12739 results about "Power cord" patented technology

An improved hand-held fastener driving tool is provided with an adjustable torque limiting control. The tool is portable, and is electrically powered using either a battery pack or a power cord as a power source. The tool drives collated fasteners (e.g., screws) into solid objects. The motor current is measured to determine the amount of torque being applied to a screw by the motor and mechanical drive components. As the screw bottoms out, the motor torque increases to a point where it exceeds the user-adjusted torque limiting control. The motor is automatically turned off at that point, thereby preventing the screw from being stripped.

There is provided an electric device which can prevent a deterioration in a frequency characteristic due to a large electric power external switch connected to an opposite electrode and can prevent a decrease in the number of gradations. The electric device includes a plurality of source signal lines, a plurality of gate signal lines, a plurality of power source supply lines, a plurality of power source control lines, and a plurality of pixels. Each of the plurality of pixels includes a switching TFT, an EL driving TFT, a power source controlling TFT, and an EL element, and the power source controlling TFT controls a potential difference between a cathode and an anode of the EL element.

A lighting device comprising a first group of solid state light emitters, with peak wavelength from 430 nm to 480 nm, and optionally a second group with dominant wavelength from 600 nm to 630 nm, and a first group of lumiphors which emit light having dominant wavelength from 555 nm to 585 nm. In some embodiments, if current is supplied to a power line, a combination of (1) light exiting the lighting device which was emitted by the first group of emitters, and (2) light exiting the lighting device which was emitted by the first group of lumiphors would, in an absence of any additional light, produce a sub-mixture of light having x, y color coordinates within an area on a 1931 CIE Chromaticity Diagram defined by points having coordinates (0.32, 0.40), (0.36, 0.48), (0.43, 0.45), (0.42, 0.42), (0.36, 0.38). Also provided is a method of lighting.

A robotic vacuum cleaner (10) with a self-propelled controller (12) with a vacuum source (36, 38) and a dirt receptacle (32), a self-propelled cleaning head (14) with a suction inlet (24), and an interconnecting hose (16) is provided. The controller and cleaning head cooperatively traverse a surface area in tandem when the interconnecting hose is connected between the cleaning head and the controller. In one embodiment, the controller includes a power source (56) making the robotic vacuum autonomous. In another embodiment, the controller includes a power cord dispense / retract assembly (168) to provide access to utility power. In another aspect, the controller includes a portable vacuum (20) that is removed for manual operations. In still another aspect, a method of semi-automated environment mapping for a self-propelled robotic vacuum is provided. With respect to the method, the robotic vacuum also includes a remote control (18).

A power and control system for minimizing home-run power lines to fixtures located throughout a building and wirelessly controlling fixtures according to zones defined irrespective of their wiring. Less “pipe and box” is necessary when branch circuits are not used to define zones. A building may be wired in order to minimize costs, while increasing flexibility and reliability by implementing wireless zone control.

A PFC circuit modulating a power line using pulse width modulation (PWM) to drive a power MOSFET and series inductor across the power line. Since many modern electronic systems include a power factor correction circuit (PFC) that already includes a series inductor and power MOSFET, a PLC is incorporated into a controller to inject a PLC transmit signal into a control loop for the PFC circuit. This can be done using either an analog PFC controller, such as the UCC28517, the UCC2819A, or a digital PFC controller such as based on a TMS320C24xx DSP.

A lighting device comprising first and second groups of solid state light emitters, which emit light having wavelength in ranges of from 430 nm to 480 nm and from 600 nm to 630 nm, respectively, and a first group of lumiphors which emit light having dominant wavelength in the range of from 555 nm to 585 nm. If current is supplied to a power line, a combination of (1) light exiting the lighting device which was emitted by the first group of emitters, and (2) light exiting the lighting device which was emitted by the first group of lumiphors would, in an absence of any additional light, produce a sub-mixture of light having x, y color coordinates within an area on a 1931 CIE Chromaticity Diagram defined by points having coordinates (0.32, 0.40), (0.36, 0.48), (0.43, 0.45), (0.42, 0.42), (0.36, 0.38). Also provided is a method of lighting.

