Abstract: A switching unit includes a plurality of operation switches and terminal loads corresponding to each of the operation switches. A switch is connected to a load by way of a controlling circuit unit. Each of the operation switches includes a recognition signal generator for generating individually different switch signals when each switch is turned on. The controlling circuit unit includes a switch discriminator that generates an output signal for activating a predetermined terminal load on receiving each of the switch signals from the recognition signal generating means. By replacing an operation switch with another which contains a different recognition signal generator, the unit can cope with a change of the grade of a vehicle, change of required function and so on, making possible a reduction in the number of terms to be used, making it possible to reduce the total production cost.

Abstract: Contention free switches, networks and global interconnection systems for routing messages from N input sources to M output destinations are disclosed.

Abstract: A portable communication device with battery conservation capability is capable of sensing (223) its power source and suppressing a battery conservation circuit depending on an actual voltage determined (225) from an analog-to-digital converter. Two or more voltage ranges are defined (227) such that battery conservation is disabled when an external power source is operated in one of the predetermined voltage ranges.

Abstract: A switch having controlled rise and fall characteristics for electronic switching and power controlling a load has a switching element for the load controlled by a rectifier bridge, a filter circuit, a feedback amplifier stage, a low-power switch (SCR) and a diac. The feedback amplifier stage has a phase shifting circuit, a switching and/or amplifying circuit and a filter stage. The filter stage has a capacitor, Zener diode, a switch and, possibly, a potentiometer for controlling rise-control and fall-control resistors.

Abstract: A key handling circuit for a switching matrix having row and column conductors includes bidirectional drives for the row conductors and the column conductors. The row drive and the column drive are in a low conductive condition except when a relevant key switch is activated. The row drive provides a current input for the column drive in one phase of operation and the column drive provides a current input for a row drive in a second phase of operation.

Abstract: A circuit connecting device is used to switch a characteristic of a circuit among a plurality of operating conditions. The circuit connecting device has a set of source terminals, a plurality of sets of receptor terminals and a selector for selectively connecting the set of source terminals to one set of the plurality of sets of receptor terminals. The selector simultaneously connects every terminal of the set of source terminals to a corresponding terminal of the selected set of receptor terminals. This results in the operating condition of the characteristic of the circuit being determined in accordance with the set of receptor terminals which is selected by the selector.

Abstract: An electronic device has a host with a card-receiving slot, with the host being capable of receiving and operating low voltage-low current (3.3 volts and no more than 0.12 amp) cards, low voltage-high current cards, high voltage (5 volts)--low current cards, and high voltage-high current cards. The inner end of the slot has a voltage-discriminating first side and an opposite current-discriminating second side. Each side has a switch with an actuator lying at a location that is occupied by a discrimination key portion that is present in one kind of card (low voltage or low current) but not in another kind of card (high voltage or high current). The electronic device has different circuits for energizing or rejecting the types of card sensed by the switches.

Abstract: A power drawing circuit for a two-wire switching unit, the two-wire switching unit including a switching control circuit having its positive voltage input terminal connected in series to a load, the load being connected to one side of a power source.

Abstract: The invention relates to a remote control device for mobile and stationary concrete pumps. The remote control device has a central control device to control groups and signalling units of the concrete pump and a remote control appliance connected to the central control device via a multicore remote control cable. The central control device has an emergency stop switch gear remote controlled by a mechanically actuatable emergency stop switch fitted in the remote control appliance, the power supply to which is taken via a forced first switch contact of the emergency stop switch and which triggers an emergency stop if the power supply fails. In order to ensure reliable emergency cut-off even in the event of a short circuit in the emergency stop system when the emergency stop switch is actuated, there is an overload fuse in the central control-side lead to the first switch contact designed as a break contact.

Abstract: A circuit using a single transistor to detect the interface type to Which a combination pointing device is connected. The pointing device may be connected to a PS/2 interface, which generates a voltage greater than or equal to 0 volts, or a serial interface which generates a negative voltage. The transistor is activated when connected to the serial interface, and is inactive when connected to the PS/2 interface. The output of the transistor is sensed by a microcontroller within the pointing device. The microcontroller generates data for transmission to the PS/2 interface if the transistor is not active, and generates data for transmission to the serial interface if the transistor is active. An I/O pin in the microcontroller is used to sense the interface type and can also be used as an output in which the microcontroller generates control signals for use by the pointing device. This multitasking operation reduces the required pin count of the microcontroller, thus reducing cost.

