Abstract: A device for calibrating a spray gun and an associated method are provided. The spray gun has a nozzle that is opened and closed by moving an internal needle out of and into sealing engagement with the nozzle. A virtual position of the needle is tracked and recorded by the control system. The control system is recalibrated when the virtual position and the actual position of the needle do not correspond. The device includes a sensor structured to detect characteristics of the current used to power the solenoid, and to identify an anomaly in solenoid current characteristics associated with an actuator member seating against said solenoid. During calibration, the solenoid is placed in a. calibration configuration and the identifiable anomaly is detected. When the identifiable anomaly is detected, the spray gun is returned to an initial configuration and the virtual needle position is reset.

Abstract: An electromagnetic relay, includes: a housing; a contact member housed in the housing; a wiring that is housed in the housing, and is connected to the contact member; a measurement unit that is housed in the housing and inserted in the middle of the wiring, and measures a current which flows through the wiring; and a first terminal that is pulled out from the housing and is connected to the measurement unit.

Abstract: A switching circuit for connection to a load and to a voltage source is provided. The switching circuit includes at least one switching device for switching on and off power to the load. A pulldown device is provided for shorting out the load thereby isolating the load from the voltage source; and a controller operable while the load is shorted to activate at least one of the switching devices at a time. The current passes through the activated switching device and is measurable to test whether the activated switching device is operating correctly.

Abstract: To restrict a bowing amount of a piezoelectric actuator, provided is a switching apparatus comprising a contact point section including a first contact point; and an actuator that moves a second contact point to contact or move away from the first contact point. The actuator includes a first piezoelectric film that expands and contracts according to a drive voltage to change a bowing amount of the actuator, and a second piezoelectric film that is provided in parallel with the first piezoelectric film and restricts bowing of the actuator when the drive voltage is not being supplied to the first piezoelectric film.

Abstract: In a device for controlling an electromagnetic valve, input device(s) write a multitude of measured values for the current and/or the voltage into a first memory to represent a characteristic. Analysis device(s) perform a state analysis and/or a change-over-time analysis. On the basis of the state analysis and/or the change-over-time analysis, evaluation device(s) correct at least one control variable, which characterizes the control, and write it into a second memory. Control device(s) control an output stage on the basis of the control variables.

Abstract: The designed circuit is used for testing all kinds of discharge counter for lightning arresters. Discharge counter for lightning arresters are used in substation and all power plants with various voltages and discharge currents. The lightning arresters counter tester creates the needed voltage and current that operates the counter and simulates the conditions that the counter works in; therefore it can be concluded whether the counter works well or not.

Abstract: Feedback from a solenoid is achieved by adding at least one variable resistance in parallel with the solenoid current feedback circuit for position detection. The resistance has current flowing therethrough when a switching device actuated by the solenoid is in one position or transitions from one position to at least one other position. A feedback current may be measured in the current feedback circuit and the position of the switching device in response to actuation thereof by the solenoid may be determined from the measured feedback current.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a device comprises a circuit with at least one circuit element; measurement circuitry capable to test a state of the at least one circuit element during an operation of the circuit, the measurement circuitry comprising a first terminal configured to be coupled to a first node of the circuit via a first capacitor, a second terminal configured to be coupled to a second node of the circuit, wherein the measurement circuitry is configured to determine in situ an operating state of the at least one circuit element based on signals applied by the measurement circuitry to the circuit during the operation of the circuit.

Abstract: System and methods are provided for monitoring a state of a switch element connecting a DC power supply to a load. A system includes a transformer having first and second windings, where a first end of the second winding electrically coupled to a first switch node of the switch element. The system also includes a transmit circuit configured for providing a waveform at the first winding and a sensor element having galvanically isolated input and output nodes for inducing a monitor signal at the output nodes in response to a signal at the input nodes. The system further includes a receive circuit coupled to the output nodes and configured for generating one or more output signals in response to the monitor signal. The system also includes capacitor elements for providing DC isolation for the second winding with respect to the first switch node and the sensor element.

