Abstract: A switch matrix has a set of inputs, a set of outputs, controllable switch elements and a conductor arrangement that is connected to the inputs and outputs and to the controllable switch elements. The controllable switch elements together with the conductor arrangement produce switched electrical connection paths between at least two inputs and an output. The electrical connection paths contain connecting branches that, proceeding from the at least two inputs and the output, meet at a junction point. The connecting branches connected to the at least two inputs have identical electrical lengths up to the junction point.

Abstract: A starting/generating system for a small aircraft having engines which can be battery started includes a permanent magnet generator (PMG) which can directly supply frequency-insensitive loads and a power converter for developing regulated DC power from the output of the PMG.

Abstract: A control device is proposed for employment in the transfer of control signals between a field bus (2) and at least one load (5). It comprises a control module (23), which possesses a bus communication unit (24) able to be connected with the field bus (2) and which is so able to be attached to a load (5) that a contact means (27) provided thereon is coupled with such load (5). On the control module (23) in addition to the contact means (27) at least one additional signal input (35) and/or signal output (33) is provided which is connected with the bus communication unit (24) for coupling up at least one further load (5') and/or sensor.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a power processor which operates in three modes: an inverter mode wherein power is delivered from a battery to an AC power grid or load; a battery charger mode wherein the battery is charged by a generator; and a parallel mode wherein the generator supplies power to the AC power grid or load in parallel with the battery. In the parallel mode, the system adapts to arbitrary non-linear loads. The power processor may operate on a per-phase basis wherein the load may be synthetically transferred from one phase to another by way of a bumpless transfer which causes no interruption of power to the load when transferring energy sources. Voltage transients and frequency transients delivered to the load when switching between the generator and battery sources are minimized, thereby providing an uninterruptible power supply.

Abstract: A switching circuit for use in a subterranean probe for switching between to two modes of operation used to perform a survey of a well borehole. The switching circuit comprises a first voltage bias network which is biased to a predetermined overvoltage criterion; a second voltage bias network which is biased to a predetermined negative voltage criterion; a switch; and a negative voltage blocking diode for blocking the predetermined negative voltage criterion for allowing the first voltage bias network to fully realize the negative voltage criterion.

Abstract: A communication link between a tractor and trailer is established utilizing existing by dormant tractor and trailer circuitry. In one embodiment of the invention, a tractor communications device has a communications port connected to a turn signal circuit and a trailer communications device has a communications port connected to the same turn signal circuit. The two communications devices permit communications therebetween over the turn signal circuit as long as the turn signal circuit is inactive, and otherwise inhibits such communications. In another embodiment of the invention, such a communications link is used to transmit a fault signal, relating to an abnormally operating trailer anti-lock brake system (ABS), to the tractor for activation of an in-cab ABS warning device.

Abstract: An aircraft electrical energy supply bus supplementing arrangement based on large capacitor or super capacitor storage of electrical energy for bus supplementation. Supplying of bus energy to the large capacitor is addressed in the invention. In this supplying energy is removed from the aircraft bus during quiescent conditions under the control of a energy coupling circuit which has a plurality of different energy removal rates, rates which are selected in response to the yet needed amount of capacitor charging and in a time-constant-controlled manner. Feedback control of this charging time constant selection is employed along with passive electrical device dissipation of major fractions of the time constant apparatus energy losses.

Abstract: A time delay relay circuit of the present invention includes a power supply terminal, a relay having a first terminal connected to the power supply terminal, and a timing circuit, for activating the relay for a preset duration, having a supply input for receiving power for the timing circuit. Also included is a means for connecting the supply input of the timing circuit to the power supply terminal during operation of the timing circuit and activation of the relay and disconnecting the supply input of the timing circuit from the power supply terminal during non-operation of the timing circuit. The means connecting the supply input to the power supply terminal may be a switch which is closed and opened to start the preset duration time running within the timing circuit. During the preset duration, the switch remains open. The relay is closed making a connection between the power supply terminal and the supply input.

Abstract: A secondary or redundant battery supply which nests in-line in a tubular or oval housing. The present invention also provides for a flashlight or flashlight laser illuminator with a secondary or redundant battery supply.

Abstract: A trickle power supply for a light switch module according to the invention enables power to an electronic circuit to be taken directly off the hot line. The power supply operates under what is referred to as the "switched leg theory". All power is taken off the standard switched leg of the light circuit. The power supply bleeds enough current to power its electronic circuitry without turning on the load device, i.e., the light. At the same time, the maximum current to the load is limited to prevent shorting out of the power supply which would effectively disable the switch module.

