Abstract: A power converter includes a steady-state controller for outputting a first voltage command such that a detected power value matches a power command, a transient controller for outputting a second voltage command such that a voltage detected before the occurrence of a fault is maintained when the fault occurs, and a voltage command selector for switching the voltage command in such a way that the first voltage command is output when no power fault is detected and the sum of the first and second voltage commands is output when any power fault is detected.

Abstract: A power-supply device suppresses high harmonic waves, controls the flow of AC power, and minimizes adverse effects on a load that might otherwise be caused by a large surge of current into the load during the startup or stopping of the power-supply device. The power supply device includes a voltage supply unit 2 disposed in series between input and output terminals. This voltage supply unit functions to gradually lower the output-voltage level from a state of canceling the voltage across input terminals of the power supply device at the time of starting up the power-supply device, so that a gradual rise in the output voltage from the power-supply device is achieved. When the power-supply device is stopped, a gradual lowering of the output voltage from the power-supply device is obtained by gradually increasing the output voltage of the voltage supply unit so as to cancel the input voltage.

Abstract: To the end of providing a constant AC voltage to a variable load (1) which is arranged remote of a voltage source (3), a voltage drop over an electrical supply line (2) which connects the load to the voltage source (3) is compensated for by a compensation AC voltage which, if added to the constant AC voltage, results into the output AC voltage Ufull of the voltage source (3) and the value of which is varied depending on the absolute value of the alternating current (I) conducted to the load (1) and on the phase angle phi between the output AC voltage Ufull of the voltage source (3) and the alternating current (I).

Abstract: A control device with a time measuring function measures a turned-off time of an ignition switch with a low consumption current and high accuracy at a level adapted for a demand from the controlling side, as well as a turned-on time of the ignition switch. The control device also measures an accumulative turned-on time of the ignition switch. The control device comprises a battery, a microcomputer for computing a control variable to control a control target, a time measuring unit, a clock source for the microcomputer, a clock source for the time measuring unit, and a unit for changing over operation of the time measuring unit depending on an intended use. The time measuring unit operates regardless of run/stop of the microcomputer.

Abstract: Methods and systems of providing power to a central processing unit (CPU) provide for enhanced surge protection and increased battery life. In one approach, an integrated circuit as a power output stage with an output node, and a voltage regulator coupled to the power output stage. The voltage regulator selectively switches the power output stage into a current ramp down mode based on detection of a voltage surge at the output node. The power output stage has an associated current ramp down rate. The CPU is coupled to the output node and a surge notification input of the power output stage, where the power output stage accelerates the current ramp down based on a notification signal from the CPU.

Abstract: An economical digital voltage sag compensator for overcoming sags in distributed electrical power. The voltage sag compensator employs an inexpensive micro-controller, a full wave bridge rectifier, a DC power supply, a voltage divider and an output switch. The micro-controller continuously monitors and evaluates, with respect to a setpoint measured in volt-seconds, the rectified DC voltage. At regularly spaced trigger events, as determined by the micro-controller, the micro-controller concurrently monitors the rectified DC voltage, evaluates the monitored voltage with respect to the setpoint, produces an output signal and sends that output signal to the output switch. The output switch supplies an electrical device, connected electrically in series with the full wave bridge rectifier and the output switch, with a constant average current of sufficient level to maintain the electrical device in a desired operating condition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the voltage maintenance of an electrical AC voltage supply network comprising a partial converter system, which has a first branch pair and a second branch pair connected in parallel therewith and an electrical energy store connected in parallel with the branch pairs. Each branch pair is formed from two series-connected driveable power semiconductor switches, each with a diode reverse-connected in parallel, and the junction point of the power semiconductor switches of the first branch pair forming a first terminal and the junction point of the power semiconductor switches of the second branch pair forming a second terminal. The partial converter system has a third branch pair connected in parallel with the first and second branch pairs. The junction point of the power semiconductor switches of the third branch pair forms a third terminal.

Abstract: A stabilization circuit wherein voltages of the secondary winding of a transformer are stabilized with respect to mains voltage fluctuations and load fluctuations, an auxiliary voltage is derived either from a secondary winding of the transformer or an auxiliary transformer. Together with the mains voltage portion of this auxiliary voltage acquired by pulse-width modulation forms the primary voltage of the transformer such that the desired stabilization is achieved.