A power line de-icing apparatus that incorporates both thermal and mechanical means to remove various forms of accumulated ice or wet snow from power lines. The apparatus uses a minimum amount of energy to first de-bond and then break off ice from the power line; using far less power than required to fully melt ice. The apparatus operates autonomously, activating heating and chisel mechanisms, and moving between power line support towers in response to both temperature and ice sensor inputs. This operation is repeated in both directions along the power line as long as icing continues to activate the sensors; removing ice more quickly than it can accumulate and thereby preventing mechanical or electrical damage to the power lines and supporting towers. The apparatus is self contained and powered inductively from the power line. It is installed onto the power line without the need for disconnecting the power line.

A power line coupler for communicating data signals over a power distribution system having a first and second overhead energized medium voltage power line conductors is provided. In one embodiment, the coupler includes a first lightening arrestor having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first arrestor is connected to the first power line conductor. The coupler further includes a first high frequency impedance having a first end connected to the second end of the first lightening arrestor and the first impedance having a second end connected to a neutral conductor of the power line distribution system. The coupler may further include a second lightening arrestor having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the second arrestor is connected to the second power line conductor. The coupler further including a second high frequency impedance having a first end connected to the second end of the second lightening arrestor and a second end connected to the neutral conductor. The first high frequency impedance and the second high frequency impedance may each comprise an air core coil that forms an inductor. The coupler may further include a balun having a first winding and a second winding, wherein the first winding is coupled to a communication device, and wherein the second winding has a first end connected to the first end of the first high frequency impedance and a second end connected to the first end of the second high frequency impedance.

There is provided an electric device which can prevent a deterioration in a frequency characteristic due to a large electric power external switch connected to an opposite electrode and can prevent a decrease in the number of gradations. The electric device includes a plurality of source signal lines, a plurality of gate signal lines, a plurality of power source supply lines, a plurality of power source control lines, and a plurality of pixels. Each of the plurality of pixels includes a switching TFT, an EL driving TFT, a power source controlling TFT, and an EL element, and the power source controlling TFT controls a potential difference between a cathode and an anode of the EL element.

A coupling circuit arrangement for data communication over a power line comprises a modulator / demodulator circuit for modulating data signals for transmission over the power line, and for demodulating signals which have been transmitted over the power line into data signals, a power supply circuit, and isolation means for providing galvanic isolation from the power line. The isolation means comprises light emitting elements and light detecting elements, which are arranged between the modulator / demodulator circuit and the power line. The isolation means may also be used to transmit a digital control signal which indicates the status of the power supply circuit or an over-temperature condition, or which is a transmit enable signal. The digital control signal may be encoded in the analog data signal by a digital shift in the DC bias level or by a complete removal of the DC biasing signal.

Disclosed is a power line broadband communication system having broadband coupler devices capable of direct electrical connection to an energized power line. The coupler includes a conductive portion movable by an adjustable member from a non-conducting retracted position spaced apart from the power transmission line to a forward conducting position in electrical contact with the power line. An insulated arm supports the coupler on the power line. A base on the coupler is engageable with a remotely activated tool in order to accomplish the electrical connection in a safe and secure manner. Broadband data signals are sent to and from customer premises along the shared energized power lines. New coupler connections to the energized power lines allow the additional broadband customers and / or repeaters to join the communication system. Also couplers may provide connections to control electronics, routers, wireless transceivers, and may allow the broadband signals to bypass transformers on the power lines. The invention helps to minimize risk by allowing an installer to be remotely spaced from the energized power line while making the electrical coupling contact with the energized power line.

An OLED display device which can sense a current of each pixel at high speed by a simple structure in order to compensate for luminance non-uniformity and a pixel current sensing method thereof are discussed. The OLED display device includes a display panel including pixels, each including a light emitting element and a pixel circuit for independently driving the light emitting element, a data driver for driving a data line connected to the pixel circuit using a data voltage, floating one of the data line, a reference line for supplying a reference voltage to the pixel circuit, and a power line for supplying a power to the pixel circuit to use the floated line as a current sensing line, sensing a voltage corresponding to a pixel current of the pixel circuit flowing to the current sensing line, and outputting the sensing voltage, in a sensing mode.

