Abstract: A proximity switch assembly and method for detecting activation of a proximity switch assembly and providing feedback is provided. The assembly includes a plurality of proximity switches each comprising a proximity sensor providing a sense activation field. The assembly also includes control circuitry processing a signal associated with the activation field of each proximity sensor and detecting a finger located between two proximity switches. The assembly further includes a feedback device generating a feedback when the finger is detected between the two proximity switches. In addition, the assembly may detect speed of movement of a finger interfacing with the proximity switches and vary the feedback based on the detected speed.

Abstract: A card connector includes a base member including a bottom wall, two opposite sidewalls, a first space and a second space defined between the two sidewalls at different elevations and disposed in communication with each other and an identification terminal that has an actuation segment upwardly backwardly extended from the bottom wall, conducting terminals mounted in the base member, and a cover member including a mating conduction terminal that has a falling segment downwardly extended from a top portion of the cover member and a horizontal segment horizontally extended from the distal end of the falling segment and suspended below the distal end of the actuation segment of the identification terminal so that the identification terminal is pressable downward into contact with the mating conduction terminal upon insertion of a predetermined card.

Abstract: A transmission circuit includes: a first transistor, having a source terminal coupled to a first reference voltage terminal of the transmission circuit and a drain terminal coupled to a first output terminal of the transmission circuit; a second transistor, having a source terminal coupled to a gate of the first transistor, and a drain terminal coupled to the first output terminal of the transmission circuit; and a third transistor, having a drain terminal coupled to the first output terminal of the transmission, a source terminal coupled to a second reference voltage terminal of the transmission, and a gate terminal for receiving a first input signal; wherein the first and second transistors are of a first conducting type, and the third transistor is of a second conducting type different from the first conducting type.

Abstract: Methods and systems may provide for identifying, and distinguishing between electrical loads using time and frequency domain analysis of at least one property of an alternating current during a transient event. In one example, time and frequency domain features may be computed from the voltage signatures of an ON event. A support vector machine classifier may then be trained using the feature vectors (including the time and frequency domain features) for known devices. The trained support vector machine may classify or identify an unknown electrical device using a feature vector as input.

Abstract: An energy conversion system transfers energy between an energy source, or storage unit, and an electric device via a first port and a second port and at least one of receives and provides energy via a third port.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a capacitance-sensitive touch switch. The main purpose of the present invention is to provide a touch switch of an electronic device, which is capable of sensing constant variation of capacitance regardless of whether the cover panel of the front surface of the switch is curved or flat, and is capable of subtly sensing a variation in capacitance even when the electronic device is used over a long time.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for reducing power consumption. One method includes detecting the presence of an object, identifying whether the object is a valid device and restricting power if it is not a valid device. Another method includes temporarily applying a low amount of power to the primary unit to detect a load, supplying more power to determine if it is a valid secondary device, and restricting power if it is not. An apparatus for reducing power consumption includes two power inputs, where the lower power input powers a sense circuit. A switch selectively decouples the higher power input from the primary subcircuit during detection mode and couples the higher power input to the primary subcircuit during power supply mode.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a memory system includes a volatile memory, a nonvolatile memory, and a controller which is configured to turn off a power of the volatile memory after storing data of the volatile memory in the nonvolatile memory in a first mode, turn on the power of the volatile memory in the second mode, and change a first timing as a future timing switching to the first mode based on a second timing as a past timing switching to the second mode.

Abstract: An audio control console includes a housing. The housing includes: an operating board provided with a plurality of rows of a plurality of channel strips each including a plurality of operating members each for controlling a value of a parameter of an audio signal processing in a signal processing channel; a support board comprising a flat blank region allowing an object to be placed thereon; and a stepped surface connecting the operating board and the support board to each other. The stepped surface connects the operating board and the support board to each other such that a height position of the support board is above a height position of the operating board. The blank region is inclined downward toward the stepped surface.

Abstract: A non-contact button assembly for a powered surgical instrument includes a light emitter, a rocker switch, and a button shaft. The rocker switch defines a through passage about a longitudinal axis of the button assembly. The button shaft is disposed within the through passage. The button shaft includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a flange positioned therebetween. The button shaft has a deactivated position such that the button shaft is configured to prevent light from the light emitter from illuminating a light detector and the button shaft has an activated position such that the button shaft is configured to permit light emitted from the light emitter to illuminate the light detector.

