Abstract: An electrical power conversion system for converting power from one voltage to another, especially for converting a higher-voltage, direct current electrical power system, such as a thirty-six volt to forty-two volt (36V-42V) direct current system for vehicles, into a voltage acceptable for powering lower voltage equipment, such as those using twelve volt to fourteen volt (12V-14V) DC vehicle electrical power systems is disclosed. The invention provides the ability to control the operating states of the loads by coupling a control signal to the vehicle's electrical power bus. The invention can take advantage of current or future DC-to-AC inverter or DC-to-DC converter technology and anticipated vehicle electrical systems to devise a electrical power conversion and control system meeting the needs of various vehicle loads.

Abstract: A sensor system (30) detects the occurrence of angular rotation of a pivotable member (22), such as a door, relative to a fixed member (16), such as the base of a mailbox (10). The sensor system includes a sensor strip (34) positioned so as to change orientation when the door is opened or closed and generate an electrical signal. An RF transmitter (62) signals a receiver (60) at a remote location when the sensor strip registers the opening or closing. A filter (72) filters out noise to inhibit accidental signaling of door opening and/or closing when opening or closing has not occurred. A charge tuner (80) stores charge generated by the piezo-electric element to maintain the transmitter signal beyond the period of opening or closing.

Abstract: An electrical power conversion system for converting power from one voltage to another, especially for converting a higher-voltage, direct current electrical power system, such as a thirty-six volt to forty-two volt (36V-42V) direct current system for vehicles, into a voltage acceptable for powering lower voltage equipment, such as those using twelve volt to fourteen volt (12V-14V) DC vehicle electrical power systems is disclosed. The invention provides the ability to control the operating states of the loads by coupling a control signal to the vehicle's electrical power bus. The invention can take advantage of current or future DC-to-AC inverter or DC-to-DC converter technology and anticipated vehicle electrical systems to devise a electrical power conversion and control system meeting the needs of various vehicle loads.

Abstract: A power supply circuit (100) configured to control operation of a load (135) including a converter (105, 110) configured to convert a DC signal to an AC signal, a drive circuit connected to the converter (105, 110) to control operation of the converter (105, 110), and a shutdown circuit (160) connected to the drive circuit to turn off the converter (105, 110). The shutdown circuit (160) includes a diode (190) and a switch (185).

Abstract: A power supply circuit (100) configured to control operation of a load (135) including a converter (105, 110) configured to convert a DC signal to an AC signal, a drive circuit connected to the converter (105, 110) to control operation of the converter (105, 110), and a shutdown circuit (160) connected to the drive circuit to turn off the converter (105, 110). The shutdown circuit (160) includes a diode (190) and a switch (185).