Cell power supply lines are arranged for memory cell columns, and adjust impedances or voltage levels of the cell power supply lines according to the voltage levels of bit lines in the corresponding columns, respectively. In the data write operation, the cell power supply line is forced into a floating state according to the bit line potential on a selected column and has the voltage level changed, and a latching capability of a selected memory cell is reduced to write data fast. Even with a low power supply voltage, a static semiconductor memory device that can stably perform write and read of data is implemented.

A system and method for supplying power to a load and for controlling the power factor presented to the power line. Output voltage is controlled by a digital, outer, control loop, and inner, analog, control loop causes the input current to be substantially proportional to the input voltage at any particular point in the power line cycle. Thus, the system presents a load to the power line that appears to be purely resistive. The use of an analog multiplier is not required, nor is sampling of input voltage. Limiting of inrush current provides for brown-out protection and soft-start.

A semiconductor device has: a plurality of first power supply wires formed in a first wiring layer; a plurality of second power supply wires formed in a second wiring layer; and a plurality of vias connecting between the first wiring layer and the second wiring layer. The plurality of second power supply wires overlap the plurality of first power supply wires at a plurality of intersections. The plurality of vias are arranged regularly at a part of the plurality of intersections.

An electromagnetic-radiation power-supply mechanism includes a microwave power introduction port provided on the side of the coaxial waveguide, a power line being connected to the microwave power introduction port; and a power supply antenna for radiating the electromagnetic wave power into the waveguide, the power supply antenna being connected to the power line. The power supply antenna includes an antenna body having a first pole connected to the power line and a second pole connected to an inner conductor of the waveguide; and a ring-shaped reflection portion extending from opposite sides of the antenna body.

An active matrix display includes a substrate, a video signal line on the substrate, first and second power lines on the substrate, a self-emitting element having two display electrodes facing each other and connected to one of the first and second power lines, a drive transistor connected between the first power line and one of the display electrodes, a storage capacitor having a first electrode connected to a gate electrode of the drive transistor and a second electrode facing the first electrode with interposing an insulating layer, the storage capacitor and the gate electrode of the drive transistor being arranged under the display electrode, and a shield electrode arranged between the display electrode connected to the drive transistor and at least one of the first electrode of the storage capacitor and the gate electrode with interposing an insulating layer, and set at a constant potential.

Disclosed herein is a display apparatus including a pixel array and a driver configured to drive the pixel array, the pixel array having scanning lines as rows, signal lines as columns, a matrix of pixels disposed at respective intersections of the scanning lines and the signal lines, and power supply lines disposed along respective rows of the pixels, the driver having a main scanner for successively supplying control signals to the scanning lines to perform line-sequential scanning on the rows of the pixels, a power supply scanner for supplying a power supply voltage, which selectively switches between a first potential and a second potential, to the power supply lines in synchronism with the line-sequential scanning, and a signal selector for supplying a signal potential, which serves as a video signal, and a reference potential to the signal lines as the columns in synchronism with the line-sequential scanning.

A display device is disclosed. The display device includes: a pixel array part; and a drive part that drives the pixel array part. The pixel array part includes row-wise first scan lines and second scan lines, column-wise signal lines, pixels arranged in a matrix form on parts where the lines intersect, and power supply lines and ground lines that supply power to the respective pixels. The drive part includes a first scanner that sequentially supplies first control signals to the respective first scan lines and line-sequentially scans the pixels in units of rows, a second scanner that sequentially supplies second control signals to the respective second scan lines according to the line-sequential scan, and a signal selector that supplies video signals to the column-wise signal lines according to the line-sequential scan.

A system, method and apparatus structured to transmit a plurality of ultra-wideband pulses through an electric power medium is provided. One embodiment of the method comprises an ultra-wideband transmitter structured to transmit the plurality of ultra-wideband pulses through the electric power medium and an ultra-wideband receiver structured to receive the plurality of ultra-wideband pulses from the electric power medium. Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a power supply that provides ultra-wideband communications to devices that obtain power from the power supply. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules that allow a reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure contained herein. This Abstract is submitted with the explicit understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.

