve stem such that a change in operational state of the proximity sensor corresponds to a change in operational state of the valve. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313626 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR IDENTIFYING A SUBSET OF MEASUREMENTS, METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR LOCATING AN OBJECT, RECORDING MEDIUM FOR THESE METHODS - Identifying measurement subset comprising a disturbed measurement disturbed by a magnetic disturber includes emitting and measuring magnetic fields using mono-axial source/mono-axial transducer pairs to obtain real measurements distinguished by position of a source used to emit the field, position of transducer used to measure the field, and field frequency, a source being tied to a mobile object and the transducer tied to a frame of reference in which a position of the mobile object is to be expressed (or vice versa), estimating position of the object in the reference frame based on an observer and involving only a first subset of the measurements, estimating the measurements based at least in part on the estimated position Pi and on a direct model linking the object's position to the measurements, and determining whether or not the first measurement subset comprises a disturbed measurement by comparing the estimated and real measurements. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313627 | OPERATION INPUT APPARATUS AND OPERATING APPARATUS - An operation input apparatus includes an operating unit that is displaced by the action of an operation input; an actuator output shaft that is displaced in the same direction as the operating unit by the action of the operation input; an actuator that moves the operating unit via the actuator output shaft; and a detecting element that outputs a signal corresponding to an amount of displacement of the operating unit. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313628 | COIL FORM FOR MOUNTING ON A MAGNET CORE, MAGNET CORE FOR RELUCTANCE RESOLVERS, AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE - The present invention relates to a coil form ( | 2012-12-13 |
20120313629 | Method, Device and System for Monitoring the Determination of a Rotor Angle of a Rotating Shaft by Means of a Resolver - In a method for monitoring the determination of a rotor angle of a rotating shaft by use of a resolver monitoring the determination of the rotor angle is carried out by: a first test AC voltage at a test frequency which is not the same as an exciter frequency of the resolver is applied to a first stator winding of the resolver, and a second test AC voltage at the test frequency is applied to at least one second stator winding of the resolver, wherein the first and the second test AC voltages are produced such that an AC voltage is induced all the time in at least one rotor winding of the resolver as a result of the first and the second test AC voltages. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313630 | LINEAR POSITION MEASURING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE POSITION OF A CARRIAGE IN RELATION TO A SLIDE RAIL - A linear position measuring system ( | 2012-12-13 |
20120313631 | ANGLE MEASUREMENT SYSTEM INCLUDING MAGNET WITH SUBSTANTIALLY SQUARE FACE FOR THROUGH-SHAFT APPLICATIONS - To make the magnetic field lines straighter and more parallel to one another, the present disclosure makes use of substantially square magnets with through-holes therein. It will be appreciated that “substantially square” magnets include magnets that are precisely square as well as magnets that are approximately square (e.g., have rounded corners or other small deviations from being square.) By providing straighter and more parallel magnetic field lines, such substantially square magnets tend to enable greater precision and accuracy when rotational angles of a shaft are measured. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313632 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DETERMINING THE EXISTENCE AND LOCATION OF STRESS-INDUCING FORCES ON A ROD - In various embodiments, apparatus and methods of operating the apparatus are provided to determine existence and location of parasitic stress threes on a rod portion, the rod portion made of a magnetostrictive material and having a hollow tube. The apparatus may include a device comprising an envelope made of a non-magnetic material, a magnetic field source disposed inside the envelope, a motor to set the magnetic field source in rotational motion on the inside of the envelope, and a sensor to measure a value of the magnetic field and to deliver a signal representative of the value of the magnetic field. Operation of the apparatus may include penetration of the envelope into a portion of the hollow tube of the rod portion and translation of the envelope along the portion of the hollow tube. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313633 | PERFORMANCE-OPTIMIZED ACTIVATION OF A FLUXGATE SENSOR - A measuring device for measuring a magnetic field having a field coil which is situated around a soft magnetic core and connected to an excitation signal generator, and a detector coil which is situated around the soft magnetic core and connected to an evaluation unit, the excitation signal generator being designed for generating an excitation signal for generating a magnetic field and outputting it to the field coil, and the evaluation unit being designed for evaluating a measuring signal output by the detector coil. The excitation signal generator includes a DC signal generator and an AC signal generator connected in series to the DC signal generator. