Abstract: The wiring needed to control all the functions in a vehicle is reduced, especially where the input source for operating a given function is remote from the function. A control member is provided that receives the input signal and converts it to a coded message that is applied to the power line. A function controller includes a coded reader and a control circuit for reading the code applicable to its associated function and controlling the function as instructed from the input signal. The control member also monitors the power line to insure that the message has been properly sent, and the message is repeated until proper transmission is confirmed.

Abstract: A disk drive system includes a fixed output voltage regulator including an output terminal that provides a substantially fixed output voltage. A pluralities of loads are connected in parallel. A resistor is connected in series between the output terminal of the voltage regulator and the plurality of loads. The resistor causes a voltage provided to the plurality of loads to sag, as compared to the substantially fixed output voltage, when current is pulled, by one or more of the loads, through the resistor.

Abstract: A direct current (DC) transmission and distribution system (10) includes a system DC link (12) configured for carrying power from a source (14) to a plurality of loads (16) and DC to alternating current (AC) power converter modules (18, 118, 218, 318, 418) coupled in series to the system DC link on a load side of the system DC link.

Abstract: A string set of series-connected incandescent bulbs in which substantially all of the bulb filaments in the set are individually provided with a shunt circuit which includes a voltage responsive switch which is inoperative during normal operation of the string set when connected to a source of operating potential and which becomes operative only in response to an increase in the voltage thereacross which exceeds its rating, and in which the remaining bulbs of the circuit continue to receive substantially rated current therethrough and substantially rated voltage thereacross and further continue to be illuminated at substantially constant illumination even though other or substantially all of the other bulbs in the string are either inoperative or are missing from their respective sockets. If flasher bulbs are used in the string, they will twinkle off and on when the operating potential is applied.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for detecting and configuring a solid state dimmer when wired in series or parallel with a load powered by an alternating current (AC) input. The device can comprise a microcontroller configured to be powered by the AC input. A zero-cross detector in communication with the microcontroller is capable of detecting when an AC waveform crosses zero and generating a corresponding pulse signal when the AC waveform crosses zero. A pulse analyzer can be included and configured to determine when the zero-cross detector is generating pulses exceeding a pre-determined time length threshold that represents a serial wiring configuration.

Abstract: A string set of series-connected incandescent bulbs in which substantially all of the bulb filaments in the set are individually provided with a shunt circuit which includes a voltage responsive switch which is inoperative during normal operation of the string set when connected to a source of operating potential and which becomes operative only in response to an increase in the voltage thereacross which exceeds its rating, and in which the remaining bulbs of the circuit continue to receive substantially rated current therethrough and substantially rated voltage thereacross and further continue to be illuminated at substantially constant illumination even though other or substantially all of the other bulbs in the string are either inoperative or are missing from their respective sockets.

Abstract: A system for starting up plural electronic devices includes an external controller, a power source, and four backboards. The external controller includes four output ends. Each backboard includes a power switch connected to a respective electronic device and to the power source, an onboard controller connected to the respective power switch, and first and second connectors each having four ends. Fourth, first, second and third ends of the first connector are respectively connected to first, second, third, fourth ends of the second connector. The onboard controller includes four input ends respectively connected to the four ends of the first connector, and an output end connected to the power switch. Signals output from the external controller are received as four different input signals at the four onboard controllers, the input signals corresponding to four different time delays for the onboard controllers to output signals to start up the four electronic devices.

Abstract: A vertical-mount network remote power management outlet strip embodiment of the present invention comprises a long, thin outlet strip body with several independently controllable power outlet sockets distributed along its length. A power input cord is provided at one end, and this supplies AC-operating power to relays associated with each of the power outlet sockets. The relays are each addressably controlled by a microprocessor connected to an internal I2C-bus serial communications channel. The power-on status of each relay output to the power outlet sockets is sensed and communicated back on the internal I2C-bus. A device-networking communications processor with an embedded operating system translates messages, status, and controls between the internal I2C-bus and an Ethernet port, and other external networks.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for actuating a control element, for example, an air flap, for a heating or air-conditioning system (34) in a motor vehicle, having an actuating drive (32), an electrical circuit (1) which controls the actuating drive (32), and a control section (36) for inputting control commands. The actuating drive (32), the circuit (1) and the control section (36) are connected to one another via at least one electrical cable (3). In order to provide an improved apparatus for actuating a control element, particularly with regard to reducing the production costs, the circuit (1) is arranged outside the actuating drive (32) and outside the control section (36) and, in particular, is preferably integrated in the databus (3). This allows identical actuating drives to be used cost-effectively for the different control elements.

