Plural Diverse Load Devices Patents (Class 307/155)
  • Patent number: 11349356
    Abstract: The invention relates to a double-phase rotating field machine having a 2p-pole stator with winding teeth (Z), which is designed with a winding arrangement in tooth coil technology, comprising two phase windings (W1, W2, W3), wherein the winding arrangement is formed from wound coil groups (G) with coils nested in one another several times, wherein the coil sections (T) of said coil groups (G) are arranged concentrically surrounding one another from the inside to the outside, and comprise two or a plurality of winding teeth (Z), wherein the respective coil winding numbers are arranged in the grooves (N) between the winding teeth (Z) such that in each case an essentially uniform coating of each groove (N) with the same effective total conductor cross section of the coils per groove cross section is given.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: ebm-papst Mulfingen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gerhard Huth, Jens Krotsch
  • Patent number: 10535035
    Abstract: In some embodiments, methods and systems are provided that provided for delivering products ordered by a customer of a retailer to a delivery destination designated by the ordering customer by way of autonomous transport vehicles configured to identify products to be dropped off at their next delivery destinations and to prepare such products for deployment while the ATVs are still en-route to their next delivery destinations, and to automatically deploy such products upon arrival at such delivery destinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventor: John J. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 10056761
    Abstract: Systems and methods include a voltage transformer connected to a power source. The voltage transformer transforms a high voltage of the power source to a first low voltage signal. Regulators are connected to the voltage transformer, and the regulators receive the first low voltage signal from the voltage transformer and convert the first low voltage signal to a second low voltage signal. A remote device is connected to each of the regulators. The remote device is powered by the second low voltage signal from the regulator to which it is connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: iControl Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Reza Raji, Paul Dawes
  • Patent number: 9984732
    Abstract: Voltage monitors include a predelay cell having an input responsive to a first clock signal. This cell is configured to generate a predelayed clock signal at an output thereof. A serially-connected string of data delay cells is provided, which has an input responsive to the predelayed clock signal. A serially-connected string of clock delay cells is provided, which has an input responsive to a second clock signal that is synchronized to the first clock signal. A plurality latches are provided. The latches have respective data inputs, which are responsive to first periodic signals generated at respective outputs of the serially-connected string of data delay cells, and respective clock/sync terminals, which are responsive to second periodic signals generated at respective outputs of the serially-connected string of clock delay cells. The latches enable loading of a delay code value, which indicates power supply voltage variation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Seomun, Insub Shin, Kyungtae Do, JungYun Choi
  • Patent number: 9520729
    Abstract: A charging connector of a mobile power pack, used for being connected to and charging an electronic product, includes an insulating body, a first connector and a second connector both protruding from and exposed outside the insulating body. The first connector is plugged into a charging slot of the electronic product. The second connector is electrically connected to the first connector and is plugged into a power slot of the mobile power pack. The insulating body extends from one side of the first connector and is connected to the second connector. The first connector and the second connector are respectively plugged into the electronic product and the mobile power pack, via the insulating body. Thereby, the convenience of utilizing the power mobile pack to charge the electronic product is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: POWERGENE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., TAIWAN BRANCH
    Inventor: Hui-Te Hsu
  • Patent number: 9240700
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for charging a host device from a charging source through an accessory are described. Upon detecting an input power signal from the charging source, an accessory may send an identification request to the host device and authenticate the host device based on the identification information received from the host device. Upon authenticating the host device, the accessory may enable a power path between the charging source and the host device to supply a charging current to charge the host device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, Jonathan J. Andrews, Alexei Kosut, James M. Hollabaugh, Zachary C. Rich, Daniel J. Fritchman
  • Patent number: 8987949
    Abstract: A linear regulator includes a first drive voltage output to drive an analog load, a second drive voltage output to drive a digital load, and a third output to provide a clean source of current. Circuit elements that produce the respective drive voltages may be isolated from each other. In addition, local feedback may be included to compensate for wide swings in circuit loading conditions in the analog load and in the digital load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventor: Siew Yong Chui