Abstract: A distributed power system, wherein a backup boost transformer is connected between a PFC transformer and a FE DC transformer. The backup boost transformer is also parallel connected with a diode. The backup boost transformer only operates in the sustaining time, if the first DC voltage drops gradually, the backup boost transformer will increase this first DC voltage and stabilize it at a preset voltage of the FE DC transformer. Therefore, the capacity of the storage capacitor of the PFC transformer can be fully utilized to have a longer sustaining time and decrease the variation range of the second DC voltage so as to enhance the efficiency and power density thereof.

Abstract: Voltage compensation circuits connect DC voltages accumulated in capacitors having respectively different charging voltages which are 2K (where K=0, 1, 2, . . . ) times the minimum voltage into AC voltages. The voltage compensation circuits are connected in series to an electric power system in series. When the voltage dip occurs in an electric power system, a combination of voltage compensation circuits is selected from the voltage compensation circuits. The sum of the output voltage compensates the voltage dip. During normal operation, a high speed mechanical short circuit switch by-passes the voltage compensation circuits to reduce power loss.

Abstract: a voltage recovery device is configured to provide real and reactive power to a utility power network at a sufficient level and for a sufficient duration to recover the voltage on the utility power network within a predetermined proportion of the nominal voltage, following a fault condition detected on the utility power network. Moreover, the voltage recovery device reduces the overall transmission losses in a utility power system.

Abstract: Voltage compensating circuits are connected serially to a power system, including capacitors each having different charging voltages (in relationship of approximately 2k (K=0, 1, 2, . . . ) times the smallest charging voltage value). The voltage compensating circuits convert DC voltages in the capacitors into AC voltages and output the AC voltages, respectively. The voltages of the capacitors are detected as detected values V1 to V3. The detected values V1 to V3 are used as bit signals for a reference value to check a voltage dip amount of the power system with the reference value and to convert the voltage dip amount into a binary signal. A combination is selected from the voltage compensating circuits in accordance with the binary signal so that the sum of output voltages of the selected voltage compensating circuits compensates the voltage dip of the power system.

Abstract: A power converter is provided that operates with a wide range input and provides the required hold up time using a smaller, less costly hold-up capacitor. A charging circuit is provided to charge a capacitor through an auxiliary winding. The power converter includes circuitry for channeling the energy from the capacitor to the converter to provide hold-up time during input power loss conditions, while having better utilization of stored energy. The power converter of the present invention also provides this function using fewer and lower cost components than prior art devices.

Abstract: A voltage sag generator for alternating current power systems intentionally creates power quality disturbances. The sag generator combines different switching technologies to optimize power dissipation and transition performance.

Abstract: A voltage sag and over-voltage compensation device for an AC electric power distribution system employing cascaded switching devices and a pulse-width modulated transformer. Each stage of the cascaded switching device includes a switching element located within a full-bridge rectifier circuit to allow bi-directional switching through each switching element (i.e., switching through the same switching element during the positive and negative portions of the AC voltage cycle). Each full-bridge rectifier also includes a snubber circuit connected in parallel with a corresponding switching element to absorb the current discharge caused by switching the input power supply to the transformer through the corresponding switching device under non-zero current conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus for the voltage maintenance of an electrical AC voltage supply network (1) is specified, which comprises a partial converter system (2), which has a first branch pair (13) and a second branch pair (14) connected in parallel therewith and an electrical energy store (4) connected in parallel with the branch pairs (13, 14), each branch pair (13, 14) being formed from two series-connected driveable power semiconductor switches with in each case a diode reverse-connected in parallel with each power semiconductor switch, and the junction point of the power semiconductor switches of the first branch pair (13) forming a first terminal (9) of the partial converter system (2) and the junction point of the power semiconductor switches of the second branch pair (14) forming a second terminal (5) of the partial converter system (2).

Abstract: A voltage sag generator for alternating current power systems intentionally creates power quality disturbances. The sag generator combines different switching technologies to optimize power dissipation and transition performance.