Abstract: The output voltage of a dc—dc transformer having a ratio of approximately m/n, and which is powered from a main power supply having a remote sense input, can be stabilized by feeding the output of the dc—dc transformer to the remote sense input of the main power supply through an amplifier having a voltage gain of m/n.

Abstract: A string set of series-connected incandescent bulbs in which substantially all of the bulb filaments in the set are individually provided with a shunt circuit which includes a voltage responsive switch which is inoperative during normal operation of the string set when connected to a source of operating potential and which becomes operative only in response to an increase in the voltage thereacross which exceeds its rating, and in which the remaining bulbs of the circuit continue to receive current therethrough and continue to be illuminated at substantially constant illumination even though other or substantially all of the other bulbs in the string are either inoperative or are missing from their respective sockets.

Abstract: A string set of series-connected incandescent bulbs in which substantially all of the bulb filaments in the set are individually provided with a shunt circuit which includes a voltage responsive switch which is inoperative during normal operation of the string set when connected to a source of operating potential and which becomes operative only in response to an increase in the voltage thereacross which exceeds its rating, and in which the remaining bulbs of the circuit continue to receive substantially rated current therethrough and substantially rated voltage thereacross and further continue to be illuminated at substantially constant illumination even though other or substantially all of the other bulbs in the string are either inoperative or are missing from their respective sockets. If flasher bulbs are used in the string, they will twinkle off and on when the operating potential is applied.

Abstract: A vertical-mount electrical power distribution plugstrip comprises a long, thin plugstrip body with several power outlet plugs distributed along the length of one face. A power input cord is provided at one end, and this supplies operating power to each of the power outlet plugs through individual relay control.

Abstract: A dimmer control system has a communication control loop that connects a master unit in series with a plurality of remote units, and it is superimposed in series on the dimmer load line so as to allow two-way communication between the master unit and remote units without affecting the operation of the load. Communications from the master to the remote units are encoded in loop current fluctuations, whereas communications from any remote to the master unit are encoded in loop voltage fluctuations. The master unit has a switched power supply, for use during normal LOAD ON operation, in tandem with a capacitive power supply, for use during LOAD OFF operation of the control units so as to minimize hum. The master unit power supply circuit provides an output rail voltage comprised of a reference voltage for the load superimposed with a control loop voltage for the voltage drop across the series-connected remote units.

Abstract: A transmit and receive protection circuit for use in a communication system is disclosed. The protection circuit uses a four-diode gate in which the currents through an input portion and an output portion of the diode gate are individually controlled by resistors located in their respective portions. This arrangement allows the DC currents through each portion to be independently controlled. By using resistors to independently control the DC currents through each portion of the diode gate, better control over the individual DC currents can be achieved, leading to effective AC resistances which are more predictable. This arrangement results in a predictable low loss protection circuit at a minimal expense.

Abstract: A substantially underwater system comprises a plurality of retrievable substantially autonomous subsea modules (12, 13, 17, 18) and switchgear (15, 16, 21a . . . h). A host facility (6) and the modules are connected in series so as to form a circuit, the host facility providing power to all of the modules. Operation of the switchgear electrically isolates a module or a plurality of serially adjacent modules so that the module or modules can be removed without cutting off the power supply to any of the remaining modules of the system. Module based parts of the switchgear (21a . . . h) only or a combination of module based parts (21a . . . h) and host facility based parts (15, 16) of the switchgear are actuated depending on which module or modules are isolated and removed.

