Abstract: A method for determining a limit of a phase control power range includes applying a first gate pulse to a switch at a first firing angle near the limit of the power range, sensing the conductive state of the switch after the first gate pulse, and determining the limit of the power range in response to the conductive state of the switch. If the switch remains conductive after the first gate pulse, the first firing angle may be used as the limit of the power range. If the switch does not remain conductive after the first gate pulse, the limit may be determined by repeatedly incrementing the firing angle, applying a gate pulse to the switch at the incremented firing angle, and sensing the conductive state of the switch after each gate pulse until the switch is conductive after a gate pulse.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for controlling the activation of isolated circuitry, and more particularly complete discharge devices for batteries, and similar circuits that are enclosed within sealed housings.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a power supply control apparatus which can connect a ground to a suitable electric potential when the ground is disconnected. The power supply control apparatus includes a control circuit having a switch element and a switch control unit, and a load. One terminal of load is connected to a direct-current power supply through the switch element, and the other terminal is connected to a ground electric potential. The switch control unit has a ground terminal connected to the ground electric potential and outputting a ground current flowing toward the ground electric potential. The control circuit includes a bypass device having a load side bypass system for passing the ground current to the ground electric potential through the load when connection between the ground terminal and the ground electric potential is disconnected.

Abstract: An apparatus, such as a switch module, is provided. The apparatus can include an electromechanical switch structure configured to move between an open configuration and a fully-closed configuration (associated with a minimum characteristic resistance) over a characteristic time. A commutation circuit can be connected in parallel with the electromechanical switch structure, and can include a balanced diode bridge configured to suppress arc formation between contacts of the electromechanical switch structure and a pulse circuit including a pulse capacitor configured to form a pulse signal (in connection with a switching event of the electromechanical switch structure) for causing flow of a pulse current through the balanced diode bridge. The electromechanical switch structure and the balanced diode bridge can be disposed such that a total inductance associated with the commutation circuit is less than or equal to a product of the characteristic time and the minimum characteristic resistance.

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 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: A switching controller for parallel power converters is disclosed. The switching controller includes an input circuit coupled to an input terminal of the switching controller to receive an input signal. An integration circuit is coupled to the input circuit to generate an integration signal in response to the pulse width of the input signal. A control circuit generates a switching signal for switching the power converters. The switching signal is enabled in response to the enabling of the input signal. A programmable delay time is generated between the input signal and the switching signal. The pulse width of the switching signal is determined in response to the integration signal.

Abstract: An aircraft power system is provided having an aircraft power supply and a bidirectional switch. The aircraft power supply includes an alternator, a battery and a load. The bidirectional switch is coupled between one of the alternator and the battery, and the load. The switch includes a first FET, a second FET and timing circuitry. A source of the first FET is coupled with a source of the second FET. A drain of the first FET is coupled with one of the alternator and the battery. A drain of the second FET is coupled with the load. The timing circuitry is configurable to generate a control signal deliverable to a gate of the first FET and the second FET for setting the first FET in selective on and off positions and the second FET in corresponding selective off and on position.

Abstract: An input device includes a power unit, a power switch unit, a processing unit, and an input unit. The power switch unit includes a first switch for supplying power to the processing unit when actuated; the input unit is connected with the processing unit and the power switch unit and is configured for generating input signals that is transmitted to the processing unit and further used for controlling the first switch; and the processing unit is configured for receiving the input signal from the input unit, keeping the first switch switched on during a time period, and performing a task corresponding to the input signal during the time period.

Abstract: A method for causing, in a power distribution network, an oscillation allowing data to be transmitted, includes connecting at least one capacitive load in series with a modulation circuit between two wires of the network. The amplitude modulation circuit includes at least one Zener diode and at least one switch. A short make pulse is applied to the switch such that it is conductive and short-circuits the Zener diode by modulating the amplitude of the network voltage. The duration of the make pulse is such that the amplitude modulation of the network voltage causes a response of the network in the form of a high-frequency oscillation of the network voltage.

Abstract: Various example embodiments are disclosed. According to one example embodiment, a charging probe may include an alternating current (AC) input configured to receive current from an AC source, a rectifier circuit configured to rectify the current received from the AC source, a primary coil, and a control circuit configured to convert the rectified current into a regulated voltage across a primary coil. The primary coil may be configured to induce a magnetic field from the regulated voltage.