Abstract: A transfer switch panel including a bonded neutral connection to ground that allows the connection and disconnection of the utility neutral and an auxiliary power source neutral in one switching movement. The transfer switch panel includes a transfer switch connected to both a utility power source and an auxiliary power source. The transfer switch connects either the utility power source or the auxiliary power source to a pair of hot buses and a neutral bus contained within the transfer switch panel. The neutral bus includes a bonded connection to ground such that the neutral line of either the utility power source or the auxiliary power source is connected to ground when providing power to loads connected to a load center panel.

Abstract: A subsea switchgear is provided. The subsea switchgear includes a first power input for receiving electric power from a power source and a second power input for receiving electric power from a power source. It further includes a power distribution bus and a first circuit breaker coupled between the first power input and the power distribution bus. The first circuit breaker is configured to be capable of disconnecting the first power input from the power distribution bus. A second circuit breaker is further coupled between the second power input and the power distribution bus. The second circuit breaker is configured to be capable of disconnecting the second power input from the power distribution bus.

Abstract: A system of surge suppressor units is connected at multiple locations on a power transmission and distribution grid to provide grid level protection against various disturbances before such disturbances can reach or affect facility level equipment. The surge suppressor units effectively prevent major voltage and current spikes from impacting the grid. In addition, the surge suppressor units included various integration features which provide diagnostic and remote reporting capabilities required by most utility operations. As such, the surge suppressor units protect grid level components from major events such as natural geomagnetic disturbances (solar flares), extreme electrical events (lightning) and human-generated events (EMPs) and cascading failures on the power grid.

Abstract: A sensor transmitter for communicating wirelessly a presence of a condition within a metal enclosure includes a power supply, at least one sensor where each sensor senses a presence of a condition, and a low frequency generator positioned within a metal enclosure and electrically coupled to the power supply and the at least one sensor. The low frequency generator transmits a low frequency wireless signal indicative of the presence of the condition within the metal enclosure when the condition is present at one sensor.

Abstract: A thermostat includes a plurality of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) wire connectors for receiving a plurality of HVAC control wires corresponding to an HVAC system. The thermostat also includes a thermostat processing and control circuit operative to at least partially control the operation of the HVAC system and a powering circuit coupled to the HVAC wire connectors and configured to provide an electrical load power to the thermostat processing and control circuit. The thermostat includes circuitry and methods for maximizing efficiency of energy harvested from the HVAC system connected to the thermostat, and depending on which system is connected to the thermostat, different power schemes can be implemented in order to obtain power from the HVAC system.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor for a vehicle includes an evaluation unit as well as a first transmission electrode and a second transmission electrode for transmitting a respectively associated first measurement signal and second measurement signal. The two transmission electrodes are connected to a respective first and second transmitter output of the evaluation unit through an assigned first and second transmission line respectively. The evaluation unit alternately outputs the first measurement signal via the first transmitter output and the second measurement signal via the second transmitter output. The evaluation unit also connects the respective non-transmitting second or first transmitter output to reference potential. Alternatively, a common transmission electrode may output the measurement signal which is then picked up by first and second receiver electrodes.

Abstract: A power tool system includes a plurality of tool devices. Each of the tool devices includes a condition detection unit that detects condition information of the tool device and a communication unit capable of performing bidirectional wireless communication with a further one of the tool devices. The communication unit is configured to obtain the condition information of the tool device from the condition detection unit and transmit the obtained condition information of the tool device to the further one of the tool devices.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for remotely monitoring devices and Internet connectivity on a computer network. The method uses and the system includes at least two units, i.e., a monitoring station, which is a client device local to the network being monitored, and a centralized server which receives status updates and configuration requests from the monitoring station.

Abstract: A fault tolerant power supply system includes at least one load switch circuit configured to connect, using a main switch, an input voltage to an output node of the load switch circuit when the load switch circuit is turned on and at least one power channel coupled to the load switch circuit to receive the input voltage. The power channel is configured as a buck converter and includes at least a high-side power switch and a low-side power switch. The fault tolerant power supply system is configured to measure a current flowing through the main switch of the load switch circuit, to determine that the current flowing through the main switch of the load switch circuit has exceeded a current limit threshold, and to disable the main switch of the load switch circuit and the low-side power switch of the power channel in response to the determination that the current flowing in the main switch has exceeded the current limit threshold.