Abstract: A method for determining an actuation delay time for an electromechanical relay includes capturing a current waveform of an energized coil, determining a time at which the actuation component begins to move by analyzing the captured current waveform, and calculating the actuation delay time for the relay based on the time at which the actuation component begins to move. A method for determining a state of a latching relay includes energizing the coil of the latching relay, capturing a current waveform of the energized coil, and determining the state of the relay by analyzing the captured current waveform.

Abstract: An electromagnetic opening/closing device comprises: a measurement part that measure a change associated with opening/closing of a contact (the number of times the contact has been opened or closed); a life determining part that determines a state of the contact, based on the change (the number of times the contact has been opened or closed) measured by the measurement part; and an output part that outputs the determined result by the life determining part to outside. Accordingly, differently from the conventional technique, an apparatus, equipped with the electromagnetic opening/closing device, has no need to count the number of times the contact has been opened or closed in order to manage the lifetime of the device, and it is possible to easily manage the lifetime compared with conventional devices.

Abstract: An electric operating system for a construction machine includes a first insulation resistance degradation detection device including a first voltage waveform generation device and a first detection section. The first detection section is connected to an electrical storage device and to the first voltage waveform generation device with respect to a relay and is adapted to detect degradation in the insulation resistance of the electrical storage device by measuring waveform changes input from the first voltage waveform generation device. A second insulation resistance degradation detection device includes a second voltage waveform generation device and a second detection section connected to a drive system and to the second voltage waveform generation device with respect to the relay, and is adapted to detect degradation in the insulation resistance of the drive system by measuring waveform changes input from the second voltage waveform generation device.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus for diagnosing a relay contact of an electric vehicle and a method thereof. The method includes measuring a first voltage input from a high-voltage battery to an inverter; comparing the first voltage with a second voltage output through the high-voltage battery; identifying a detection time point of the first voltage when the first voltage is greater than the second voltage; and determining whether a high-voltage relay, which intermits an output voltage of the high-voltage battery, is malfunctioned based on the identified detection time point.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tester, its use and a method for testing signal lines of a flight control system for a trimmable horizontal stabilizer (THS) motor of an aircraft. The tester comprises at least one test-relay (52, 54) to be connected with a relay socket of the flight control system, when the signal lines of the flight control system are to be tested, and at least one indicator (60, 70, 80, 90) being electrically connected with the at least one test-relay (52, 54) for indicating whether a voltage being applied to the test-relay (52, 54) is equal to or larger than a predetermined voltage. The method according to the invention comprises the steps of connecting at least one test-relay (52, 54) of a tester (1), in place of the original relay, with the relay socket of the flight control system, applying a voltage to the at least one test-relay (52, 54) and determining whether a voltage being applied to the at least one test-relay (52, 54) is equal to or larger than a predetermined voltage.

Abstract: In a method for operating a magnetic switching element, at least one connection of at least one sensor device is connected to at least one connection of a coil of the magnetic switching element, and at least one measuring state is established in which the at least one connection of the coil is largely at least temporarily decoupled from a ground, a voltage source, and/or a current source activating the coil, and at least one auxiliary voltage and/or at least one auxiliary current is/are applied to the at least one connection of the coil in the measuring state, and at least one sensor signal is ascertained from at least one electrical potential, at least one potential difference, and/or at least one current flowing at the connections of the coil.

Abstract: A method for predicting the usability of a relay or a contactor is described herein. A current flowing through the relay or the contactor and/or a voltage applied to the relay or the contactor is measured repeatedly, and the measured values are transmitted to an observation unit. The observation unit makes a prediction relating to the usability of the relay or of the contactor on the basis of the measured values and a model. Furthermore described are an observation unit and a battery which are configured to carry out the method according to the disclosure.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and an arrangement for diagnosing drivers of contactors, to a battery, and to a motor vehicle having such a battery. According to the method, information relating to switching states of at least three drivers of a contactor is stored, with information relating to respective associated desired values of at least one predefinable parameter, in a computer-readable memory. Actual switching states of at least some of the drivers are detected with associated actual values and are compared with the stored desired values in order to diagnose the drivers. A fault is diagnosed if at least one actual value differs from a desired value.

