Abstract: A device for producing a current pulse includes supply terminals for providing a power supply voltage, and a switch which is situated in a control current branch between the supply terminals, which switch is configured to switch a control current through the control current branch as a function of an actuation signal. The device also has a current mirror having a control transistor and a signal transistor, the control transistor being situated in series to the first switch in the control current branch, and the signal transistor being configured to provide the current pulse as a function of the control current through the control transistor.

Abstract: A switching module for a switch includes a housing configured to execute a switching movement when the switch is actuated. The switching module also includes an actuator, which is disposed in the housing and is configured to execute an actuation movement that can be controlled by a control contour. Moreover, the switching module includes an energy converter, which is disposed in the housing and is configured to provide an electrical pulse when powered by the actuation movement of the actuator. Furthermore, the switching module includes a switch unit for emitting a switching signal based on the electrical pulse, for indicating the switching movement of the housing.

Abstract: Provided is a connecting apparatus with a combo port. The connecting apparatus particularly supports two or more connecting terminals in compliance with various types, especially the RJ-45 and RJ-11 connectors. According to one of the embodiments, the apparatus with combo port includes a detecting circuit and a connector control unit. The apparatus is preferably functioned to detect the electrical signals from a connecting source, and perform an automatic switching among the wires. After the signaling type of an insertion of any connector is detected, the connector control unit performs a route switching to define a combination of the wires according to a control signal.

Abstract: An appliance holder system for electrical handheld appliances of the type having a flexible electrical power cord attached thereto is provided. The appliance holder system includes an appliance holder assembly having at least one receptacle for receiving and storing at least one electrical handheld appliance having a flexible electrical power cord attached thereto. A power cord storage assembly of the system has a pair of spaced apart cord wrapping elements about which the flexible electrical power cord may be wrapped for storage. At least one of the cord wrapping elements is movable between a storage and release position.

Abstract: A power system including an improved automatic power transfer device having an emergency isolation control that prevents a common load from at once being powered by a main and auxiliary power source, and eliminates any possibility of back feeding the main power source from the auxiliary power source.

Abstract: A circuit breaker module includes an electrically controlled actuator, such as a DC motor, operable to move a breaker contact between open and closed positions. An actuator power supply circuit coupled to an AC power source is configured to selectively energize the actuator, responsive to an actuation input. A processing circuit is configured to control the actuator power supply circuit to activate the actuator in response to breaker command signals, using the actuation input. The processing circuit is further configured to delay activations of the actuator as needed to enforce a predetermined cooling interval between successive actuations.

Abstract: The interface has three inputs, a first output which is connected to a first input, a second output which can be connected to a second input or to the third input. The interface also includes a switching device which is connected to the second input, the third input and the second output, and a control device which is coupled to the third input in such a way that a detection signal can be fed from the third input to the control device. The detection signal is indicative of whether the second input or the third input is connected to the second pole of the two-pole line.

Abstract: A method of inducing a high efficiency conductive state at room temperature within a conductive mass (1) by injecting a complex modulated carrier signal (7) into one or more injection points (2,3) whereby the carrier signal and the subharmonic modulation frequencies (4,5,6) which are imbedded in the modulation of the carrier signal are tuned to the mass lattice qualities of the material. The amplitude and phase relationship of each individual subharmonic frequencies (4,5,6) are respectively tuned to the mass lattice qualities of the conductive mass (1). This method of excitation, with precise matching of subharmonic modulation frequencies, and with a precise matching concordant harmonic of the carrier frequency, creates an observed ionic excitation throughout the conductive mass (1) at room temperature.

Abstract: Illuminated pushbutton switches are improved by replacing the traditional time delay relays, Boolean interface logic or driver components often incorporated within interface wiring and harnesses with a subminiature electronic logic module located within the illuminated pushbutton switch housing. This Logic Module provides numerous additional benefits beyond the standard illuminated push button switch by incorporating functional capability such as pulse timing, edge detecting or Boolean logic that allow the unit to replace external electro mechanical relays, diode logic, or time delay relays that are typical in current applications. These additional features provide enhancements by allowing lower size and weight, longer switch life, no electrical spikes, remote set and reset capability, display blinking, and high reliability electronic driver circuits that can drive modest electrical loads.

