Abstract: A self-shutdown system for a circuit card when removed from the connector of a primary system, where the circuit card includes a local power source for providing power when primary power is not available. A dedicated sense pin on the connector of the card is grounded to the remaining ground pins when the card is plugged in but floats or is otherwise disconnected when the card is unplugged from the primary system. A ground switch circuit connected to the sense pin and the remaining ground pins asserts a shutdown signal for disabling the circuitry on the card when the ground sense pin is floating or deasserts the shutdown signal when the ground sense pin is grounded. In one embodiment, the disable mechanism is a switch circuit for disconnecting the main circuitry of the card from the local power source. In the preferred embodiment, however, a DC/DC converter receives the shutdown signal and disables the remaining circuitry when the shutdown signal is asserted.

Abstract: An AC two-wire switch, comprising a pair of external terminals, a main circuit bidirectional switching module being connected between a pair of the external terminals, a control circuit for controlling action of the main circuit bidirectional switching module, and a self-generating power supply for providing the working power supply to the control circuit. The self-generating power supply includes a rectifying circuit, a voltage stabilizing circuit, a main circuit off-state feed circuit and at least one mutual inductor. According to this invention, the provided AC two-wire switch may greatly reduce the additional on-state voltage-drop and the additional off-state current, and furnish the best short-circuit protection and quick-acting overload protection.

Abstract: An apparatus for switching an inductive load includes a MOSFET switch and provides for limiting a voltage across the load during switching-off of the latter. One or two clamping circuits are used without zener diodes and with different, temperature-independent clamping voltages for the purpose of rapid demagnetization of the load in a constant demagnetization time.

Abstract: A device for enabling and disabling the supply of power from a power source to a computer, the power source having a primary side and a secondary side, the device including an interlock switch connected to the computer, the interlock switch selectably positionable between open and closed positions; and two optocouplers coupled in parallel, both of which are referenced to the secondary side of the power source. When the interlock switch is closed, the first optocoupler is active. This enables the supply of power from the power source to the computer. When the interlock switch opens, the first optocoupler shuts off. This disables the supply of power from the power source to the computer. Further when the interlock switch is opened, the second optocoupler is saturated. This overrides the regulation feedback circuitry from regulating the power supplied by the power source driving the power outputted to the computer to zero. When the interlock switch is closed, the second optocoupler operates in the linear region.

Abstract: A circuit used in combination with a redundant power supply system to electrically disconnect its failed power supplies. The circuit comprises a power FET, a rectifier and filter circuit, a start-up circuit and a shut-down circuit. The rectifier and filter circuit rectifies an input AC waveform and subsequently filters a resultant DC voltage which is subsequently used to supply an output voltage at an output terminal connected to the power FET. In parallel with the rectifier and filter circuit, the start-up circuit is coupled to a gate of the power FET to ramp the voltage supplied to that gate slowly turning on the power FET. Coupled in parallel with the start-up circuit, the shut-down circuit conducts voltage from the gate thereby turning-off the power FET to preclude current from other power supplies of the redundant power supply system to pass current to its failed power supply.

Abstract: A circuit and method for switching an output terminal from a first voltage level to a second voltage level through a buffered transition includes two voltage sources, a resistor and first switch connected in series and electrically coupled between the first voltage source and the output terminal for providing a suitable resistance for buffering a transition from a first voltage level to a second voltage level. A second switch is electrically coupled between the first voltage and the output terminal. A third switch is electrically coupled between the second voltage source and the output terminal. A programmable logic controller (PLC) controls the three switches in a predetermined sequence to allow switching a voltage source from the first source to the second source through a buffered transition provided by the resistor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a signaling system which provides as part of the signal an indication as to the approximate elapsed time since the activation of the signal. Furthermore, the type of service required can be indicated by a particular flashing scheme or color code. The system has both software and hardware components and can be easily integrated into individual game machines. In the preferred embodiment, the hardware component includes a software controllable switching means for controlling a plurality of lights. In order to identify the type of service needed, lights may be color-coded or different flashing patterns may be used. In the software component, a preferred algorithm which defines and varies the flash rate over time is implemented. The flash rate is defined as being in the on-state for a first specified duration and in the off-state for a second specified duration.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the safety operation of power switches, in particular vacuum power switches in medium voltage switchboards. The device has a microprocessor unit that consists of a microprocessor, a microprocessor control and process-oriented storage means. The microprocessor is controlled by an angle pulse and a direction of a rotation recognition device. While the movement of the moving part of the power switch under the influence of states of operation is converted, the device detects the available data of the power switches. The device according to the present invention is especially well-suited in medium voltage switchboards for documenting and forecasting the real state of power switches.