Abstract: Provided is a battery system which can ensure high safety even when the battery system is constructed using a mechanical relay. The battery system includes: a battery module where a plurality of battery cells are connected to each other in series; a switching circuit which is connected to the battery module in series; a control unit which controls the switching circuit; and a welding diagnosis circuit which diagnoses welding of the switching circuit, wherein the switching circuit is constituted by connecting a first relay switch and a second relay switch in series, and the welding diagnosis circuit includes a voltage measuring device which measures a voltage between the first relay switch and the second relay switch.

Abstract: A power supply device includes: a power supply; a first contactor and a second contactor that are connected between the power supply and a load; a voltage detection circuit that detects a voltage between a load side of the first contactor and a power supply side of the second contactor; and a control unit that sets the contactors to an open/closed state. In a state in which electrical power has not been supplied to the load, a voltage which is greater than zero and less than a voltage at the power supply is applied between a positive electrode and a negative electrode on the load side; and after controlling the contactors to an open state, the control unit makes a decision as to whether or not one of the contactors is welded based upon detection results of the voltage detection circuit.

Abstract: It is aimed to provide a probe card test system and a relay driving test method for probe cards which can automatically and continuously perform tests without bringing needle tips into contact with a number of relays mounted on a probe card and by using a device. In a probe card test system for testing a probe card using a tester, the probe card includes a substrate having a first probe and a first relay connected to the first probe, a relay controller for the first relay and a first measurement channel for connecting the first relay and the first probe to the tester are further provided on the substrate. The tester includes a DC power supply, a control board for controlling the relay controller for the first relay, and a first measurement circuit connected to the first measurement channel, the DC power supply and a voltmeter. The first measurement circuit includes a first resistor having a predetermined time constant and a first changeover switch to be connected to the first measurement channel.

Abstract: A control unit for a rotary electric machine includes a first current command module, a second current command module, a change module, and a return module. The first module performs a first current command on a maximum efficiency characteristic line on a d-q plane thereby to drive the machine at a maximum efficiency. The second module performs a second current command on a switching line set at a retard angle side relative to the maximum efficiency characteristic line. The change module changes a control mode from a rectangular wave voltage phase control mode to an overmodulation current control mode when an operation point of the machine reaches the switching line. The return module returns the current command from the second command to the first command after performance of the second command for a predetermined period.

Abstract: The present invention allows a technician a quick reference diagnostics of an automotive individual electrical circuit by replacement of the OEM relay with a diagnostics relay incorporating a series of LED bulbs designed to illuminate individually upon completion of each internal switching function. Adjacent to an LED is a voltage portal which allows measurement of voltage during each function stage of relay switching.

Abstract: Disclosed is a main relay monitoring system and method for a green vehicle, where a main relay is installed between a high voltage battery and an inverter in order to diagnose whether the main relay, which controls the output of the high voltage battery, is fused. In particular a switching operation of an inverter is stopped when an ignition off is detected, and a main relay is turned off and a voltage output of a main battery is cut. Then, a voltage charged at a DC link capacitor is forcibly discharged once the main relay is completely turned off. A voltage of the main battery is then compared to an input voltage of the inverter, and a determination is made based off of this comparison whether the main relay is fused.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of batteries, first and second relays, a relay control module, and a welding indication module. The batteries are electrically connected and collectively output power for an electric motor via first and second nodes. The first relay is connected between a first output of the batteries and the first node. The second relay is connected between a second output of the batteries and the second node. The relay control module controls the first and second relays. The welding indication module commands the relay control module to open the first relay during a diagnosis period, commands the relay control module to close the second relay during the diagnosis period, and indicates whether the first relay is welded closed based on a voltage between the first and second nodes during the diagnosis period.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to checking a rotational speed relay of a wind turbine. The wind turbine comprises a rotational speed sensor for the rotational speed of a shaft. The rotational speed sensor outputs a rotational speed signal, which is fed to a signal input of the rotational speed relay. According to disclosure, the rotational speed signal fed to the rotational speed relay is first inactivated. Then a signal generator is activated, which produces a check signal equivalent to the rotational speed signal. The check signal is fed to the signal input of the rotational speed relay. The signal generator is operated with a check signal that is beyond a rotational speed limit, and a check is performed to determine if the rotational speed relay generates a switch-off command. This allows the functional capability of the rotational speed relay to be checked reliably and at low cost.