Abstract: An appliance network having a first networked appliance, an energy controller, at least one of a smart dimmer and smart adapter, and a communication network coupling the first networked appliance, energy controller, and the at least one of the smart dimmer and smart adapter for communication therebetween.

Abstract: Within an illuminating pushbutton switch, an electronic latching circuit replaces an electromagnetic holding coil for latching or releasing a state of the illuminated pushbutton switch. The electronic latching circuit includes inputs receiving clock and reset control signals, one or more outputs delivering latch output states, which may include multiple configurable states, and latch logic controlled by the clock and reset control signals and delivering signals maintaining the illuminated pushbutton switch in a predetermined condition depending upon the latch state. The electronic logic circuit fits within the illuminated pushbutton switch housing in space sized to hold one snap action switching device without increase in the length, weight or mounting depth of the illuminated pushbutton switch.

Abstract: An electric switching device for a low voltage circuit includes an electronic unit configured to be operatively connected to a first communication bus implementing a first communication protocol, a communication module configured to be operatively connected to the first communication bus and to a second communication bus implementing a second communication protocol, which is different than the first communication protocol. The communication module is configured to place the first communication bus in communication with the second communication bus, and to detect a condition of the switching device and make it available externally thereto by means of the first communication bus and/or the second communication bus.

Abstract: A hybrid contact comprising a metallic contact in parallel with a pair of power transistors detects a failure in the ON state, corrects the failure if possible, and notifies a user via an alarm of the failure.

Abstract: An arrangement of an outdoor light enabling ambient light detection comprises an ambient light detector coupled to the outdoor light; and a user interface accessible by a user separate from the outdoor light; wherein the user interface enables controlling the operation of the ambient light detector.

Abstract: A dimming switch comprises an enclosure with a mounting surface, a flat plate button mounted on the mounting surface, a dimming button, a tripping button, a dimmer mounted inside the enclosure, a resetting/tripping device, a dimming control circuit, a power input end configured to connect to a live wire of a power supply, and a power output end configured to connect to an electrical load. Pressing the flat plate button resets the resetting/tripping device, thereby electrically connecting the power input end with the power output end through the dimming control circuit. The dimming button is configured so that rotating the dimming button and pressing the dimming button up and down regulates the output voltage of the dimming control circuit. The tripping button and resetting/tripping device trip so that the electrical connection between the power input end and the power output end will be cut off.

Abstract: An electrical power cell system including first and second electrical power cells having first and second terminals, one or more transient voltage suppressors connected in parallel with a relay, the relay having two states, the first state of the relay connects the first and second electrical power cells in series, and the second state of the relay bypasses the first electrical power cell so that the first electrical power cell is not connected in series with the second electrical power cell.

Abstract: A connection system for connecting an encoded domestic appliance feature module to a utility source and transferring a plurality of utilities between the encoded feature module and the utility source. The connection system includes a utility source that has a coupler capable of removably engaging an encoded domestic appliance feature module to the utility source. Also included is at least one encoded domestic appliance feature module that independently supplies one or more functionalities. Further included is an interface between the utility source and the feature module, where the interface includes a detection and recognition device that operates to detect when the encoded feature module is connected to the utility source, where one or more predetermined utilities are transferred between the utility source and the feature module based upon which feature module is connected to the utility source, and where the detection and recognition device may be a reed switch, a DIP switch, and a comparator circuit.