Abstract: The invention relates to a highly reliable mat sensor which can also detect temporary faults in a sensor portion. Two sensor portions are provided, and agreement or disagreement of an ON/OFF condition of the output from the two sensor portions is detected, and when the output conditions of the two sensor portions are in agreement, then a normal judgment signal for both sensor portions is generated. When the normal judgment signal is generated and the two sensor portions are OFF, an operation permit signal for a movable portion of a machine is generated. Moreover, the presence or absence of a body is detected from a change in value of the electrostatic capacity of one sensor portion. In this way, a temporary poor contact attributable to deterioration of the sensor portion can also be detected, and the movable portion of the machine can be stopped.

Abstract: A capacitive responsive electronic switching circuit comprises an oscillator providing a periodic output signal having a frequency of 50 kHz or greater, an input touch terminal defining an area for an operator provide an input by proximity and touch, and a detector circuit coupled to the oscillator for receiving the periodic output signal from the oscillator, and coupled to the input touch terminal. The detector circuit being responsive to signals from the oscillator and the presence of an operator's body capacitance to ground coupled to the touch terminal when in proximity or touched by an operator to provide a control output signal. Preferably, the oscillator provides a periodic output signal having a frequency of 800 kHz or greater. An array of touch terminals may be provided in close proximity due to the reduction in crosstalk that may result from contaminants by utilizing an oscillator outputting a signal having a frequency of 50 kHz or greater.

Abstract: A system on an aircraft that eliminates hot-swapping of circuit boards to prevent damage to the circuit board connector interfaces. The system supplies power to a circuit card only when there is an effective coupling between a circuit card connector and an opposite mating connector. A power control circuit responds to a card present signal which indicates when the circuit card connector is coupled to the opposite mating connector. A logic circuit converts the card present signal to a power supply enable signal. A main power supply receives the power supply enable signal and provides power to the circuit card only when the circuit card connector and the opposite mating connector are appropriately coupled.

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

Abstract: A touch sensor circuit is disclosed for sensing a person's touch and for switching power to an AC load. The touch sensor circuit includes a sense input circuit, logic circuit, power switching circuit and power supply/reference circuit. The power supply and reference circuit tracks the AC line-hot input, and supplies DC power to the circuit. The sense input circuit is configured such that when a person touches the touch input pad, a circuit is created between the positive voltage reference and earth ground, thereby generating an easily detectable voltage swing on an internal sensing node. The logic circuit senses the voltage variation on the sensing node and generates a pulse which toggles power to the power switching circuit and connected load.

Abstract: The disclosed input circuit incorporated in semiconductor integrated circuit device will not be operated erroneously due to fluctuations of a supply (or reference) potential caused by noise, for instance.

Abstract: A control circuit for manual forced control of a unit, this circuit including a manually operated switch of a non-locking type, to eliminate the need for visual examination. The switch returns to its initial state when the manual force applied to it has been ended. The control circuit includes a first switch having a first input for receiving a control pulse actuated by the use of the switch manually operated switch, a set input for receiving a set signal, an output connected to the unit which is to be controlled, changing its state to a predetermined set state in response to a set signal, changing its state in response to a control pulse, and remaining in the same state until a following control pulse or set signal is inputted.

Abstract: A computer keyboard power saving method includes sensing if there is keystroke action taking place. When time period of no keystroke action exceeds a pre-set threshold, power supply to the keyboard will be shut down automatically. When a keystroke action is detected, power supply to the keyboard will be resumed instantly. Thus can save energy when keyboard is idle from time to time.

