Abstract: A system for activating a load such as an exhaust fan within an enclosed area concurrently with the activation of a lamp switch and for continuing the operation of the load for a predetermined period of time after the deactivation of the lamp switch. A monitor detects when the lamp switch is activated and provides an output signal representative thereof. A timer is provided which is deactivated when the monitor output signal is present but functions when the lamp switch is deactivated and after a preset but variable time provides a signal for deactivating the load. The timer includes a pulse generator and a counter which receives the output of the pulse generator and counts pulses when the lamp switch is deactivated and provides the deactivation signal for the load when it reaches a predetermined count.

Abstract: The system is intended to provide an isolated power supply for an electrical load. It contains a generator for producing a supply signal, and a transmission path having two separate branch elements. The first branch element is designed for transmission of the supply signal (S1) in the forward direction, and the second branch element is designed for transmission of the supply signal in the backward direction, so that this results in a closed circuit for the supply signal. The two branch elements contain means for isolation. The load can be supplied by the supply signal with an electrical power of at most 100 mW.

Abstract: A motherboard is protected from burning or other damage caused by installation of card of a higher voltage than that for which the motherboard is designed, such as the installation of an AGP 2× graphics card in a motherboard designed for an AGP 4× graphics card. In the AGP example, a detection circuit determines whether the installed card is an AGP 2× or an AGP 4× graphics card. First and second power controlling circuits that control delivery of the DC power to the motherboard are either opened or closed based on whether and what type of card is installed. A switch may also be provided to control the passing of DC power through the first and second power controlling circuits. An alert unit, such as a light or buzzer, may also be provided to indicate the installation of a higher voltage card.

Abstract: An apparatus in an electronic control system allows two or three wire operation. A power supply can supply power to the enclosed circuitry in both two and three wire installations. Two separate zero cross detectors are used such that timing information can be collected in both two and three wire installations. Both zero cross detectors are monitored and are used to automatically configure the electronic control. Over voltage circuitry senses an over voltage condition across a MOSFET which is in the off state and turns the MOSFET on so that it desirably will not reach the avalanche region. Over current circuitry senses when the current through the MOSFETs has exceeded a predetermined current threshold and then turns the MOSFETs off so they do not exceed the MOSFETs' safe operating area (SOA) curve. Latching circuitry is employed to keep the protection circuitry in effect even after a fault condition has cleared.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an integrated circuit is disclosed. The integrated circuit includes a plurality of circuit blocks. Each circuit block includes a voltage differentiator that generates a local supply for the circuit block.

Abstract: A power-switching mechanism for an electronic device in one embodiment of the invention is disclosed that includes a control input and switching device. The control input is connectable to a conductor of a connection between the electronic device and a host device. The switching device is capable of coupling a power source to a power supply. The switching device is controlled by the control input, such that the switching device connects the power source to the power supply when a voltage is present on the conductor, and the switching device disconnects the power supply from the power source when the voltage is absent on the conductor.

Abstract: A controlling device for use with an exterior landscape lighting assembly. The lighting assembly includes a transformer having an input line connected to an electrical power source. The transformer converts a primary electrical load to a secondary electrical load which is in turn outputted though an output line connecting to a plurality of individual lighting units. The controlling device is capable of being mounted at an appropriate location indoors or outdoors. An enclosure unit includes a power supply circuit, a switch, a relay and control circuitry. The power supply circuit converts the secondary transformer output to a filtered direct current suitable for powering the control circuitry. The control circuitry interfaces with remote momentary switches and alternately activates and deactivates the lighting units. The control circuitry further includes an optional receiver for wireless operation. The controlling device can be incorporated into the transformer assembly.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an integrated circuit is disclosed. The integrated circuit includes a plurality of circuit blocks. Each circuit block includes a voltage differentiator that generates a local supply for the circuit block.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control circuit for a direct current motor with a reverse pole protection device, which is connected to the electric circuit of the electrolytic capacitor and the free-wheeling diode in order to reduce losses in the reverse pole protection device.

