Abstract: A multiple function LED night light has at least one LED device and added function(s) such as an air-freshener adaptor device, sonic device, frequency device, sensor device, bug repeller device, second light device, timepiece, electric message device, timer device, temperature device, surge protection device, electric short circuit protection device, base device for installation on an existing lamp socket, emergency light device, or any other electric device(s) suitable for home use to keep people comfortable or safe. The LED device has a first optic means to change the narrow-viewing angle of an LED's spot-light beams into a wider-viewing angle and second optic means to help make the LED night light exhibit a smooth lighting effect. The device may be arranged to fit into an existing night light bulb socket to turn any existing bulb night light into a power saving LED night light.

Abstract: A power black-out sensing system includes: a primary power source providing an alternating current (AC) power using three phase wires and a neutral wire; a secondary power source; a sensing block comprising one or more sensing elements; and a rectifier configured to rectify the AC power from the primary power source and providing a rectified power to the sensing block voltage detector. Two wires of the three phases wires and the neutral wire of the primary power source are connected to rectifier, and a first wire of the two wires is connected to the rectifier via a switch and a second wire of the two wires is directly connected to the rectifier. The sensing block detects a phantom voltage and provides an output signal corresponding the secondary power source during a blackout period.

Abstract: Modular wireless switch system for use in an aircraft, which may include an integrated LED backlight. The system includes a master module having a power supply, a switch, and a wireless communicator configured to communicate a switch state. The system also includes a slave module connectable to the master module, which has a second switch and which is configured to communicate a second switch state using the wireless communicator. All wireless communications may be handled by the master module using a protocol such as ZigBee™. All communications from the slave module may be transmitted to the master module via a wired bus. Additional slave modules are connectable to the bus as desired.

Abstract: An aspect provides a plug including: a connection element for connecting to a port of an information handling device; a detection element disposed within the plug; and an illumination source disposed within the plug; the detection element controlling illumination of the illumination source via detecting the information handling device. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: A system for monitoring or controlling conditions or apparatuses in a home, business or other suitable place is provided. The system includes a first master module that is operative to communicate with a device over an Internet network. The system further includes a server that is operatively connected to the device and the first master module. The server is operative to allow communication between the first master module and the device. The system also includes a first slave module operatively connected to the first master module. The first master module is operative to direct data between the first slave module and the server. The first slave module is operative to establish communication with the first master module through a plug and play connection. The device is operative to allow at least one of controlling and monitoring the first slave module through the server and the first master module.

Abstract: A charging cable, used for charging an electric storage device in an electric vehicle from an external power supply, controls a usage history of the charging cable by a CCID, displays a warning on an external monitor, and regulates charging when a service life limit of the charging cable has been exceeded.

Abstract: A shore power cord includes a power supply connector electrically connected to a vehicle connector. In some cases, the vehicle connector includes features to selectively secure the vehicle connector to a vehicle power receptacle inlet. In some cases, the shore power cord includes a test module that evaluates the condition of the cord set and a power supply when the cord set is connected to the power supply.

Abstract: An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system, which may include a faceplate and an electrical receptacle or switch. The faceplate may include a panel having a first surface, a second surface, and an opening defined in the panel providing communication between the first and second surfaces. The faceplate may also include an interrupter extending from the first surface of the panel having at least two interrupter contacts thereon and a first electrical circuit operatively coupled to the interrupter contacts. The electrical receptacle or switch may include a housing and a second electrical circuit, wherein the second electrical circuit is in communication with the first electrical circuit when the faceplate is mounted on the electrical receptacle or switch and the interrupter is configured to interrupt the second electrical circuit.

Abstract: A device includes a load sensor configured to measure a load demand that indicates that a load is operating in an active state or an inactive state. A load switch is configure to selectively supply electric energy to the a load in accordance with a load control signal. A controller in communication with the load switch and the load sensor is configured to compare the load demand to a load threshold, generate the load control signal based at least in part on the load demand relative to the load threshold, and transmit the load control signal to the load switch when the load demand is substantially equal to or greater than the load threshold. The controller is further configured to determine the load threshold based at least in part on the load demand when the load is operating in either the active state or the inactive state.