  • Patent number: 8450874
    Abstract: The present invention is related to user managed power systems with security. The invention encompasses a method and system of managing a power system wherein a data center user determines whether there is a desire to control remote power supply socket assigned to the user's data module. The data center user is able to sign into the remote power supply through a security protocol. Then the data center user can gain control over the remote power supply socket assigned to the user's data module. Finally, this allows the data center user to remotely control the power supply socket assigned to the user's data module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Liebert Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory W. Ratcliff, Philip R. Aldag
  • Patent number: 8346166
    Abstract: An adaptive inductive ballast is provided with the capability to communicate with a remote device powered by the ballast. To improve the operation of the ballast, the ballast changes its operating characteristics based upon information received from the remote device. Further, the ballast may provide a path for the remote device to communicate with device other than the adaptive inductive ballast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventor: David W. Baarman
  • Patent number: 8321073
    Abstract: Aircraft power systems, aircraft galley systems, and methods and systems for managing power distribution to aircraft galley systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an aircraft system can include an aircraft power source and at least first and second galley appliances operably coupled to the aircraft power source. The aircraft system can further include a controller operably coupled to the first and second galley appliances. The controller can be configured to receive a first power request from the first galley appliance and a second power request from the second galley appliance. The controller can be further configured to sort the first and second power requests and distribute power to the first and second galley appliances from the aircraft power source based on the sorting of the first and second power requests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Michael B. McAvoy
  • Patent number: 8289681
    Abstract: This disclosure discloses a control unit comprising a plurality of controllers, each controller having a bus bar portion having: a left and a right bus bar holder; an upper and an lower common bus bar; an upper and an lower rotating bus bar; a upper and a lower connecting body; wherein each bus bar holder has protrusions forming a gap, the upper and the lower rotating bus bar are configured to be changed between a first mode that the upper and the lower rotating bus bar engages rotatably with the left bus bar holder, and a second mode that the upper and the lower rotating bus bar are tightened and secured to the left bus bar holder, and the upper and the lower rotating bus bar of one controller in the second mode is connected in close contact with the upper and the lower common bus bar of another controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa Denki
    Inventors: Hiroki Kanaya, Takahiro Shimozu
  • Patent number: 8253272
    Abstract: A self-programmable control system for an electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device may comprise a ceiling fan and associated light fixtures, wherein the ceiling fan is manufactured to be coupled with an AC power source, and includes a motor with associated connection wires for rotating fan blades. Such ceiling fan system may further include at least one lower light fixture, and one upper light fixture, with associated connection wires for adjusting light intensity. The control system may utilize a plurality of wireless or hard-wired controllers, wherein each controller contains a transmitter configured to encode and transmit a control signal from the controller to a receiver. The control system further includes a receiver adapted to receive the encoded control signals, decode the instruction, and provide the decoded instruction to a component of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Minka Lighting, Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt Schulzman
  • Patent number: 8116683
    Abstract: An adaptive inductive ballast is provided with the capability to communicate with a remote device powered by the ballast. To improve the operation of the ballast, the ballast changes its operating characteristics based upon information received from the remote device. Further, the ballast may provide a path for the remote device to communicate with device other than the adaptive inductive ballast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventor: David W. Baarman
  • Patent number: 8013478
    Abstract: A power bank apparatus includes a power storage unit, a first power output port and a first power input port. The power storage unit is connected to the first power input and output ports. The power bank apparatus is connected to a controller through the first power output port. The controller includes a control unit, a second power input port and a second power output port. The control unit is connected to the second power input and output ports, and the second power input port is connected to the first power output port, and the control unit is provided for controlling an output voltage value of the second power output port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Tennrich International Corp.