Abstract: A string set of series-connected incandescent bulbs in which substantially all of the bulb filaments in the set are individually provided with a shunt circuit which includes a voltage responsive switch which is inoperative during normal operation of the string set when connected to a source of operating potential and which becomes operative only in response to an increase in the voltage thereacross which exceeds its rating, and in which the remaining bulbs of the circuit continue to receive substantially rated current therethrough and substantially rated voltage thereacross and further continue to be illuminated at substantially constant illumination even though other or substantially all of the other bulbs in the string are either inoperative or are missing from their respective sockets.

Abstract: A remote power controller circuit (58) including a main switch (98) and a current limiting circuit (82). The main switch (82) has a switching duty factor and is operative between a first state and a second state. The main switch (98) when in the first state allows current (60) to pass to an output terminal (92) and when in the second state preventing current (60) from passing to the output terminal (92). The current limiting circuit (82) is electrically coupled to the main switch (98) and includes a limiting inductor (134) that controls rate of change of current flow to the output terminal (92). A flyback diode (130) is electrically coupled to the limiting inductor (134) and provides a current path for the limiting inductor (134) to discharge when the main switch (98) is in the second state. A method of limiting current flow through the remote power controller circuit (58) is also provided.

Abstract: A string set of series-connected incandescent bulbs in which substantially all of the bulb filaments in the set are individually provided with a shunt circuit which includes a voltage responsive switch which is inoperative during normal operation of the string set when connected to a source of operating potential and which becomes operative only in response to an increase in the voltage thereacross which exceeds its rating, and in which the remaining bulbs of the circuit continue to receive substantially rated current therethrough and substantially rated voltage thereacross and further continue to be illuminated at substantially constant illumination even though other or substantially all of the other bulbs in the string are either inoperative or are missing from their respective sockets.

Abstract: A string set of series-connected incandescent bulbs in which substantially all of the bulb filaments in the set are individually provided with a shunt circuit which includes a voltage responsive switch which is inoperative during normal operation of the string set when connected to a source of operating potential and which becomes operative only in response to an increase in the voltage thereacross which exceeds its rating, and in which the remaining bulbs of the circuit continue to receive substantially rated current therethrough and substantially rated voltage thereacross and further continue to be illuminated at substantially constant illumination even though other or substantially all of the other bulbs in the string are either inoperative or are missing from their respective sockets.

Abstract: A string set of series-connected incandescent bulbs in which substantially all of the bulb filaments in the set are individually provided with a shunt circuit which includes a voltage responsive switch which is inoperative during normal operation of the string set when connected to a source of operating potential and which becomes operative only in response to an increase in the voltage thereacross which exceeds its rating, and in which the remaining bulbs of the circuit continue to receive substantially rated current therethrough and substantially rated voltage thereacross and further continue to be illuminated at substantially constant illumination even though other or substantially all of the other bulbs in the string are either inoperative or are missing from their respective sockets.

Abstract: A power strip is described which includes a first unit containing a connecting member and an electrical outlet, wherein the first unit is electrically connected to a plug; and (b) a second unit electrically connected to the first unit, the second unit containing an electrical outlet and a complementary connecting member that is complementary to the connecting member of the first unit, wherein the second unit is removably attached to the first unit by cooperation of the connecting member of the first unit and the connecting member of the second unit.

Abstract: A process and circuitry for drawing current from a power source to produce a first operation, such as a Boolean operation, and reusing the current to generate a further operation. In other words, the current from the first operation may be used to perform a second or subsequent operation. This process is referred generally herein as current recycling.

Abstract: A serializable power receiver/supply unit having a body with terminals, wiring and components, a male terminal is provided at one end of the body, and a female terminal is provided at another end. Wiring connecting the terminals and components in the body, enables one end to be used as power receiver, and the other end to be used as power supply to another unit. The components can include a socket, a timer, a surge protector device or an illuminator. The connection of the male and female terminals with the wiring is through an end seat in which the wiring terminal is inserted.