Abstract: A high-voltage semiconductor driving circuit to be instantaneously operated for the duration of an arbitrary pulse width can be effectuated through an extremely simple circuit configuration.The circuit comprises a pulse transformer (2) which receives an input pulse signal and generates a pulse voltage, a diode (3) which conducts the pulse voltage to the capacitive gate electrode of the high-voltage semiconductor switching element (5), and another switching element (4) which is connected in parallel to the diode (3) and adapted to discharge, at the falling of the pulse voltage, the gate capacitance which has been charged at the rising of the pulse voltage.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying power to a peripheral device of a computer directly from the system power supply is disclosed. An expansion interface connector or a standard interface connector is used for providing power to the peripheral device. Either one or two electronic switching devices control the supply of power to the interface connector. A voltage output line, a control line and a ground line are connected to three pins of the interface connector. The peripheral device has a matched connector comprising three pins corresponding to the three pins of the interface connector. The peripheral device can be powered up and in operation when it is connected to the interface connector. A short protection mechanism is provided to avoid damaging the computer system when the peripheral device is not connected.

Abstract: Portable electronic equipment is disclosed which includes a source of power and operational circuitry. A load device, which may be internal or external to the equipment, is coupleable to the operational circuitry. A switch is coupled between the power source and the operational circuitry and connects the power source to the operating circuitry only when the load device is coupled to the operational circuitry. In portable audio equipment, for example, the switch connects the power source to the operational circuitry only if an external or the internal speaker is coupled to the operational circuitry.

Abstract: A multi-function control switch for electrically operating devices, such as a lighting system, is disclosed. The multi-function control switch includes a rocker-type actuating arm for actuating a plurality of momentary switches. When actuated, the momentary switches send signals to an electronic operating module which houses a control logic circuit. The control logic circuit receives input keying sequences from the user, and interprets the input to determines whether the input keying sequence is associated with any of the command logic elements stored in its memory, and whether the system may validly switch from the current operating function to the new operating function. If the transition is valid, the control logic circuit signals the electronic operating module to execute the command logic element associated with the new operating function.

Abstract: A trickle power supply for a light switch module according to the invention enables power to an electronic circuit to be taken directly off the hot line. The power supply operates under what is referred to as the "switched leg theory". All power is taken off the standard switched leg of the light circuit. The power supply bleeds enough current to power its electronic circuitry without turning on the load device, i.e., the light. At the same time, the maximum current to the load is limited to prevent shorting out of the power supply which would effectively disable the switch module.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for use in an AC power distribution system having a sinusoidal voltage source and a load, the apparatus including a circuit for selectively connecting and disconnecting the load from the source, a circuit for sensing voltage of the source, and a circuit for memorizing a characteristic of the source voltage, prior to the load being disconnected from the source, and for reconnecting the load to the source at a zero crossing point of the voltage sinusoid so that the sinusoid continues cycling in the direction it would have if the load had not been disconnected from the source.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dynamically providing an AC termination for a signal bus going to a connector. A circuit is provided that senses whether the connector is occupied. If the connector is un-occupied, an AC termination circuit is dynamically enabled to provide appropriate termination of the signal bus. If the connector is occupied, the AC termination circuit is dynamically disabled so that the signal bus has no termination at the connector. The circuit has application in a personal computer.

Abstract: Re-powering an electrical equipment after recovery of service interruption is prevented if the power switch of the electrical equipment stays in ON position. During a transit period of time just after recovery of service interruption, the detection voltage from a post-voltage detection circuit is set to exceed the detection voltage from a pre-voltage detection circuit. In this condition, a photo triac connected in series to the power switch is rendered non-conductive so that the electrical equipment will not be energized.

Abstract: A power source adaptor employing a small switch to securely and positively turn on and off the power source, and which can be detachably connected to an electrical apparatus. To avoid the cost and excessive size associated with prior art power source adaptors, the adaptor can include an auxiliary switch element provided for the control section of an electrical switching element to selectively start and stop a switching operation. A switch operating button on an adaptor housing operates the auxiliary switch element. An insulated coupling bar is also provided through which the switch operating button is mechanically coupled to the power on/off operating button on the apparatus body.