Abstract: An AC controller provides programmable switching of AC power flow, together with producing a source of DC power for the AC controller. The AC controller is connected in series with only one side of the AC power source and the AC load, and uses a microcontroller or a Programmable Logic Device (PLD) for the programmable capability. The AC controller can be programmed to provide a light flasher function, a time delay off function, an automatic fade function, a dimming function, a burglar deterrent function, and a time delay dim function. With a multiple-position switch replacing a current wall switch, the operator can easily select many pre-programmed functions.

Abstract: A power usage management system includes, in order to efficiently distribute electric power, a power feeding gate device supplied with electric power from a power line and controlling supply of electric power based on a key code, a server system transmitting a key code corresponding to identification information for identifying the power feeding gate device, and a mobile receptacle attachable/detachable to/from the power feeding gate device, receiving identification information from the power feeding gate device, receiving the key code corresponding to the identification information from the server system, and providing the key code to the power feeding gate device.

Abstract: A network apparatus is provided, which allows another network apparatus to recognize the disconnection with reliability, if a power supply to the network apparatus is interrupted. A control unit operating with a first power supply outputs a first signal, which is level-converted and supplied as a second signal to an intermediate potential supply unit operating with a second power supply. In the intermediate potential supply unit, a switch receives a reset signal as a switch signal and outputs, when the power supply is interrupted, a ground potential to a driver instead of the second signal. As a result, an intermediate potential supplied to a cable is forcibly set to the ground potential.

Abstract: A computer system having multiple components capable of being in either a wake or sleep state includes a power manager and a voltage regulator. The power manager may generate a power state status signal indicating the power states of the components, and this signal may be provided to the voltage regulator. In response, the voltage regulator may operate in a synchronous mode when the power state status signal indicates that the components are in a wake state. The voltage regulator may operate in a non-synchronous mode when the power state status signal indicates that the components are in a sleep state.

Abstract: A switch and method are provided for turning on and off an electrical device. The switch includes a control module, having a time module and an electrical output to which an electrical device can be connected. The time module includes a clock which is programmable to disconnect power to the electrical device at a set-off time. A light sensor is operatively associated with the control module and transmits a light signal to the control module based on light level. The control module is adapted to provide power to the electrical output when the light module indicates that the light level is below a threshold level and the time is before the set-off time thereby providing power to an electrical device connected to the electrical output.

Abstract: A data carrier that communicates confidential data is configured to mask process-dependent power consumption by using power stored in an internal capacitor. The capacitor is initially charged to the voltage of an external power source, and then decoupled from the external power source. The capacitor provides power to an internal processor, and consequently discharges gradually. At the end of a given time interval, the capacitor is discharged to a fixed voltage, then charged to the supply voltage. In this manner the power consumed by charging of the capacitor is decoupled from the power consumed by the processor. If the capacitor drops below a threshold voltage before processing is completed, the processor is halted. To optimize the available processing time, the time interval before discharging the capacitor to the fixed voltage is dynamically adjusted to reduce the time that the processor is halted.

Abstract: A substation is disclosed for use in a power transmission and distribution network. The substation comprises a single phase isolating high frequency transformer having at least one input winding and at least one output winding with corresponding input and output solid state switching networks. Each input solid state switching network comprises a plurality of semiconductor switching devices which receive an input waveform from the transmission network and output a high frequency waveform to the primary winding of the transformer. Likewise, each output solid state switching network comprises a plurality of semiconductor switching devices receiving a high frequency waveform from the secondary winding of the transformer and outputting an output frequency waveform from the substation. A control circuit is adapted to control the operation of the switching devices of the input and output switching networks to generate the output waveform from the input waveform.

Abstract: A high-speed switching circuit with a low or zero inductance shunt resistor is constructed using a trace resistor having parallel overlying trace portions on opposite plane faces of a printed circuit board. The resulting shunt resistor is used in combination with a detector to input data to a microcontroller which controls an automotive load device such as a blower motor. The traces which form the resistor may be extended by horizontal or vertical zig-zag folding or a combination of the two.