Abstract: Errors in work in a bolt or nut tightening process are reduced to an extremely low level. Further, the process of the work is accurately recorded and quality of production processes is improved. A production management device receives information on a production instruction from a superordinate device, optically displays, according to the information, a socket to be selected for work to tighten a bolt or a nut, automatically recognizes a nut taken out from a socket holder, and alarms when the recognized socket and the displayed socket do not agree.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cable structure with indicating function, which comprises a cable, a first connector plug and an indication unit. The first connector plug has a main body and a connection part, and coupled with one end of the cable; and the indication unit is fastened in the main body and installed with at least an indicating device coupled with a circuit board and having an indicating function on the main body, the circuit board is connected to a power circuit between the cable and the first connector plug through a wire, and through a detecting circuit of the circuit board performing a comparison operation, the indicating device is enabled to respectively display the indication of charging in progress and charging finished. As such, a user can directly observe the charging status of the hand-held device through the display of the indication unit without needs of actuating the screen of the hand-held device.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of a power distribution unit having modular components. For example, according to one embodiment, a power distribution unit can include a component portion that comprises at least two modules including outlet modules, circuit protection modules, power input modules, communications I/O modules, and display modules. Each of the at least two modules of the component portion can comprise at least one connection element and can be removably secured to one or more other of the at least two modules via the connection elements. The power distribution unit can also include a housing that defines an interior cavity. The component portion can be removably secured to the housing at least partially within the interior cavity.

Abstract: A method for monitoring and controlling a household appliance is provided. The method has the steps of: monitoring and sampling the power of the household appliance to obtain a first standby power range; monitoring and sampling the power of the household appliance to obtain a set of first real-time power data; calculating a first standby confidence level based on the number of times that the first real-time power data fall within the first standby power range; and determining that the household appliance is in a standby state if the first standby confidence level is greater than or equal to a standby confidence level threshold.

Abstract: An apparatus that enables indication of power utilization from an electrical outlet to be visually provided to a user, comprising receptacles, an illumination means, and a toggle switch. When an electrical power cord is plugged into the apparatus and is drawing any amount of current above zero (0) amps, the illumination means will activate, thereby alerting the user that the device is drawing power, even if the device is turned off, and allowing the user to take corrective action if necessary. The integral toggle switch deactivates the power to the device while leaving it plugged in.

Abstract: A device for automatically assessing the nature of an electrical load includes electrical transducers.

Abstract: A sensor-less technique is described for detecting the status of an AC contactor of a power inverter. In one embodiment, a method is provided of sensing an unexpected condition of an AC contactor used to couple to a power distribution system a power inverter having at least one power conductor. The method includes determining a voltage value for the conductor; determining a current value for the conductor; determining a phase difference using the voltage value and the current value; and monitoring successive values of the phase difference to produce a monitoring result. Depending on the monitoring result, a determination is made whether or not to issue an alert signal. Control routines embodying such technique may be stored on computer-readable media. A power inverter using such technique is described.

Abstract: A circuit for indicating operating status of a plurality of hardware devices of a computer includes a detecting module, a decoding module, and an indicating module. The indicating module includes a dual color indicator and two electronic switches connected to a first input and a second input of the dual color indicator respectively. The detecting module detects an operating status of the plurality of hardware devices, and outputs state signals of each hardware device during power on self test of the computer. The decoding module decodes the state signals, and outputs level control signals to turn on or off the two electronic switches. The dual color indicator indicates operating status of the plurality of hardware devices by shifted to be at different indicating states by the two electronic switches correspondingly.

Abstract: A lighting device including a test device for testing the proper operation of a primary and a secondary power supply alternatively providing electrical power to the light. The test device is attached to a bracket using a single fastener such as a nut and the bracket is attached to a receptacle for the light using a different single fastener, such as a pop-rivet or screw.