Abstract: A subscriber line circuit for a telephone network having current controlled switches and current sources. Methods of making and using the components are also disclosed.

Abstract: A circuit configuration for triggering a field effect transistor with a source-side load has a capacitor which is connected on one hand through a load path of the field effect transistor to a supply voltage and on the other hand both to a first charging device and to a first controllable switching device. The first switching device is connected between the capacitor and a gate terminal of the field effect transistor. A second charging device acts through a second controllable switching device to charge a gate-to-source capacitor of the field effect transistor. A comparator monitors a voltage at the gate terminal of the field effect transistor and makes the first switching device conducting when a predetermined value is reached.

Abstract: A security electrical power interrupt apparatus prevents usage of an electrical appliance such as an electric stove, or other electrically operated device. The apparatus includes a relay controlled by a micro-processor based programmable controller. The device includes a detachable component through which data is input. Data is input to the detachable component through a key pad. A software computer program operates in the controller and causes the relay to disconnect the supply power from the device if any attempt is made to operate the appliance or device in a manner which draws electrical current exceeding a preset limit while the controller is in an interrupt mode.

Abstract: A hard diskdrive address adjusting device is provided which includes a plurality of rotary binary DIP switches respectively mounted on the hard diskdrives of an array hard diskdrive system. The rotary binary DIP switches adjust the address of each hard diskdrive. Each hard diskdrive of the array hard diskdrive system has a plurality of jumper terminals arranged in two rows, the jumper terminals of one row being connected in parallel with the contact C of the respective rotary binary DIP switch. The jumper terminals of the other row of each hard diskdrive being respectively connected to corresponding contacts of the respective rotary binary DIP switch.

Abstract: A system for supplying at least one electrical apparatus with a touch control. The system may be utilized in a home automation system for supplying electrical equipment, e.g., light bulbs, motors, strip lights, electrical power points, etc., or may be utilized to form part of equipment, e.g., a lamp, lamp stand, etc. The system may include treated zones formed by chemical treatment of an electrically insulating support material to provide the zones with a reduced electrical impedance to allow leakage current flow. The treated zones may be electrically coupled to a detection input of an electrical control circuit to allow the leakage current to be detected by the detection input and enable the electrical control circuit to control a switch in accordance with the leakage currents, which are generated in the treated zone when a user touches the treated zone.

Abstract: A multi-function switch includes a casing, a key top member, two magnets, two magnetic detectors and a micro-computer. The key top member is mounted on the casing to permit both liner movement and rotational movement in a plane parallel with a bottom face of the casing. The two magnets are arranged on the key top member to be apart from each other at a predetermined distance. The two magnetic detectors are arranged on the casing to face the magnets' respectively, at respective neutral positions in the liner movement and rotational movement. The micro-computer detects a ratio of respective voltages generated from the magnetic detectors and further processes the obtained ratio as a desired operational signal.

Abstract: A button interface for a state machine provides three signals, X, Y, or X and Y. The state machine further detects a single contact, a double contact, or a persistent contact to provide a matrix of nine separate states which control player functions. The cover of the button interface has two degrees of freedom, rotation and depression, which are achieved by various embodiments of leaf and coil springs.

Abstract: A battery-sparing retail/home circuit for a sensor includes first and second switch systems in parallel. The first switch system includes a first user-operable switch for energizing a first circuit. The first user-operable switch is biased to an open orientation for opening the first circuit and movable to a closed orientation for closing the first circuit. The first user-operable switch is always operable to close the first circuit. The second switch system includes a second user-operable switch in a series circuit with a sensor-operated switch. The second user-operable switch is accessible by a user only after purchase of the retail/home circuit and is movable between an off orientation opening the series circuit and an on orientation rendering the series circuit dependent on the sensor-operated switch only.

