652 results about "Electricity" patented technology

An inductively coupled power system for use in a structure having at least one power emitter electrically coupled to an external electrical power source and at least one power receptor directly coupled to a load with direct electrical connections, which is configured to inductively couple to energy wirelessly resonating from the at least one power emitter and to convert the inductively received energy to a desired output energy configuration for supply to the load. The system can also include at least one passive power emitter that is configured to be inductively coupled to energy wirelessly resonating from the at least one power emitter or the at least one passive power emitter.

A wind harnessing system using a plurality of self supporting airfoil kites 50 for useful power. The system comprising multiple airfoil kites 50 in tandem attached to a pivotal control housing 32 by control lines 58L and 58R and support lines 60L and 60R. Control lines 58L and 58R can change length with respect to the length of support lines 60L and 60R to control the airfoil kites' 50 angle-of-attack, pitch angle, direction of flight, and flight speed. The length of control lines 58L and 58R are controlled from ground station 30 by a movable pulley system in control housing 32 to adjust the airfoils' direction to follow a specific flight path 140. Control lines 58R and 58L and support lines 60R and 60L are also wound on a power shaft and pulley system in control housing 32. As the airfoil kites are propelled by the wind at very-high speed, the airfoils generate a powerful AXIAL force. The control lines 58L and 58R and support lines 60L and 60R are then reeled-out under this AXIAL tension causing the power shaft and pulley system in control housing 32 to turn a generator to generate electricity. After airfoil kites 50 have finished their reel-out power stroke 140a, the airfoil's pitch angle is greatly increased so they can be reeled-in by their control and support lines using a minimum of force along path 140b. Once the airfoils have been rewound to the proper distance, the airfoils are again angled for high-speed operation to generate powerful AXIAL force and reeled-out along 140c to provide another power stroke The airfoil kites are then reeled-in again along path 140d and an the entire process repeats starting with power stroke 140a. Since the force to rewind the airfoils is much less than the force generated during reel-out, there is net power generated.

A hybrid electric propulsion system for powering a vehicle using a natural fuel engine and an electric motor. The hybrid electric vehicle is comprised of a drive train; an electric motor for driving the drive train; an auxiliary power unit (APU); an electric energy storage system electrically coupled to the electric motor; and wherein the auxiliary power unit and the electric energy storage system provide energy for powering the vehicle. An electric bus is directly connected to both the auxiliary power unit and the electric energy source and the voltage across the electric bus is substantially the same as the voltage across the electric energy source so that a change in voltage of the electric bus results in the same change to the voltage across the electric energy source. A power management controller is programmed to control output power of the power unit to maintain the energy storage system between a predetermined high voltage set-point and a predetermined low voltage set-point.

A portable sensor device incorporates a low-power, nanostructure sensor coupled to a wireless transmitter. The sensor uses a nanostructure conducting channel, such as a nanotube network, that is functionalized to respond to a selected analyte. A measurement circuit connected to the sensor determines a change in the electrical characteristic of the sensor, from which information concerning the present or absence of the analyte may be determined. The portable sensor device may include a portable power source, such as a battery. It may further include a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting data to a base station.

A method and apparatus are disclosed for delivering energy substantially distal to an electrosurgical device. Embodiments of a device of the present invention may comprise an elongate member having one or more electrically insulated portions and a distal face comprising one or more electrically exposed conductive portions for delivering energy substantially distal to the elongate member. At least one of the one or more electrically insulated portions may extend from a proximal region of the elongate member to a distal end of the elongate member. In addition, a method is provided for creating a lesion at a target site within a body of a human or animal using an electrosurgical device. The method may comprise the steps of: inserting the electrosurgical device into the body such that the electrosurgical device is generally upstanding relative to the target site; and delivering energy from an energy source through a distal face of the electrosurgical device such that the energy is directed substantially distal to the distal face towards the target site.

A device and methods for performing a closed-chain exercise for the lower extremities of a human subject and, in particular, the legs, using stimulation. The device may include a sled for receiving the subject and for translating to and fro between a first, lower position in which the legs are at least partially bent and a second, higher position in which the legs are less bent than in the first position. A stimulator is provided for facilitating the performance of the closed-chain leg exercise by the subject to move the sled between the first and second positions, either by way of electrical signals provided directly to the applicable muscles or by way of sensory (e.g., visual) stimulation, with or without electro-muscular stimulation. In another aspect, adaptive feed-forward control may also be used to enhance the exercise regimen performed using the device.