Abstract: A system is described including a means for receiving a potential and selectively supplying the potential to a load. The receiving and supplying means being responsive to a load control signal to supply the potential to the load when the load control signal is present. The system also includes a means for measuring a load demand. Also included is a means for controlling the receiving and supplying means. The controlling means continuously providing the load control signal when the load demand is greater than a predetermined threshold. The controlling means temporarily providing the load control signal to determine the load demand when the load demand is less than the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Device operation sensing and control apparatus for use in combination with a wireless security panel which communicates with a remote operations center, to facilitate independent at-home living of, for example, semi-autonomous elderly persons. One apparatus embodiment includes a remotely controlled AC power receptacle module controllable by signals from the wireless security panel and into which a device such as a microwave oven is plugged. An AC current sensor is connected to an alarm system transmitter for transmitting a signal when the device is in use. Another apparatus embodiment senses operation of and allows remote control of power to an electric range. First and second timers and associated alarm system transmitters transmit a “RANGE ON” signal to the wireless security panel when the electric range is in use, and a “RANGE ON FOR X TIME” signal when the electric range has been use for a predetermined length of time.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of a power distribution unit having modular components. For example, according to one embodiment, a power distribution unit can include a component portion that comprises at least two modules including outlet modules, circuit protection modules, power input modules, communications I/O modules, and display modules. Each of the at least two modules of the component portion can comprise at least one connection element and can be removably secured to one or more other of the at least two modules via the connection elements. The power distribution unit can also include a housing that defines an interior cavity. The component portion can be removably secured to the housing at least partially within the interior cavity.

Abstract: An electrical connector apparatus for use with a field device includes a housing having a first end and a second end, an electrical feedthrough subassembly, and a visual indicator viewable from outside the housing. The first end of the housing is configured to mechanically connect to the field device. The electrical feedthrough subassembly extends through at least a portion of the housing and includes a plurality of electrical conductors configured to provide a removable electrical connection at the second end of the housing and a flameproof barrier disposed between the first and second ends of the housing. The visual indicator has a plurality of illumination modes indicative of a power state of the electrical feedthrough subassembly.

Abstract: A power failure alarm for use in sounding a warning in the occasion of a power failure, with built in electrical connectors, and a temporary source of light. The device is housed in a molded plastic enclosure in a rectangular shape and includes an emergency light, night-light, flashlight, and power failure alarm. All unit functions are completely automatic once the unit has been plugged into a standard 120 volt receptacle. The device has a three prong male plug on the back of the body and is designed to occupy one receptacle of a duplex receptacle thus leaving one receptacle still available for use. Alternate embodiments of the device are specifically intended to alert and notify the user of a power failure. The device utilized logic circuitry to determine if a power failure or improper setup has occurred. The battery charging and monitoring circuits ensure the batteries are always charged and ready for use.

Abstract: A galvanic ground isolator adapter protects against galvanic corrosion on a boat when a boat power system is connected to a shore power system. A ground isolation assembly in the ground connection between the two system grounds prevents current from passing between the two system grounds when the voltage difference between the two is low. When the voltage difference exceeds a preset value, the ground connection is established. The adapter is entirely contained within a rigid housing with a male plug at one end and a female socket at the other end. In this form it can be simply connected to a power cord that is normally used in connecting the shore and boat power systems. It may be provided with a locking mechanism that prevents it being removed once it is attached. It may be supplied with a sonic alarm to indicate when current is flowing in the ground connection.