Abstract: An electrical switching assembly which is formed by a base unit (10) and a control unit (11) having respective bodies which are releasibly engageable together through mechanical connection. The base unit (10) includes two supply terminals (20 & 21) for electrical connection to a power supply, two load terminals (22 & 23) for electrical connection to a load, and a built-in electrical switch (31) having an exposed operating member for manual operation. The electrical switch (31) is connected electrically in series between the power supply and the load terminals (20/21 & 22/23) in order to manually control the electrical connection of the load to the power supply.

Abstract: A device for regulating the flow of electrical current to a power tool includes a switch and handle combination coupled to a wiring component which serves to bypass an electrical circuit of a power tool. In a first embodiment, the wiring component can be "hard wired" into the electrical circuit of a power tool in a permanent arrangement. In a second embodiment, the wiring component is self-contained, and includes a power cord bisected by a junction box, the junction box for accepting the plug adaptor of a power tool. An anchoring device serves to anchor the switch and handle to an accessible location upon the power tool, so that the switch may be easily reached, should a user need to increase, decrease, reverse or stop the flow of electrical current to the power tool motor.

Abstract: A wall-mountable system for controlling electrical power to a load includes a switch and a dimmer, with the switch actuator being substantially larger than the dimmer actuator. Preferably, the switch is a short-throw, light-force switch and the dimmer is a linear slide dimmer. Another embodiment of the invention provides a wallbox-mountable, pushbutton-actuated electrical control device in which the pushbutton is resiliently supported on the device support.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus having a bidirectional interface which usually remains in a receiving mode during operation ready to receive data signals from an external device over a receiving data bus. When the apparatus is to transmit a data signal to the external device, the data signal placed on a transmitting data bus automatically causes the bidirectional interface to enter transmitting mode in preparation for the transmission.

Abstract: Connection of batteries to the DC bus lines across which capacitors are connected in power systems, such as uninterruptible power systems, is carried out using an auxiliary switch which is controlled to connect the batteries to a DC bus line through a precharge resistor momentarily before connection is made through a main connector. The preconnection of the batteries through the precharge resistor provides a controlled rate of charge of the capacitors before closing of the main connector to thereby avoid excessive surge currents. When the main connector is opened, as when the power system is prepared for transportation or long term storage, the auxiliary switch interrupts the current path from the battery through the precharge resistor and provides a current path from the DC bus line through a discharge resistor to ground to bleed down the charge on the capacitors to a desired level within a selected period of time.

Abstract: A communication system includes a first data processing unit, a second data processing unit, and a data link line provided between the first data processing unit and the second data processing unit. A first monitor terminal controls the first data processing unit and monitors the first and second data processing units. A second monitor terminal controls the second data processing unit and monitors the first and second data processing units. A first switching circuit is coupled to the first data processing unit, the first monitor terminal and the data link line, and selectively connects two of the first data processing unit, the first monitor terminal and the data link line. A second switching circuit is coupled to the second data processing unit, the second monitor terminal and the data link line, and selectively connects two of the second data processing unit, the second monitor terminal and the data link line.

Abstract: In a method and a circuit arrangement for driving semiconductor switches in a series circuit, in which a voltage limiting device is assigned to each semiconductor switch, the power losses of the voltage limiting devices are detected by a control equipment for equalizing the voltage distribution across the semiconductor switches. The control equipment generates modified control pulses for each semiconductor switch from a common control pulse on the basis of the detected power losses of the voltage limiting devices. By this means, the power loss of the voltage limiting devices is controlled to a minimum.

Abstract: An operating device for electronic switching devices, which operating device includes a front plate, one or more actuators applied to the from plate for the purpose of actuating one or more modules, a changeable from foil which can be applied to the front plate and which is designed to hold a coding, a recognition system which reads in the data of the coding, and an intelligent control device which picks up the read-in data from the recognition system and assigns, in dependence on the read-in data, a user-specific activation function to each actuator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a switch device having a sensor for effecting a detection process such as a confirming the operation of an ejector or the like, confirming the existence of an object fed by a suction pad, or confirming the attracted state of an object fed by the suction pad. The invention further relates to a control device-to-sensor wiring structure which is electrically connected to the switch device. The switch device can be reduced in size and weight by detachably positioning a setting section, having a controlling means and a displaying means, on a body of the switch device and removing the setting section as required. Further, the wiring structure makes it possible to simplify wiring and avoid the possibility of miswiring, by eliminating the need for a power line to be connected to each sensor.