A plasma reactor for processing a workpiece includes a reactor enclosure defining a processing chamber, a base within the chamber for supporting the workpiece during processing thereof, a semiconductor window electrode overlying the base, a gas inlet system for admitting a plasma precursor gas into the chamber, an electrical terminal coupled to the semiconductor window electrode, an inductive antenna adjacent one side of the semiconductor window electrode opposite the base for coupling power into the interior of said chamber through the semiconductor window electrode.

The present invention provides systems, apparatus and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to body tissue. A device is provided having an enclosure within an outer wall formed from an electrically-permeable material to allow for electrical energy to pass from the interior of the enclosure through the outer wall. The device further includes an electrode positioned within the interior of the enclosure and a fluid passage coupled to the enclosure for delivery of an electrically conductive fluid into the interior of the enclosure such that the electrically conductive fluid couples the electrode with the electrically-permeable section of the outer wall. The conductive fluid allows for the passage of electrical energy from the electrode through the fluid and the outer wall of the enclosure for treatment of tissue on or in a patient. In this manner, the electrode does not directly contact the tissue of the patient, which reduces the potential for collateral tissue damage or necrosis and/or excessive electric fields in the tissue.

A pressure-detecting mat includes a plurality of communication modules that are configured to communicate with each other using the two dimension diffusive signal-transmission technology, a module layer that includes the plurality of communication modules scattered therein, a plurality of conductive layers that electrically interconnect the plurality of communication modules, at least two insulating layers that sandwich the module layer and the plurality of conductive layers, and a plurality of pressure sensors that are arranged in one of all the layers except the farthest layer in a pressure applying direction. Each of the pressure sensors being capable of detecting a pressure and communicating with each of the communication modules to send an output signal according to the detected pressure to each of the communication modules. The total stiffness of the layers that are farther in the pressure applying direction than the layer in which the pressure sensors are arranged is higher than the total stiffness of the layers that are closer in the pressure applying direction than the layer in which the pressure sensors are arranged.

An electrical communication switch, an electrical communication outlet, an electrical communication companion device, and an electrical communication system are provided. The electrical communication switch includes a user-controlled switch having a plurality of switch leads and a controller. The controller is coupled to the user-controlled switch. The controller is configured to determine a change of state of the switch, and upon determining the switch has changed state to a new state, to send a signal. The electrical communication outlet includes a socket having a plurality of socket slots, at least one controlled switch, and a controller. The controller is coupled to said at least one controlled switch and is configured to receive a signal and to change a state of at least one of said at least one controlled switch pursuant to the signal.

A configurable ceiling lighting system for a grid ceiling comprising at least one and preferably a plurality of driver panels having a bottom and a defined perimeter sized to allow the driver panel to be set into and retained within the grid openings of a ceiling grid. The driver panel has at least one and preferably a plurality of electrical connectors accessible from the bottom of the driver panel. At least one and preferably a plurality of light modules are provided having a light source and an electrical connector complimentary to the electrical connectors of the panel drivers. The light modules can be operatively connected to the bottom of the ceiling panel drivers at selected connection points to produced desired arrays of ceiling lighting fixtures to meet particular lighting needs.

The present device is a stimulating wearable item that provides safety and entertainment benefits to the wearer. The device includes a wearable item, preferably a backpack, a stimulus control system, and at least one stimulus means. The stimulus control system includes a controller, a motion sensor and at least one power source. Each stimulus means is electrically connected to the stimulus control system. When the controller detects movement of the wearable item through the motion sensor, the stimulus control system activates the at least one stimulus means. The at least one stimulus means includes different stimulus means, such as a noise means, a vibration means, or an illumination means. The stimulating wearable item uses multiple stimulating means to increase the profile of the wearer and is enjoyable to wear to encourage frequent use. The device also allows for easy changing of the stimulus means as desired.