Abstract: A system is described including a means for receiving a potential and selectively supplying the potential to a load. The receiving and supplying means being responsive to a load control signal to supply the potential to the load when the load control signal is present. The system also includes a means for measuring a load demand. Also included is a means for controlling the receiving and supplying means. The controlling means continuously providing the load control signal when the load demand is greater than a predetermined threshold. The controlling means temporarily providing the load control signal to determine the load demand when the load demand is less than the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An exemplary surge current alarm circuit includes a detecting circuit to detect a surge current and convert the surge current into a digital signal with a pulse width corresponding to a duration of an over value part of the surge current when the surge current is over a limitative current value; a processing circuit connected to the detecting circuit to receive the digital signal and generate an alarm signal when the pulse width of the digital signal is over a limitative time; and an alarm circuit connected to the processing circuit to give an alarm upon receiving the alarm signal from the processing circuit.

Abstract: An electrical connector apparatus for use with a field device includes a housing having a first end and a second end, an electrical feedthrough subassembly, and a visual indicator viewable from outside the housing. The first end of the housing is configured to mechanically connect to the field device. The electrical feedthrough subassembly extends through at least a portion of the housing and includes a plurality of electrical conductors configured to provide a removable electrical connection at the second end of the housing and a flameproof barrier disposed between the first and second ends of the housing. The visual indicator has a plurality of illumination modes indicative of a power state of the electrical feedthrough subassembly.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of a power distribution unit having modular components. For example, according to one embodiment, a power distribution unit can include a component portion that comprises at least two modules selected from the group consisting of outlet modules, circuit protection modules, power input modules, communications I/O modules, and display modules. Each of the at least two modules of the component portion can comprise at least one connection element and can be removably secured to one or more other of the at least two modules via the connection elements. The power distribution unit can also include a housing that defines an interior cavity. The component portion can be removably secured to the housing at least partially within the interior cavity.

Abstract: A device for testing the operability of an AC power outlet, a DC power outlet and A/V input jacks may include an AC test circuit, a DC test circuit, an A/V test circuit, a logic circuit, and a system OK indicator. At least the AC test circuit and the DC test circuit may be operatively connected to the logic circuit such that when at least the AC plug and the DC plug are inserted in a functioning power outlets, the system OK indicator is activated.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of a power distribution unit having modular components. For example, according to one embodiment, a power distribution unit can include a component portion that comprises at least two modules selected from the group consisting of outlet modules, circuit protection modules, power input modules, communications I/O modules, and display modules. Each of the at least two modules of the component portion can comprise at least one connection element and can be removably secured to one or more other of the at least two modules via the connection elements. The power distribution unit can also include a housing that defines an interior cavity. The component portion can be removably secured to the housing at least partially within the interior cavity.

Abstract: An electrical indicator system and a method for operating the system includes a plug adapted to be electrically coupled to a power source remote from the vehicle and an indicator adapted to be mounted to the vehicle at a visible location. The indicator is operable to provide a first visual indication when electrical power is present at the plug. The indicator provides a second visual indication, different from the first visual indication, when current is flowing through the plug.

Abstract: The present invention is a thermally activated electrical switch for use in simulating human activity. The invention is features dual heat sources enclosed in a thermally isolated chamber within the invention. Since the activation of the switch is dependent upon the ambient temperature of the environment, it opens and closes at sufficiently random intervals to simulate human activity. This embodiment includes the use of a photoelectric sensor to further vary timing of the switch actuation.

Abstract: A novel system and method for simplifying the management of electronic equipment such as computers, networks, and equipment and communications systems. The system tracks equipment that has been registered in an inventory database without any user involvement. Once registered and connected into the system's power source device, the equipment's location will be easily tracked without human intervention. This information may be used to locate systems in need of up grade, repair or relocation, and further can verify that the correct equipment was moved and that it was moved to the correct location.

Abstract: In some embodiments a connector is to couple a peripheral, and a detector coupled to the connector is to detect if the peripheral is disconnected from the connector in response to a first reserved pin and a second reserved pin.

Abstract: A cable plug retention clip having a clip body adapted to secure a cable plug to a power distribution unit. The clip body has a first retention mechanism adapted to secure the clip body to the power distribution unit, and a second retention mechanism adapted to secure the clip body to the cable plug. A system having a power strip comprising a power outlet adapted to receive a plug of a power cord, and a plug retainer adapted to couple the plug to the power strip. The plug retainer has a first retention mechanism engageable with the power strip, and a second retention mechanism engageable with the plug.