Abstract: For compensation of voltage drop in a multi-conductor cable (3) connecting an electric multi-phase power source (1) with a consumer installation (4), in particular for supply of ground power to aircraft standing in airport parking positions, adjustment of the output voltage of the electric power source (1) to a level above the nominal voltage is accomplished by determining a set of cable impedance parameters and vector representations of the fundamental components of the individual output currents of the phases of the multi-phase AC power. By matrix multiplication of the vector representations of the fundamental current components by the cable model matrix a set of vector representations of fundamental voltage drop signals is calculated for the phases of the multi-phase AC power, and used as reference signals for a voltage controller (13) in the power source (1) to produce for each phase a compensation voltage for addition to the nominal voltage.

Abstract: An economical digital voltage sag compensator for overcoming sags in distributed electrical power. The voltage sag compensator employs an inexpensive micro-controller, a full wave bridge rectifier, a DC power supply, a voltage divider and an output switch. The micro-controller continuously monitors and evaluates, with respect to a setpoint measured in volt-seconds, the rectified DC voltage. At regularly spaced trigger events, as determined by the micro-controller, the micro-controller concurrently monitors the rectified DC voltage, evaluates the monitored voltage with respect to the setpoint, produces an output signal and sends that output signal to the output switch. The output switch supplies an electrical device, connected electrically in series with the full wave bridge rectifier and the output switch, with a constant average current of sufficient level to maintain the electrical device in a desired operating condition.

Abstract: A method for controlling ground plane voltages by locally, at one or more discrete points on the working ground reference, sensing a voltage difference between a working ground reference and an isolated ground reference, generating a voltage compensation signal based on the voltage difference, and driving the working ground reference with the voltage compensation signal to reduce the voltage difference.

Abstract: A device inserted between a grounded poly-phase external voltage source and a load providing low insertion loss for differential mode currents and high insertion loss for ground currents. The device receives voltages from the grounded poly-phase external voltage source over atone or more voltage lines. The voltages contain common mode voltages. A filter connected to each of the voltage lines reduces the ground current from the load. A summing block adds the voltages from each of the voltage lines to generate a total common mode voltage. A ground referenced controlled voltage source generates a cancellation voltage equal to the total common mode voltage in response to the generation of total common mode voltage. The total common mode voltage is injected into the filter and substantially reduces the common mode voltage on each voltage line thereby substantially reducing the ground currents associated with each common mode voltage on each voltage line.

Abstract: Voltage compensating circuits are connected serially to a power system, including capacitors each having different charging voltages (in relationship of approximately 2k-fold (K=0, 1, 2, . . . ) of the smallest charging voltage value). The voltage compensating circuits convert DC voltages in the capacitors into AC voltages and output the AC voltages respectively. The voltages of the capacitors are detected as detected values V1 to V3. The detected values V1 to V3 are used as bit signals for a reference value to check a voltage dip amount of the power system with the reference value and to A/D convert the voltage dip amount into a binary signal. A desired combination is selected from the voltage compensating circuits in accordance with the binary signal so that the total sum of output voltages of the selected voltage compensating circuits compensates the voltage dip of the power system.

Abstract: A method for controlling ground plane voltages by locally, at one or more discrete points on the working ground reference, sensing a voltage difference between a working ground reference and an isolated ground reference, generating a voltage compensation signal based on the voltage difference, and driving the working ground reference with the voltage compensation signal to reduce the voltage difference.

Abstract: An arc fault detection circuit includes a first resistance and an arc sensing circuit configured to sense a voltage level indicative of a voltage drop across the first resistance. The arc fault detection circuit detects an arc in the distribution circuit in response to the voltage level. A power drop out compensation circuit is configured to reduce the voltage level for a period of time after operating power is applied to the power drop out compensation circuit.

Abstract: A static series voltage regulator (SSVR) for an electric power distribution system protects a load on a feeder branch from voltage dips by boosting voltage under certain conditions. The SSVR contains a 3-phase voltage source inverter and a source bridge, fed from a source, supplying the dc side of the inverter. A series transformer is connected between the power source and a load coupling the inverter output to appear between the power source and the load. A surge filter connected in parallel with the series transformer protects the load from fast front voltage pulses produced by the inverter, and isolation and bypass switches isolate the inverter and series transformer from the power source and load. The inverter is controlled so that during normal operation it acts as a short on the series transformer, and, during a fault that causes a dip in the source voltage, it injects voltage in series with the source voltage to provide a boost action to maintain load voltage at a desired magnitude and balance.