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313634 | Magnetic Field Detection Using Faraday Effect - A magnetometer is provided for detecting a magnetic field of strength B using the Faraday effect. The magnetometer includes a photon emitter, a first polarizer, a prism, a second polarizer, a detector and an analyzer. The emitter projects an emitted light beam substantially parallel to the magnetic field and having wavelength λ. The prism has an interface surface and is composed of a Faraday medium having Verdet value V. The emitted light beam passes through the first polarizer and then the prism, exiting from the interface surface making an incident angle θ | 2012-12-13 |
20120313635 | ARRANGEMENTS FOR SELF-TESTING A CIRCULAR VERTICAL HALL (CVH) SENSING ELEMENT AND/OR FOR SELF-TESTING A MAGNETIC FIELD SENSOR THAT USES A CIRCULAR VERTICAL HALL (CVH) SENSING ELEMENT - A switching arrangement around a circular vertical Hall (CVH) sensing element can provide a normal mode configuration responsive to magnetic fields at some times, and at least one of a first and a second self-test mode configuration not responsive to a magnetic field but simulating a magnetic field at other times. A corresponding method is also described. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313636 | HYSTERESIS OFFSET CANCELLATION FOR MAGNETIC SENSORS - Presented is a sensor that includes a magnetoresistive (MR) sensing device to sense a magnetic field and to produce an AC signal voltage proportional to the sensed magnetic field. The sensor also includes circuitry, coupled to the MR sensing device, to remove DC offset from the AC signal voltage. The DC offset may be related to the hysteresis characteristics of the MR sensing device. To remove DC offset, the circuitry may obtain an averaged DC offset and subtract the averaged DC offset from the AC signal voltage to produce a sensor output signal. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313637 | CURRENT DETECTING APPARATUS - The size of a current detecting apparatus is reduced by employing a small magnetic core, and problems caused by excessive heat generation and vibrations of a bass bar are prevented. In a current detecting apparatus, a current detecting bass bar includes a through portion penetrating through a hollow portion of a magnetic core, and plate-shaped terminal portions continuing from both sides of the through portion. The through portion is formed to have a thickness larger than that of the terminal portions. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313638 | MAGNETIC FIELD SENSOR - A magnetic field sensor includes a magnetizable core having a curved surface at least sectionally, a magnetization device for magnetizing the core, and a determination device for determining a magnetic field in the core. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313639 | NMR DEVICE FOR DETECTION OF ANALYTES - This invention relates generally to detection devices having one or more small wells each surrounded by, or in close proximity to, an NMR micro coil, each well containing a liquid sample with magnetic nanoparticles that self-assemble or disperse in the presence of a target analyte, thereby altering the measured NMR properties of the liquid sample. The device may be used, for example, as a portable unit for point of care diagnosis and/or field use, or the device may be implanted for continuous or intermittent monitoring of one or more biological species of interest in a patient. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313640 | METHOD AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE SYSTEM FOR DISTORTION CORRECTION IN MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING - In a method for distortion correction in spiral magnetic resonance imaging, a first MR data set is acquired by scanning raw data space along a spiral trajectory beginning at a first point. A first complex MR image is determined from the first MR data set, which includes first phase information for image points of the first MR image. A second MR data set is acquired by scanning raw data space along the spiral trajectory beginning at a second point that differs from the first point. A second complex MR image is determined from the second MR data set, which includes second phase information for image points of the second MR image. A geometric distortion for image points of the first or second MR image is determined from the first and second phase information, for example with a PLACE method. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313641 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPIC IMAGING - A method of magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging of an object (O) including at least one chemical species to be imaged, comprising sampling of the k-space such that a plurality of N | 2012-12-13 |
