Abstract: A thermostat for controlling an HVAC system includes wiring terminals adapted and configured to make an electrical connection with an HVAC system wires such as common, heating and cooling control and return wires. The making of the connection with a common wire actuates switching open a loop of an electrical circuit used for power harvesting. The wiring terminal includes actuation of a moveable part of the terminal so as to accommodate the common wire that in turn actuates the switching open the power harvesting loop. More than one other loop can be switched. The wiring terminal can be used to automatically connect and/or disconnect Rc and Rh circuits when one or both Rc and Rh wires are present. The wiring terminal can be used for electronically sensing the presence of the HVAC system wire.

Abstract: A surface mount connector includes a housing including inner surfaces surrounding a card edge region, and outer surfaces defining an exterior region. The connector also includes a recess in at least one of the outer surfaces, the recess sized to accept a removably engageable arm therein. The connector also defines a cross-sectional width that is smaller in the recess than at a position adjacent to the recess. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for automatically or remotely rendering a solar array safe during an emergency or maintenance. A watchdog unit is disclosed for monitoring a signal from a central controller. If the signal is lost, interrupted, or becomes irregular, or if a shutdown signal is received, then the watchdog unit can shutdown one or more solar modules. Shutting down a solar module can mean disconnecting it from a power bus of the solar array or lowering the solar module voltage to a safe level.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, devices and kits that permit large numbers of target biomolecules to be detected simultaneously in samples originating from a multi-sample holder, such as a multi-well plate. One specific example method is a method of making multiple substantial replicas of a biomolecular content of a multi-well sample holder. Devices and kits for carrying out the described methods are also provided.

Abstract: A removable circuit interrupter with circuit-testing capabilities. In one embodiment, a removable circuit interrupter is provided for use with a battery-powered device. The battery-powered device includes a battery and a load that is electrically coupled to the battery. The removable circuit interrupter is configured to be disposed between the battery and the load. The removable circuit interrupter includes a first outer surface having a conductive layer. The removable circuit interrupter further includes a second outer surface having an non-conductive layer. The conductive layer is configured to electrically couple to one of the battery and the load. The non-conductive layer is configured to electrically couple to another one of the battery and the load.

Abstract: A manually operable sensor for providing control signals to an electronic device. A fabric has a length substantially longer than its width with insulating yarns and electrically conductive yarns included therein, such that the conductive yarns define three conductive tracks running the length of the fabric. The conductive tracks are configured to interface with an electronic device at a first end and, at a second end, an active region of the fabric forms part of a sensor assembly that is receptive to a manually applied pressure. The sensor comprises first and second conductive regions to which a first and a second conductive track are connected respectively, to apply an electric potential to each conductive region. A conductive path is formed between a connected conductive track and the third conductive track of said active region when manual pressure is applied to one of the conductive regions.

Abstract: A method includes coupling two conducting rods between terminals of a battery cell of a battery having several branches coupled in parallel, each branch having several battery cells coupled in series. A force tending to squeeze the rods against each other is applied, with the rods being held apart from each other using an insulating block. At least one operating state signal of the cell is monitored, and the insulating block is removed based on the monitoring, allowing the rods to come into electrical contact and short-circuit the battery cell.

Abstract: This is directed to a bend switch constructed from two substantially co-linear elongated bodies having opposing contact surfaces. In an open switch position, the contact surfaces remain apart, preventing electrical coupling. To close the switch, a user can bend the elongated bodies relative to each other to cause the contact surfaces to meet, thus creating an electrical coupling. Each elongated body can have several independent conductive portions. The bend switch can include a movable space member placed between the elongated bodies to maintain the contact surfaces a predetermined distance apart in the open switch position. The movable space member can include preferred or non-preferred bending orientations, equilibrium positions, and/or a potentiometer for closing the switch. The bend switch can control one or more functions (e.g., microphone, volume, or playback controls) of an electronic device (e.g., portable media device or cellular telephone) coupled to the bend switch.

Abstract: This is directed to a bend switch constructed from two substantially co-linear elongated bodies having opposing contact surfaces. In an open switch position, the contact surfaces remain apart, preventing electrical coupling. To close the switch, a user can bend the elongated bodies relative to each other to cause the contact surfaces to meet, thus creating an electrical coupling. Each elongated body can have several independent conductive portions. The bend switch can include a movable space member placed between the elongated bodies to maintain the contact surfaces a predetermined distance apart in the open switch position. The movable space member can include preferred or non-preferred bending orientations, equilibrium positions, and/or a potentiometer for closing the switch. The bend switch can control one or more functions (e.g., microphone, volume, or playback controls) of an electronic device (e.g., portable media device or cellular telephone) coupled to the bend switch.

Abstract: An LCD counter assembly including a housing that houses an LCD display at a first end and a printed circuit board (PCB) assembly at a second end opposite the first end. A diffuser is intermediate the PCB assembly and the LCD display, the LCD display and the PCB assembly in electrical contact with a connector that provides electrical signals from the PCB assembly to the LCD. The first end of the housing includes an aperture through which the LCD display is readily visible to an observer. The PCB assembly may include a backlight to improve the visibility of the LCD display. The PCB assembly further includes a PCB having a printed circuit and a plurality of pads, a single piece, double beam, activation and trigger switch combination assembled to the board, the board configured to receive the double beam activation and trigger switch combination and a removable tab to separate the activation switch in the double beam combination from one of the plurality of pads.