Abstract: A stop and control box houses the standard phone pager (a COTS APPLICATION--meaning commercial off the shelf) as a stimulating and communication device in either a secured and/or concealed mechanical lockup or in any protected area that employs any means to limit access. This protected area would also house control circuitry and could house monitoring circuitry to interface with and record the host machine's functions and finally record the operator and occupant's activities. The stop and control box accomplishes its remote capabilities in a number of ways from actually being wired directly to the pagers circuitry to merely sensing or reading the pager functions and numerical messages.

Abstract: An electrical control unit for a vehicle successively writes operation data of the vehicle in a transponder provided in a key used for starting the vehicle. At the same time, the electric control unit successively writes the same operation data in a memory area of a non-volatile memory corresponding to a key used for starting the engine. When the key is lost, the engine is started under the condition that the identification of the lost key is written in a replacement key. Then, the electric control unit of the vehicle writes operation data stored in the non-volatile memory corresponding to the lost key in the replacement key. At the same time, the electric control unit of the vehicle moves the operation data to a memory area corresponding to the replacement key. Accordingly, when the operation data is read from the replacement key, operation data stored in the lost key can be managed.

Abstract: An alarm device is provided in a car. A criminal act such as braking of a window of the car is detected and a criminal act signal is produced. In accordance with the criminal act signal, the alarm device is operated. When an ignition switch of the car is operated by an ignition key within a first predetermined time after opening of a door of the car, the production of the criminal act signal is stopped.

Abstract: The casing of a passive proximity transceiver includes a protrusion which extends from the main body of the casing to prevent metal objects from touching the main body, where they would otherwise be close enough to interfere with reception of signals transmitted between the passive proximity transceiver and another electronic device. The casing may be arranged to be mounted on a key ring, with the protrusion being in the form of a collar extending around the main body.

Abstract: A vehicle antitheft system includes a MOSFET with associated power and logic circuitry embodied by a chip that can be housed within a starter solenoid housing for preventing control current from activating the solenoid unless an authorized enable signal is received. The enable signal can be transmitted by a hand-held rf transmitter. The chip can also undertake additional functions. In alternate embodiments, the MOSFET can be disposed in a housing separate from the solenoid and mounted near the solenoid, and the MOSFET can be controlled by an rf-generated enable signal or by an impulse-generated enable signal. In the latter case, the MOSFET is activated to close the solenoid control current circuit path only when a single impulse signal, e.g., from a door latch lock, is activated. If two impulse signals are received, one from, e.g., the door latch lock and another from, e.g.

Abstract: A key for a vehicle is provided with a transmitting circuit and an electric power receiving/signal transmitting circuit. The transmitting circuit transmits a wireless SW signal by radio waves in a case in which an instruction switch is on. The electric power receiving/signal transmitting circuit receives electric power from an electric power transmitting circuit provided in a key cylinder for a vehicle at a vehicle, and transmits a transponder code signal in a case in which the electric power receiving/signal transmitting circuit receives the electric power. When the key for a vehicle is inserted in the key cylinder for a vehicle, a light emitting device provided in the key cylinder for a vehicle emits light. In a case in which a receiver provided at the transmitting circuit receives the light, transmission of the wireless SW signal is prohibited.

Abstract: A vehicle convenience system comprising a wireless transmitter, having at least one switch therein, for communicating multiple channel commands to an expander, the expander responsive to activation of the transmitter and the expander having at least one expander output responsive to the channel commands received from the transmitter; said expander outputs being programmable to at least one user selectable mode.

Abstract: An enabling device for a motor vehicle having an electronic ignition system and a passive anti-theft system includes an engine control circuit controlling the electronic ignition system of the motor vehicle, a passive anti-theft control circuit electrically connected to the engine control circuit for controlling the passive anti-theft system, and a latch electrically connected to the passive anti-theft control circuit to selectively enable the electronic ignition system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anti-theft method for a vehicle. In accordance with the invention, a code word (K1) chosen by the user, and the serial number ESN or IMEI of the telephone (K2) are stored in a fastener element (4) connected to the vehicle (5) and serving as a cradle for the portable telephone (1). Before starting, the user is to put his telephone in its place in the fastener element. The telephone automatically verifies whether its serial number ESN or IMEI is identical with the one that is stored in the fastener element. In that case, the starter means of the vehicle are unblocked so that the action of the ignition key makes a start possible. In the opposite case, the starter means remain blocked.