A case battery for a personal digital assistant is provided. The case battery includes a holding portion and a charging portion. The holding portion holds the personal digital assistant detachably. The charging portion is disposed in the holding portion and configured to be electrically connected to the power input. The charging portion extends the usage time of the personal digital assistant. The charging portion includes an electrical power acceptor configured to accept electrical power from outside. The charging portion may further include a secondary battery, and the electrical power acceptor is configured to charge the secondary battery using an external electrical power source. The charging portion may include a primary battery and a receptacle configured to accept the primary battery.

An instrument is disclosed for measuring resistivity of Earth formations from within a conductive pipe inside a wellbore drilled through the formations. The instrument includes a plurality of housings connected end to end and adapted to traverse the wellbore. At least one electrode is disposed on each housing. Each electrode is adapted to be placed in electrical contact with the inside of the pipe. The instrument includes a source of electrical current, a digital voltage measuring circuit and a switch. The switch is arranged to connect the source of electrical current between one of the electrodes and a current return at a selectable one of the top of the pipe and a location near the Earth's surface at a selected distance from the top of the pipe, and to connect selected pairs of the electrodes to the digital voltage measuring circuit. The pairs are selected to make voltage measurements corresponding to selected axial distances and selected lateral depths in the Earth formations.

An apparatus is provided for detecting Macro Sleep Architecture states of a subject such as WAKE, NREM and REM sleep from a subject's EEG. The apparatus includes an EEG digital signal assembly of modules arranged to convert analogue EEG signals into digital EEG signals. A bispectrum assembly is responsive to the EEG digital signal assembly and converts the digital EEG signals into signals representing corresponding bispectrum values. A bispectrum time series assembly, in electrical communication with an output side of the bispectrum assembly, generates at least one bispectrum time series for a predetermined frequency. A macro-sleep architecture (MSA) assembly is responsive to the bispectrum time series assembly and is arranged to produce classification signals indicating classification of segments of the EEG signals into macro-sleep states of the subject.

A light emitting diode (LED) unit has a pair of substrates, an LED and a pair of brackets. The substrates are separated from and serve respectively as positive and negative electrodes. The LED is mounted on the substrates and has a pair of terminals mounted respectively on the substrates. The brackets serve respectively as positive and negative electrodes, are made of pliable and flexible metal and are mounted respectively on and electrically connected respectively to the substrates. At least one of the brackets serves as at least one three-dimensional (3D) bracket being non-flat. The 3D brackets are easily customized into various configurations by bending or stamping semi-finished 3D brackets to fit internal chambers or cavities of different lights such as vehicle lights. Accordingly, the cost of the LED modules is effectively lowered.

Apparatus for monitoring structural health conditions of structures. The apparatus includes a piezoelectric device that has a bottom cover plate, piezoelectric rings concentrically disposed with respect to an axis and positioned on the bottom cover plate, and concentric filler rings made from an electrically insulating material. Each of the piezoelectric rings is interposed between two adjacent filler rings. The piezoelectric device also includes electrical connection means for communicating electrical signals to the piezoelectric rings and a top cover plate that is positioned over the piezoelectric rings and filler rings. The electrical connection means are operative to transmit electrical signals that cause one or more of the piezoelectric rings to generate waves or transmit electrical signals developed by one or more of the piezoelectric rings in response to the waves.

The invention provides a control method and system of a compressor electric heating band in an air conditioner, wherein the control method comprises the following steps of: detecting the air exhaust temperature of a compressor or the outdoor environment temperature of the air conditioner when the air conditioner is at the standby condition, and comparing the detection temperature value and the setting value, and controlling the starting and closing of the compressor electric heating band under the standby condition according to the compared result. The control system comprises a first sensor, a second sensor, a first control module, a comparison module and a relay, wherein the first sensor detects the outdoor environment temperature; the second sensor detects the compressor air exhaust temperature; the first control module enables the first or the second sensor to operate in the standby state of the compressor, and is respectively connected with the first sensor and the second sensor electrically; the comparison module is used for comparing the detection value and the setting of the first or the second sensor, and is electrically connected with signal output ends of the first sensor and the second sensor; and the relay controls the starting and closing of the electric heating band, an input end of the relay is electrically connected with a signal output end of the comparison module, and an output end of the relay is electrically connected with the electric heating band. According to the invention, the standby power consumption of the air conditioner can be lowered.