Abstract: Main arrays (MA1-MAm) of solar cells (2) are provided so as to correspond to shunt circuits (SM1-SMm), respectively. Charge arrays (CA1-CAn) are provided so as to correspond to shunt circuits (SC1-SCn) and charging circuits (CH1-CHn), respectively. Each shut circuit operates independently from other shunt circuits, and each charging circuit operates independently from other charging circuits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for protecting an electric line in a vehicle, it being possible to adapt the apparatus to the properties of the electric line to be protected. The apparatus for protecting an electric line comprises an electric fuse and a controllable switching element, the controllable switching element and the electric fuse being formed as a parallel circuit, and the parallel circuit being connectable in series to the electric line, the electric fuse being disposed in a first branch of the parallel circuit, which has a first resistance, and the controllable switching element being disposed in a second branch of the parallel circuit, and the controllable switching element being configured to accommodate at least two states, a first state with a second resistance higher than the first resistance, and a second state with a third resistance lower than the first resistance, and to switch into the second state when there is a pulse load condition.

Abstract: An emergency stop system for a hybrid excavator is provided, which includes an emergency switch and an emergency stop unit. In a normal operation state, a power supply that is applied from a power supply unit is provided to a hybrid controller and an engine controller, while when the emergency switch is pressed, the input power supply is intercepted to effectively stop the operation of the hybrid system in the case where equipment abnormality or an emergency situation occurs. Also, when the emergency switch is pressed, the power supply is applied to an emergency alarm unit and an energy discharge unit to notify an operator and neighboring persons of the equipment abnormality and emergency situation occurrence, and a hybrid power source vanishes completely.

Abstract: The invention relates to a network with a number of terminals connected by lines. Data and a supply voltage for power supply of the terminals may be transmitted via said lines. At least one switching control unit and at least one switch device with a switch means are provided therefor. The switch means of the switch device may be activated or deactivated by means of operating the switch control unit. With activated switch means a terminal allocated to the switch device is switched on by being connected to a network voltage. With deactivated switch means a terminal allocated to the switch device is switched off by being disconnected from the network voltage.

Abstract: A switching actuator for controlling the energy supply to at least one electrical consumer (102) with an energy supply input (142), an energy supply output (144), a signal line input (146), a signal line output (148) and an evaluation unit (154), the evaluation unit (154) being adapted to activate or deactivate the energy supply output (144) on the basis of signals input via the signal line input (146).

Abstract: A power system includes a switch, a capacitor and a comparator circuit. The power system receives a signal to turn off power supplied to the power system, turns off the switch that is used to supply power to the system and discharges the capacitor. The power system also compares a voltage across the discharging capacitor to a threshold voltage value, and turns on the switch to allow power to be supplied to the power system when the compared voltage across the discharging capacitor equals the threshold voltage value.

Abstract: A refrigerator module connection system for connecting a feature module to a utility source and transferring a plurality of utilities between the feature module and the utility source. The feature module connection system includes a utility source that has a connection capable of removably engaging the feature module to the utility source. Also included is at least one feature module that independently supplies one or more functionalities. Further included is an interface between the utility source and the feature module, where the interface includes a detection and recognition device, such as a reed switch, a DIP switch, or a comparator circuit, that operates to detect when the feature module is connected to the utility source. One or more predetermined utilities are transferred between the utility source and the feature module based upon which feature module is connected to the utility source.

Abstract: An electrical bypass device for a battery is provided for isolating and bypassing a defective battery module made up of secondary cells to allow the battery to continue operating under slightly degraded conditions. The bypass device comprises a first actuator and a second actuator which trigger when a module becomes defective. The actuators each comprise a first, second and third terminal. The first and second terminals are electrically connected to the output terminals of the secondary cells, and the third terminal can be switched between the first and the second terminal. Switching over of the third terminal of an actuator occurs when the actuator is triggered. Triggering (intentional or inadvertent) of one of the actuators leads automatically to triggering of the other actuator if the latter has not triggered.

Abstract: A technique includes operating a converter to convert a first voltage produced by an electrochemical cell stack in a power producing mode into a second voltage. The technique includes operating the converter to convert a third voltage into a fourth voltage to drive the electrochemical cell stack in a pumping mode.