Abstract: A security system for an automotive vehicle including a positioning device which, in cooperation with a Global Positioning System ("GPS") satellite network provides location information regarding the vehicle's position. The security system further includes a passive operator identification device having a first security code and a theft control unit including memory storing a second security code. The passive operator identification device and the theft control unit work together to ensure the vehicle operator is authorized to operate the vehicle. An event detector communicates with the theft control unit to provide an event signal associated with the vehicle such as vehicle movement. If an event signal is received by the theft control unit, and the first and second security codes are not equal, the theft control unit communicates the vehicle position as determined by the position detector to a monitoring station.

Abstract: A security system for use on a motor vehicle having a manufacturer's electrical ignition system, wherein the security system comprises electronic means for controlling the security system; a sensing means for sensing tampering; at least one warning means; at least one immobilizing means, wherein the electronic means receives electronic sensor signals from the sensing means and sends electronic activation signals to the warning means and to the immobilizing means; potting means disposed upon the electronic means for excluding moisture, heat and vibration from the electronic means; and a remote-control means for remotely controlling the security system, which remote-control means is resistant to scanning-type interference, and wherein the remote-control means further comprises: a receiving means for receiving radio control signals, and a transmitting means for transmitting a multiplicity of radio control signals, wherein said transmitting means further comprises at least: signals for changing the sensitivity of

Abstract: A vehicle antitheft system includes a housing that is supported by the vehicle's starting current power line between the vehicle's battery and the vehicle's starter motor. The starting current power line is cut, and one end of the line is advanced into an input channel that is established by an input bus bar in the housing. The other end of the line is advanced into an output channel that is established by an output bus bar in the housing. Plural MOSFETs are in electrical contact with the bus bars, and a control circuit controls the MOSFETs in response to a remotely generated rf enable signal. Consequently, the vehicle can be started by turning the ignition switch only after receipt of the enable signal. The starting current power line is held in the channels by set screws.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling refuelling of a motor vehicle having an internal-combustion engine and having a control unit for a central locking system and several locking/unlocking devices (VEEs) for doors and covers which are controlled by the control unit. The locking and unlocking device of the filler inlet compartment cover can be switched by the control unit independently of the other locking and unlocking devices. When the filler neck cap and/or the filler inlet compartment cover is open, the internal-combustion engine cannot be started. When the internal-combustion engine is running, the filler inlet compartment cover cannot be unlocked.

Abstract: When a control unit receives a second ID code within a specified time after receiving a first ID code in the ID code registration mode, and decides that the first ID code is coincident with the second ID code, the control unit stores the ID code as a newly registered ID code in a storage unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for remotely communicating with the vehicle to control functional circuits in the vehicle. The apparatus includes a pager based communication apparatus mounted in the vehicle for receiving a command signal from a pager service provider in response to a user generated telephone number, security code and a command. A microcontroller is responsive to the received command and, in response to a stored control program, generates outputs to various vehicle functional circuits. The microcontroller generates outputs in response to selected user generated commands to deactivate the vehicle engine in the event of a hijack command when the engine RPM drops below a prestored engine RPM magnitude. The microcontroller is also capable of generating outputs to control engine starting and stopping, door lock and unlock operations, and other vehicle accessories.

Abstract: A vehicle antitheft system has an immobilizer unit which reads in an identification code generated by and transmitted from an ignition key of the type having a built-in signal transmitter and compares the identification code read therein with an identification code having been entered therein to transmit an encoded word when there is a presence of coincidence between these identification codes, and an engine controlling unit which reads in the encoded word transmitted from the immobilizer unit and compares the encoded word read therein and an encoded word having been entered therein to permit itself to perform control of operation of the engine when there is a presence of coincidence between these encoded words.