A memory using an SRAM memory cell intended for low-voltage operation is designed to decrease the threshold value of MOB transistors constituting the memory cell without substantial decrease in the static noise margin, which is the operational margin of the memory cell. To this end, a voltage Vdd' higher than a power supply voltage Vdd of a power supply line for peripheral circuits is supplied from a power supply line for memory cells as a power supply voltage for memory cells. Since the conductance of driver MOB transistors is in-creased, the threshold voltage of the MOB transistors within the memory cells can be reduced without reducing the static noise margin. Further the ratio of width between the driver MOS transistor and a transfer MOB transistor can be set to 1, thereby allowing a reduction in the memory cell area.

A load control system comprises a load control device for controlling an electrical load receiving power from an AC power source, and a controller adapted to be coupled in series between the source and the load control device. The load control system may be installed without requiring any additional wires to be run, and is easily configured without the need for a computer or an advanced commissioning procedure. The load control device receives both power and communication over two wires, and the controller generates a phase-control voltage that has at least one timing edge in each half-cycle, and transmits digital messages by modulating a timing edge of the phase-control voltage relative to a reference edge. The controller may be operable to receive inputs from a plurality of different input devices, and the load control device may be operable to control a plurality of different loads.

This invention is generally concerned with power supply circuits, and more particularly, with circuits to supply power to a mains supply, such as domestic grid mains, from a photovoltaic device. A photovoltaic power conditioning circuit for providing power from a photovoltaic device to an alternating current mains power supply line, the circuit comprising: a DC input to receive DC power from said photovoltaic device; an AC output configured for direct connection to said AC mains power supply line; a DC-to-AC converter coupled to said DC input and to said AC output to convert DC power from said photovoltaic device to AC power for output onto said power supply line; and an electronic controller directly coupled to said power supply line to measure a voltage of said power supply line and a current in said supply line and to control said DC-to-AC converter responsive to said measuring.

A device for use in locating a fault on a power line of a power distribution system includes: at least one sensor for measuring at least one property of the power line, and at least one output device in operative connection with the sensor to signal a state of the power line. The signaled state of the power line is determined from the measured property and indicates whether a fault has occurred in the power line. The output device can, for example, signal a current state or a previous state of the power line. The device can further include a controller in operative connection with the output device to control the operation of the output device based upon at least one of the current state or the past state of the power line. A device for use in measuring a property of power line of a power distribution system includes: a connector adapted to place the device in operative connection with the power line in the power distribution system without taking the power line out of operation; a sensor for measuring a property of the power line, and an output device in operative connection with the sensor to transmit a signal representative of the measured property.

A satellite communication system including an interface device for distributing satellite signals received from an outdoor unit (ODU) to a plurality of indoor units (IDUs) connected to a local area network (LAN), at a particular site. Only two cables, a power cable and a cable connected to the LAN, must be installed between the interface device and the site containing the IDUs. Accordingly, the installation of IDUs at a site is simplified and has the flexibility of allowing future satellite based services to be added without requiring the installation of new cables between the ODU and the IDUs. The satellite communication system also permit flexibility among connected devices, including to which other devices they are connected, how they are connected to other devices and what types of connections are used.

A robot cleaning system uses a robot cleaner and a unit. The unit is connected to power the robot cleaner by a power cord. The robot cleaner can move around a room while being powered by the unit. In one embodiment, the unit is connected to a power socket by another power cord.

In an active-matrix display device and a method for driving the active-matrix display device, a fifth transistor is connected between a power line and a drain terminal of a first transistor so that a power-supply voltage, namely the fixed voltage required for the compensation of the threshold voltage, is supplied by the power line via a fifth transistor and not by a signal line. Thus, a sufficient length of time for the threshold voltage compensation period can be maintained, and a second transistor of each pixel can accurately be compensated for threshold voltage irregularities.