Abstract: An operating state warning device (1) for visually and/or audibly indicating at least one operating state or, respectively, a number of different operating states of a technical device such as a machine, an installation, a vehicle or the like having at least one visual and/or audible warning element (2), wherein at least one adjusting unit (4) for setting and/or adapting at least one operating parameter of the warning element (2) such as lighting color, color intensity, luminous image, volume, melody, tone sequence or the like is provided, wherein the adjusting unit (4) comprises at least one interface (6, 16) for receiving setting information of the operating parameter, is proposed for improving the configuration or the setting of such devices. According to the invention, this is achieved by the fact that the interface (16) of the adjusting unit (4) is designed as a wave receiver (6) for receiving waves as wireless setting information of the operating parameters.

Abstract: A non-contact charging system includes a charging device and a mobile object. The charging device includes a transmitter. The transmitter is provided at a predetermined position in a charging area and has a power transmission surface to transmit electric power using a magnetic field. The mobile object includes a receiver. The receiver is provided in the mobile object and has a power reception surface to receive the electric power from the charging device through the transmitter. The power transmission surface faces the power reception surface when the mobile object enters the charging area. At least one of the power transmission surface and the power reception surface is tilted relative to ground in the charging area in a longitudinal direction of the mobile object.

Abstract: A method of switch detection is disclosed that comprises, enabling a low power mode on a switch detection device, activating a first detection circuit for detecting, at a first expiration of a first polling time interval, a first switch state of a first switch having a first priority level, the first switch state including one of a first open state and a first closed state, comparing the detected first switch state with a prior first switch state, and activating a second detection circuit for detecting, at a second expiration of a second polling time interval, a second switch state of a second switch having a second priority level, the second switch including one of a second open state and a second closed state, and the second polling time interval being greater than the first polling time interval, and the second priority level being different from the first priority level.

Abstract: A touch switch apparatus emulating a mechanical switch includes a field effect sensor and an electric field stimulator mechanically associated with the field effect sensor. A field generation signal applied to the field effect sensor causes an electric field to be generated thereabout. The electric field stimulator can be moved between first and second positions with respect to the field effect sensor. When moved into proximity with the field effect sensor, the electric field stimulator disturbs the electric field. A detection circuit coupled to the field effect sensor detects and responds to the disturbance to the electric field.

Abstract: An electrostatic carrier tray is an apparatus that is used to temporarily grasp and to transport semiconductive coupons/wafers. The apparatus mainly includes a primary substrate, a plurality of electrostatics field generating circuits, a conformal coating, a structural backing, and a power-delivery and control system. The electrostatics field generating circuits are positioned on one side of the primary substrate, and the power delivery and control system is positioned on the other side of the primary substrate. The electrostatics field generating circuits are used to bond the semiconductive coupons/wafers to the apparatus. The structural backing is used to handle the apparatus while transporting the semiconductive coupons/wafers and is also used to protect the power-delivery and control system from physical damage. The conformal coating is superimposed onto the electrostatics field generating circuits and the primary substrate as a means of protection.

Abstract: A switching Clos network universal element that can dynamically change its role is disclosed. The universal element contains a matrix of VCSELs and a matrix of photodiodes on top of an electro-optical chip. The matrix of VCSELs sends data via a first set of optical links, and the matrix of photodiodes receives data a second set of optical links. The universal element also receives and sends data through electronic links. The universal element can function as an expander, aggregator or transitive switch in a folded Clos network. As an expander or an aggregator, the universal element uses its optical links as ingress links and its electronic links as egress links. Using this universal element, a network can be constructed without separate switching elements. Multiple universal elements can be positioned on a PCB, and the multiple universal elements can function as one switch.