20120313642 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INSULATING A CRYOGEN VESSEL - Systems and methods for insulating superconducting magnets, such as a cryogen vessel of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system having therein one or more superconducting magnets are provided. One system includes a thermal insulator having a first plurality of reflector layers and a non-deformed spacer layer between adjacent layers in the first plurality of reflector layers. The thermal insulator further includes a second plurality of reflector layers and a deformed spacer layer between adjacent layers in the second plurality of reflector layers. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313643 | MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI) DEVICE NOISE DAMPENING SYSTEM - Disclosed herein is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device noise dampening system, including an adjustable vibration dampening suspension system arranged between a gradient winding assembly of the MRI device and a support structure supported by a primary magnet assembly of an MRI device, wherein the adjustable vibration dampening suspension system comprises: a plurality of separately inflatable support elements; a vibration reducing material coupled to at least one of a plurality of connecting elements associated with a gradient winding assembly of an MRI device; and/or an acoustic noise absorbing material at least partially filling a space containing a gradient winding assembly of an MRI device. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313644 | REFERENCE MATERIAL FOR NMR, SAMPLE TUBE FOR NMR, CAPILLARY FOR NMR, AND METHOD FOR MEASURING NMR FOR A SAMPLE - Disclosed is a reference material for NMR, including a nitrogen-containing compound or oxygen-containing compound and a reagent for shifting a chemical shift for the nitrogen-containing compound or oxygen-containing compound. Disclosed is a sample tube for NMR, being obtainable by providing a reference material for NMR to a first tube closed at one end, providing a second tube closed at one end into the first tube, and fusing the other end of the first tube and the other end of the second tube and sealing a gap between the other end of the first tube and the other end of the second tube. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313645 | LOCAL COIL SYSTEM, TRANSMITTING DEVICE, MAGNETIC RESONANCE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THE WIRELESS TRANSFER OF ENERGY TO A LOCAL COIL SYSTEM - A local coil system for a magnetic resonance system including at least one local coil for capturing magnetic resonance (MR) signals and at least one energy receiving antenna for inductively receiving energy for the local coil system from a temporally varying magnetic field is provided. The at least one energy receiving antenna is or may be tuned to an energy transfer frequency that is lower than a Larmor frequency of the MR signals to be captured and higher than approximately 20 kHz. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313646 | CURRENT ESTIMATION CIRCUIT - To provide a current estimation circuit that can achieve a reduction in cost, a miniaturization, and a suppression of switching loss, and estimate an inductor current with a high degree of accuracy, despite a variation in the inductance value of the inductor. A current flowing through a switching element ( | 2012-12-13 |
20120313647 | INFRASTRUCTURE FOR PERFORMANCE BASED CHIP-TO-CHIP STACKING - A method and system for an infrastructure for performance-based chip-to-chip stacking are provided in the illustrative embodiments. A critical path monitor circuit (infrastructure) is configured to launch a signal from a launch point in a first layer, the first layer being a first circuit. The infrastructure is further configured to create an electrical path to a capture point. The signal is launched from the launch point in the first layer. A performance characteristic of the electrical path is measured, resulting in a measurement, wherein the measurement is indicative of a performance of the first layer when stacked with a second layer in a 3D stack without actually stacking the first and the second layers in the 3D stack, the second layer being a second circuit. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313648 | PROXIMITY SWITCH HAVING SENSITIVITY CONTROL AND METHOD THEREFOR - A vehicle proximity switch and method are provided having sensitivity control based on a user selected sensitivity input. The switch includes a proximity sensor such, as a capacitive sensor, installed in a vehicle and providing a sense activation field. The proximity switch also includes control circuitry for processing the sense activation field to sense user activation of the switch by comparing the sense activation field to a threshold. The proximity switch further includes a user sensitivity input for receiving a user selected sensitivity input. The control circuitry controls sensitivity of the comparison based on the user selected sensitivity input. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313649 | Physical Property Sensor With Active Electronic Circuit And Wireless Power And Data Transmission - Wireless sensors configured to record and transmit data as well as sense and, optionally, actuate to monitor physical properties of an environment and, optionally, effect changes within that environment. In one aspect, the wireless sensor can have a power harvesting unit; a voltage regulation unit, a transducing oscillator unit, and a transmitting coil. The voltage regulation unit is electrically coupled to the power harvesting unit and is configured to actuate at a minimum voltage level. The transducing oscillator unit is electrically coupled to the voltage regulation unit and is configured to convert a sensed physical property into an electrical signal. Also, the transmitting coil is configured to receive the electrical signal and to transmit the electrical signal to an external antenna. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313650 | INSPECTION DEVICE AND INSPECTION METHOD - An inspection device for detecting small foreign bodies is provided with a first electrode and a second electrode disposed on either side of the inspection target, a power source connected to the aforementioned first electrode, a conveyance speed control unit for controlling the conveyance speed of the aforementioned inspection target, a current detection unit which, connected to the aforementioned second electrode, detects currents generated by changes in the static capacitance formed between the aforementioned first electrode and the aforementioned second electrode, and a defect detection unit which detects defects on the basis of the aforementioned current. Furthermore, the aforementioned second electrode rotates in the direction opposite of the conveyance direction of the aforementioned inspection target. Furthermore, the aforementioned power source includes a DC or an AC power source. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313651 | CIRCUIT FOR DETECTING THE POSITIONS OF CONTACTORS IN A TURBINE ENGINE - A circuit for detecting individual positions of a plurality of electrical contactors, including a plurality of modules each including a contactor having k separate contact positions each connected in series to a resistor associated with an integer status value between 1 and k and separate from other status values of a same module, each module being associated with a weighting coefficient and the weighting coefficients following a geometric progression of no less than k+1, the electrical conductance value of each resistor being equal to the status value thereof multiplied by the weighting coefficient of the module thereof. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313652 | Method and Apparatus for Differential Voltage Grid-Based Moisture Monitoring of Structures - A method and apparatus for differential voltage grid-based moisture monitoring of structures is provided. The method involves detecting a defect in a structural component, the structural component comprising a membrane for fluid impermeability, a deck for supporting the membrane, and a plurality of electrically conductive elements adjacent the membrane and electrically insulated from each other, by sensing the potential difference between a first element of the plurality of elements and a second element of the plurality of elements separated from the first element when there is an electrical potential between the deck and an electrically conductive fluid in contact with the first and second elements. The apparatus includes a switching circuit for connecting a voltage measuring circuit to the first and second elements, the voltage measuring circuit being operable to sense the potential difference between the first and second elements. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313653 | SWITCH IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - A switch identification system for a vehicle is provided, which is configured to identify each switch mounted in a slot regardless of which slot the switch is mounted in, such that a plurality of switches can be freely arranged in desired positions, thus more effectively managing the respective switches. In particular, an identification terminal mounted in the switch and connected to a corresponding terminal in the slot when the switch is inserted into the slot is provide along with a resistor connected to the identification terminal of the switch and having a different resistance value predetermined for each switch. The switches are identified by a control module which receives a signal based on the resistance value of the resistor in the switch through an input circuit connected to the corresponding terminal in the slot. | 2012-12-13 |
20120313654 | Voltage Detection Method and Voltage Detector Circuit - A voltage detection method for detecting a voltage source includes generating a first voltage with a first negative temperature coefficient, wherein the first voltage is related to the voltage source, generating a second voltage with a second negative temperature coefficient, wherein the second voltage is related to the voltage source, and through a comparator to connect the first voltage and the second voltage, for generating a detection result voltage without temperature coefficient according to a voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage, and the relationship that the first negative temperature coefficient is equivalent to the second negative temperature coefficient, to perform the voltage detection. | 2012-12-13 |