Abstract: A motor vehicle is prevented from being parked with an unactivated parking brake. This vehicle has a roll-away preventer normally to apply a brake pressure which prevents the motor vehicle from rolling. To prevent unintentional rolling of the vehicle upon failure of the roll-away preventer, deactivation of the drive engine by using the ignition key is prevented when a brake pressure is not present to prevent the motor vehicle from rolling.

Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft system that disables a vehicle engine upon detection of an unauthorized vehicle start-up, after the engine is running, by disconnecting the vehicle battery and draining the vehicle electrical system voltage to ground through a resistor. When the system is armed, it monitors whether the engine is running and has been recently started by detecting vibrations, fluctuations in the VES voltage, and the actual VES voltage. The system includes an electro-mechanical switch that has a battery internal contact, a vehicle electrical system, the standard battery external terminal, contact and a disconnect contact. When the switch is connected to the battery contact, the vehicle battery is connected in the circuit. When the switch is connected to the vehicle electrical system contact, the system is connected to ground through a resistance and the battery is disconnected from circuit.

Abstract: A lock actuator assembly for a steering lock and ignition assembly has a two position knob for operating an ignition switch of a vehicle and for operating a steering lock mechanism of the vehicle. The knob is retained within a housing by a latch device until authorization by an authorization system is provided to the latch device. When authorization is received, the latch device releases the knob from the housing so that the steering lock mechanism can unlock the steering shaft and the ignition switch can be operated to start the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft system that disables a vehicle engine upon detection of an unauthorized vehicle start-up, after the engine is running, by disconnecting the vehicle battery and draining the alternator voltage to ground through a resistor. A fob transmitter transmits a coded frequency signal that is received by a receiver associated with the anti-theft system to arm the system. When the system is armed, it monitors whether the engine is running and has been recently started using a combination of vibration detection, voltage fluctuations in the battery voltage and the actual battery voltage. If the system determines that the engine is running and has been recently started, the system will issue a first command that opens a relay switch to disconnect the battery and a second command that closes a switch to connect the alternator to ground through the resistor.

Abstract: A locking bar may engage with an ignition switch which is switched to a START position and a LOCK position by a pushing operation, and may unlock a steering shaft when the ignition switch is at the START position and lock the steering shaft when the ignition switch is at the LOCK position. An ID code decision portion may decide whether or not an input identification number coincides with a registered identification number. A first actuator may unlock the ignition switch when the input identification number coincides with the registered identification number, and may lock the ignition switch when the input identification number does not coincide with the registered identification number. Accordingly, lock of the steering shaft due to failure or malfunction during running can be prevented.

Abstract: An antitheft system for use in portable consumer electronic equipment. The antitheft system includes an antitheft receiver that receives a deactivation code that is transmitted by a paging system transmitted when the device is reported stolen. Upon receipt of the deactivation code, a microprocessor within the electronic equipment causes the equipment to become inoperative. To ensure the antitheft receiver is not removed or tampered with, the microprocessor queries the antitheft receiver for a unique identification number associated with the device.

Abstract: A battery immobilizer is described in which power provided by the battery to the ignition switch of an automobile is discontinued when the starter motor of the automobile is engaged without proper previous authorization. The authorization is provided by entry of a user code on a keypad within the automobile compartment. Once the code is entered, the automobile will start as normal, but if the code is not entered the battery will intelligently provide power to resistive loads while disconnecting power to the starter motor once the immobilizer detects that the starter motor has been engaged. The present battery can be connected to an automobile system using only standard electrical connections between the automobile electrical system and the battery and further does not require any connection between the immobilizer circuit and the user keypad.

Abstract: A pager is powered by the vehicle's battery and coupled to a power control circuit for selectively applying power to the pager upon an operator initiated event. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the power control circuit is controlled by a switch associated with the movement of a door handle for providing power to the pager for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A vehicle security system attached to a power source for controlling a vehicle ignition. The vehicle security system includes first and second normally closed switches connected in series along a first power line between the power supply and a distributor of the vehicle. The first switch is positioned within a cabin of the vehicle and the second switch is positioned with a trunk of the vehicle. A third normally open switch is connected along a second power line between the power supply and a trunk lock of the vehicle and positioned within the trunk of the vehicle. The first and second switches are operable between a first closed position connecting the power source to the distributor allowing the vehicle to be started and a second open position disconnecting the power source from the distributor and preventing the vehicle from starting.