Abstract: Relay circuitry for a power-over-network device is provided. The relay circuitry allows power-supplying network devices to identify and subsequently to supply power across a network connection to the power-over-network device, thereby eliminating the need for external power sources. The relay circuitry is operative using only the signals transmitted along a data line across the network connection. The relay circuitry is integrated together with switching circuitry on-chip on the power-over-network device. The relay circuitry and switching circuitry are further designed to propagate both the test signals and the subsequent data signals prior to and after the turning on of the power-over-network device, respectively, with minimal signal degradation.

Abstract: A touch switch apparatus for detecting the presence of an object such as a human appendage, the apparatus having a touch pad, an electric field generated about the touch pad and also having a preferably integrated and local control circuit connected to the touch pad and to a controlled device. Practical applications for touch switch apparatus, including use of touch switch apparatus in connection with other structure to emulate mechanical switches.

Abstract: A method and system for providing an on/off switch for an electrical charger transformer at the low voltage device connector are provided. The electrical charger transformer of the present invention enables the conservation of energy. The electrical charger transformer includes an on/off switch that is located at the end of the electrical charger transformer at the low voltage device connector that connects the electrical charger transformer to a load. The on/off switch of the electrical charger transformer is ergonomically designed and configured to manually turn on and off based on the motion of the user hand when connecting and disconnecting the low voltage device connector from the load of the electrical charger transformer.

Abstract: A battery for a power distribution system includes a cell assembly having a positive terminal and a negative terminal that together provide a relative battery DC voltage. A neutral tap is electrically connected to the cell assembly between the positive and negative terminals, splitting the voltage into positive and negative voltages. The positive terminal is at a positive DC voltage greater than the neutral tap. The negative voltage is at a negative DC voltage less than the neutral tap. The relative battery DC voltage is greater than each of the relative voltages between the neutral tap and each of the positive and negative DC voltages.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for operating a wall switch module using leakage current. In one embodiment, the wall switch module may be operable using leakage current. The wall switch control module may be provided to include a microcontroller, wireless receiver and triac. The wall switch control module may be configured to control power applied to a load. In another embodiment, one or more signals received by the wireless receiver may be useable to control power applied to a load coupled to the wall switch control module. According to another embodiment, the wall switch control module may be useable for home automated systems.

Abstract: A smart dimmer for control of a lighting load from an AC power source can replace any switch in a three-way or four-way lighting control system. The smart dimmer can be connected on the line-side or the load-side of a three-way system with a standard three-way switch in the other location. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the dimmer includes two triacs to control the intensity of the connected lighting load. The dimmer preferably includes two gate drive circuits coupled to the gates of the triacs for rendering the triacs conductive each half-cycle of the AC power source. The gate drive circuits include sensing circuits for detect whether the gates currents are flowing after the triacs are rendered conductive. A controller is operable to determine the state of the lighting load in response to whether the gate current is flowing or not flowing.

Abstract: An apparatus for implementing an emergency machine off circuit of a fabrication system, includes: at least one safety switch adapted for shunting an operation enable signal from a piece of equipment selected for removal from service, the switch also removing from service supplemental devices for the selected equipment. A semiconductor fabrication system and a method for removing equipment from service are provided.

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: The present invention discloses a cooling-fan rotation-speed control circuit, wherein a plurality of sets of input power sources respectively having different voltages is electrically and parallel coupled to a cooling fan; a switch is installed between at least one input power source and the cooling fan; the switch is turned on/off according to a rotation-speed parameter to determine whether the cooling fan is driven by a low-voltage driving power or a high-voltage driving power.

Abstract: A stored-power system (100) operating method (900) including: providing a human-input power-up signal (308) from a stored-power source (202); turning on power (310) for a power-using-system (304) in response to the human-input power-up signal (308); and waiting for a predetermined power-down signal (312) to turn off power (310) to the power-using-system (304) to zero power consumption.

Abstract: A system according to the present invention including a main utility distribution panel which through corresponding circuit breakers, directly powers facility power line circuits which remain powered continuously, and an ‘off-peak’ utility distribution panel being powered by the main utility distribution panel through a contactor (relay, switch, etc.) controlled by a 24 hour timer, and the ‘off-peak’ utility distribution panel in turn powers facility power line circuits which may be de-energized to provide zero power draw from the main utility distribution panel during a selected time period as provided by the timer, which generally corresponds to periods when the facility is unoccupied and/or the equipment and appliances are turned off.