Abstract: A device for controlling power to an electrical load. The device has two components: a portable desktop detector unit and an electrical powerstrip. The desktop detector detects the presence of a human in a room and sends signals to the powerstrip to supply power to or withhold power from individual electrical loads connected to the strip. Since the detector is portable, it can be positioned and repositioned at different locations in a room to maximize its ability to detect the presence of a person. The system can also communicate by wireless signals to a wall-mounted control unit to control light fixtures in the room. When used with a wall-mounted control unit, a photo sensor that detects the level of ambient light in a room allows the system to adjust the brightness of lights in the room depending upon the available ambient light level.

Abstract: The object of the disclosed system is the fast switching of high voltage and short duration pulses on loads which requires high instantaneous intensities, in order to provide said pulses in both directions; the system is capable in switching narrow hand signals, and therefore long duration signals. The system is based on a very lower series impedance switching channel which is comprised of two high voltage capacitors (C.sub.1) in series with two rectifying groups (GR.sub.1 and GR.sub.2) connected in opposition and whose conduction status is activated by forced injection, through said groups of a direct current controlled by a reactive network in series with a conventional low voltage unidirectional switch (CBT), thereby providing for its logical control (SL) from digital circuits TTL or CMOS.

Abstract: A security electrical interrupt device for preventing unauthorized usage of an electrical appliance such as an electric stove, while retaining operation of auxiliary electrical equipment such as the lights and an electrical clock. The device comprises a relay controlled by a micro-processor based programmable controller which measures the amount of electrical supply current being drawn by the appliance. A software computer program stored in the microcontroller commands the relay to disconnect the supply power if any person attempts to operate any part of the appliance which draws electrical current exceeding a preset limit while the controller is in the interrupt mode. In a preferred embodiment the microcontroller is programmed to enter the interrupt mode by 1) key sequences entered on a detachable key pad, 2) when a selected amount of time has elapsed since the last authorized usage, or 3) by removal of the detachable key pad.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the switch position of a switch including an auxiliary voltage source, which is connected to the switch, a device for converting the switch position into an electrical signal, a device for transmitting the electrical signal and a device for evaluating the transmitted information. The converting device uses a pulse-duration modulation, the duty cycle of which becomes higher as the voltage U.sub.0 of the auxiliary voltage source becomes smaller. This enables the monitoring device to be used for different auxiliary voltages, without any need for adaptation.

Abstract: A power switch includes two power FETs connected back-to-back in series at a common source node and a common gate node and a resistor connected between the common source node and the common gate node. The switch further includes a current source and a single-control switch connected to the current source and to the gate node for switching the current source to the gates of the two power FETs.

Abstract: A make-before-break bypass switch is combined with a pair of probes projecting from a support where a member is provided with sockets to slidably receive the probes. The probes define a gap in a first RF circuit. The corresponding sockets are connected by a second RF circuit. A pair of spring clips on the support are connected by a bypass circuit on the support and are designed on retraction of the sockets from the probes to connect a bypass circuit between the probes before the sockets are completely disconnected from the probes. On application of the sockets, the sockets are designed to connect to the probes before a part of the member disconnects the spring clips from the probe. If the first RF circuit may carry signals in either direction and the second RF circuit is directional, the probes and sockets may be arranged to allow reversal of the sockets relative to the probes.

Abstract: Plug-in electrical switching devices which allow a load device to be electrically connected to and disconnected from an electrical power source at either: (a) a switched outlet electrically coupled between the power source and the load and (b) a location in the vicinity of the load.

Abstract: A switching device for connecting four input devices and two auxiliary devices to a common output device is disclosed. A first 4-position 15-pole switch connects any one of four 15-pin input connectors to 15 common output lines in one-to-one correspondence. Two of these 15 inputs are routed through the first position of a second switch that has three positions and two poles. The second and third positions of the second switch are interconnected with two auxiliary input connectors, respectively, for accepting signals from the auxiliary devices instead of the first switch. A pair of output lines from the second switch is interconnected with the two remaining open pins of the output connector. As such, any one of the four input devices and either or neither of the auxiliary devices is switchable to the output device.