Abstract: A constant current source is connected to a first node that connects on the one hand to a predetermined potential via a first switching transistor with a control electrode thereof connected to a signal input terminal, a second node, and a resistive conduction member, and on the other hand to a current output terminal via a second switching transistor with a control electrode thereof connected to the second node to constitute a current switching circuit operable without an external reference bias and with a reduced number of components.

Abstract: A starter comprising a contactor with an overcurrent relay provides an appropriate cooling interval for each of multiple classes of a load, such as a motor. An analog equivalent of a digital I.sup.2 t value calculated by a microcomputer in the overload relay is maintained by an external capacitor. When the microcomputer loses power following a trip, the capacitor discharges through a resistor at a rate selected to mimic cooling of the associated class of the load. Restart of the load is prevented until the appropriate interval, represented by the time required for the voltage on the capacitor to decay to a common reset value, has expired. The capacitor is charged to a voltage proportional to the I.sup.2 t trip value for the particular class of the load, which for all classes is below the forward drop of the clamping diodes on the microcomputer inputs to prevent discontinuities in the timing.

Abstract: There is described method and apparatus to obtain synchronized switching of switchgear. A superposition of forces is used wherein the moving contacts of switchgear driven by a conventional operating mechanism has a secondary force, either opposing or aiding, superimposed upon the mechanism force under predetermined conditions to incrementally either slow down or speed up the moving contact. The computed secondary force is applied by a small servo-motor attached to the moving contact shaft. The energy of the secondary force is derived from a real time comparison of the measured position of the moving contact with its preprogrammed position in ROM at each predetermined point on the voltage or current waveform. From this comparison the required pulse energy is calculated and fed to the servo-motor which translates into the secondary force of appropriate duration thereby making the necessary incremental velocity correction.

Abstract: A manual override circuit for use in commercial and household electronic devices. The override circuit may employ as little as a single integrated-circuit operational amplifier, two capacitors, which are charged and discharged in appropriate sequence in response to toggling of the power supply, and several resistors. In one embodiment the manual override circuitry includes an integrated-circuit operational amplifier, which provides a high signal at its output for triggering switching circuitry to energize a load. An RC network couples low-voltage a power supply to the inverting input of the op amp. The inverting and noninverting inputs of the op amp are coupled together through a resistive network, which may be provided by single resistor. A second resistive network, which may also be provided by single resistor couples the inverting input to ground.

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

Abstract: A tool with a battery, an electrical motor, and a control system. The control system has a trigger control that connects the battery to a timer and a voltage monitor. The trigger control has a user actuated switch and a timer actuated switch. At the end of a tool operational cycle, when the user is not actuating the user actuated switch, the timer actuated switch can supply electricity to the control system. After a predetermined period of time, the timer actuated switch can then automatically electrically disconnect the control system from the battery to conserve battery power.

Abstract: This device is for the creation of independance from human instruction using a self-contained, wearable electronic device and automatic presentations of prerecorded audio and, or audiovisual information at predesignated, beneficial times. Messages can be presented in easily understood parts and at a rate comfortable to the user. The simulating messages containing any useful combinations of human voice, visual imagery, musical tones, ect., can be automatically presented an appropriate number of times for the given user. The device also concerns power savings in multiple circuit systems such that circuits of varying power requirements, as defined by their functionality, are able to deactivate each other for the express purpose of power conservation. In the case of separate batteries per circuit, low power circuits do not drain power away from the batteries of other circuits that require their batteries to provide high bursts of power for short intervals of time.