Abstract: An exemplary LCD (2) includes a control signal input terminal (210) configured for receiving a control signal; an output terminal (220) configured to be connected to a load circuit; a first direct current (DC) power supply (230); a first switching transistor (250) including a control electrode “b” connected to the control signal input terminal, a first current conducting electrode “c” connected to the DC power supply via a first bias resistor, and a second current conducting electrode “e” connected to ground; a second switching transistor (250) including a control electrode “G” connected to the first current conducting electrode of the first switching transistor, a first current conducting electrode “S” connected to the DC power supply, and a second current conducting electrode “D” connected to the output terminal; and a discharging resistor (225) configured to be connected between the output terminal and ground.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides a circuit. The circuit includes a switching unit configured to connect or disconnect a voltage domain to a supply voltage input. The switching unit includes a first switch, a second switch and a third switch. The circuit includes a control signal input configured to receive a switch control signal. The circuit includes a signal distribution unit that is configured to output the switch control signal to the first switch delayed by a first time interval and to output the switch control signal to the second switch and to the third switch delayed by a second time interval.

Abstract: Power distribution systems that have a limited peak power capability or a high source impedance, such as site supply generators, are often susceptible to abnormal operation in response to the current drawn at power up from the loads connected to the power distribution system. The present invention provides a load control module for a lighting control system operable to start up a plurality of the lighting loads in sequence to reduce stress on the power distribution system. The lighting loads are each turned on as part of a startup sequence at predetermined times after an output voltage of the power distribution system has stabilized. The lighting control module is operable to wait for a predetermined amount of time for the startup sequence to begin before turning on the lighting loads.

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: A method of linking one of a plurality of wireless switches to a transceiver and control for controlling an electric load comprises the steps of moving the transceiver and control into a linking mode, and actuating the at least one of the plurality of switches through an actuation mode that is distinct from a typical actuation of the switch to request a control operation, such as linking, by the at least one of the transceivers and controls. In addition, a control and a lighting system are claimed.

Abstract: A smart switch for control of a lighting load from an AC voltage source can replace any switch in a three-way lighting control system. The smart switch can be connected on the line-side or the load-side of a three-way system with a standard three-way switch in the other location. The switch includes two semiconductor switches to control the connected lighting load. The switch preferably includes two sensing circuits for detecting the voltages at two of the load terminals of the switch to determine the state of the connected three-way switch(s), and thus, the load.

Abstract: An electrical switching device facilitates selectively controlling residential power. The switching device is configured to couple between a residential electrical-energy meter and a residence. The device includes a solenoid assembly, a yoke, and at least two conductor busbars. The solenoid assembly includes an electrically-activated solenoid that is coupled to an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly includes a biasing mechanism and a plunger. The yoke is coupled to the actuator plunger such that the plunger is substantially centered relative to the yoke. The biasing mechanism is coupled to the yoke to bias the yoke away from the solenoid. The yoke includes at least two shorting bars that are oriented in a mirrored-arrangement on opposite sides of the actuator plunger.

Abstract: In a rechargeable battery with a fuse for guarding against external short circuits, to make it possible to design the rechargeable battery independently of the possibly high normal continuous current, it is proposed that a signal connection existing between the rechargeable battery and a device provided for drawing current be utilized. To that end, a switch is provided, which is connected parallel to the fuse and which responds to certain electrical signals of the device. The signals can be delivered to the switch via the signal connection, so that the switch bypasses the fuse, once the signal connection is established and the aforementioned signals occur.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for generating low EMI display driver power supply. The methods and apparatus include switching circuits that utilize two groups of parallel circuit traces, each of which is coupled to one end of a switching device. The two groups of traces are configured to be interleaved with each other such that no two traces from either group are next to any other traces from the same group. When the switching device is activated, current flows through the circuit and charges an energy storage element. When the switching device is deactivated, the energy storage element discharges a portion of its energy to a second energy storage element and to the driver circuits. In another embodiment, an additional circuit trace is provided which is only connected on one end and is free floating on the other end to capture the majority of EMI remaining that was generated by the switching circuit.

Abstract: A single combination task lamp and flashlight instrument, providing separate flood and spot light beams, independently controlled in a three-state sequence by simple push button switches. The two kinds of light beams are produced by separate arrays of compact light emitting devices. both arrays are driven by a single, rechargeable battery powered electrical circuit that provides separate, regulated constant currents to the respective arrays of LEDs. The optics and electronics are constructed in a single, ruggedized, compact module. The module is enclosed within an elongated handle that positions the center of mass for optimum balance of the instrument and the control switches for convenient operation according to the sense of touch.

