Abstract: A switch unit receive an AC signal and includes first and second push-button switches and at least one rectifying diode. Each of the first and second push-button switches is a 2-stage switch or a 3-stage switch. The first and second push-button switches and the at least one rectifying diode are configured such that the switch unit selectively generates any one of a non-signal, a positive half-wave rectified signal, a negative half-wave rectified signal and a full wave alternating signal to each of first and second outputs. The first and second outputs of the switch units are transmitted to an output unit by way of two transmission wires, respectively. The output unit discriminates the switching state of the first and second push-button switches based on the signal received from the switch unit via the two transmission wires.

Abstract: A multiple point controlled flashing locator system includes a control circuit responsive to activation of any one of a plurality of remotely located switches to override an on/off function of the outside light switch and to energize a flasher circuit to cause the outside light to flash on and off. An audible alert circuit may be provided to provide assurance to the user that the outside light is operating and by which to test the outside light at any time day or night and from any of a number of locations within the dwelling.

Abstract: A method for assuring a safe work space operates so that a work enable signal is generated only when absence of workers from the work space where the workers work in cooperation with a machine is detected. The work enable signal has a logical value of 1 corresponding to a high energy state and only this signal can initiate activation of the machine sharing the subject work space thereby assuring safe environments for workers.

Abstract: A trigger control circuit of the kind wherein a load is supplied via a triac with current from an AC voltage supply source under the control of a triac control means in combination with a sensing element. In previous circuits the sensing element is energized by a current from a DC source which is derived by rectification and smoothing of the alternating current of an alternating voltage supply source. These circuits have limitations in integrated circuitry. The sensing element herein is energized by an alternating current to produce a sensed alternating current. The triac control means includes an integration element for producing a control signal which represents of the integral of the difference between a value corresponding to the magnitude of the sensed alternating current and a reference value. The triggering or otherwise of the triac is determined by a latch actuated in response to the magnitude of the control signal relative to one or more threshold levels.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for driving a group of relays includes a voltage regulator for supplying a normal holding voltage and for supplying a briefly increased pick-up voltage upon connection of each additional relay. An ammeter recognizes the increase in current as the result of the connection of each additional relay and generates a control signal to the voltage regulator for increasing the voltage. Simple and effective control of the relays without high heat loss is thus achieved without requiring individual sensor lines and the like.

Abstract: A system and method for providing power from a source of stored electrical energy to a microcomputer for a user established "ride-through" period of time after a disruption in the primary power supply for the microcomputer. If the primary power supply is not restored within the ride-through time period the system performs an orderly shut down of computer applications. Should stored energy reserves run low during the primary power disruption, the system instead performs an abbreviated, critical application shut down. Following application shut down, or upon the expiration of a user established "shut down" time period, the system performs an orderly shut down of computer system operations and thereafter removes all power from the computer. Shut down and shut off procedures are canceled, if possible, upon restoration of the primary power supply.

Abstract: A vehicle control system having plurality of control units, as well as sensors and actuators having a comparatively high degree of importance in terms of control by these control units, which are separately connected to first and second transmission lines. Sensors and actuators having a comparatively low degree of importance are assigned to the second transmission line. The outputs from the comparatively important sensors enter the respective control units directly via the first transmission line. A back-up program for backing up one control unit in case of failure is stored beforehand in another control unit. If the control unit fails, the other control unit performs back-up control to take over its tasks.

Abstract: Two-wire, electronic switch which performs sensing functions, measurement functions, and output-control functions for an electrical load without receiving power from a power source, external or internal, other than the power source for the electrical load that is controlled by the switch. Electronic components of a two-wire, electronic switch which is fabricated in accordance with the present invention obtain power: (a) when the switch is off, from a power source which drives a load which is controlled by the switch and (b) when the switch is on, from an output of devices which convert current to voltage and which receive at least a portion of a current through the load as input.

Abstract: A battery in a back-up power system is charged during the time that power is available from the main AC power system by utilizing the main power transformer and the main inverter. When power is available from the main AC power source, an AC voltage appears across the primary of the transformer, which is connected to the inverter. Switches in the bridge inverter are turned on for a relatively brief period of time to short the primary of the transformer causing current through the leakage inductances of the transformer to rapidly build up. When the switching devices are turned off, the inductances induce a current to continue to flow from the primary into the inverter through anti-parallel diodes, normally back biased by the voltage from the battery, into the battery thereby charging the battery with the energy stored in the transformer inductances. The inverter current reaches zero when the energy stored in the inductance is fully discharged.

Abstract: This invention primarily relates to an electrical anticorrosion device for a marine propulsion arrangement. More particularly, the invention relates to a cathodic protection arrangement which is suitable for use with an inboard/outboard propulsion unit. According to the invention, an anode and a reference electrode are housed within a housing unit which is mounted upon a propulsion unit mounting bracket. The two electrodes are arranged so that each is essentially equidistant from a point located approximately midway across the lateral width of an outboard drive unit, which unit is secured to the mounting bracket, when the unit is positioned for driving the associated watercraft in a generally forward direction. The electrode housing further serves as a low speed/idle exhaust gas device which breaks up exhaust gas bubbles which otherwise might cause loud and objectionable noise.

Abstract: An outlet housing includes a plurality of electrical outlets directed through a front wall thereof in electrical communication with a plug member mounted to a rear wall of the housing. A first selector switch is arranged to control electrical communication of the electrical plug with the outlets when below a predetermined temperature, or selectively above that predetermined temperature. A second selector switch is arranged to effect selective bypassing of a control circuit to effect direct electrical communication of the electrical plug with the electrical outlets bypassing a thermostatically controlled control circuit.

Abstract: A refrigerator controller which can positively lock and unlock a door thereof in accordance with a command signal from a host-computer connected therewith. The refrigerator controller includes a power supply voltage indicating device. A DC power supply is charged by a DC power source and energizes a door lock mechanism activating device to lock and unlock the door. DC voltage generated by the DC power supply rises as it is charged by the DC power source. The door lock mechanism activating device can be energized to positively lock and unlock the door by being fed with a predetermined lower limit voltage. Only when the DC voltage generated by the DC power supply is no lower than the predetermined lower limit voltage is the door lock mechanism activating device energized by the DC power supply to lock and unlock the door of the refrigerator in accordance with the command signal.

Abstract: A power on/off circuit with a lock function includes a momentary type main switch connected to ground, a two-circuit two-contact lock switch coupled to, a switching state holding circuit, a load and a power supply. One of the switching circuits in the lock switch is connected between the main switch and the input terminal (CK) of the switching state holding circuit. The other switching circuit in the lock switch is connected between the main switch and the reset terminal (CLR) of the switching state holding circuit. The switching state of the main switch is held by the switching state holding circuit, and the state is maintained unless a reset signal is applied to the switching state holding circuit. The lock switch only functions to generate the reset signal so that the lock switch does not cut off the supply of current to the load as in a conventional shaver.