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: Within an illuminating pushbutton switch, an electronic circuit replaces an electromagnetic holding coil for latching or releasing a state of the illuminated pushbutton switch, and further provides blinking functionality. The electronic circuit includes inputs receiving set, reset and toggle control signals, outputs delivering open, closed and blink control signals, latch logic controlled by the set and reset control signals and delivering signals maintaining the illuminated pushbutton switch in either an open or closed state, and a frequency divider and oscillator coupled together to deliver a blink control signal. The electronic circuit fits within the illuminated pushbutton switch housing in space sized to hold two snap action switching devices without increase in the length, weight or mounting depth of the illuminated pushbutton switch. The inputs and outputs are coupled to external pins from the illuminated pushbutton switch and may be remotely controlled.

Abstract: A dimmer switch coupleable to a circuit including a power source, load, and single-pole double-throw three-way switch that comprises a first and a second fixed contact, and a movable contact. The three-way switch has a first state in which the movable contact is contacting the first fixed contact and a second state in which the movable contact is contacting the second fixed contact. The dimmer switch comprises first, second and third load terminals coupled in series with the three-way switch. The dimmer switch comprises first and second controllably conductive devices, such that the first and second controllably conductive devices are operable to conduct load current to control the amount of power delivered to the load when the three-way switch is in the respective first and second states; and a controller coupleable to the first and second controllably conductive devices for rendering the first and second controllably conductive devices conductive and non-conductive.

Abstract: A dimmer switch coupleable to a circuit including a power source, load, and single-pole double-throw three-way switch that comprises a first and a second fixed contact and a movable contact. The three-way switch has a first state and a second state. The dimmer switch comprises first, second and third load terminals coupled in series with the three-way switch. The dimmer switch comprises a controllably conductive device. A sensing device is coupled to the third load terminal such that when the three-way switch is in the second state, the sensing device is operable to sense an electrical characteristic associated with the third load terminal. A controller is coupled to the controllably conductive device and to the sensing device for rendering the controllably conductive device conductive in response to the sensed electrical characteristic and so that power is delivered through the second load terminal of the third load terminal depending on the state of the three-way switch.

Abstract: In one example, an electric circuit may be provided that is coupled to a line. The electric circuit may include a switch connected in series with a load, where the switch and the load are in series between two conductors of the line. The line may provide power to the load. The electric circuit may also include a resistive element connected in parallel with the switch and in series with the load. The switch may be configured to short circuit the resistive element when closed such that the voltage on the line varies between two voltage levels when the switch is opened and closed. The line provides power to the load when the switch is opened and when the switch is closed.

Abstract: A circuit for switching-on and/or switching-off an electrical load comprises an electrically conductive operator control element, an electrically operated lighting element that is looped-in between the operator control element and a live pole of an AC voltage source in such a way that current flows through the lighting element, as a result of which the lighting element emits light, when the operator control element is operated, an opto-electrical transducer is optically coupled to the lighting element, is shielded from ambient light and converts light emitted by the lighting element into electrical energy, and a switch that is electrically coupled to the opto-electrical transducer and connects the electrical load to a supply voltage (UV) or disconnects the electrical load from the said supply voltage, with the switch connecting the electrical load to the supply voltage when it is supplied with electrical energy by the opto-electrical transducer.

Abstract: A universal power supply system having a power supply configured to generate a predetermined direct current output sufficient to simultaneously power a plurality of direct current powered devices connected thereto. A plurality of identical sockets are electrically coupled in parallel with the direct current output of the power supply. Individual power cables having a standardized first plug which fits into the sockets at one end and a device specific second plug at an opposing end. A voltage regulating circuit is operatively disposed in either the standardized first plug or device specific second plug which converts the intermediate direct current voltage generated by the power supply to a direct current voltage required by a particular direct current powered device.

Abstract: A power system includes a switch, a capacitor and a comparator circuit. The power system receives a signal to turn off power supplied to the power system, turns off the switch that is used to supply power to the system and discharges the capacitor. The power system also compares a voltage across the discharging capacitor to a threshold voltage value, and turns on the switch to allow power to be supplied to the power system when the compared voltage across the discharging capacitor equals the threshold voltage value.