Abstract: A device for supplying voltage in a motor vehicle is described in which there is at least one generator that can furnish an generator-speed-dependent output voltage without voltage regulation. The at least one generator is preferably a three-phase alternator with a plurality of stator windings whose electrical connections are switchable at predetermined generator speeds by a control unit to provide the generator-speed dependent output voltage. In a following power control unit, this generator speed-dependent voltage is rectified by means of at least one controlled rectifier bridge and via assigned voltage converters is converted into a plurality of directly voltages of different magnitude. These direct voltages are supplied to the individual on-board electrical system components via electronic vehicle body power control system units.

Abstract: An electrical device (1), especially a CD changer, is proposed, which offers protection against theft. An electrical device (1) is connected by a connecting cable (35) to a second electrical device (5), especially to a car radio. The connection has a first pole (95) for a first reference potential (15) and a second pole (100) for a second reference potential (25). In the second electrical device (5), the first reference potential (15) is connected to the second reference potential (25). A third pole (55) contains a supply voltage feed for the first electrical device (1). In the first electrical device (1), a control unit (40) is provided for controlling the first electrical device (1). When the connection between the first and second poles (95, 100) is cut, the residual charge remaining in the first electrical device (1) produces a voltage difference between these two poles (95, 100), as a result of which a security procedure is initiated in control unit (40).

Abstract: A system and method for controlling adaptive vehicle occupant restraint devices use a processor for receiving input signals from a plurality of sensors, for generating control parameters using a predetermined program, and for generating control signals from the control parameters to adaptively control the restraint devices during an accident.

Abstract: A device is provided for interrupting the power supply to an object and is characterized in that it has elements (1, 2, 11) for effecting at which time the power supply shall be interrupted. The device is particularly adapted for use in connection to electrical stoves, as its function is such that accidents occurring because of overheating of stove plates or setting of fire to foodstuffs and the like used in connection to use of the stove can be avoided, and an obvious advantage in comparison to conventional stoves is thus obtained.

Abstract: A control apparatus controls power supply to a first load which generates a higher counterelectromotive force upon interruption of power supply and a second load which generates a lower counterelectromotive force upon interruption of power supply. The control apparatus includes a CPU of a facsimile machine for example. Before interrupting power supply to the first load, the CPU determines whether or not the second load is under power supply. When the second load is determined to be under power supply, the CPU immediately interrupts power supply to the first load. When the second load is determined not to be under power supply, the CPU first starts power supply to the second load and subsequently interrupts power supply to the first load.

Abstract: A central locking system of a motor vehicle is provided with communication between the transmitter of the remote actuation unit and the receiver of the central locking system in a frequency-hopping spread spectrum mode where M channels are used of a total of N channels of the spread spectrum frequency band chosen, for example, an I/S/M band of 433 MHz to 435 MHz. Switching is effected from one channel to another channel of the N channels in accordance with a timing pattern in which the timing interval I.sub.zs is greater than the duration .DELTA.t of the communication protocol.

Abstract: A fully regulated multiple source power bus subsystem for a satellite having at least a solar panel array and a battery providing unregulated sources of electrical power. The battery and solar panel array are connected to one or more multiple source bus regulators to produce a fully regulated bus output at one or more preselected voltages. Each multiple source bus regulator automatically switches between the battery and solar panel array and may produce either a positive or a negative bus voltage. A battery charge controller controls the charging of the battery when the output voltage of the solar panel array is greater than the output voltage of the battery.

Abstract: A control device for a fluorescent lamp comprises two independent circuits based on a power transistor and a switching control circuit, series-connected between a high voltage and the ground. The power transistor has a diode that is reverse mounted between its two electrodes. The switching control circuit comprises a circuit for the detection of a voltage at the terminals of the diode greater than a voltage reference value and a circuit for the detection of the integral of the current flowing in the transistor that is greater than a current reference value corresponding power of the lamp.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronics device for use with a refrigerator/freezer for controlling the dispensing of ice cubes by an ice auger through a door flap when a cradle is pressed. The electronics device comprises a solenoid in operative connection with the door flap, and the solenoid is powerably connectable to a 120 Volt AC line power source. The electronics device also comprises a relay switch controlled by two NPN bipolar transistors in a Darlington configuration which are in parallel connection with a diode and a capacitor. The relay switch is also connected to the power source and connects the power source to the solenoid when the cradle is pressed causing the door flap to open. The power source powers the ice auger to dispense ice cubes through the door flap, and the capacitor causes the transistors to be biased on while the capacitor is charged to a voltage greater than a voltage of the diode.

Abstract: A customer side power management system including at least one auxiliary fuel cell(s) source is provided. When the power derived from the electric utility reaches a predetermined threshold level, all remaining power needed to supply the customer's loads is obtained from the at least one hydrocarbon powered fuel cell which is/are located within the customer's facility. In such a manner, high peak demand utility charges are avoided by the customer, and the simple cost effective power generation from the fuel cell is provided.