    Inventors: Shih-Hui Chen, Chin-Tien Lin
  • Patent number: 7953369
    Abstract: An adaptive inductive ballast is provided with the capability to communicate with a remote device powered by the ballast. To improve the operation of the ballast, the ballast changes its operating characteristics based upon information received from the remote device. Further, the ballast may provide a path for the remote device to communicate with device other than the adaptive inductive ballast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventor: David W. Baarman
  • Patent number: 7619328
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for coupling a vertically oriented electrical device to a wall utilizing an existing electrical recess for support and power. The system electrically couples the device to an existing power system while providing a mechanical coupling for support. In addition, the system provides for vertical adjustments while maintaining the electrical and mechanical coupling. The system generally includes a recess coupling module, a vertical support receptacle, an electrical power system, and at least one electrical device. The vertical support receptacle is coupled to the recess coupling module in a substantially perpendicular manner. The electrical power system is electrically coupled to the electrical system disposed in the existing power recess and distributed across the vertical support receptacle. The at least one electrical device is adjustably coupled to the vertical support receptacle such that it is both mechanically supported and electrically powered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Jupiter IP, LLC
    Inventor: Robin Peng
  • Patent number: 7592719
    Abstract: An electrical connection box for wall mounting provides a recessed external plug for receiving or transmitting power to electronic components. The connection box is configured to receive a variety of signal connection modules for interconnecting associated audio/visual electronics such as DVD players, displays and the like in adjacent apertures. The signal connection modules are inserted or extracted from the face of the connection box; replacing blanking plates, and is optionally recessed from the face of the box into the wall cut-out. The configuration and mating features of the box and modules also provides for a common and isolated ground reference for surge protection of the connected components. A signal connection module includes circuitry for surge protection of the connected A/V components receiving electrical power from an adjacent wall socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Panamax
    Inventor: Gerald B. Hoopes
  • Patent number: 7428157
    Abstract: Virtual shielding is used to reduce the sources/origins of latchup and switching noise in a synchronous switching regulator. The regulator power stage may be split into two half stages. The ground bond wires of the half power stages may be positioned on opposite sides of the layout to substantially eliminate coupling between the ground bond wires. The power supply bond wire in one half power stage and the ground bond wire in the other half power stage may be positioned such that the mutual inductance between the power supply bond wire and the ground bond wire is maximized. The controller ground may be positioned substantially midway between the power supply bond wire in one half power stage and a respective ground bond wire in the other half power stage. The regulator controller may be placed between the regulator power stage and other analog circuitry to isolate the regulator power stage from the analog circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Xuesong Jiang
  • Patent number: 6597076
    Abstract: A configuration for supplying a large number of actuators with electrical power without using wires includes at least one primary winding that is fed from a medium-frequency oscillator. Each actuator has at least one secondary winding that is suitable for drawing power from a medium-frequency magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: ABB Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Guntram Scheible, Bernd Smailus, Martin Klaus, Kai Garrels, Lothar Heinemann
  • Patent number: 6198642
    Abstract: A compact multiple output power supply which has a circuit architecture with distinct primary and secondary circuit domains. Within the secondary circuit domain, a distribution bus of relatively low constant voltage supplies power inputs to d.c.-to-d.c. converters providing regulated outputs and operating independently of each other. Because of the secondary circuit domain topology, surface mount components are made available in conjunction with relatively simple converter circuitry. Heat management within the compact housing of the power supply is achieved through the utilization of linear driven air flows in combination with employment of heat sinks extending to the heat sink configured cover of the housing. Additionally, the highest heat generation components are positioned rearwardmost within the driven air path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Tracewell Power, Inc.
    Inventor: John Kociecki
  • Patent number: 6191552
    Abstract: An external universal battery charging apparatus which can include external universal battery charger circuitry having at least one universal battery charger circuitry input and at least one universal battery charger circuitry output. The universal battery charger circuitry output can include at least one battery charger output, which itself can include at least one universal battery connector and at least one universal battery charger cable. The at least one universal battery charger circuitry output can include at least one adapter pass through output, which itself can include at least one connector adapted to operably connect to an electronic device. The external universal battery charger circuitry can include at least one battery recognition and parameter adjustment circuit, battery current parameter adjustment circuit, charged voltage parameter adjustment circuit, and maximum power draw parameter adjustment circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Barry K. Kates, Greg R. Fiebrich
  • Patent number: 5962996