Abstract: A device for testing a solenoid valve includes: a voltage generator for applying a short pulse of voltage, which is not long enough to open the solenoid valve, to the windings of the solenoid valve; a current meter configured for measuring the current flowing through the windings of the solenoid valve; and an analysis device which is configured for analysing the current measured by the current meter for detecting a potential fault of the solenoid valve.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a sensor for circuit testing has a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal is configured to be coupled to a first node of a first circuit via a first capacitor, and the second terminal is configured to be coupled to a second node of the first circuit. The sensor also has at least one transmitter and at least one receiver that measures a first transmission factor between the first terminal and the second terminal. The sensor determines that the first circuit is in a first state if the first transmission factor is above a first threshold, and determines that the first circuit is in a second state if the first transmission factor is below the first threshold.

Abstract: A method of testing a relay set which includes mapping a relay set to an undirected graph indicative of a topology of the relay set and includes vertices indicative of channels of the relay set and edges extending between corresponding vertices indicative of relays. Values based on a characteristic of a relay of the relay set that corresponds to the respective edge of the undirected graph are stored. A plurality of candidate test paths for a relay-to-test that each connects a first input/output (I/O) channel and a second I/O channel, and includes the relay-to-test are identified. A total value for the edges of the candidate test paths is determined for each of the candidate test paths. The total values are compared to one another and a test path is determined for the relay-to-test based on the comparison.

Abstract: A recording device is for recording the switch state of an electromagnetic switch device. In at least one embodiment, the recording device includes a housing, in which a plunger is movably mounted. The plunger may be moved between two mechanical end positions, wherein the end positions of the plunger correspond to the switch states of the electromagnetic switch device. A sensor device is arranged in the housing by which it may be recorded in which of the end positions the plunger is and from which a corresponding electrical signal may be emitted. The sensor device is designed to be able to record the position of the plunger without contacting the plunger.

Abstract: In an integrated circuit, a state of a switch coupled to the integrated circuit is determined by comparing a switch voltage at a first terminal of the switch to a reference voltage at a first time. If the switch voltage is higher than the reference voltage, the switch is determined to be in a first state. If the switch voltage is lower than the reference voltage, the switch voltage is stored in a storage element to produce a stored voltage. The stored voltage is compared to the switch voltage at a second time after the first time. A determination is made that the switch is in the first state if the switch voltage is higher than the stored voltage at the second time. A determination is made that the switch is in a second state if the switch voltage is not higher than the stored voltage at the second time.

Abstract: A method of testing a solenoid of a directional control valve in a subsea hydrocarbon production system, the solenoid having a coil and an armature for operating the valve and the coil being energized by a drive voltage across it, the method comprises removing or reducing the drive voltage and sensing current through the coil to produce an indication of movement of the armature.

Abstract: A system for collecting data and monitoring the operation of electrical circuits, such as branch circuits at a substation is provided. The system collects data from a plurality of sensors coupled to a plurality of electrical equipment associated with a circuit. The data from the sensors is collected and used to identify signatures in the data to ascertain potential issues in the electrical protective circuit. The data is further analyzed to determine signatures of abnormal operating conditions. The signatures are compared to reference signatures to identify the abnormal conditions and corrective action is initiated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an abnormal switching monitoring device and method. A time point when a high-side switch in which a first electrode receives an input voltage is turned on, a time point when a low-side switch that is connected to a second electrode of the high-side switch is turned on, a time point when a charge current begins to flow to a bootstrap circuit, and a time point when a charge current stops flowing to the bootstrap circuit are compared so as to determine whether or not non-zero voltage switching occurs. The bootstrap circuit supplies an operating current to a gate driver controlling a switching operation of the high-side switch.