Abstract: A string set of series-connected incandescent bulbs in which substantially all of the bulb filaments in the set are individually provided with a shunt circuit which includes a voltage responsive switch which is inoperative during normal operation of the string set when connected to a source of operating potential and which becomes operative only in response to an increase in the voltage thereacross which exceeds its rating, and in which the remaining bulbs of the circuit continue to receive substantially rated current therethrough and substantially rated voltage thereacross and further continue to be illuminated at substantially constant illumination even though other or substantially all of the other bulbs in the string are either inoperative or are missing from their respective sockets.

Abstract: A serializable power receiver/supply unit consists of body, terminals, wiring and component, wherein male terminal is provided in one side of body, female terminal which can correspondingly insert with male terminal is provided in another side, there are lines and the connecting component in the body, its one end can be as power receiver for acting component, and another end can be as power supply to another unit. Said component can be socket, timer, surge protector device or illuminator. The connection of said male terminal, female terminal with the wiring is through the end seat of male terminal and female terminal in which the wiring terminal is inserted. Said female terminal provides with an end sleeve, there is a sleeve hole in its central, and the male terminal provides with an end pin which can insert the end sleeve.

Abstract: A modular power strip having two or more modules with each having at least one electrical outlet. The modules are removably connected to each other to provide one or more remote electrical connections. Each module is electrically connected. An electrical cord connecting the modules can be stored when the modules are connected.

Abstract: A new and improved outdoor lighting control system for an outdoor lighting system network for automatically sensing, conveying, and recording data relevant to the operation of the lighting system network so that both control and maintenance can be performed more efficiently. At each of plural lamp locations in the network, there is a controller module that receives electric power input and that supplies electric power to the remaining lamp locations. Each controller module has a first relay to deliver current to one or more outdoor illumination lamps at the controller module's location, and a second relay for switching electric power on to a succeeding lamp location. A first current sensor monitors current to the lamps at each lamp location, and a second current sensor monitors current to the remaining locations. The network's power lines form portions of a bi-directional data link via which data is transmitted from each controller module to a command station, and vice versa.

Abstract: An a.c. current distribution system fed by a current source for providing electrical power to a load, the current distribution system comprising a first and second conductive means connectable to the current source and coupling means to couple substantially one half of the load in series at a first position along the first conductive means and to couple substantially the other half of the load in series at a second position along the second conductive means, the first and second positions being substantially the same distance along the first and second conductive means from the current source.

Abstract: An improved method and system for providing power to digital potentiometers is provided by applying the static electric field of an adjacent modified, non-volatile memory cell to the wiper mechanism. During periods of power removal to the circuitry as a whole, the potentiometer maintains the selected resistance via this static power supply.

Abstract: A power strip is described which includes a first unit containing a connecting member and an electrical outlet, wherein the first unit is electrically connected to a plug; and (b) a second unit electrically connected to the first unit, the second unit containing an electrical outlet and a complementary connecting member that is complementary to the connecting member of the first unit, wherein the second unit is removably attached to the first unit by cooperation of the connecting member of the first unit and the connecting member of the second unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dry control cartridge for providing a plurality of voltage and impedance inputs to an electrochemical analysis instrument for verification of its proper functioning. The dry control cartridge includes a battery and a plurality of electrical circuits for providing a plurality of predetermined voltage and impedance outputs. The dry control cartridge is adapted for insertion into an electrochemical analysis device using probe electrodes to measure microvolt-range potential differences, appropriate to the input ranges inherent in the instrument. By comparing the measured voltage and impedance inputs to the predetermined outputs of the cartridge, verification of the instrument's proper functioning and accuracy may be made.

Abstract: A new and improved outdoor lighting control system for an outdoor lighting system network for automatically sensing, conveying, and recording data relevant to the operation of the lighting system network so that both control and maintenance can be performed more efficiently. At each of plural lamp locations in the network, there is a controller module that receives electric power input and that supplies electric power to the remaining lamp locations. Each controller module has a first relay to deliver current to one or more outdoor illumination lamps at the controller module's location, and a second relay for switching electric power on to a succeeding lamp location. A first current sensor monitors current to the lamps at each lamp location, and a second current sensor monitors current to the remaining locations. The network's power lines form portions of a bi-directional data link via which data is transmitted from each controller module to a command station, and vice versa.