    Abstract: In an inverter apparatus for converting a direct current to an intermittent current by a converter configured by parallel-connected plural pairs of serially-coupled switching elements, resistance loads are connected across output terminals of the converter and a positive terminal or a negative terminal of a direct current source, and a direct current output can be supplied to the resistance loads from the inverter apparatus by controlling the converter at a low frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naomi Goto, Makoto Yoshida, Norio Yoshida, Susumu Yamano
  • Patent number: 5326027
    Abstract: A self configuring air conditioning system. The system includes a system controller for an air conditioning system operably connected to a compressor and an expansion valve, a first portable wireless remote controller for providing commands and information to the system controller by wireless transmission, and a second portable wired remote controller for providing commands and information to the system controller by wired transmission. The system further includes a wireless receiver operably connected to the system controller for receiving wireless remote transmissions from the first portable wireless remote controller, and an interface operably connected to the system controller for receiving wired remote transmissions from the second wired remote controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventor: Louis E. Sulfstede
  • Patent number: 5256906
    Abstract: A mechanism for switching from independent to synchronous, or vice versa an operational setting of a dust collector with a receptacle for supplying another power tool with which the dust collector is to be operated synchronously. This mechanism comprises a first switch connected in series both to a power switch of the dust collector and to an electric motor thereof, a second switch connected in series both to said power switch and to said electric motor, but arranged in parallel with the first switch, a lid which can be closed to close said receptacle or opened to expose said receptacle, a rod which engages the lid to close the first switch when the lid is closed, thus conditioning the dust collector for independent operation, and which disengages from the lid to open the first switch when the lid is opened, and a second-switch activating member for closing the second switch to operate the dust collector synchronously with another power tool when the other power tool is supplied through the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventors: Kazunori Tsuge, Yukimi Amano
  • Patent number: 5250851
    Abstract: A housing having a front angularly inclined portion, and a central platform portion for supporting from below, a video monitor. A rear portion includes sockets for connecting electrically to electrical equipment associated with the monitor for power control purposes. Actuator members are mounted reciprocatively in an angular front face of the front portion to switch power to the video monitor and a computer upon which the housing and video monitor are stacked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: Proxima Corporation
    Inventors: William J. McKnight, Eric S. Stevens
  • Patent number: 5146121
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for delaying digital data signals by fixed amounts within an integrated circuit. A delay lock loop includes an adaptive delay line, a phase detector and an integrator. The integrator provides control signals c.sub.p, c.sub.n for controlling the delay line, in dependence upon the relative phase of a reference clock signal .phi..sub.0 and a delayed clock signal .phi..sub.n. The delay line includes a plurality of delay cells. By maintaining a phase relationship .phi..sub.n =.phi..sub.0 +360.degree. one clock cycle, T.sub.c, delay through the delay line is provided. Thus each delay cell provides T.sub.c /n delay. By placing identical cells in signal paths elsewhere on a chip, fixed delays can be introduced which are controlled by the delay lock loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Northern Telecom Limited
    Inventors: Shawn Searles, Richard G. Kusyk
  • Patent number: 5099157
    Abstract: The master/slave circuit has a power supply with two conductors. One conductor is connected to one side of both a master outlet and a slave outlet. The other conductor is connected to the main terminal 1 (MR1) of the Triacs Q1, Q2 respectively associated with the receptacles. The other side of the master receptacle is connected to the main terminal 2 of the associated Triac Q1, and to the gate of Q1, through a resistor and to the gate of Q2 through a second resistor. The other side of the slave outlet is connected to MT2 of Q2. When a tool or device plugged into the master outlet is switched on and off a device plugged into the slave will turn on and off with the master and will have the same character (speed control, Soft Start, etc.). An optional switch between the slave outlet and the second resistor connected to the gate of Q2 allows operation of the device plugged into the slave outlet without operating the master.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventor: Gary D. Meyer
  • Patent number: 5068890
    Abstract: In a combined telephone and electric power distribution system, both telephone signals and electric power are distributed by way of a common distribution system wherein signal conducting means (such as optical fibers) and electric power conducting means are routed alongside each other to/from various utilization points, such as to/from a telephone instrument, a computer, an electric lighting fixture and/or a power receptacle. At some of these utilization points, telephone signal receptacles are provided alongside electric power receptacles. At other points, the signal conducting means is terminated in a radio transceiver and wireless signal radiation/receiving means. In a typical situation, such a transceiver has its antenna mounted at or near a ceiling lighting fixture; which radio antenna interacts with some other transceiver combined with a telephone and/or other information-handling apparatus located nearby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Inventor: Ole K. Nilssen
  • Patent number: 5043595