Abstract: A gate drive circuit for a controllably conductive device, such as a triac, includes a trigger circuit for conducting a gate current through a control input of the controllably conductive device, and a sense circuit operable to generate a control signal representative of the magnitude of the gate current. The controllably conductive device is adapted to be coupled in series between an AC power source and an electrical load for controlling the amount of power delivered to the electrical load. The controllably conductive device is operable to change from a non-conductive state to a conductive state in response to the gate current being conducted through the control input. A controller is operable to control the controllably conductive device via the gate drive circuit and to determine, in response to the magnitude of the gate current through the control input of the controllably conductive device, whether the controllably conductive device is presently conducting current to the load.

Abstract: Present embodiments include an adaptable automation control component that includes a base capable of communicatively coupling with a system bus and with a functional module that includes communication and control circuitry. The adaptable automation control component also includes a device power bus including electrical contacts that are capable of communicatively coupling the adaptable automation control component with a separate automation control component, and an activation mechanism including circuitry capable of continuing the device power bus when the activation mechanism is engaged, and capable of discontinuing the device power bus when the activation mechanism is disengaged. The adaptable automation control component facilitates functionality of the adaptable automation control component as an input/output module or a power distribution module depending on whether the activation mechanism is engaged or disengaged.

Abstract: A timing-device equipped energy-saving socket includes an enclosure, in which the enclosure is deposed a power plug on one side, and deposed a variety of power sockets on the sides without deposing the power plug. The enclosure is deposed a control device inside. When the power plug receives the AC power, the AC power can not be transmitted to the control device and the power socket if the control device does not operate. If the control device operates, the AC power is supposed to supply power to the control device and the power socket. When the control device measures that the power supply time is out, the AC power supply ceases to supply power to the power socket. Thus the AC power can not be transmitted to the control device and the power socket, and the purpose of energy saving and zero power consumption can be achieved.

Abstract: An electrical switch apparatus for use in connecting and disconnecting a DC power source and a load includes first and second pairs of controllable electromechanical contacts coupled to the DC power source and the load for connecting the power source to the load when the contacts are closed, and disconnecting the power source from the load when the contacts are open. A controller is coupled to the electromechanical contacts and programmed to produce control signals for opening and closing the contacts. A diode is coupled to the electromechanical contacts to prevent electrical current from flowing from the load to the power source, and a controllable semiconductor switch is coupled to the controller and across the power source for momentarily short circuiting the source in response to a control signal indicating a transition of either or both of the first and second pairs of electromechanical contacts from a closed condition to an open condition.

Abstract: A power converter having an aircraft power source detector configured to limit the amount of power that can be drawn by the power converter when utilized in an aircraft. The power converter may detect an artifact of the aircraft power source, such as the 400 Hz ripple noise on an aircraft power line, or existing in the aircraft cabin, such EMI or aircraft lighting.

Abstract: A remote-controlled mains power switch is provided, which is suitable for supplying mains-powered equipment such as TVs or personal computers with electricity. The switch comprises mains power input, an electricity storage device, a control circuit and a sensor for receiving signals from remote controlling equipment, which is ordinarily supplied with the mains-powered equipment. In use, the electricity storage device is charged by the mains power whilst the mains-powered equipment is in use, the control circuit is powered by the electricity storage device and is operative to selectively switch the mains power supply on or off in response to signals received from controlling equipment.

Abstract: An electrical power strip with multiple outlets capable of being controlled by a wireless remote controller is herein disclosed. The handheld wireless controller is used to control the operation of the power strip via a radio frequency (RF). As such, the power strip is particularly advantageous for use under desks, behind shelves and in otherwise inaccessible locations, as the user can turn the entire power strip on and off without reaching it. Additionally, individual bypass switches are provided for each receptacle to turn it on permanently.

