Abstract: Electrical power is dynamically managed a power source a load. A control switching system has a plurality of monitor nodes, a control switch having two switching states, and an electrical power storage cell connected to the power source in one of the switching states for storing voltage, and operative for discharging the stored voltage to the electrical load in the other of the switching states. A programmed controller dynamically monitors operating conditions at the monitor nodes during operation of the electrical load and the power source, and switches the control switch between the switching states in response to the monitored operating conditions for supplying a voltage of a desired waveform shape to the electrical load.

Abstract: A user is authenticated to a defined space, by entering identification data and phone data that respectively identify the user and the user's phone to a server, by sending an application from the server along a wireless connection to the user's phone after entry of the identification data and the phone data by executing the application received by the user's phone to create a virtual symbol of virtual characters in the user's phone, by posting a security symbol in the defined space, by capturing a security image of security characters from the security symbol with the user's phone, by comparing the security characters with the virtual characters, and by authenticating the user to the defined space when the virtual characters match the security characters.

Abstract: A system and method for programmably operating a DC load connected to a DC outlet. A power line communication (PLC) client at the outlet measures actual and desired DC voltage at the load. A remotely located DC power server is connected between a DC power source and the outlet. The power server has a PLC master in bidirectional feedback communication with the PLC client to determine the actual and desired DC voltage at the load. An adjustable DC voltage module at the power server is controlled by the PLC master to supply an adjustable DC voltage. The power server adjusts the DC voltage supplied by the voltage module to the load based on the bidirectional feedback communication between the PLC master and the PLC client.

Abstract: Electrical power is dynamically managed a power source a load. A control switching system has a plurality of monitor nodes, a control switch having two switching states, and an electrical power storage cell connected to the power source in one of the switching states for storing voltage, and operative for discharging the stored voltage to the electrical load in the other of the switching states. A programmed controller dynamically monitors operating conditions at the monitor nodes during operation of the electrical load and the power source, and switches the control switch between the switching states in response to the monitored operating conditions for supplying a voltage of a desired waveform shape to the load.

Abstract: Electrical power is dynamically managed among one or more power sources and one or more loads. A plurality of monitor nodes is connected to an input terminal connected to each source, and to an output terminal connected to each load. A plurality of electrical power storage cells is connected among the input and output terminals, each cell being capable of storing power from at least one of the sources and being capable of discharging stored power to at least one of the loads. A plurality of controllable switches is connected to the cells. A programmed controller dynamically monitors operating conditions at the monitor nodes during operation of each source and each load, and selectively dynamically controls the switches to interconnect the cells in different circuit topologies in response to the monitored operating conditions.

Abstract: Electrical power is dynamically managed among one or more power sources and one or more loads. A plurality of monitor nodes is connected to an input terminal connected to each source, and to an output terminal connected to each load. A plurality of electrical power storage cells is connected among the input and output terminals, each cell being capable of storing power from at least one of the sources and being capable of discharging stored power to at least one of the loads. A plurality of controllable switches is connected to the cells. A programmed controller dynamically monitors operating conditions at the monitor nodes during operation of each source and each load, and selectively dynamically controls the switches to interconnect the cells in different circuit topologies in response to the monitored operating conditions.

Abstract: Electrical power and/or data are distributed to one or more electrical devices, preferably mounted on a structure. A first source module is electrically connected to an electrical power and/or data source. Additional source modules are connected in a daisy chain to the first source module. A plurality of system modules is mounted on the source modules. Each system module is electrically connectable to, and disconnectable from, a module connector of a respective source module. Each system module is removable from the respective source module for replacement without powering down the power and/or data source, and without affecting the data distribution.

Abstract: Electrical power is dynamically managed among one or more power sources and one or more loads. A plurality of monitor nodes is connected to an input terminal connected to each source, and to an output terminal connected to each load. A plurality of electrical power storage cells is connected among the input and output terminals, each cell being capable of storing power from at least one of the sources and being capable of discharging stored power to at least one of the loads. A plurality of controllable switches is connected to the cells. Master and slave controllers dynamically monitor operating conditions at the monitor nodes during operation of each source and each load, and selectively dynamically control the switches to interconnect the cells in different circuit topologies in response to the monitored operating conditions.

Abstract: An assembly distributes electrical power between an electrically active grid element of a grid framework and an electrical device. The assembly includes a grid connector for making electrical contact with a pair of electrical conductors on the grid element, and an adapter mounted on the grid connector. The adapter includes an industry standard interface electrically connected to the grid connector. The interface is adapted to receive a power connector at one end of a power cable whose opposite end is connected to the electrical device.

Abstract: A user is authenticated to operate an electrical device in a network, by encoding an identification symbol with identification data that identifies the user, and by encoding a composite symbol with the identification data and with operating data that enables the electrical device to be operated. The composite symbol is associated with the electrical device to be operated. An image of the identification symbol, and an image of the composite symbol, are captured and compared. The user is enabled to operate the electrical device when the identification data in the composite symbol matches the identification data in the identification symbol.

Abstract: Electrical power is dynamically managed among one or more power sources and one or more loads. A plurality of monitor nodes is connected to an input terminal connected to each source, and to an output terminal connected to each load. A plurality of electrical power storage cells is connected among the input and output terminals, each cell being capable of storing power from at least one of the sources and being capable of discharging stored power to at least one of the loads. A plurality of controllable switches is connected to the cells. A programmed controller dynamically monitors operating conditions at the monitor nodes during operation of each source and each load, and selectively dynamically controls the switches to interconnect the cells in different circuit topologies in response to the monitored operating conditions.