Abstract: A power conservation circuit having a low voltage power supply for powering a first and second switch. The first switch connects output terminals to either the low voltage power supply or a powered device. The second switch connects or disconnects power to the powered device. The low voltage power supply provides a sensing current when a load is placed across the output terminals. The current goes to a control switch which causes the first and second switches to switch into the ON state. A sensing circuit detects the continued draw of current from the powered device while a load is present. The sensing circuit maintains the control switch in the ON state. In the absence of any loads on the output terminals, the sensing circuit causes the control switch to switch the first and second switches into the OFF state. In the OFF state, power is disconnected from the powered device thereby conserving power when there is no load requesting the use of the powered device.

Abstract: Apparatus for sensing the flexure of a surface includes an array of bistable dome shaped switches within the surface which change their state or position depending on the direction and degree of local flexure of the surface. A flexible sheet parallel to the surface carries wiring for detecting the state of the bistable switches and carrying this information to a computer. A second parallel sheet may be used to detect the second position of the bistable switches for extra accuracy. The bistable switches may be linked, meaning the perimeters of the bistable switches overlap, or unlinked. The two stable positions may include two oppositely protruding positions, or one protruding position and one flat position.

Abstract: A footswitch for ophthalmic surgery includes a rotatable foot pedal, a spring member which biases the foot pedal to resist rotation and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the bias of the spring member to a surgeon selected value. In an illustrated embodiment, the adjustment mechanism includes a worm screw gear assembly which is used to vary the amount of torque generated by a coil spring on a shaft upon which a pedal is mounted. As a worm gear is rotated by a thumb wheel, a spur gear is rotated to wind or unwind coil spring thereby increasing or decreasing the amount of tension exerted by coil spring on a shaft.

Abstract: A device that provides a control system which is capable of positively preventing a semiconductor from suffering from latch up. In order to prevent this latch up, a control circuit controls the semiconductor through a power source switch. The control circuit is capable of supplying a constant voltage to a power source terminal of the semiconductor when it is electrically connected to the power source circuit by turning on the power source switch, and thereafter supplying a control signal to a control terminal of the semiconductor. The control circuit is capable of stopping the output of the control signal to the control terminal and then stopping the supply of voltage to the power source terminal when disconnected from the power source circuit by turning off the power source.

Abstract: A switched capacitor (12) providing an effective resistance having a relatively long time constant. The switched capacitor (12) includes a technique for switching an input switch (14) associated with the capacitor (12) between a first input potential and a second input potential where the second input potential is proportional to the first input potential. In one specific implementation, the capacitor is a primary capacitor (30) having a three position input switch (46) that is switchable between a ground contact (48), an intermediate contact (42) and the input potential, and a three position output switch (50) that is switchable between a first ground contact (56), a second ground contact (54) and an output potential. A secondary capacitor (32) includes a two position input switch (34) that is switchable between the input voltage and a ground contact (38), and an output switch (40) that is switchable between a ground contact (44) and the intermediate contact (42).

Abstract: Ultrasound imaging system providing automatic activation of a probe, which ultrasound system includes: (a) a motion sensor for detecting motion of the probe and for generating a signal in response to the motion; (b) a signal detector for detecting the signal; and (c) a probe activator, in response to a detector signal from the detector, for activating the probe. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the motion sensor is an accelerometer which is affixed to the probe.

Abstract: A fluorescent light control circuit usable with a transformer relay for providing electric current pulses of alternating polarity in response to successive operations of a two position electromechanical switch, the circuit including first and second controllable current paths operable to conduct current in opposite directions only, the active path being operable to conduct current only momentarily following repositioning of the switch.

Abstract: A method for determining mechanical parameters of an electric switching device exposed to environmental influences in which a measuring transmitter is provided for detecting the speed of a component of the drive means of the switch device at at least two consecutive times. In the case of vacuum power switches, the time of contact of the switch members and the time of the latching in the switched-on condition are preferably considered. If measurement values from comparative measurements of a given number of switches are available, the maximum intensity of a given environmental influence at which test sample can reliably operate is determined from a measurement of a test sample under normal environmental conditions.