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

Abstract: In a relay switching panel, a switching circuit operates to selectively connect and disconnect resistive, capacitive and inductive loads to an AC power source with substantially no arcing. The switching circuit comprises a pair of relays, preferably connected in parallel, with one of such relays having a triac, connected in series therewith. With the relays open, an air gap isolates the power source and the load. In closing the relays in sequence, one relay provides a conductive path from the power source to the triac. After a suitable delay to allow the relay contacts to stabilize in the closed position, the triac is triggered to provide a conductive path from the power source to the load, and a large current surge flows to the load. After the current surge has subsided, the second relay is closed to provide a direct conductive path between the power source and the load. Next the first relay and the triac are removed from the circuit to ensure full conduction through the second relay.

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

Abstract: The present invention teaches a dimmer which incorporates an alternating current (AC) trigger which exhibits asymmetrical electrical characteristics. This eliminates the undesirable snap on hysteresis effect associated with conventional dimmers utilizing symmetrical AC triggers such as diacs and silicon bilateral switches (SBS). One embodiment of the present invention utilizes a zener diode to create the asymmetry. During one polarity of the AC source, the breakover voltage of the trigger is increased, forcing the trigger to breakover at a time later in the AC cycle than it would otherwise have with a symmetric trigger. This compensates for charge dumping of the phase control capacitor into the gate of the triac which would otherwise cause the snap on hysteresis effect.

Abstract: A power switching circuit includes a power switching NPN transistor (1) having its collector electrode coupled to a reference potential terminal (17) and its emitter electrode coupled to an output terminal (7). A driver circuit (5) is provided having an input coupled to a supply terminal (6) and a driving current output coupled to the base electrode of the power transistor (1). A PNP transistor(4) has its emitter electrode coupled to the output terminal(7), its base electrode coupled to a reference voltage terminal (9) for receiving, in operation, a voltage which is positive relative to the reference potential and its collector electrode coupled to the base electrode of an NPN transistor (2). The NPN transistor (2) has its collector electrode coupled to the collector electrode of the power transistor (1) and its emitter electrode coupled to the base electrode of the power transistor (1).

Abstract: The present invention provides a switching device incorporating a simple circuit capable of avoiding the flash-on of a transistor when a power supply is turned on and off thereby reducing the OFF delay time. The output circuit comprises a FET (145) having a drain and a source connected in series to a current line for supplying a current from a power supply (VD) to an output detector (load) (L), and a photocoupler (149) for applying a driving voltage across the gate and the source of the FET (145) according to the output of an internal circuit (151), a differentiation circuit comprising a capacitor (7) and resistors (5,9) is connected across the drain and the source of the FET (145), and second transistor (3) having a collector and an emitter connected to the gate and the soruce of the FET (145) is driven by a charging current for charging the capacitor (7).

Abstract: A frequency slider circuit for reducing power dissipation in the form of switching losses in a switching device when the switching device is near its desired maximum temperature limit is disclosed herein. The switching device controls an electric load, such as a motor. The frequency slider circuit samples a current of the switching device. The frequency slider circuit then uses a current transducer to convert the current to a signal level. The signal level is then processed by a model of the thermal response of the switching device. The output of the thermal model is compared to a reference signal, and if the output of the thermal model is greater than the reference signal, the switching frequency of the switching device will be lowered gradually to keep the power generated during the switching periods to be below a predetermined value. A minimum frequency clamping circuit is included to ensure that the switching frequency never drops below a minimum value, to ensure stable operation of the switching device.

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

Abstract: In an atomic switch, opposite ends of an atom wire are connected to an input and output, and a switching gate is connected to a switching power supply. An input signal is outputted when a switching atom is connected to the atom wire, whereas an input signal is not outputted when the switching atom is moved to disconnect from the atom wire. There are provided an atom wire having a plurality of atoms arranged in a line or in a plurality of lines, in a ring shape, or in a curved line, and a switching gate made of an atom wire. The atom wire is switched by the field effect of the switching gate.

Abstract: A switch circuit for activating and deactivating a motor vehicle cruise control includes a 555 model timer integrated circuit which has a trigger terminal, a reset terminal, a threshold terminal, a control voltage terminal and an output terminal. A substantially constant voltage is applied to the threshold terminal. A first normally-open switch connected between the vehicle ground and the trigger terminal, and a second normally-open switch connected between vehicle ground and the reset terminal. Separate pull-up resistors connect the trigger and reset terminals of the timer to a positive voltage source and a capacitor couples the control voltage terminal to vehicle ground. A relay has a coil connected between the output terminal and vehicle ground, and has a switch that is connected between the common terminal and the ON control terminal of the cruise control. The 555 timer is configured as a latching circuit having an output which toggles in response to operation of the two normally-open switches.