Abstract: A device for creating an electrical potential, such as a piezoelectric igniter, is connected to a conductor that conducts current to a burn tube to create a spark that ignites the fuel in the burn tube. In one embodiment a gap is formed in the conductor. An insulator is located in the gap such that is can be selectively moved between an insulating position where the flow of electricity over the gap is prevented such that no spark is created in the burn tube and a non-insulating position where electricity is allowed to flow over the gap such that a spark is created in the burn tube. In another embodiment the piezoelectric igniter forms part of the electrical circuit and is in electrical conductive contact or proximity to an electrical conductor that forms part of the ignition circuit. An insulator may selectively located between the igniter and the conductor.

Abstract: A contact system for a short-circuiting device for a switchboard, the contact system including at least one fixed contact piece connected to a main voltage source. The contact system also includes at least one moving contact piece and an insulating screen penetrable using the at least one moving contact piece so as to make contact between the at least one moving contact piece and the at least one fixed contact piece. The screen is disposed between the at least one fixed contact piece and the at least one moving contact piece.

Abstract: A safety mechanism for a power path uses a mechanical structure for disconnecting a power path and providing a safety measure for electric equipments. The safety mechanism includes a casing, two conducting copper plates, a slide base, two rotating blocks, two sets of resilient elements and an insert pin. When the power path is connected, the insert pin must be always situated in a pin hole of the casing and inserted completely for contacting and conducting the corresponding pins of the two conducting copper plates. If it is necessary to disconnect a circuit in an emergency situation, users simply pull out the insert pin to rotate the rotating block accordingly, and allow the rotating block to synchronously drive the slide base to displace, such that the corresponding pins of the two conducting copper plates are forced to separate to form a disconnected circuit status.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a terminal block (1) as part of a high or mean voltage plant with at least one converter and at least one transformer, said terminal block (1) comprising several terminal ports (5, 6) disposed side by side, each terminal port (5) having two contacting terminal tongues (5a), an electric circuit being closed by the contacting terminal tongues (5a), there being provided a plug (20) that comprises at least one electrically non conductive plug tongue (22) for disconnecting said terminal tongues (5a) in one terminal port (5) in order to open an electric circuit.

Abstract: A battery is inside an enclosure. A shim is inserted between the battery and at least one contact. The shim can be actuated externally without requiring the enclosure to be opened. The shim may be conductive on at least one face to provide a switch function, or may be non-conductive.

Abstract: A gas-burner electrical switch, which may be associated with a gas-supply cock. The gas-supply cock has a maneuvering stem (14) that is free to slide and turn about its own axis within the cock body (13) to control gas supply. The electrical switch includes a shell (15) that can be fixed to the cock body (13), and that encloses a first contact (16) that may be associated to a second contact (17) to close or to open an electrical circuit of the lighter. The switch includes a control rod (31), which is free to slide within the shell (15) and is constrained to the stem (14) in such a way as to translate with the stem (14) in both directions of sliding of the stem (14), but without being forced to rotate with the stem (14). The control rod (31) sets the two contacts (16, 17) in electrical connection at a point corresponding to at least one position of the stem (14). The two contacts (16, 17) are otherwise separate from one another.

Abstract: A disconnector shall be provided which along with a high degree of reliability and little structural effort enables two electric conductors to be separated from each other. To this end, a disconnector is proposed, comprising a housing (10), first and second conductors (14, 16) which extend into the housing (10) and abut against each other at a contact point (18, 20), and an adjusting element (12) adjustable between a starting position and a separating position relative to the first and second conductors (14, 16) and provided with a separating element (22) which when in its separating position separates the first and second conductors (14, 16) from each other.

Abstract: A series unit capable of easily changing over a undirectional state to/from a bidirectional state and easily judging which state the series unit is in, is provided. A high pass filter 9 and a changeover switch 5 are included, and an operating protrusion 5a of the changeover switch 5 is provided in a circular recess 10 of a panel 2 formed to surround an F-type terminal 4 provided on a front surface. A cylindrical adapter 6 inserted into the circular recess 10 is provided so as to operate the operating protrusion 5a. The adapter 6 has a notch 6a which is provided on one side portion of the adapter 6 and which does not press the operating protrusion 5a. By inserting the adapter 6 while rotating the adapter and changing an angle, a unidirectional state can be changed over to/from a bidirectional state. In addition, a mark 16a indicating a position of the operating protrusion 5a is provided on the panel 2 and a mark 15 indicating a notch position is provided on an end portion on a front surface of the adapter 6.

Abstract: Connector 10 mountable to a mother board for mating with a daughter card (80,90) at a card-receiving slot (14). Connector (10) includes at least two key-receiving sites (30a,30b) along the length of the card-receiving slot (14), and a pair of switching contacts (40) at each site that are normally in engagement with each other, completing an indicator circuit of the mother board. A key member (50) is affixable to the connector at a selected one of the key-receiving sites (30a,30b) and includes an actuator arm (58) that disengages the switching contacts (40), breaking the circuit. The key member (50) prevents insertion of a daughter card (90) that is not programmed by having a notch (82) at the corresponding location.