Abstract: The invention concerns a control circuit for controlling a power switch by means of a galvanic insulation transformer, the transformer being produced in the form of planar conductive windings on an insulating substrate (20) whereon are integrated passive components constituting a high frequency excitation oscillating circuit for a primary winding of the transformer, the transformer substrate being directly mounted on a wafer (24) whereon is mounted a circuit chip (40) integrating the power switch.

Abstract: A communication device is provided which transmits and responds to differential currents. Thereby allowing communication between devices that may be floating with respect to each other.

Abstract: A safety interlock apparatus for an electrical device includes a DC power supply, a ballast power supply including a ballast control circuit that controls a ballast power circuit, and a lamp. A relatively low voltage electrical connection is present between the DC power supply and the ballast control circuit. A relatively high voltage electrical connection is present between the lamp and the ballast power circuit. A safety interlock switch is positioned on the relatively low voltage electrical connection, the switch having a closed state wherein the relatively low voltage is supplied to the ballast control circuit and an open disconnected state wherein the relatively low voltage electrical connection is disconnected. A panel is fixable to the electrical device frame, and is selectively movable to expose the lamp for removal.

Abstract: A DC voltage converting device is on the output side connected to a DC voltage source and, on the output side, supplies a converted DC voltage to at least one electrical consumer via a cable connection. To improve such a DC voltage converting device in that also with high DC voltages on the input side, a conversion into another DC voltage is possible without any special constructional efforts and high costs while complicated cooling means or the like, are avoided at the same time, the Dc voltage converting device comprises a plurality of DC voltage converting units of which each is serially connected to the DC voltage source on the input side and connected in parallel with the cable connection on the output side for supplying the converted DC voltage.

Abstract: A power control apparatus includes a latch relay interposed between a power source and electronic control units, and a control section changed into an operative state when connected to the power source upon closure of a first switch, and supplies a drive current to a reset coil of the latch relay, thereby disconnecting power supply from the power source to the control units, when second switches are operated in a predetermined operation pattern.

Abstract: A universal energy supply system for at least one electrical consumer comprises at least one AC voltage source and a cable connection connecting the source with the electrical consumer, wherein an AC/DC converting means is assigned to the AC voltage source for converting the AC voltage into DC voltage which DC voltage can be supplied to the electrical consumer via the cable connection. To improve such a universal energy supply system in that with small constructional efforts and with low costs, the energy supply to an electrical consumer is guaranteed also over great distances and the corresponding voltage supply is stabilised, the efficiency being relatively high at the same time and the system being redundant, the AC/DC conversion means comprises a number of AC/DC converting units which are connected in parallel with the AC voltage source on the input side and are serially connected to the electric consumer on the output side, each converting unit being constructed as a blocked switch mode power supply.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electrical power switch which is a two-terminal electrical power switch having a line-powered switching control mechanism. The electrical power switch is provided with first and second shunt circuits between the terminals of the power outlet. This switch for power to operate through the outlet is included in a first shunt circuit that also contains a power supply operating from current flowing through the switch when in the “ON” condition. This first power supply can power a control means to control the operative state of the switch while current flows through. When the switch is in the “OFF” state, a second power supply contained in a second shunt circuit provides power to the control means.

Abstract: A device is presented having at least one power supply. The power supply is connected to a power supply fan. A first power source terminal is connected to the at least one power supply. A second power source terminal is connected to the at least one power supply. The power supply fan is powered from a source external to the at least one power supply.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit includes two power supply lines and at least one electronic circuit connected to each of the power supply lines. One of the two power supply lines is connected with an externally located main power source, and the other power supply line is connected with an externally located backup power source. A switch electrically connects or disconnects the power supply lines with each other. A power supervisory circuit monitors voltage of the main power source and controls the switch. The switch is controlled so that power from the main power source is supplied to the electronic circuits when the main power source is operating normally, and power from the backup power source is supplied to the electronic circuits when the main power source has a failure.