Abstract: A branching unit for use in submarine telecommunications optical cable systems which employs electrical power feeding for repeater/regenerators of the cable system, in particular a system employing multiple branching units. The unit terminates three line cables (at 1, 2, 3) and a sea earth (at 4) and includes first, second the third high voltage relays (A, A1, B, B1, C, C1), only one of which is energized at a time. When electrical power is supplied between any two line terminations, e.g. 1 and 3, an associated relay coil, e.g. C is energized so that its contacts C1 isolate the third line termination, e.g. 2, and connect it to the sea earth termination (4) via fourth, or fifth, relay contacts (D1, E1 ). The branching unit also includes a plurality of optical regenerators, for optical path switching purposes, which require electrical power feeding and whose power feed circuits 20 are connected in parallel with each of the relay coils. When any relay is energized, i.e.

Abstract: A low inductance triaxial semiconductor switching module. The module permits high power semiconductor switching devices to operated at high frequency but with low inductance. The module incorporates compositional, geometrical and electrical symmetry in connection with a triaxial terminal subassembly having coplanar contact areas. The terminal subassembly is readily fabricated and assembled into the module. The module also includes short internal leads, a special circumferential array of substrates subassemblies, and a circular circuit board having gate and Kelvin circuit patterns.

Abstract: An inactive state termination tester for determining the number of terminators connected to a bus when the bus is inactive. The termination tester monitors the bus for determining when it is inactive. During the periods of bus inactivity, the termination tester senses the bus to determine the number of terminators connected to the bus. The termination tester then displays how many terminators were detected and/or generates a signal to either enable or disable, respectively, a controllable bus terminator depending on if there are not enough or too many terminators determined to be connected to the bus.

Abstract: A system for controlling the operation of computer power and reset switches. A separate key switch enables a user to selectively disable the power and reset switches of the computer. The user has the option of operating the computer in a secured mode, in which a user key is required to actuate the power and reset switches, or alternatively in an unsecured mode in which the power and reset switches operate normally. Control circuitry is connected to the switches and operates in the unsecured mode for enabling power supply and reset circuitry operating state transitions responsive to the user actuation of the respective switches. In the secured mode, the circuitry disables the power supply state transitions that normally would occur responsive to user actuation of the first switch, and disables the reset circuitry state transitions, but only from the inactive operating state to the active operating state, so the reset circuitry is prevented from remaining in a continuous reset loop.

Abstract: A power detector is provided for detecting closing of a power switch in a power supply, for producing a power-on signal after a predetermined time from detection of the closing of the power switch. An abnormality detector is provided for detecting an abnormal voltage produced in a circuit of a power amplifier, for producing an abnormality signal when detected. In response to the power-on signal, an output stage of the power amplifier is activated, and the output stage is cut off in response to the abnormality signal.

Abstract: A network of switches for a multiple channel installation adapted to establish connections each between one of N input ports and one of T output ports includes: a plurality of cords each having a first end connected to a first nodal switch, a second end connected to a second nodal switch and, between said two ends, at least one cord switch; optionally, a plurality of branches which comprise a switch having one pole at most connected to an input port, two poles available for the connection of output ports and one pole connected to a pole of a nodal switch; and a plurality of nodal switches interconnected by cords, the input and output ports being connected to the available poles of the switches of the network.

Abstract: A time constant detecting circuit incorporated in an LSI detects variations of component values of resistors and capacitors in the LSI by detecting variations of a time constant. A pseudo-resistor is formed by a switched capacitor circuit and at least two switches which are alternately switched on and off in a period T to control a capacitor to be charged and discharged. With the operation of the capacitor having a capacitance C, there is formed a pseudo-resistor having a resistance R.sub.p =T/C. A predetermined DC voltage is divided by a series circuit of the pseudo-resistor and an ordinary resistor, and smoothed by a capacitor. The output voltage V.sub.out which has been smoothed and appears at the output terminal is uniquely defined by a time constant .tau.=1/RC, so that the variations of the time constant which are dependent on the resistors and capacitors in the LSI can be detected by a measurement of the output voltage V.sub.out.