The invention relates to an SOC and SOT combined state estimation method based on a power battery electric-thermal coupling model, and belongs to the technical field of battery management. The methodcomprises the steps of selecting a to-be-measured power battery, building the electric-thermal model of the power battery, and determining parameters needed for estimating the SOC and the SOT of the power battery; under different temperatures, conducting trickling charging-discharging experiments and HPPC experiments on the measured power battery, building a database of equivalent circuit model parameters relevant to the temperature and the SOC under a charging and discharging condition, and simulating field test working conditions under different road conditions to build the database; conducting parameter identification to obtain characteristic parameters of the electric-thermal model, and obtaining the quantitative relation between the equivalent circuit model parameters and the temperature and the SOC under the charging and discharging condition. By means of the SOC and SOT combined state estimation method based on the power battery electric-thermal coupling model, the model is combined with a PF algorithm and the quantitative relation of the equivalent circuit model parameters relevant to the temperature and the SOC under the charging and discharging condition of the power battery to achieve the SOC and SOT combined state estimation of the power battery.

A method, apparatus and system for electrical simulation of a flame that provides for the projection of light that is a mixture of at least two colors. At least one of the two colors of light is projected over time according to a complex light intensity pattern. The complex light intensity pattern is constructed via an aggregation (superimposition) of a plurality of independent intensity transition signals. Each intensity transition signal represents a separate and varying intensity pattern. The complex light intensity pattern creates a perceptually real and pleasing visual effect upon the human eye, much like that created by the flickering of a real combustion flame and employs other than random or pseudo random intensity patterns.

The invention provides systems and methods for control of power charge/discharge from energy storage system. The invention also provides for power monitoring and management. A smart charge system may include a system sensor, one or more energy storage units, and a controller, which may receive information about the power demand, power provided by an electricity provider, and charge/discharge information from an energy storage unit. The information received may all be time synchronized in relation to a time based reference. The controller may provide instructions to an energy storage unit at a rapid rate.

The invention relates to an intelligent bread machine. The intelligent bread machine comprises a body, an upper cover, a bread bucket and a main controller, wherein bottom feet are arranged at the bottom of the body; a water pump, a temperature detection device, a heating device and a stirring device which are electrically connected with the main controller are arranged in the bread machine; the main controller comprises a motor control unit connected with the stirring device and a weight acquisition device arranged at one of the bottom feet of the body and used for acquiring a weight signal of the bread machine; the main controller is provided with a weight calculation unit electrically connected with the weight acquisition device, a water addition amount calculation unit electrically connected with the water pump as well as a fermentation calculation unit and a heating calculation unit which are electrically connected with the heating device; the weight calculation unit is used for receiving the weight signal from the weight acquisition device and calculating a weight difference before and after flour is added; and the water addition amount calculation unit, the fermentation calculation unit and the heating calculation unit are controlled to calculate the corresponding water addition amount, the fermentation time, the fermentation temperature, the heating time and the heating temperature according to the set programs by utilizing a signal of the weight difference.

A shift register having individual driving nodes is disclosed. The shift register includes a first clock pull-down module, a second clock pull-down module, a key pull-down module, a self feedback module, and a driving output unit. The first clock pull-down module is used to pull-down the potential of a gate line to a low voltage when the first clock signal is in a high voltage level. The second clock signal pull-down module pulls down the potential of the gate line to the low voltage when the second clock signal is in a high voltage level. The key pull-down module rapidly pulls down the potential of the gate line to the low voltage level after the gate line outputs an output signal. The self feedback module is used to output a driving signal to the key pull-down module. The driving signal output unit outputs a next stage driving signal which is irrelative to the operation of the previous stage shift register.

A distributed solar power generation and hot water supplying system includes: a photovoltaic power generation self-service sun tracking system, an inverter, a controller, a storage battery, a heat-exchanging water tank and an electric heater provided therein, wherein a solar battery and a solar collector are mounted on the photovoltaic power generation self-service sun tracking system, an electricity output terminal of the photovoltaic power generation self-service sun tracking system is respectively connected to an inversing input terminal of an inverter and a surplus power supplying input terminal of a controller; an MCU-controlled power output terminal of the inverter is respectively connected for off-grid power consumption or grid-connected power generation, and to an inversing output terminal of the controller; a charging/discharging control output/input terminal inside the inverter is connected to an input/output terminal of the storage battery and a storage battery power supplying input terminal of the controller.