Abstract: A vehicular use power feed apparatus comprising a battery and a plurality of power distribution units connected in a loop via power feed lines. Each power distribution unit has a current monitoring circuit, a current amount determination circuit, and a current direction determination circuit, detects the direction of current and magnitude of current flowing through the power feed line, and thereby detects an occurrence of a short-circuit. A control unit exchanges information regarding occurrence of short-circuits with adjoining power distribution units via a multiplex signal transmission unit so as to pinpoint the trouble point. The control unit operates the relay switch circuits on the two sides to break the connection so as to isolate the trouble point in cooperation with the control unit of the adjoining power distribution unit. The other relay switch circuit is operated to establish a connection so as to establish a new power feed line.

Abstract: A new and improved outdoor lighting control system for an outdoor lighting system network for automatically sensing, conveying, and recording data relevant to the operation of the lighting system network so that both control and maintenance can be performed more efficiently. At each of plural lamp locations in the network, there is a controller module that receives electric power input and that supplies electric power to the remaining lamp locations. Each controller module has a first relay to deliver current to one or more outdoor illumination lamps at the controller module's location, and a second relay for switching electric power on to a succeeding lamp location. A first current sensor monitors current to the lamps at each lamp location, and a second current sensor monitors current to the remaining locations. The network's power lines form portions of a bi-directional data link via which data is transmitted from each controller module to a command station, and vice versa.

Abstract: A power distribution system in which the loads are connected in series to a current source. At each load, a current source to voltage source convertor provides alternative current paths. A serial power distribution current path includes a modulated switch (e.g. a pulse width modulated switch) to control the amount of power delivered to the load via a load current path. The load current path includes a diode which couples a capacitor across the switch, providing a semi-regulated voltage input to a d.c. to d.c. convertor connected across the capacitor. The d.c. to d.c. convertor provides a regulated output voltage, which is connected to the load. The control circuit for modulating the opening and closing of the switch is connected in parallel across the capacitor.

Abstract: An electrical go-go light belt includes a sawtooth or step-wave generator. The sawtooth or step-wave is transmitted to a lamp section via a drive line, the voltage of the rising sawtooth or step-wave being supplied to a voltage divider to trigger silicon controlled rectifiers and turn on any bulbs that are connected in series with the rectifiers one by one. The rearmost bulb in a preceding lamp section is turned on to trigger the sawtooth or step-wave generator of the relay circuit of the next lamp section so as to turn on the bulbs of that section, the last bulb of which triggers the sawtooth or step-wave relay of a further section, and so forth. A control system regulates the frequency of the sawtooth or step-waves emitted by the sawtooth or step wave generator of the current lamp section, and the relay circuits, in order to control the rate at which bulbs are turned on.

Abstract: First and second terminals between which a predetermined source voltage is applied and between which are connected, a plurality of electronic circuit blocks connected in series, and a plurality of semiconductor devices which are turned on when voltages exceeding predetermined threshold voltages thereof are applied thereto. The sum of threshold voltages of the plurality of semiconductor devices is higher than the source voltage. The semiconductor devices are forward-connected in series between the first terminal and the second terminal, wherein connection points among the plurality of electronic circuit blocks connected in series are connected to selected connection points among the plurality of semiconductor devices connected in series so that at least one of the semiconductor devices is connected in parallel in respective one of the plurality of electronic circuit blocks.

Abstract: A simplified dual connection system electrically interconnects the vehicles of a train. The train features a trainline to be formed through series interconnection of a wire on each vehicle. The simplified dual connection system includes a central computer, a connector control device on each vehicle and a pair of mateable connectors between each pair of vehicles of the train. Each pair of mateable connectors electrically interconnects the wires of each pair of adjacently disposed vehicles to form the trainline. When the mateable connectors are mated, a primary electrical path and a redundant electrical path are formed in that pair of connectors for the trainline. Each connector has a bidirectional circuit that interconnects a main node and a backup node for the wire on the vehicle.