Abstract: The present invention is a simple, inexpensive and reliable device for monitoring and alerting of a power disruption to an appliance or a piece of equipment. An audible and/or visual alarm may be generated in the event that a specific or a piece of electrical equipment becomes disconnected from its electrical source. The device for monitoring and alerting of a power disruption may operate from an internal battery in case the electrical power source to the appliance disrupted. Additionally, a power-surge-suppression, a rechargeable battery, and a charger for the battery may make the device more reliable. The remote receiver may receive a broadcasted alarm signal from the monitoring device and then notify a user with a visual and/or audible alarm at a location where the alarm is more likely to be seen and heard.

Abstract: A circuit testing device includes a housing that is sized and adapted to securely fit into a light bulb socket. The device includes spring-loaded prongs which securely hold the housing in place in the socket until it is desired to remove the testing device. The testing device generates an audible signal when power is applied to the socket to alert a user that power is present, even if the user is located at a distance from the point of test.

Abstract: An alarm device interface system comprising a power strip interface, a communication system, and a response system. The power strip interface comprises an electrical connection for powering and/or receiving a component in the system. The communication system comprises or utilizes sensors to detect a condition and may signal the response system to respond to the condition. Selective sending of the signal can be direct from the sensors, via transfer through a control module, or manually activated. The response system receives the selectively sent signal and may utilize one or more response components to perform a variety of functions.

Abstract: A decorative, illuminated electrical wall outlet cover plate having an LED light source and a translucent face plate. A method and arrangement is described for illuminating a electrical wall outlet to provide an easily changeable, decorative face plate for matching the walls, wallpaper, furniture or other decorative items in a room. The cover plate is made from an acrylic or polycarbonate plastic that can be clear, translucent, transparent, or partially opaque. Preferably, a reflective backing is provided to reflect light in the desired direction and to enhance the effective brightness of the light. In a second embodiment, a power strip is illuminated to more easily locate the plug in area of the power strip.

Abstract: A low cost self-contained power disruption alert device is configured with a light-weight pocket and/or palm sized compact body to generate a local audible alert that is output by a speaker when power to an electrical wall outlet is disrupted.

Abstract: A power line communication MODEM includes a MODEM main body portion and a power supply portion for converting an A.C. power source to a D.C. power source and supplying the D.C. power source to the main body portion through a cable. An attachment plug for inputting the A.C. power source and a plug socket connected to the attachment plug are provided to the power supply portion, and a power source is supplied from this plug socket to an information processing unit such as a personal computer.

Abstract: A fault warning system controls light sources and a warning signal to provide an indication of fatal and non-fatal faults in a communication system. The circuitry uses a pull-down circuit in electrical communication with light and signal control circuits. The circuit can be operated to activate a first light emitting diode (LED) if an operational status of a monitored circuit is either fatal or non-fatal fault. The circuit can be operated to deactivate a second LED if an operational status of a monitored circuit is fatal, and the second LED remains active if the operational status of the circuit is a non-fatal fault.

Abstract: A method and a system for estimating electricity consumption of electric appliances and an abnormality alarm system, enabling estimation of individual electricity consumption of electric appliances in operation in a building or the like by a non-intrusive method, and comprising a measuring sensor (11), data extracting means (12), and estimating means (13) such as an LMC. The estimating means (13) learns based on a training set in advance, and is able to estimate individual electricity consumption of electric appliances in operation. Fundamental and higher harmonics of total load current and their phase differences from voltage are obtained by the data extracting means (12) from measurement data VA, VB, IA, IB detected by an instrument transformer (111) and an instrument current transformer (112) provided in the vicinity of a service entrance 6 of a feeder 4 to a user 2. They are inputted to the estimating means (13) as inputs, thereby estimating individual electricity consumption of the electric appliances.