    Abstract: A power supply control subsystem for an image forming apparatus is provided to control the operating timing of multiple DC loads according to selected image forming modes. Electric power is supplied from a single DC power source to a plurality of DC loads through corresponding switching devices inserted therebetween. A control circuit staggers the on-timings of the switching devices so that electric power is supplied to the DC loads in a sequentially, predetermined priority order according to a selected image forming mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Assignee: Mita Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsukasa Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 4886979
    Abstract: An improved power source device for monitors and host computers includes a first power source arrangement having a plug at one end and a capacitor parallel-connected at the other end which is electrically coupled with an internal circuit of a monitor for supplying a DC power to the monitor; and a second power source arrangement with a connecting component having input terminals electrically coupled with an internal switching power supply circuit of a host computer for obtaining a DC power therefrom, and output terminals connected to a socket fixed in a housing unit wall of the host computer; thereby, with the first and second power source arrangements connected together, DC power source will be directly supplied to the monitor from the host computer so as to eliminate any low-frequency and high-frequency interferences on the screen of the monitor. Additionally, with this simplified power source device, both the manufacturing cost and weight of the monitors are substantially reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1989
    Inventor: San-Julie Chang
  • Patent number: 4667117
    Abstract: There is disclosed an improved drive circuit for a print element actuator wherein the current applied to the actuator has a fast rise mode which is terminated when a predetermined level has been reached. Current is allowed to slowly decay through the circuit until it reaches a second and lower predetermined level. The circuit is self-timing and self-compensating for variations in voltage or actuator impedance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1987
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gilbert B. Nebgen, Rafael Pelc
  • Patent number: 4612492
    Abstract: A circuit providing a constant voltage power source for a remotely controlled electrically operated device. The circuit includes a main battery operatively connected with a motor. The secondary battery is connected in parallel with the main battery and operatively connected with a wireless receiver. The negative terminals of both batteries are connected with the receiver through a double-pole single-throw switch and a series connected diode and inductor are interposed between the positive terminals of the batteries so that the secondary battery is charged by the potential of the main battery each time the switch is closed and current flow from the secondary battery to the main battery is prevented by the reverse bias of the diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1986
    Inventor: Leslie L. Burk
  • Patent number: 4480197
    Abstract: The specification discloses an electronic circuit which allows selective energization of electrical loads from a remote location by successive momentary interruptions of a common power source.In one embodiment, a ceiling fan and an attached light fixture are controlled from a single wall switch position, such that the first application of power energizes only the light circuit, a second application (following a momentary interruption) energizes only the fan circuit, and a third such application energizes both circuits at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1984
    Inventor: Jerrell P. Hollaway
  • Patent number: 4380809
    Abstract: An automatic power supply system for an acoustic apparatus having at least a cassette deck box and an audio box connected thereto, the deck box including an automatic power supply circuit and a tape/radio selector switch. A power source +B is supplied to the automatic power supply circuit or a relay control circuit of the audio box through the selector switch. The power source +B is further supplied to an audio amplifier through a relay which is adapted to be energized or deenergized by the relay control circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1983
    Assignee: Clarion Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadashi Sato
  • Patent number: 4323787
    Abstract: An automatic power supply apparatus which comprises at least a cassette deck box and an audio box, said cassette deck box including an automatic power supply circuit, a control amplifier, a switch means for selectively connecting a power supply to a tape player or a radio, etc., said audio box including a relay for connecting and disconnecting the power supply, an audio amplifier connected to the relay, etc. When the switch is set to the tape recorder side, the power supply is connected to the control amplifier and the relay, and when the switch is set to the radio side, the automatic power supply circuit is energized so as to connect the power supply to the control amplifier and the relay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1982
    Assignee: Clarion Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Sato, Toyoji Hara, Tadashi Tomita
  • Patent number: 4287939
    Abstract: A versatile yet low cost mode selection control system for an air conditioning unit such as a combination heating and cooling unit having a plurality of operational modes, and which control system is capable of responding both to a relatively local mode selection unit and a relatively remote mode selection unit. Both the relatively local mode selection unit and the relatively remote mode selection unit can exercise independent control over the mode selection, not necessarily limited to mere on/off control, and either may override a selection made at the other at any time. Electronic momentary push button and holding circuitry is employed electronically provide a function similar to that of the prior art mechanical push button configuration wherein only one push button can be actuated at a time, with actuation of any one push button deactuating all others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1981
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Walter J. Pohl, Arthur L. Burns