Abstract: A control device of a cooling device controls a fan based on a desired temperature around a CPU set by a target value setting unit and a temperature detected by a temperature detecting unit, so that the temperature around the CPU substantially coincides with the set desired temperature. When the detected temperature exceeds the desired temperature, the control device causes the fan to rotate. At this time, the control device monitors the level of a noise generated by the fan by means of the noise detecting unit. The control device increases the value of the voltage supplied to the fan within a range in which the detected noise does not vary abruptly. As a result, the rotation speed is gradually increased to a predetermined value without causing an abrupt rise of a noise, which may acutely irritate the user.

Abstract: A management apparatus for allowing a parent to limit the amount of time a specific user is allowed access to an electronic device. The management apparatus includes an enclosure that has an interior space. A controller for processing a plurality of electronic operations is positioned in the interior space. An alphanumeric display displays information and is attached to the front side of the enclosure. A keypad for inputting numerical data is attached to the front side of the enclosure. A modem positioned in the interior space of the enclosure. A phone jack is attached to the second side of the enclosure. A power cord is attached to the second side of the enclosure. A plurality of receptacles allows coupling of electrical cords from electrical devices. A cover member covers the first end of the enclosure and is releasably attachable to the first end by a plurality of fasteners.

Abstract: A technique for isolating and indicating faults or defects in a personal computer system. The personal computer includes a power supply system with an internal fault detector and an enabling input that, when active, instigates the power supply fault detection procedure. In normal operation, an enabling signal is applied to the enabling input when the computer ON/OFF control is activated and when other aspects of the personal computer system have been determined to be operational. A mechanism for simulating an enabling signal and an indicator driven by the power supply fault detector permit fault indications to be localized as existing either in the power supply or elsewhere in the PC system.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a wireless remote time socket apparatus. The wireless remote time socket apparatus comprises a wireless remote time socket module and a remote control module for emitting the remote signals to the wireless remote time socket module. The wireless remote time socket module includes a central process unit to perform comparing and confirming the remote signal of a wireless receiving module with a storage data in the memory. After confirming correctly, the central process unit is transferring a control signal to a power control electric circuit to control whether a power source of the AC power input end is to timely provide to the domestic socket according to the control signal, wherein the domestic socket is connecting with the power control electric circuit and the AC power input end. Besides, the present invention further includes another power supply electric circuit to rectify and transform the AC power to a DC power for providing a required power of mentioned elements.

Abstract: A dynamic battery array of individual cells, controllably interconnected for instantaneous dynamic configuration into a plurality of individual power buses having different electrical power output characteristics, each of which is tailored to supply the electrical power required at the instant by a particular electrical load within a circuit. Preferably the cells are fungible and randomly available so that at any given instant any given cell can be poweringly associated with a particular electrical load. The dynamic battery array, consisting of discrete cells lends itself to mounting on physically flexible substrates such as credit cards. The programmable array employs low resistance switch arrays for dynamically and instantaneously forming individual power networks or power buses between selected power cells and individual electrical loads in electrical circuits.

Abstract: A test mode structure and method of a multi-power-source device provides for the device to remain in a test mode, during which current draw of the device may be accurately measured, even after primary power supply to the device has been greatly reduced or completely removed. Significant reduction or removal of the primary power supply while still remaining in the test mode is necessary to counter the presence of a variable current that would otherwise be normally generated by the multi-power-source device in the test mode; the presence of the variable current during the test mode, if not negated, will not permit an accurate measurement of the current draw of the multi-power-source device. Significant reduction or removal of the primary power supply to the device would typically cause the multi-power-source device to exit the test mode and switch to a secondary supply voltage supplied by the secondary power supply, thereby foiling any attempt to measure the current draw of the device.