Abstract: An electrical circuit tester for allowing a user to efficiently test electrical fixtures and switches. The electrical circuit tester includes a housing that has a plurality of prongs that extend from the housing. The prongs are adapted for engaging an electrical outlet of a building. A plurality of lights is coupled to the housing. The lights are lit in a pattern indicating a state of the electrical outlet. A speaker is coupled to the housing. The speaker is for creating an audible tone when the prongs engage the electrical outlet.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a monitor system for detecting occurrence of abnormal situation on the elderly living alone and the like, by using an inexpensive table tap alone, without modifying an electric appliance and a plug which are currently used. A table tap (100) contains an ammeter (103), a judgement unit (104), and a communication unit (105). After connecting an electric appliance which is currently used to the table tap, when the judgement unit (104) decides that the power consumption detected by the ammeter (103) is unusual, the communication unit (105) notifies a base station (109) that an abnormal situation occurs.

Abstract: A telephone line monitoring and alarm apparatus capable of continuously monitoring telephone line status and activating an audio-visual alarm if the telephone line becomes inoperative, incorporates an integral telephone plug to permit direct plug-in connection of the apparatus to a standard telephone wall jack as a self-contained and autonomous unit without the use of interconnecting cables or cable-plug attachments. An integral dual telephone jack splitter permits the uninterrupted use of standard telecommunication equipment, such as telephones, answering machines, or facsimile equipment while the apparatus monitors telephone line integrity. Micropower circuitry derives electrical power from the telephone line to provide visual ON status indication, and from a battery source independently of the telephone communication line voltage, to provide continuous telephone line monitoring, audio-visual alarms and audio-visual low battery voltage indication.

Abstract: A connector that is particularly suitable for use in high speed data transmission is provided in the form of a plug connector that may be terminated to the end of a high speed cable. The connector has a plurality of terminals for terminating to respective signal wires, ground wires and power wires of the cable, and also has an additional terminal that serves to detect and identify status information about the cable to circuits on a circuit board to which the cable is connected thorough the plug connector and a mating receptacle connector. This detection terminal is shorted to another terminal of the connector, preferably a power ground, or return, terminal. The shorting is done with an electronic component that modifies the voltage passing from the shorted terminal through the detection terminal. The modified voltage may be easily read on the circuit board to determine the status of the cable (such as the speed of the cable) or an electronic device attached thereto.

Abstract: A power supply line on the earthed side of an AC power supply is detected in order to prevent the leakage of an electromagnetic wave. A detection apparatus detects the AC line on the earthed side of the AC power supply. A power supply terminal is provided to be connected to the AC power supply. Ground terminals are provided to be connected to ground of an electric equipment. A switching unit selectively connects either of AC lines connected with the AC power supply to ground of the detection apparatus, the selective connection being changed-over. An antenna unit detects an electromagnetic wave leaking out of the electric or electronic equipment. And, a discrimination unit discriminates an earthed side and a non-earthed side of the AC lines on the basis of a level of the electromagnetic wave and based on which of the AC lines is connected to the ground of the detection apparatus.

Abstract: A socket has one or more socket members received in an enclosure, and a current indicator disposed in coupled to the socket members for indicating the current through the socket members and for indicating the overload of the socket. The current indicator includes a coil, and a rotatable indicator to be actuated by the coil to indicate the current of the socket. A device may detect the temperature of the socket and a device may generate a warning signal when the socket is overload. The indicator may shield a photoresistive member when the socket is overload.

Abstract: A self-contained unit intended primarily for tracing the circuit connection between an electrical outlet or lighting receptacle and its corresponding circuit-breaker. The preferred embodiment includes a housing, a male two prong electrical plug, and a sound-producing means. A second embodiment includes a male three prong electrical plug. A third embodiment incorporates a momentary switch which permits testing of a ground fault interrupt across either a hot wire and a neutral, or across a hot wire and the ground. Adapters are used to temporarily adapt bare wires or a lighting receptacle to a female plug so that the device may be used.