Abstract: Estimating electrical parameters of a track circuit including a transmitter, a receiver, and a track section between the transmitter and receiver. The transmitter outputs, over the track section towards the receiver, a signal including a data packet part, and the signal received by the receiver is decoded to determine the data packet received. Simulated signals are generated, via a predetermined software model including parameters of the track circuit, by varying an actual value input for the model parameters, each signal generated corresponding to actual values input for the parameters. Each simulated signal is compared with the signal received at a receiver until finding a part of a simulated signal that matches a corresponding part of the signal received at a receiver. The actual parameter values corresponding to the simulated signal that match the signal received at the receiver are estimated as the actual parameters of the track circuit.

Abstract: A method of controlling the behavior of a latching relay includes receiving a configuration signal of either a first behavior signal or a second behavior signal, receiving a power status signal of either a powered or unpowered signal, receiving either a low-to-high or a high-to-low signal command signal, generating latching pulse in response to receiving a powered signal input as the power status signal and a low-to-high signal as the command signal, generating an unlatching pulse in response to receiving a powered signal input as the power status signal and a high-to-low signal as the command signal input, and generating an unlatching pulse in response to receiving the second behavior signal as the configuration signal and the unpowered signal as the power status signal.

Abstract: The magnetic coil driving circuit of the magnetic contactor according to the present invention comprises a semiconductor switch configured to open or close a circuit for magnetizing or demagnetizing a magnetic coil; a pulse width modulation unit configured to output a pulse signal as a control signal for turning on or off the semiconductor switch; a control unit configured to output a control signal for changing a pulse width of the pulse signal to the pulse width modulation unit; and a temperature detection and protection unit configured to detect a temperature inside the magnetic contactor, output an output signal for turning off the semiconductor switch when the temperature exceeds an allowable temperature, and control the semiconductor switch by the pulse signal from the pulse width modulation unit when the temperature is within the allowable temperature.

Abstract: The present application relates to conversion between electrical and mechanical energy. In preferred forms, a solenoid assembly is provided that may include a housing containing a core member and a coil assembly including at least one coil, a plunger assembly adapted for reciprocal movement within said housing between a first position and a second position, and a driver circuit for energizing the coil assembly to cause the plunger assembly to move at least between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A solid-state magnetic latch solenoid controller which is a multi-terminal device that includes an edge (slope) detector, an adjustable one-shot pulse generator, an input status detector, two or more selectable gate drivers and output powerful MOSFETs. The controller is an extremely low-power consumption device. There is virtually no power consumption (from 1-10 uA) from an internal power source or an external source of energy during either normally closed or open stages. This maintains battery voltage and hence output condition for years. A noticeable amount of power consumed only during the transitional cycles from the open to the closed and vice versa.

Abstract: Power that is supplied to a primary coil of a transformer from a DC power supply that is connected to the primary coil is modulated based on continuous pulses supplied from a microcontroller, and power that is induced between terminals of a secondary coil of the transformer is supplied to a relay. A large driving current can be supplied to the relay thereby, thus making it possible to reduce the ripple component, and, as a result, to achieve stabilized operation.

Abstract: A coloring apparatus 1 includes a coloring nozzle 31 for spouting a coloring material, a signal generator 53, and a controller 19. The coloring nozzle 31 includes an electromagnetic valve 51. The signal generator 53 outputs signals for spouting the coloring material from the coloring nozzle 31 to both a CPU 62 of the controller 19 and a driving circuit 64. The CPU 62 outputs a signal for keeping the electromagnetic valve 51 open to the driving circuit 64 when a frequency of the signals from the signal generator 53 is higher than a specific frequency. When at least one of the signals from the CPU 62 and the signal generator 53 is inputted, the driving circuit 64 applies a spike voltage A and then applies a hold voltage B to a coil 40. While at least one of the signals from the CPU 62 and the signal generator 53 is inputted, the driving circuit 64 applies a spike voltage A and then continuously applies a hold voltage B to a coil 40.

Abstract: A solid-state magnetic latch solenoid controller which is a multi-terminal device that includes an edge (slope) detector, an adjustable one-shot pulse generator, an input status detector, two or more selectable gate drivers and output powerful MOSFETs. The controller is an extremely low-power consumption device. There is virtually no power consumption (from 1-10 uA) from an internal power source or an external source of energy during either normally closed or open stages. This maintains battery voltage and hence output condition for years. A noticeable amount of power consumed only during the transitional cycles from the open to the closed and vice versa.

Abstract: The present teachings generally include a method of controlling a relay. The method generally includes momentarily initiating a pull-in pulse when an input signal indicates a first state. A sense resistor controller is activated based on the pull-in pulse. A current flow is controlled to bypass a sense resistor and flow to the relay based on the activation of the sense resistor controller. The relay is controlled based on the current flow.