Abstract: A device for rapid short-circuit protection in a power semiconductor is described. It has at least one power semiconductor (10, 38) via which a load current (IL) may be applied to at least one electric load (24). The current detection means (14, 18, 46) provide a measure (VIS) of the load current (IL) applied to the electric load (24). A semiconductor protective circuit (30, 32, 34, 36) triggers the power semiconductor (10, 38) to protective operation in the event of an imminent impairment of the power semiconductor (10, 38).

Abstract: A system to connect cards in a chassis is provided. The system includes a chassis frame having a slot to receive a card. A rocker is coupled to the chassis frame and positioned in a closed state when the card is in the slot. A magnetic element is positioned on the rocker and a sensor positioned to detect a magnetic field generated by the magnetic element. The sensor then determines whether the rocker is positioned an open state or said closed state.

Abstract: The application of external power to an external module connected to a portable information handling system enables the card detection signal to be asserted low, thereby allowing the personal digital assistant to detect and activate the external module. When external power is disconnected from the external module, the card detect signals turn off, thereby deactivating the external module and electrically disconnecting the external module from the personal digital assistant. Substantially all of the power for the external module is provided independently from the internal power supply of the portable information handling system.

Abstract: A scalable N×M switching matrix architecture is characterized by a readily calculable number of crossover locations and comprises one or more single pole, N throw (“SPNT”) switches and, for each such switch, an N state impedance converter/amplitude compensation network.

Abstract: An electronic power circuit includes at least one power semiconductor whose control inputs are connected to a trigger device and a power supply which, on the output side, is connected to terminals of the trigger device and, on the input side, is connected to an accessory device to which a supply voltage is applied. The power semiconductor is implemented as a self-conducting power semiconductor, which economically reduces the forward power losses and switching losses of an electronic power circuit.

Abstract: A timed switch has a housing member, an output connecting leg connected to an appliance, and a circuit board including both a timing device and an electromagnet. The output connecting leg is electrically connected to the circuit board, and has a front end movable member disposed behind the front wall of the housing member. A control button is pivoted to the outer side of the front wall from a middle with an upper and a lower pushing protrusions passing through the front wall to abut an upper part and a lower part of the movable member respectively. A first, and a second input connecting legs are provided, which are connected to the power, and the second further to the circuit board.

Abstract: A power control circuit with a power off time delay circuit for controlling an AC power supply to a microprocessor-based system is disclosed. The control circuit includes a relay, a switch unit, a DC power supply unit, a manually operable switch, and a time delay control circuit. The time delay control circuit is capable of controlling a turn-on and a delayed turn-off of the switch unit depending on the status of a DC operating voltage. When the manually operable switch is turned on, the AC power supply is supplied to the microprocessor-based system in a normal condition. When the manually operable switch is turned off, the AC power supply is still maintained to the microprocessor-based system for a predetermined delay time.

Abstract: A switch device of theft-prevented type alarm has a first switch module controlled by a starting switch so that the first switch module is turned on when the starting switch is pressed at a first time and is maintained in an on state. A second switch module is normally turned on to connect an input power to the first switch module, and outputs power when the first switch module is turned on. A power-off control circuit is coupled to the second switch module. A receiver is provided for activating the power-off control circuit to turn off the second switch module in response to receiving an off signal.

Abstract: A power source apparatus includes a first switching element for controlling the power feed in the direction from a high-voltage battery to an inverter, and a second switching element for the power feed in the direction from the inverter to a low-voltage battery, and the voltage at the direct current side is controlled to be higher than that of the high-voltage battery when a battery controller for controlling the first and second switching elements breaks down.

Abstract: In an electrical device for controlling functional units and processing data, for connection to an external data network communicating signals, and for switching between quiescent and active states, the improvement includes a control unit for controlling the functional units and having lines connected to the network for receiving signals starting data processing at the device, a power supply unit for supplying the units with energy, the supply unit primary side to be connected to a voltage supply and connected to the control unit, an electrical switch, connected to and switching the supply unit, entering into an open position and disconnecting the primary side from the voltage supply network in the quiescent state, and entering into a closed position dependent upon the power received from the ringing signal in the active state, and the switch remaining in one of the positions based upon the energy from the supply unit.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling power to a cranking subsystem in a device having a power source is disclosed. The method and system include providing at least one switch and providing at least one controller. The switch is coupled with the power source. The at least one controller is coupled with the switch. The at least one controller is for controlling the at least one switch to be open or closed based on a signature of a behavior of a portion of the device. Thus, power is controlled to the portion of the device based on the signature of the portion of the device. In one aspect, the method and system include monitoring a portion of the device to determine a behavior of the portion of the device. In this aspect, the method and system include comparing the behavior of the portion of the device to a signature for the portion of the device.