Abstract: A vehicle power system includes an electrical power source, an electrical bus, and a contactor electrically connected with the electrical power source and electrical bus. The contactor includes first and second poles, dual plungers each operatively associated with one of the first and second poles, and an electromagnetic coil configured to cause at least one of the dual plungers to move if the coil is energized.

Abstract: An electrical device is provided, including a substrate, an electrical component on the substrate, and a battery on or integrating the substrate for providing electrical energy to said electrical component. An open switch prevents electrical communication between the electrical component and the battery while open. A circuit activating component is adapted to irreversibly close the open switch to thereby establish a permanent electrical circuit between the electrical component and the battery.

Abstract: A control circuit for an electronic household appliance has a control device for controlling the operation of a unit of the appliance. The control device is connected to a supply system via a supply line. A switching device for optionally connecting or disconnecting the control device to or from the supply system is arranged in the supply line. To reduce the energy consumption in stand-by mode of the electronic household appliance, the switching device has a switching contact, arranged in the supply line, with a bistable switching characteristic. A mechanical actuator switches the switching contact into the switching state connecting the control device to the supply system. The actuator is coupled to an operating element that can be operated by a user. An electrical tripping device switches the switching contact into the switching state disconnecting the control device from the supply system. The tripping device is activated by an off signal received from the control device.

Abstract: A live handle switch in the form of a hand operated safety switch for an industrial robot or a machine is described. The live handle comprises a safety certified switch for operating a robot or other machine safely while under manual control. The live handle switch may be comprised in a portable robot controller of the TPU Teach Pendant Unit type. Such a TPU may comprise control means for moving a robot in three or more degrees of freedom. In other aspects of the invention a system comprising a robot and a control unit and the live handle switch are described.

Abstract: A laboratory apparatus having at least one control device (4) comprising an electric printed-circuit board (15) of the control device (4) that is disposed on an instrument body (2) of the laboratory apparatus (1) and has at least one electric control element (16, 18), at least one operator interface (6) of the control device (4) including at least one operator control (11, 33); a retaining device (29, 30) for detachably holding the operator interface (6) on the instrument body (2) with the operator control (11, 33) oriented to the control element (16, 18), and a mechanical and/or magnetic connection for detachably joining the control element (16, 18) mechanically and/or magnetically to the operator control (11, 33).

Abstract: A system is provided for implementing a series interlock loop. An example of the interlock system includes a series interlock loop, a data table, and a control module. The series interlock loop has an overall electrical characteristic. The series interlock loop includes first and second safety interlocks electrically coupled in series. Each interlock includes a switch coupled in parallel with an impedance value. The data table is configured to store values corresponding to the impedance values. The control module is communicatively coupled to the data table and configured to receive an indication of the overall electrical characteristic and to compare the overall electrical characteristic to the values in the data table to thereby identify an open one of the first and second safety interlocks.

Abstract: There is provided a method for operating a control module of a high voltage switch, the method comprising: interfacing with an external environment via an input/output unit that filters each electrical signal passing therethrough; analyzing incoming signals and triggering actions as a function of the incoming signals via a logical unit; powering the control module via an internal power unit that is supplied by an external power supply; and isolating the logical unit from the power unit and the input/output unit by having all signals coming from these units and directed to the logical unit pass through an isolation unit.

Abstract: An inductive touch key switch assembly and circuit are provided. The circuit optimizes signal strength and noise immunity by reducing the number of long paths through the circuit board and localizes the driver circuit to each key switch assembly sensor coil. The key switch assembly optimizes placement of the target to enable the user interfaces on domestic appliances and products having present values of front panel thickness.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for locking and/or unlocking a door lock, especially in an electric appliance that is provided with a door for closing or opening a work area. Said circuit arrangement comprises an electrically actuated door lock actuator which acts upon a locking member when a current flows through the actuator, said locking member locking or unlocking the door lock. A series connection that is composed of two switching devices is arranged in the triggering circuit of the door lock actuator, said two switching devices being controllable by the control device which emits output signals to actuate the two switching devices once specific triggering signals have been fed to the control device.