Abstract: The present teachings generally include a method of controlling a relay. The method generally includes momentarily initiating a pull-in pulse when an input signal indicates a first state. A sense resistor controller is activated based on the pull-in pulse. A current flow is controlled to bypass a sense resistor and flow to the relay based on the activation of the sense resistor controller. The relay is controlled based on the current flow.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the operation of a solenoid in a circuit breaker includes a control circuit configured to receive an activation signal in response to a predetermined condition. The control circuit, in response to said activation signal, provides a first energizing signal to the solenoid for a first predetermined period, and cuts off the first energizing signal for a second predetermined period. The control circuit further provides a second energizing signal to the solenoid for a third predetermined period.

Abstract: In a method for function monitoring of an electronic-mechanical position switch in which the wiper voltage of a potentiometer acted upon by an actuation tappet is evaluated in comparison to a threshold value in order to activate or deactivate electronic contacts, during first or second test intervals a microcontroller interrupts watchdog signals or contact-closing control signals and checks the state of the switching contacts. If the expected state transition of the switching contacts from the closed into the open state does not occur, then the control signals make the transition to the contact-opening signal level or the watchdog signals are discontinued.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-pulse HVDC system which is capable of minimizing the number of thyristors by providing a thyristor auxiliary circuit in a conventional 12-pulse thyristor HVDC(High Voltage Direct Current), not using an additional stack of a thyristor and which is implemented based on an auxiliary circuit having a multi-pulse thyristor HVDC system like 24-pulse/36-pulse/48-pulse converters. The multi-pulse HVDC system is characterized in that an upper side thyristor converter 12 and a lower side thyristor converter 13 are installed in a ?-?-Y transformer 11, and two current smoothing reactor 39 and a direct voltage dividing condenser 38 are installed between the upper side thyristor converter 12 and the lower side thyristor converter 13, and two thyristors 32, 33: T2 and T1 are connected to one double winding transformer 31.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for operation of an electro-magnet (2, 3) connected to an intrinsically safe direct current circuit which can be switched under control between two positions for the operation of the closing body of a hydraulic valve (5, 6), whereby using of an electronic control unit, the coil windings of the electro-magnet (2, 3) are taken in the pull-in phase of the armature of the electro-magnet to an exciting current and in the retaining phase of the armature to a lower retaining current as opposed to the excitating current, and a device with which the retaining current reduction is realized.

Abstract: A material processing machine such as a wood chipping machine, a press, or other machine comprising an operating region having at least one processing element, and an access region through which material passes to the operating region, has at least one passive sensor that may be worn by a user of the machine, for example, around their wrist, and at least one sensing coil mounted in the access region of the machine for detecting the presence of the passive sensor in the access region. Control circuitry responsive to the at least one sensing coil provides control signals for stopping operation of the machine, preventing start-up of the machine and/or otherwise preventing injury to the machine user.

Abstract: A safety system for a machine such as a wood chipping machine. The safety system has a passive sensor that may be worn on the machine operator's wrist, a sensing coil mounted to a feed chute of the machine for detecting the proximity of the passive sensor, and control circuitry which is responsive to the sensing coil. The circuitry provides a control signal for use in stopping operation of the machine. In use, the presence of the operator's arm in the chute near to parts of the machine that can cause injury will trigger the sensing coil and cause the machine to cease operating, thus circumventing injury to the operator.

Abstract: A system for controlling the connection of power from a main supply (11) to electrical devices (22) by way of switching devices (19). The system includes a low voltage, direct current power supply (10), a plurality of command units (15) connected to and powered from the power supply by way of an electrical connection (14), and a plurality of switching devices (19) connected to and powered from the power supply by way of the electrical connection (14). Each of the command units (15A, 15B and 15C) is arranged to generate a uniquely coded pulse-form command signal to a central processing unit (18) by way of the electrical connection (14), and the central processing unit is arranged to generate pulse-form actuating signals having codes determined by the command signals. The central processing unit is arranged to feed the actuating signals to the switching devices (19) by way of the electrical connection (14).

Abstract: A microprocessor-based control for a solenoid operated device, wherein the microprocessor employs a tri-state output to achieve fast, precise control of the device without overburdening the microprocessor. The system has three selectable control modes: a first control mode in which the solenoid is de-energized, a second control mode in which the solenoid is fully energized, and a third control mode in which the solenoid is pulse-width-modulated. The various control modes are selected by the microprocessor and indicated by the logic level of a tri-state output. In the first and second control modes, indicated by first and second logic levels, the energization state of the solenoid is controlled directly by the microprocessor. In the third control mode, indicated by a third logic level, the energization state of the solenoid is controlled by an external PWM circuit based on PWM commands supplied to the PWM circuit by the microprocessor.

Abstract: Even when a plurality of dispersed power generation systems are connected to a utility gride, an islanding-operation prevention apparatus can easily and assuredly prevent an islanding operation of each dispersed power supply constituting the corresponding dispersed power generation system. The apparatus includes a breaker provided between the utility gride and a dispersed power supply, an electric-power-value detector for detecting a value of electric power from a power line connected to the utility gride, a switch for electrically connecting or disconnecting an electric-power changing device for changing the value of electric power to the power line in accordance with an output from a pulse circuit, and a controller for controlling the breaker in accordance with the width of fluctuations of the value of electric power during the connection or the disconnection. A dispersed power generation apparatus and a dispersed power generation system uses such an apparatus.