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: 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: An asynchronous serial communication device in which data transmitted at different speeds coexist and are exchanged. Time losses when errors are generated are effectively eliminated when asynchronous serial data communications for diagnostic failures are performed between a diagnosing tool and an electronic controller via a communications line. In performing the data communications, first data are exchanged between these devices at a low transmission speed and then by switching the speed to high speed various data are exchanged. In a case where communication errors are generated during exchanging, the operation is started again from the data exchanging at the low speed. Here, the edges of the data sampled at the low speed are detected by an edge detecting terminal provided in a communication circuit. A communication error is identified when a difference between a first edge detecting time and a next edge detecting time is shorter than 1 bit time of the low transmission speed data.

Abstract: A lighting control system consisting of microcontroller enabled modular lighting circuits linked by asynchronous serial communication originating in a microprocessor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing distortion currents present in an alternating current power system supplying power to a load which includes a passive filter and an active filter. In a first embodiment, the passive filter is operably connected to the power system across the load by a switching device. An active filter is then connected across the switching device and operated to draw a current equal to the current through the passive filter. The active filter and the passive filter are thereby connected in series across the load. The active filter is controlled to draw a fundamental frequency component and to provide distortion currents required by the load. In a second embodiment, the active filter is connected in parallel with a first circuit, the parallel combination of which is connected in series with a second circuit across the load.

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: An electric power supply system distributes power voltage levels to electric circuits different in operating voltage from one another, and comprises a plurality of step-down units each coupling two of the electric circuits, wherein each of the plurality of step-down units comprises a first step-down transistor having an emitter-and-collector current path coupled between the associated two electric circuits, and a second step-down transistor having an emitter-and-collector current path between one of the associated two electric circuit and another step-down unit so that part of current from one of the associated two electric circuits is reused in the other of the associated two electric circuits.

Abstract: Voltage drop developed across a transformer primary winding coupled in series with a primary a.c. power circuit including an a.c. power source and an a.c. load is utilized to provide a secondary source of a.c. power having secondary voltage level stability which is substantially independent from otherwise influential changes in primary power circuit levels. Secondary power stabilization is mainly established by constant voltage limiting of the primary winding excitation by the forward voltage drop developed across an arrangement of semiconductor junctions coupled in parallel with the primary winding. The transformer may be used to change the source level of the secondary a.c. power which is produced, and to obtain electrical isolation between the primary power circuit and any ancillary circuits coupled with the secondary a.c. power source.

Abstract: A power circuit for N series connected loads according to the present invention includes N transformers having primary windings connected in series across a constant current AC source and secondary windings connected in series with the N loads. N-1 conductors are coupled from a junction between the loads to a corresponding junction between the secondary windings. Failure of one of the loads resulting in an open circuit will not interrupt power to the remaining loads.

Abstract: A digital control circuit for controlling the illumination of a plurality of lamp bulbs to create a decorative light display. The circuit includes a rectifier for converting alternating current to direct current as power for the digital elements of the control circuit and for the lamp bulbs of the display. The display is formed by a plurality of strings of series connected lamp bulbs each of which strings is supplied d.c. power through individual SCRs. The control circuit includes two oscillators, two decoders and a carry-out control which generate two different sequences of output signals at two different frequencies. The two sequences of output signals from the control circuit are each applied through isolating diodes and individual trigger circuits to the gate electrodes of the SCRs, causing the SCRs to conduct and illuminate each of the strings of lamps in sequences corresponding to the sequences of control circuit output signals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a switching device for use in a series loop circuit, and more particularly to a switching device for uncoupling defective circuit components from the series loop circuit, for conducting quick trouble-shooting procedures to locate breaks or shorts in the circuit, and for enabling efficient preventive maintenance programs of the circuit components in order to keep them in good repair, with minimal shutdown time of the circuit or interruption in the supply of power to remaining circuit components. The device according to the invention includes a multi-position selector switch which permits in-situ testing of the circuit components so that down-time of the circuit is significantly reduced, and ease of maintenance is enhanced.