Abstract: Disclosed is an overload protection device to be placed between a robot and a tool to be used by the robot to prevent damage when the tool encounters an obstacle. The overload protection device comprises a housing, a cam, and a piston. The housing includes an internal cavity and an external opening to the cavity. The cam includes a head portion retained within the cavity and a neck portion extending through the opening. The neck portion and the opening include matching conical surfaces adapted to mate with one another. The piston is disposed within the cavity and tends to urge the cam toward a home position. When the tool is displaced in the x, y, z, or rotational directions during an overload condition, the cam is displaced from the home position. The piston then urges the cam to return to the home position regardless of the direction of displacement. A single sensor is provided to detect an overload condition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a computer system having a backplane with a plurality of subsystems which can be individually switched on or off. The computer system comprises a backplane having a plurality of power zones, a power control circuit installed in the backplane for each of the power zones for controlling electric power supplied to the power zone from a power supply, and a subsystem installed in each of the power zones, each of the subsystems comprising an I/O (input/output) bus, at least one I/O slot connected to the I/O bus for connecting an I/O device, and a processor connected to the I/O bus for controlling operations of the subsystem. Each of the subsystems can be switched on or off by using the power control circuit of the power zone of the subsystem.

Abstract: An electric circuit breaker for interrupting an electric circuit of a vehicle includes a circuit break section having an explosive used for exploding a part of an electric circuit by explosion, a detonating device for exploding the explosive by application of electric power to the explosive, a collision detection device for detecting a collision of the vehicle and, a controller which explodes the explosive by supply of an electric current for detonating purposes to the detonating device in response to a detection signal from the collision detection device. The circuit breaker further includes a housing having a cylindrical member, such as an inner cylindrical portion, and a cover for covering the opening of the inner cylindrical portion. Connector terminals are formed on both ends of the conductor and a horizontal target section to be broken is formed in the middle of the conductor.

Abstract: A method and system for allowing a power supply circuit to limit inrush current and to use a small current specification switch. The power supply circuit comprises a transformer that receives a power signal from a primary circuit and supplies power of a selected voltage to a secondary circuit, to which a load is coupled. The primary circuit comprises a rectifier for providing a rectified power signal to the transformer, a power supply controller for controlling the transformer, and a small current specification switch coupled between a kick resistor and the power supply controller, where the kick resistor functions to activate the power supply controller when the circuit is first turned on.

Abstract: A remotely controllable wall switch includes a housing, a push button and a receiver contained in the housing, and a transmitter. The receiver has a circuit board connected to two lead wires of a power source and a load and the push button. A lead wire of the power source and the load are connected to each other. In use, the push button of the receiver or a press key of the transmitter is pressed to control the receiver, to connect power to the load or disconnect it.

Abstract: A switching system for plural electrical loads connected to a common power line and each individually energized by a separate user actuated line switch between the respective load and the line. A separate normally closed, electrically opened safety switch is series connected with each of the line switches. Separate sensors, preferably diodes, are connected respectively to each load and each sensor also connected to electrically open each of the remaining safety switches upon sensing voltage to its respective load. Preferably the safety switches are electromagnetic relays.

Abstract: A programmable, electronic switch system in which the upper and lower limits of travel of a moving device can be stored in the memory of a circuit. Once the upper and lower limits of travel have been programmed into the circuit, movement of the device causes a variable voltage to be output to the circuit. The variable voltage is compared against the upper and lower limits to determine if the voltage is within the range between the upper and lower limits or outside of one or either of the upper and lower limits.

Abstract: A differential voltage battery DC power supply for use with an electronic device, such as a computer, comprising a multi-cell battery, a plurality of regulators, at least one filter and a recharging circuit. The battery cells are electrically interconnected serially to produce positive voltages of 0 to positive 12 volts DC and negative voltages of 0 to negative 12 volts DC. The battery includes output terminals having output DC voltages closely corresponding to the input DC voltages required to power the electronic device. The output terminals are electrically interconnected to regulator circuitry, structured to drop the corresponding battery output terminal DC voltages to the input DC voltages required by the electronic device, and filters, structured to remove unwanted transients.

Abstract: A power distribution system in which a plurality of power supplies generate power of one or more regulated voltages, each voltage being received by regulator circuit that compares the regulated voltage against a predetermined reference voltage level and generates a digital control signal therefrom. Each power supply increases the regulated voltage when the respective control signal indicates that the regulated voltage is less than an optimum level.

Abstract: An electrical connection safety apparatus which eliminates the risk of fire or electric shock associated with current overload faults in electrical systems. The apparatus senses or detects the electrical current rating of electrical cords or connectors which are plugged into electrical outlets and disconnects power to the outlet and connector whenever the cord current rating is exceeded. Connector current rating is indicated by the length of connector prongs and the connector current rating is detected by a movable member within an electrical receptacle when the connector prongs are plugged into the receptacle. Circuitry monitors the load current delivered to the receptacle and connector and compares the load current to detected current rating. When a current overload occurs, power to the receptacle and connector is disconnected. The receptacle resets itself when the connector is unplugged.

Abstract: This invention provides a device which facilitates electrical wiring and equipment costs for electricians installing disconnect boxes, typically in the vicinity of an outside air conditioner unit. Thus, an improved disconnect box for protection of an electrician who is servicing an electrical appliance such as an outside air conditioner is provided which incorporates an integrally mounted auxiliary electric socket accessory giving the electrician a source of power for use while the electrician is safely assured that there is no power connected to the electrical appliance being serviced. The auxiliary electrical socket accessory may optionally be connected to a power line source as a full time electric plug outlet or one only accessible when the disconnect box is conditioned to disconnect power from the electrical appliance. Provisions are made for protection of the electrical socket accessory with fusing or circuit breaker protection and ground fault protected electrical input wiring to the electrical socket.

Abstract: An isolated gate driver device for a power switching device having a plurality of transistors includes a primary circuit having a voltage source of a first voltage potential. The primary circuit constantly switches the voltage source to generate first and second load signals based on control signals received from a microcontroller. The first load signal is modulated at a first frequency for enabling the transistors, and the second load signal is modulated at a second frequency, different from the first frequency, for disabling the transistors. A plurality of high frequency transformers corresponding to each of the transistors is coupled to the primary circuit. The transformers have a primary side for receiving one of the first and second load signals and a secondary side for transforming the one of the first and second load signals into corresponding signals at a second voltage potential.

Abstract: A switch remoting system for extending the function of an existing wired switch in a residence or other building, so that, in its extended function, the switch controls AC power available at one or more additional AC outlets. The basic system comprises two plug-in modules including a control unit and a remote switching unit. The control unit is plugged into an AC outlet controlled by the switch whose function is being extended. When that switch is actuated, the AC power transition and the resulting "on" or "off" power state is sensed and corresponding encoded switching control signals are generated and relayed to the remote switching unit. There, the switching control signals are decoded, and actuate an internal AC switch that controls AC power to an integral AC outlet receptacle in the remote switching unit. A lamp or other device plugged into the AC receptacle of the remote switching unit is thereby switch controlled by action of the switch whose function is being extended.