Abstract: Electrical power is dynamically managed among one or more power sources and one or more loads. A plurality of monitor nodes is connected to an input terminal connected to each source, and to an output terminal connected to each load. A plurality of electrical power storage cells is connected among the input and output terminals, each cell being capable of storing power from at least one of the sources and being capable of discharging stored power to at least one of the loads. A plurality of controllable switches is connected to the cells. A programmed controller dynamically monitors operating conditions at the monitor nodes during operation of each source and each load, and selectively dynamically controls the switches to interconnect the cells in different circuit topologies in response to the monitored operating conditions.

Abstract: An assembly having transformer and inductor characteristics includes a primary transformer winding coil and a secondary transformer winding coil, each wound around a core axis. The primary coil has outer peripheral primary coil portions spaced radially of the core axis outwardly away from central primary coil portions of the primary coil. The secondary coil has outer peripheral secondary coil portions spaced radially of the core axis outwardly away from central secondary coil portions of the secondary coil. The central primary and secondary coil portions are electromagnetically coupled and stacked in a close confronting adjacent relationship to form a transformer. The outer peripheral primary and secondary coil portions diverge radially and outwardly away from the core axis to form an inductance. The diverging outer peripheral primary and secondary coil portions bound an angle whose angular spread determines a magnitude of the inductance.

Abstract: A high-efficiency ballast arrangement for a lighting fixture has an automatic polarity protection circuit for supplying an output DC voltage of constant polarity no matter in which orientation the fixture is mounted in a DC-powered suspended ceiling system having a DC power supply. A main DC ballast circuit includes a main DC ballast powered by the output DC voltage from the protection circuit to enable a lamp in the fixture to be illuminated during normal operation. An emergency back-up DC ballast circuit includes a battery charged to a charged DC voltage by the output DC voltage during the normal operation, and an emergency DC ballast powered by the charged DC voltage from the battery to enable the lamp in the fixture to be illuminated during emergency operation upon failure of the DC power supply.

Abstract: Electrical power is dynamically managed among one or more power sources and one or more loads. A plurality of monitor nodes is connected to an input terminal connected to each source, and to an output terminal connected to each load. A plurality of electrical power storage cells is connected among the input and output terminals, each cell being capable of storing power from at least one of the sources and being capable of discharging stored power to at least one of the loads. A plurality of controllable switches is connected to the cells. A programmed controller dynamically monitors operating conditions at the monitor nodes during operation of each source and each load, and selectively dynamically controls the switches to interconnect the cells in different circuit topologies in response to the monitored operating conditions.

Abstract: A high-efficiency ballast arrangement for a lighting fixture has an automatic polarity protection circuit for supplying an output DC voltage of constant polarity no matter in which orientation the fixture is mounted in a DC-powered suspended ceiling system having a DC power supply. A main DC ballast circuit includes a main DC ballast powered by the output DC voltage from the protection circuit to enable a lamp in the fixture to be illuminated during normal operation. An emergency back-up DC ballast circuit includes a battery charged to a charged DC voltage by the output DC voltage during the normal operation, and an emergency DC ballast powered by the charged DC voltage from the battery to enable the lamp in the fixture to be illuminated during emergency operation upon failure of the DC power supply.

Abstract: A ballast system for, and a method of, controlling illumination of a lamp, include a dimmer switch having an actuator settable at different settings corresponding to different output voltages across the dimmer switch, a dimming electronic ballast operatively connected to an electrical power source and to the dimmer switch for dimming the lamp upon setting of the actuator, and a shutdown circuit, preferably provided in the ballast, for measuring the output voltages across the dimmer switch, and for automatically powering the ballast off and, in turn, for turning the lamp off when one of the voltages measured by the shutdown circuit does not exceed a reference voltage that corresponds to one of the settings of the actuator.

Abstract: A multiple bi-directional input/output power control system includes a network of functional blocks housed in a single enclosure, providing DC power to one or more DC loads, and providing control and internal pathways, sharing one or more AC and/or DC power inputs. The system feeds back AC power from the DC power source into an AC input connection, and the fed-back AC power is shared by other AC loads. The system operates at least one alternative source of DC in a dynamic manner, allowing maximization of power generating capability at respective specific operating conditions of the moment. Power isolation may be handled by an AC isolation block right at a power input. Therefore all other blocks within a multi-function power control unit (MFPCU) are isolated from AC ground.

Abstract: A multiple bi-directional input/output power control system includes a network of functional blocks housed in a single enclosure, providing DC power to one or more DC loads, and providing control and internal pathways, sharing one or more AC and/or DC power inputs. The system feeds back AC power from the DC power source into an AC input connection, and the fed-back AC power is shared by other AC loads. The system operates at least one alternative source of DC in a dynamic manner, allowing maximization of power generating capability at respective specific operating conditions of the moment. Power isolation may be handled by an AC isolation block right at a power input. Therefore all other blocks within a multi-function power control unit (MFPCU) are isolated from AC ground.

Abstract: Portable hybrid applications for AC/DC load sharing includes circuitry for simultaneously using at least one of external AC, internal DC power and/or external DC power. The apparatus also includes an input power receptacle for receiving at least one of AC power and external DC power. A power router inside the apparatus routes at least one of AC power, internal DC power, and external DC power to provide power for an application. An apparatus for providing DC to DC conversion includes a tip and a DC to DC whip connected to the tip. A male plug is connected to the second end of the whip. A buck converter within the male plug converts DC power to a DC power level associated with the whip and transmits the converted DC power along the DC to DC whip to the tip. Alternatively, an internal DC source provides internal DC power.