Abstract: An electrical power supply device for a logic unit (1), includes a control member (7) that can transmit a control voltage (6), a power relay (3), transmitting a power voltage (2) when it is controlled, an electronic stage (8) controlling the power relay (3) when the electronic stage (8) receives a control voltage (6, 22) from the control member (7) or from the logic unit (1), a voltage regulator (12) transmitting a power supply voltage (20) to the logic unit (1) when it receives the power voltage (2) from the power relay (3) and a control voltage (6, 23) and a wake-up element (17) capable of transmitting an additional control voltage (24) to the voltage regulator (12) when the power relay (3) transmits the power voltage (2). The power supply is applicable to motor vehicle computers and to the detection of failure of the relay stage (3, 8).

Abstract: A method and apparatus diagnoses a correct operation of a phase or star point isolation relay in an electric power steering system of the kind including a motor drive circuit and at least one phase isolation relay which connects a part of the drive circuit to a phase of the motor. The relay is opened during shutdown to isolate the motor phase from the part of the drive circuit and is normally closed during operation of the motor to connect the phase to the part of the drive circuit.

Abstract: A method of testing a relay set which includes mapping a relay set to an undirected graph indicative of a topology of the relay set and includes vertices indicative of channels of the relay set and edges extending between corresponding vertices indicative of relays. Values based on a characteristic of a relay of the relay set that corresponds to the respective edge of the undirected graph are stored. A plurality of candidate test paths for a relay-to-test that each connects a first input/output (I/O) channel and a second I/O channel, and includes the relay-to-test are identified. A total value for the edges of the candidate test paths is determined for each of the candidate test paths. The total values are compared to one another and a test path is determined for the relay-to-test based on the comparison.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the state of health (SOH) of a solenoid powered by a battery includes measuring a voltage and a current supplied to the solenoid by the battery, using a processor to determine each of an equivalent resistance and inductance of the solenoid using the voltage and the current, comparing the equivalent resistance and the equivalent inductance to a corresponding calibrated threshold, and recording deviations from the corresponding calibrated thresholds as a pair of SOH values. A trend of the SOH values is continuously monitored, and an appropriate control action is taken when either SOH value drops below a calibrated lower limit. A solenoid monitoring system includes a solenoid, voltage and current sensors, and a controller having an algorithm for continuously monitoring a state of health (SOH) of the solenoid as set forth above.

Abstract: An electromechanical protective relay includes a base and an electromechanical coil supported on the base. The relay also includes a load sensor electrically coupled to the electromechanical coil that measures a current passing through the electromechanical coil and that is supported on the base, a trip contact supported on the base and located and configured such that it completes a circuit when the electromechanical coil senses an undesirable condition, and a trip sensor electrically coupled to the trip contact that measures a current passing through the trip contact and that is supported on the base.

Abstract: A valve has a valve piston, at least one coil and at least one magnetized component. An induction voltage is induced in the at least one coil, by a movement of the valve piston in the valve through a magnetic field produced by the magnetized component. A reference point is acquired, which is representative of a start of a current activation cycle of the valve. In the current activation cycle a point is determined as a function of a characteristic pattern of the induction voltage, which is representative of an end of a movement process of the valve piston in the valve. A current response time is determined as a function of the point and the reference point. At least one error condition is determined as a function of the response time. An error is identified, when the at least one error condition is satisfied.

Abstract: A monitoring and switching device for use with a towed vehicle includes a relay circuit that has a pair of terminals that are adapted to be connected with another circuit. A detection circuit is in communication with the relay circuit. The detection circuit can detect closing of the relay circuit and send an electrical signal that the relay circuit has been closed.

Abstract: An electromagnetic relay has a solenoid formed from a wound coil, a movable contact-point block having a movable iron core, an insulation holder integrated with the upper end portion of the movable iron core and a movable contact piece which is biased toward and supported by the insulation holder through a contact pressing spring, and a fixed iron core fitted in a through hole in a yoke. A restoring spring is inserted into an axial hole of the solenoid. The movable iron core of the movable contact-point block is slidably inserted into the axial hole of the solenoid from thereabove. The fixed iron core is inserted into the axial hole from therebelow. The movable iron core is adapted to be slid into the axial hole based on the magnetization force and the demagnetization of the coil to move the movable contact-point block back and forth.