Abstract: In communication systems, a dc voltage source can be connected via a first and a second winding of an input transformer and a subscriber line to every communication terminal equipment device by using an electronic switch. In case of an overload, the turn-off duration, i.e. the time until the disconnect of the dc voltage source is influenced dependent on a load-generated loop current by using an integrating element and a comparator. As a result thereof, short turn-off durations and, consequently, significantly reduced thermal loads on the electronic switch occur given substantial overloads. The present invention allows the use of electronic switches having a lower maximum load.

Abstract: An electrical current actuated accessory outlet including a power cable receiving mechanism removably securable to a remote electrical power receptacle for receiving a source of alternating current therefrom; and an electric circuit including an electrical receptacle coupled to the power cable receiving mechanism and having an accessory outlet and a tool outlet for delivering the source of alternating current, and a power switching mechanism coupled between the outlets of the receptacle and the power cable receiving mechanism and with the power switching mechanism having an activated mode for automatically allowing alternating current to be drawn from the auxiliary outlet by an auxiliary electrical device when alternating current is being drawn from the tool outlet by an electrical tool secured thereto.

Abstract: Apparatus for detaching an electronic surveillance tag from an article to which it is attached, the tag having a locking member therein and defining an exteriorly accessible passage to the locking member, comprises a motor, a probe rotatable by the motor for movement in the passage into and from unlocking relation with the locking member and drive controller for the motor. The drive controller includes circuitry for (1) establishing a time period for energization of the motor, (2) effecting first sense movement of the probe during a first portion of the time period, (3) discontinuing movement of the probe during a second portion of the time period, and (4) effecting second sense movement of the probe following expiration of the second portion during a third portion of the time period.

Abstract: A calculator includes a shell defining two slots. The calculator uses a switch and a power supply. The switch includes two tubular portions projecting therefrom and being slidably received in the slots so that the switch can be moved between ON and OFF positions. The power supply uses a plate defining two apertures. Two screws are inserted through the apertures and secured in the tubular portions, thus joining the switch with the plate for retaining the switch on the shell. A casing is received in the shell so that the plate is enclosed in the casing. At least one container is formed on the casing and defining an inlet through which aqueous solution of salt can be filled into the container and an outlet through which the casing is in fluid communication with the container. At least one pair of positive and negative electrodes is attached to the plate. At least one absorber is received in the casing.

Abstract: Device and method for administering timed orders for the remote control of apparatus, comprising a clock (4) adapted to mark the time, an adjuster (5) for the clock, a programmer (6) permitting selecting an absolute wake up time, a comparator (7) for comparing the clock time and the absolute time, and a control (10) which can have either an active condition in which it sends information for starting the apparatus and to which it is brought by the coincidence of the clock time with the absolute time, or an inactive condition in which it authorizes no operation of the apparatus in the absence of such coincidence. The control (10) is subordinated to a corrector (11 ) for the absolute time which retards or advances a predetermined time relative to the selected absolute time so as to fix a relative time. The control (10) then passes to its active condition at this relative time. The programmer (6) comprises an automatic device (12) for positioning the relative time with respect to the programmed absolute time.

Abstract: A power switching circuit selectively connects an electrical load having first and second input connections to any one of a plurality of branch power circuits. Each branch circuit includes a first and second conductor defining a relative voltage therebetween. The power switching circuit includes a selector switch for selecting which of the branch circuits is to be connected to the load. A triac is electrically connected to the first conductor of each branch circuit and to the first input connection of the load for selectively electrically connecting one of the first conductors to the first input connection. A triac is electrically connected to the second conductor of each branch circuit and to the second input connection of the load for selectively electrically connecting one of the second conductors to the second input connection.