Abstract: N (n is an integer more than one) number of transistors are connected in series in an order from a first transistor to an nth transistor from a first terminal to a second terminal. First to nth nodes are connected to gates of the first to nth transistors. N number of resistance elements are connected in series in an order from a first resistance element to an nth resistance element from a bias terminal to the nth node. The first resistance element is connected between said bias terminal and said first node, and the kth resistance element (k=2 to n) is connected between the (k?1)th node and the kth node. Thus, a high frequency switch circuit can reduce an area of the whole gate bias resistances.

Abstract: A switching system formed of a number of nodes interfacing with external network elements and interconnected through a number of independent switches is disclosed. The switches are arranged into a set of primary switches, a set of secondary switches, and a set of tertiary switches and each node connects to a respective primary switch, a respective secondary switch, and a respective tertiary switch. The connection pattern of nodes to switches is selected so that any set of nodes connecting to any primary switch, any set of nodes connecting to any secondary switch, and any set of nodes connecting to any tertiary switch are mutually orthogonal. A distributed control system sets a path from any node to any other node traversing at most two switches. The switching system may serve as a large-scale data-switching center or a geographically distributed network.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an electronic switch for commodity use. Specifically, embodiments of this invention provide a high capacity intelligent electronic switch for commodity use. A flexible film substrate is used along with a field-effect transistor (FET) to produce a commodity switch. Multiple printed flexible electronics PFE substrates are stacked to and integrated into an electronic switch system. Various methods are used to measure power consumption within the switch. The modular cell design allows for horizontal and vertical scaling.

Abstract: An electronic device having an auto-on circuit is provided. The electronic device can include a charging circuit and a control circuit. The control circuit can cause the charging circuit to deliver energy to an external device. The auto-on circuit, which can include an active circuit, can activate the control circuit in response to one or more trigger input circuits. Each trigger input circuit can actuate a switch and deliver an auto-on signal to the control circuit. The control circuit can then actuate a latch to deliver power to a power input terminal to keep itself powered ON.

Abstract: An electronic lock with power failure control circuit includes a lock mechanism having a latchbolt movable between extended and a retracted positions and an electrically powered lock actuator to lock and unlock the latchbolt. The power failure control circuit includes a microcontroller and the lock is connected to a primary power source and an auxiliary power source, preferably supercapacitors and charger that can be turned on by the microcontroller and off when the charger signals a full charge. A power monitor circuit detects low voltage on the primary power supply and sets a power failure interrupt causing the microcontroller to execute power failure instructions that control the actuator so that the lock is placed into a desired locked or unlocked final state during the power failure. upon detection of the return of good power, the system resets the lock.

Abstract: A standalone power cord to control an electrical appliance for home automation includes a first electrical connector at one end of the standalone power cord. The first electrical connector connects the standalone power cord to a power source. The standalone power cord includes a second electrical connector at other end of the standalone power cord. The second electrical connector connects the standalone power cord to an electrical appliance. Further, the standalone power cord includes a smart control module to control the electrical appliance. The smart control module includes a smart link interface compliant-power cable (SLIC-P) and a smart link interface compliant-socket (SLIC-C). The SLIC-P enables switching ON and switching OFF the electrical appliance. The SLIC-C enables the stand alone power cord to fine-control one or more parameters of the electronic appliance.

Abstract: A switching system for switching between phases in a multi-phase power distribution system includes a switch for selectively connecting a lateral line to feeder conductors of different phases in a multi-phase power distribution system. Feeder terminals of the switch are configured to connect to feeder conductors of the multi-phase power distribution system. At least one output terminal of the switch is configured to connect to the lateral line. The feeder terminals are spaced about the body of the switch. A shaft and a rotatable contact member extending radially from the shaft are configured for rotating within the switch body to selectively connect the at least one output terminal to any one or more of the feeder terminals. At least one controller operates the switch to selectively change connection of the lateral line between the feeder conductors.

Abstract: Methods and systems for energy recycling are described. One example energy recycler includes an input to receive an input voltage, an output to couple to an inductor, a resonant tank, a switching circuit coupled between the input, the output, and the resonant tank, and a controller coupled to the switching circuit. The controller is configured to control the switching circuit to selectively couple the input voltage to the output, and couple an induced voltage from the inductor to the resonant tank when the input voltage is decoupled from the inductor.