Abstract: In the field of current differential protection relays there is a need for improvements in or relating to the protection relays to allow them to accommodate current transformer saturation while maintaining a desired degree of reliability. A method of operating a current differential protection relay following a fault, the protection relay being electrically coupled to a protection zone of an electrical power system, comprises the steps of establishing a fault condition by discriminating between an internal fault inside the protection zone and an external fault outside the protection zone; and modifying the sensitivity of the protection relay according to the nature of the fault condition.

Abstract: A system for collecting data and monitoring the operation of electrical circuits, such as branch circuits at a substation is provided. The system collects data from a plurality of sensors coupled to a plurality of electrical equipment associated with a circuit. The data from the sensors is collected and used to identify signatures in the data to ascertain potential issues in the electrical protective circuit. The data is further analyzed to determine signatures of abnormal operating conditions. The signatures are compared to reference signatures to identify the abnormal conditions and corrective action is initiated.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement are disclosed for monitoring connections of a switch intended for activating a safety function, the switch having at least two poles. The arrangement can supply voltages to first sides of two poles of the switch through first connections, and monitor the voltages supplied through the switch and further from second sides of the two poles of the switch to a device through second connections. The arrangement can form a voltage difference between the voltages to be supplied to the first sides of the two poles of the switch, and detect a connection failure when the difference between the voltages supplied to the device does not correspond with the formed voltage difference or when the difference between the voltages supplied to the device is substantially zero.

Abstract: A circuit for, and method of, detecting a signal level on a node and a mobile telephone device incorporating the circuit or the method. In one embodiment, the circuit includes: (1) a switch coupled between a voltage source and the node, (2) a pulse generator coupled to the switch and configured to generate a pulse to control the switch and (3) a detection circuit coupled to the node and configured to detect a signal level at the node on closure of the switch.

Abstract: A method for testing a protective device as well as a correspondingly configured protective device and test device are provided.

Abstract: A recording device is for recording the switch state of an electromagnetic switch device. In at least one embodiment, the recording device includes a housing, in which a plunger is movably mounted. The plunger may be moved between two mechanical end positions, wherein the end positions of the plunger correspond to the switch states of the electromagnetic switch device. A sensor device is arranged in the housing by which it may be recorded in which of the end positions the plunger is and from which a corresponding electrical signal may be emitted. The sensor device is designed to be able to record the position of the plunger without contacting the plunger.

Abstract: A light guide part (20) is provided along a Z-axis on a side surface of a case (2) of a relay (1). The light guide part is a thick portion formed of a material forming the side surface of the case, and is structurally integral with the other parts of the case. Also, a light emitting device which emits light in response to application of a voltage to coil terminals (41) is provided within the relay (1) (case). A reflection surface (201) which reflects illuminating light emitted from the light emitting device in a (+Y) direction in a (+Z) direction is placed at a lower end of the light guide part. Illuminating light reflected by the reflection surface is guided to a display surface (200) placed at an upper end of the light guide part, to illuminate the display surface.

Abstract: An electrical touch sensor is provided. The electrical touch sensor includes: a touch detection part having at least one touch pad and generating a first signal having a same delay time regardless of whether the object is in contact with the touch pad and a second signal having a varied delay time according to whether the object is in contact with the touch pad; and a contact signal generator generating a contact signal in response to the delay time-difference between the first and second signals. Therefore, it is possible to increase operation reliability by precisely determining whether the object is in contact with the pad, when the object has charge accumulation characteristics more than a certain level, although its conductive is insufficient. In addition, the electrical touch sensor can determine whether the object is in contact with the pad using only one pad to reduce a layout area of a product.

Abstract: An integrated circuit package (1) comprising first and second dies on a laminate (5) in a resin encapsulating housing (6) comprises a digital signal processing integrated circuit (8) fabricated on the first die (2), and a digital-to-analogue converting circuit (9) fabricated on the second die (3). First external terminals (16) are selectively coupled to corresponding first input terminals (10) of the digital signal processing circuit (8) through corresponding primary input switches (19), and first output terminals (11) of the digital signal processing circuit (8) are selectively coupled through primary output switches (23) and secondary input switches (25) to second input terminals (12) of the digital-to-analogue converting circuit (9). Second output terminals (13) of the digital-to-analogue converting circuit (9) are selectively coupled to second external terminals (17) through secondary output switches (30).