Abstract: An operating switch wiring device capable of easily setting a load which is a group control object, without using a dedicated setter, and a handle member used therefore. The operating switch wiring device used for a remote supervisory control system includes a plurality of individual switches which are individually assigned with addresses corresponding to addresses of relays and individually turn on/off the relays, a group switch which groups one or plural of the individual switches into a group and collectively turns on/off the relays corresponding to the individual switches in the group, and group setting switches which are provided in correspondence with the individual switches and set whether each of the individual switches are registered in the group.

Abstract: An interface comprises a switch supported in relation to a motor vehicle interior trim component. The switch is operable to actuate and de-actuate an electrically operated device of the motor vehicle. A sensory feedback component is operatively connected to the switch for producing a sensory feedback when the switch is operated.

Abstract: When the level at an input terminal goes low upon the reception of a signal to dim an LED, a PNP transistor is rendered on and a voltage at the positive input terminal of an operational amplifier is raised, in accordance with a time constant that is defined by a resistor and a capacitor. In accordance with the increase in this voltage, a source current is supplied from the operational amplifier to a current detection terminal, and as the value of the source current is gradually increased, a current flowing across the shunt resistor of the switching regulator is gradually reduced. Further, the light emission level of the LED is gradually lowered from the fully lighted state to the 70% lighted state, and there is, for the LED, a light quantity change of about 30% in ten seconds.

Abstract: It is normal practice in automation to network individual components of an installation via bus lines, with this network carrying out a multiplicity of communication and supply tasks during operation. In at least one embodiment, a system interface, as well as an installation which uses this interface, are disclosed with the operational reliability of the installation being improved. In at least one embodiment, a system interface is proposed for connection of a bus line to an actuator assembly in a control system with a K connection for connection of a communication channel and with a K-U connection for connection of a communication voltage supply channel, and an A-U connection for connection of an actuator voltage supply channel.

Abstract: An exemplary power switching circuit (20) includes a control signal input terminal (210); an output terminal (220); direct current (DC) power supply (230); a first transistor (250) including a control electrode connected to the control signal input terminal, a first current conducting electrode, and a grounded second current conducting electrode; a second transistor (260) including a control electrode connected to first current conducting electrode of the first transistor via a discharging resistor (264) and a diode (266) respectively and connected to the DC power supply via a discharging capacitor (265), a first current conducting electrode connected to the DC power supply, and a second current conducting electrode connected to the output terminal; and a third transistor (270) including a control electrode connected to first current conducting electrode of the first transistor, a first current conducting electrode connected to the output terminal, and a second grounded current conducting electrode.

Abstract: The power control circuitry comprises a series of power switching circuits, each power switching circuit being associated with one of the circuit portions and being provided with an enable signal and responsive to its enable signal being set to connect the voltage source to the at least one voltage line of the associated circuit portion. Further, at least one enable qualifying circuit is provided, each such enable qualifying circuit being associated with one of the power switching circuits and being arranged to generate an output signal used to determine the enable signal provided to a later power switching circuit in the series. Each enable qualifying circuit sets its output signal when both the enable signal provided to the associated power switching circuit is set and the at least one voltage line of the circuit portion associated with that power switching circuit has reached a predetermined voltage level.

Abstract: A level shifting circuit, satisfying a requirement of a high tolerated dV/dt level, and a highly reliable inverter circuit, wherein a set pulse signal and a reset pulse signal, both of which are level-shifted to a potential side taking as reference a reference potential of a gate control terminal of a switching terminal, are obtained differentially and integrated, and, in case these pulse signals equal or exceed stipulated integrated values, are transmitted as regular control signals controlling the on/off state.

Abstract: An electronic time switch control circuit includes a power supply, an oscillation period control module, an oscillator, and a switch control module. The power supply supplies power to the oscillation period module, the oscillator, and the switch control module. The oscillation period module supplies periodic signals to the oscillator. The oscillator alternately outputs two kinds of control signals to the switch control module according to the periodic signals. The switch control module receives the two kinds of control signals, and correspondingly controls an electronic product to be turned on and off repeatedly.