Abstract: A power system management device which manages a system state in a power system includes a system state candidate calculation unit for calculating state amounts of the system state based on an objective function from system characteristic information indicating characteristic information of a system structure, an inter-state distance calculation unit for calculating an inter-state distance representing a similarity of values between state amounts of the system state calculated by the system state candidate calculation unit, and a variability evaluation value calculation unit for calculating a variability evaluation value in which a variability of the system state is evaluated, based on an objective function value calculated from the state amount of the system state calculated by the system state candidate calculation unit and the inter-state distance calculated by the inter-state distance calculation unit. The system state is selected based on the calculated variability evaluation value.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for isolating and switching lower voltage pulses from high voltage pulses in electrocrushing and electrohydraulic drills. A transformer with a high permeability core acts as a magnetic switch or saturating inductor to switch high voltage pulses to initiate an electrocrushing arc and lower voltage pulses to sustain the arc. The transformer isolates the lower voltage components from the high voltage pulses, and switches to deliver the low voltage current when the core saturates. The transformer enables impedance matching to the arc during all stages of drilling. The saturation time of the transformer core is the time delay between initiation of delivering the high voltage pulse and initiation of delivering the lower voltage current.

Abstract: A control system has an instruction path of which an object section connects a microcomputer, a switch and a switch supervisory device with one another. The switch sets the path in conductive or non-conductive state on the low side of the microcomputer. An instruction signal is sent to the microcomputer through the conductive path to set the microcomputer in an operation state. When the device judges based on the operation state of the microcomputer that the switch has set the path in a conductive state, the device sends a first signal of first voltage, causing the signal to have current strength equal to or higher than predetermined value in the path, to the object section. When the device judges that the switch has set the path in a non-conductive state, the device sends a second signal of second voltage lower than first voltage to the object section.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for regulating the state of charge of a battery. An exemplary electrical system includes a fuel cell coupled to a bus and a battery coupled to the bus via a switching arrangement coupled to a capacitor. An exemplary method for operating the electrical system involves operating the switching arrangement such that a voltage of the battery is substantially equal to a voltage of the fuel cell when a state of charge of the battery is greater than a lower threshold value and less than an upper threshold value, and operating the switching arrangement to couple the capacitor electrically in series between the battery and the bus when the state of charge of the battery is not between the lower threshold value and the upper threshold value.

Abstract: A switch module includes a switch circuit, a chip device which is a coupler, a chip device that defines together with the coupler a common-terminal-side circuit, chip devices defining switching-terminal-side circuits, and a multilayer substrate. The multilayer substrate includes inner-layer ground electrodes. A first inner-layer ground electrode is closer to the chip device than a second inner-layer ground electrode and includes an opening arranged so as not to be superposed with the chip device when viewed in plan in the stacking direction of the multilayer substrate.

Abstract: A transceiver for use in an ultrasound system is provided. The transceiver is configured to operate in a transmit mode and a receive mode. The transceiver comprises a high voltage switch, a low voltage switch and a resistor coupled to the high voltage switch and the low voltage switch.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a UPS including a non-current-commutated solid-state bypass switch. The bypass switch may include at least one transistor configured to control current to the load. Further embodiments provide a UPS including a converter including a first half-bridge circuit having an input port configured to be coupled to an AC source and an output port coupled to first and second buses and a second half-bridge circuit having an output port configured to be coupled to a load and an input port coupled to the first and second buses. The UPS further includes a control circuit configured to control the converter to provide a first mode wherein the first bridge circuit and the second bridge circuit operate as a rectifier and an inverter, respectively, and a second mode wherein the first and second bridge circuits operate as a pass-through switch from the AC source to the load.

Abstract: A power controller for controling power supply to a load at medium voltage is disclosed. The power controller may include a switching module electrically connected between a meduim voltage AC power supply and a load to switch on or to switch off power supply to the load. The power controller may also include a cooling system for cooling the switching module, and a control module to control the switching module by causing the switching module to operate under a switching scheme, wherein the switching scheme includes switching on and off for predetermined periods of time of varying durations.