Abstract: A system includes a first voltage regulator, a second voltage regulator, a third voltage regulator and a circuit. The first voltage regulator is coupled to receive power from a first power line, and the second voltage regulator coupled to receive power from a second power line. The circuit monitors a voltage of at least one of the first and second power lines and based on the monitored voltage, the circuit selectively couples the third voltage regulator to receive power from one of the first and second power lines.

Abstract: An energy management system for an appliance comprising an interface to receive a schedule having an off-peak time segment and an on-peak time segment; a control to determine an operation to be performed by the appliance; a mode selecting device to select between an energy management mode and an immediate start mode; and a controller connected to the interface, the control, and the mode selecting device. The controller is arranged such that upon selection of the energy management mode, the controller initiates the operation only when a current time is within the off-peak time segment; and upon selection of the immediate start mode, the controller initiates the operation immediately.

Abstract: A plural output control station for operating electrical apparatus, such as model electric train engines and accessories. The control station employs a data processor for monitoring and controlling the signals generated at a plurality of transformer-driven power output terminals. An exemplary station includes two variable-voltage alternating current (AC) output channels (TRACK 1 and TRACK 2) and two fixed-voltage AC output channels (AUX 1 & AUX 2). The variable-voltage outputs are controlled by a data processor responsive to respective operator-controlled throttles for varying the AC output voltage and therefore the rate of movement and direction of electric train engines, typically three-rail O-gauge model trains. The variable-voltage outputs can also be offset by the data processor with positive and negative DC voltages for enabling engine functions such as horns, whistles and bells.

Abstract: An entertainment device and its operation method in which multiple operations are achieved by the same operation unit. The entertainment device has a main system that receives a supply of power from a power circuit, a push switch that receives operation instructions from outside, a system controller that receives signals from the push switch and controls the state of main system. An internal switch of the device decides whether to turn the power of main system on or off. When the power source of main system is turned on, the system controller decides, based on the state of signals received from the push switch within a first standard time, whether to output to internal switch a signal giving power off instruction, or whether to output to the main system a signal giving a reset instruction.

Abstract: A power-saving switch control mechanism for hand-held electric appliance comprises a sensor to detect the approaching hand of user and then continuously transmit signals to activate a switch into a close-circuit status in order for a cell to supply power to a control circuit of the electric appliance. When the sensor fails to detect the hand on the electric appliance, the switch returns to an open-circuit status to stop the cell from supplying power to the control circuit and stop the operation of the electric appliance accordingly.

Abstract: A controlling device adapted to be used for a heat-dissipating device. The controlling device includes a signal generator electrically connected between the heat-dissipating device and a power source supplying a voltage for the heat-dissipating device, and generating a control signal for switching on/off the power source, and a voltage regulator electrically connected between the heat-dissipating device and the power source and connected in parallel with the signal generator for continuously providing the heat-dissipating device with a basic voltage when the power source is switched off by the control signal so as to prevent that an output signal of an external device electrically connected with the heat-dissipating device is interfered with the control signal.

Abstract: An adjustment device for adjusting an article of furniture, includes a drive unit having at least one direct current positioning motor connected to a mains power source; a control unit with at least one switching device for actuating the positioning motor(s); and a mains disconnect relay connected to a mains power plug assembly or a supply line connecting the voltage source to the mains. An additional switching unit which is separate from the switching device(s) for actuating the positioning motor(s) is provided for actuating the mains disconnect relay.