Abstract: Magnetically latching and releasing a voice coil actuator for controlling electrical switchgear. The voice coil actuator includes a voice coil magnet disposed on a common longitudinal axis with respect to a voice coil assembly. A coil of the voice coil assembly exerts a magnetic force on the voice coil assembly, thrusting the voice coil assembly towards the voice coil magnet. At least one pair of latching members mounted to the voice coil assembly creates a permanent magnet circuit between the latching members and the voice coil magnet. The permanent magnet circuit maintains the position of the voice coil assembly relative to the voice coil magnet, even when power to the coil is removed. This latch can be released by applying a current in the coil or by applying an external, physical force to a member coupled to the voice coil assembly.

Abstract: An operating switch wiring device capable of easily setting a load which is a group control object, without using a dedicated setter, and a handle member used therefore. The operating switch wiring device used for a remote supervisory control system includes a plurality of individual switches which are individually assigned with addresses corresponding to addresses of relays and individually turn on/off the relays, a group switch which groups one or plural of the individual switches into a group and collectively turns on/off the relays corresponding to the individual switches in the group, and group setting switches which are provided in correspondence with the individual switches and set whether each of the individual switches are registered in the group.

Abstract: A circuit or apparatus for providing intermittent or interruptible power to an electronic device. The circuit may provide power upon user initiation and interrupt that power in response to a user command, fault state, period of inactivity and so forth. As one example, interruptible power may be initially provided to activate or “power up” an electronic device and constant power provided after the initial activation. The initial powering up of the device may be facilitated by closing two contacts. The circuit may continue to provide power after the button is released through a monitoring and/or feedback mechanism.

Abstract: The interfacing of a controller having an output with components (e.g., a triac) that require more current to successfully drive than the amount of current that is drawn by the circuit or controller which is being driven. The extra current drawn may be efficiently used, rather than wasted, for other circuitry such as a power supply for the electronics of the controllers or other devices. Also, another source may automatically come into place to provide current for the power supply or other circuitry when the driving controller becomes inactive.

Abstract: A rotating electric motor for operating an electric component. The motor is arranged for an operating movement during a limited predetermined angular motion of the rotor of the motor. An electric drive circuit is arranged for the winding of the motor. The electric circuit exhibits at least one branch including an electric energy bank and a thyristor, which are connected in series with the motor winding. Also, a method for breaking, a use of the motor, and an electric switch provided with the motor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hybrid electrical switching device, comprising an electromechanical relay including a mechanical switching element to be operated by an electrical coil, and a main semiconductor switching element including a control input and a current conduction path which is connected in parallel with the mechanical switching element for energizing an electric load. The main semiconductor switching element is of the type that ceases to conduct when a current through the current conduction path thereof drops below a threshold value. The circuit furthermore comprises an auxiliary semiconductor switching element including a control input and a current conduction path which is connected for controlling the main semiconductor switching element.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a “while-in-use” electrical device cover that shuts the power off to the device when the cover is open. The power is re-activated when the cover is closed using a cam device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for operating a wall switch module using leakage current. In one embodiment, the wall switch module may be operable using leakage current. The wall switch control module may be provided to include a microcontroller, wireless receiver and triac. The wall switch control module may be configured to control power applied to a load. In another embodiment, one or more signals received by the wireless receiver may be useable to control power applied to a load coupled to the wall switch control module. According to another embodiment, the wall switch control module may be useable for home automated systems.

Abstract: A drive circuit for a semiconductor switching element includes a transformer, first and second driver circuits, and a rectifier element. The drive circuit produces a drive signal based on an input signal. The transformer has a primary winding and a secondary winding, and is integrated in a first semiconductor body. The first driver circuit is coupled to receive the input signal, and has at least one output which is coupled to the primary winding of the transformer. The first driver circuit also includes a first supply input connected to receive a first supply potential. The second driver circuit is operable to provide the drive signal and has at least one input coupled to the secondary winding. The second driver circuit has a second supply input. The rectifier element is connected between the first and the second supply input, and is integrated in the first semiconductor body.

Abstract: In a device for disconnecting and/or connecting m phases (u, v, and w) of an alternating voltage providing source (1) from n phases (n1, n2, n3) of a load (3), each of the m phases (u, v, w) of the source (1) independently is connected by a power switch (9) with each of the n phases in a m×n matrix. First measuring devices (4) for monitoring the m phases (u, v, w) of the source (1) as well as 2nd measuring devices (5) for monitoring the n phases (n1, n2, n3) of the load (3) are provided, and a switching unit (6) is provided, which controls the switching state of the switches (9) depending on the state of the m phases (u, v, w) of the source (1) and of the n phases (n1, n2, n3) of the load (3). This construction allows a particularly quick connection and/or disconnection for increased stability.