Abstract: A power supply device includes a wireless module, a controlling module, and a connection unit that are connected in series. The power supply device further includes a power supply unit and a power input end. The wireless module includes a wireless transmitting/receiving unit for receiving a remote control signal and a microprocessing unit for converting the remote control signal into an enabling signal. The controlling module includes an enabling unit controlling ON/OFF of power to the connection unit according to the enabling signal. The power input end is connected to a power supply line and supplies electricity to the power supply unit and the enabling unit of the controlling module. The power supply unit is electrically connected to the wireless module, the controlling module, and the connection unit. The connection unit is connected to the monitoring unit and then connected to a power output structure of a power supply apparatus.

Abstract: A three-way or four-way switching circuit for lighting, and the like, is described. One three-way switch is replaced with an electronic switch. Both legs of the switching circuit are powered all the time and current is sensed in the legs to determine when one of the three-way or four-way switches has been switched. This information is used to turn the light on and off.

Abstract: A disclosed electrical relay may include a line electrical terminal adapted for connection to an electrical conductor carrying an electrical voltage, a normally-closed connector and a normally-open connector each having a housing and multiple electrical terminals arranged within a cavity of the housing, and a switching element. The switching element is configured to electrically connect the line electrical terminal to at least one of the electrical terminals of the normally-closed connector when not enabled, and to electrically connect the line electrical terminal to at least one of the electrical terminals of the normally-open connector when enabled. The normally-closed connector and the normally-open connector may be tab header connectors, and may be adapted to receive plug connectors of different devices.

Abstract: Disclosed are method and apparatus for implementing power distribution unit with a hybrid switching module. The apparatus comprises multiple outlets coupled to a hybrid switching module that switches on or off the plurality of outlets. The apparatus further comprises a single SSR for the hybrid switching module and two EMRs for an outlet and a controller that communicates with the hybrid switching module via digital line(s) to control power distribution. The apparatus comprises a display for displaying information related to the power outlets, two current detection circuitries for monitoring the total input current and an individual outlet, and a voltage detection circuitry for sensing voltages. The number of outlets may be scaled by using one or more hybrid switching module that share the single SSR. The apparatus further comprises a web server running thereon to interface with remote users to process the user's requests for the apparatus.

Abstract: In an air conditioner, an auxiliary circuit configured to prevent a current flow in a power supply wiring in an operation stop period and to determine whether to adapt an outdoor unit to a unit that is able to transition to a standby mode, is provided on the power supply wiring.

Abstract: A key switch device includes a key top, a switch having a first contact and a second contact and in which a contact state between the first contact and the second contact changes in accordance with a movement distance of the pressed key top, and a control device configured to acquire a signal indicative of the contact state between the first contact and the second contact to determine whether or not the switch is in the on state by comparing a contact state value corresponding to the acquired signal and a threshold value that is arbitrarily set, and to transmit an on signal when determining that the switch is in the on state.

Abstract: An interruptible power supply with a power isolation circuit loop has a base with a battery chamber defined in the base, a fixed top cover, and a movable top cover. The battery chamber serves to receive a battery. The fixed top cover and the movable top cover are mounted on two ends of the base, and the movable top cover corresponds to the battery chamber. The fixed top cover has a loop switch therein connected with a power loop and having an actuation member to switch on or off the power loop. When the movable top cover is mounted on the base, an urging member formed on the movable top cover triggers the actuation member of the loop switch to connect with the power loop. When the movable top cover is removed, the power loop is disconnected. Accordingly, the UPS is economical in terms of parts, cost and space utilization.

Abstract: A rotary support apparatus is provided that includes a rotation mechanism, a support mechanism, an object detector and a controller. The rotation mechanism is configured to rotatably support a supported body between a first position and a second position. The support mechanism is configured to support the supported body with at least a two stage support force at the first position. The object detector is configured to detect a person or an object. The controller is configured to control the support mechanism so as to switch the support force based on the results detected by the object detector.

Abstract: A low-leakage IO circuit is provided. The IO circuit includes an impedance path between a pad and a power supply. The impedance path bypasses a signal path of the pad and includes a switch circuit. According to a relationship between voltages of the power supply and the pad of the IO circuit, the switch circuit selectively conducts the impedance path. When the power supply provides power normally, the switch circuit conducts the impedance path to provide a pull-up resistor between the pad and the power supply. When the power supply provides no power and its voltage is lower than a voltage of the pad, the switch circuit disconnects the conducting path to effectively reduce power leakage.