Abstract: A sliding plate engages moveable structure such as the actuating lever of an existing wall switch and separates or connects contacts to provide a momentary contact function in a potentially very thin but robust and economical switch suitable for inclusion within a switch plate cover. Momentary contact is provided at an intermediate location between extreme positions of the actuating lever of the existing switch or other moveable structure. Additional contacts can be provided to alter switch function and/or allow discrimination of direction of movement at an intermediate location. The switch can be retrofit to any existing structure without modification of that structure or disturbance of wiring to which that structure is connected.

Abstract: A power control latch which is connected to an electronic device having first and second parts which are movable relative to each other between a first position and a second position. The power control latch includes first and second electrically conductive members and a nonconductive member. The first and second electrically conductive members are connected to the first part of the electronic device and the nonconductive member is connected to, and extends outwardly from, the second part. When the first and second parts of the electronic device are in the first position, the first and second electrically conductive members are electrically connected to conduct power. When the first and second parts of the electronic device are in the second position, the nonconductive member extends between the first and second conductive members and prevents electrical connection therebetween.

Abstract: A switchable circuit breaker having a housing, stationary and moveable contacts, switching means for actuating the contacts to assume a first condition in which the contacts are open and a second condition in which the contacts are closed, and breaker means disposed within the housing to interrupt current flow through the contacts in response to said current flow exceeding a predetermined level. The switching means includes a pusher member moveable between an advanced position in which the pusher acts on the contacts to assume a contact opening condition and a retracted position in which the pusher releases the contacts to assume a contact closing position. The pusher is guided within the housing so as to convert a linear motion of its drive end into a step-like motion of its active end in order to provide a snapping transition between said closing and opening conditions of the contacts, thus assuring "non-tease-ability" in the switching operation.

Abstract: The invention comprises a switch assembly having a housing with a recess therein. A first contact has a mating section and is disposed within the recess. A second contact has a deflectable mating section and is disposed within the recess. An elastomeric material encapsulates the first and second contacts within the recess wherein force on the elastomeric material pushes the deflectable mating section of the second contact into electrical engagement with the mating section of the first contact thereby activating the switch.

Abstract: A dimmer switch 2 for use in a lighting or electrical power control system includes an air gap switch 20 for open circuiting the load from the source of electrical power. Normal load control is provided by power control circuitry on a printed circuit board 24 in the dimmer switch 2. The air gap switch 20 includes two opposed contact springs 30 mounted on the same printed circuit board. These contact springs 30 include contact tabs 32 normally held in contact. An air gap actuator post 50 molded on one end of a dimmer switch rocker 4 can be moved between the contact tabs 32 to open the air gap switch 20. Convex latching surfaces or ridges 38 on each contact spring 30 engage channels 52 on the air gap actuator post 50 to disengagably hold the post 50 in place. The rocker 4 is rotated from a neutral position to a normal actuation position to activate push button switches 26 on the printed circuit board 24, and the rocker 4 can be rotated further to bring the air gap actuator between contact tabs 32.

Abstract: A switch of an integrated circuit includes: a housing wherein a plurality of cells connected in series are stored in a battery chamber formed in the housing, and an integrated circuit formed on a board mounted in the housing electrically connected to a power source comprised of the cells. An insulating barrier is normally inserted in between any two neighboring cells for disconnecting the power conducted through the cells for preventing power loss. An upper cover is resiliently held above the housing for shielding the housing having an actuating pawl normally engageable with a ratchet tooth formed on the insulating barrier. Upon depression of the upper cover to allow the pawl to pivotally raise and remove the barrier from the two neighboring cells for electrically connecting the cells, the power supply to the integrated circuit operatively actuates the integrated circuit such as for sounding purposes.

Abstract: An auxiliary switch for an electromagnetic switching device with two pressure springs (2, 3) arranged outside of the axis of movement (1) of the contact bridge support (10), these pressure springs being supported in the manner of a two-armed toggle joint respectively with one end in respectively one of blind holes or the like formed on mutually opposite sides of the contact bridge support (10) and with the other end in respectively one of recesses provided in the housing sections (A, B) and exhibiting a negative return spring characteristic against the tensile force of the drive.

Abstract: A technique for supplying power from a battery to a transmitter included as part of an insert in a magazine which is used to monitor magazine readership. A switch in the insert is open when the magazine is closed to break the circuit to the transmitter. However, the switch is closed when the magazine is opened. The circuit is then supplied to the transmitter which emits an identification signal indicative of the magazine being read.

Abstract: A nonconductive electrical connector housing is integrally molded with a nonconductive key. The housing is constructed to receive at least one pair of switch terminals therein such that contact portions of the switch terminals can be in electrical contact with one another. The key is selectively separable from the housing and can be urged into a position to move the contact portions of the switch terminals relative to one another to thereby open or close the circuit of which the switch terminals are a part.