Abstract: A switched receptacle includes a latching relay selectively providing power to an outlet receptacle. A drive circuit for the latching relay provides indirect feedback to a logic controller which follows or tracks each relay operation to ensure that the relay is in the commanded mode.

Abstract: A counter electromotive force due to electromagnetic induction is generated on interruption of a current if an actuator 10 is in a normal state. An output signal generated by the counter electromotive force and a pulse signal which is generated from the fall of an input signal applied to the electronic switch are applied to an AND logical circuit 90 to determine whether or not the actuator is defective.

Abstract: A switched power circuit selectively connects an electrical load to any one of a plurality of branch power circuits. The switched power circuit includes a sensing circuit for sensing electrical loading on each of the branch circuits. A logic circuit is coupled to the sensing circuit for selecting one of the branch circuits to be connected to the load according to the sensed loading to provide balanced loading on each branch circuit.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrical connector network for coordinately controlling multiple electrical appliances connected to the network. The network comprises a control outlet connected to an electrical power inlet, at least one slave outlet, and means responsive to current flow to the control outlet for selectively connecting the slave outlets to the power inlet, whereby power is available at the slave outlets only when current flows through the control outlet. In a preferred embodiment, the invention includes a current transformer for sensing current to the control outlet, the transformer producing a secondary current which is conditioned by an amplifier to drive a power triac, actuating a relay controlling power to the slave outlets. The connector network may be embodied in various structures, including extension cords, power strips, wall outlets or electrical appliances.

Abstract: An apparatus for energizing the coil of, and detecting the resultant armature actuation in, a solenoid of the type having a movable armature reciprocable along an axis between first and second positions, a spring bias normally biasing the armature toward the first position, and an actuating coil for inducing a force on the armature tending to move the armature from the first position toward the second position in response to current flow in the actuating coil. A voltage is first provided to the solenoid coil and thereafter, a resulting current flow is differentiated and a zero crossing comparator is utilized to determine when the differentiated current is zero and, therefor, the time at which the sensed current flow reaches a maximum (dv/dt=0). The time at which the armature began to move in response to the resulting coil current may be inferred and the voltage to the solenoid coil interrupted a Predetermined time after the time at which the armature began to move.

Abstract: In order to automatically restore a normal switching position of a relay armature from an accidental OFF switching induced by external impact or the like, the output of the relay is monitored and is applied to a differentiating circuit. A comparator is provided to reflect on and off operations of a main switch. In the event that the output of the relay falls suddenly, the differentiating circuit outputs a pulse to a wave-shaping circuit (e.g., Schmitt trigger). A gate circuit is supplied with the outputs of the wave-shaping circuit and the comparator. The output of the gate circuit momentarily allows a relay driver to actuate the relay in response to the undesired change in relay status, and hence the relay armature resumes ON switching position.

Abstract: A control apparatus for an electromagnetic device having a proportional solenoid has a duty factor calculation circuit for calculating a duty factor on the basis of a control target value, a pulse signal formation circuit for forming a pulse signal based on the calculated duty factor, an exciting current formation circuit for forming an exciting current for electrically stimulating the coil of an electromagnetic apparatus in response to the formed pulse signal, and an integration circuit for integrating the exciting current of the coil in synchronization with the pulse signal. This control apparatus calculates the duty factor using the duty factor calculation circuit from a control target value and the integration value output from the integration circuit.

Abstract: A circuit and method which are operative to activate a peripheral device, such as a printer, in response to a current surge in a parent device, such as a computer or word processor. The circuit includes a detector which is operative to detect a surge in current demanded by the parent device and further comprises electronic switching circuity, including a comparator, connectec to the detector and responsive to an output signal from the detector for activating the peripheral device immediately after the occurrence of the current surge in the parent device. in this manner, the present invention allows the peripheral device to remain inoperable and quiet and consume no power until such time that it is needed and without requiring an operator to expend the time and effort to turn on a power switch for the peripheral device.

Abstract: By providing control logic for initiating a predetermined test sequence depending upon the known state of a relay, a unique testing circuit is attained whereby the relay drivers connected to the opposed sides of the relay coil are fully evaluated without causing the relay to be activated. In the preferred embodiment, the relay comprises a latching-type relay and the relay drivers comprise separate high-power CMOS devices. In this configuration, the control logic separately activates each transistor of each of the high-power CMOS devices without causing the relay to be switched between its two alternate configurations. Furthermore, the control logic originally sets the latching-type relay into one of its two configurations and then shuts off the power until activated for initiating the test sequence. In addition, the control logic is employed to check each transistor during the test sequence and assure its operation.

Abstract: A duty ratio for operating a solenoid is determined by calculating a duty ratio in each of basic periods and determining an operational time for which the solenoid is to be operated within each of the basic periods, based on the calculated duty ratio. When the duty ratio is reduced to the extent that the operational time is shorter than a minimum possible time of operation of the solenoid, an operational time for which the solenoid is to be operated is determined within a new period composed of a plurality of consecutive basic periods.

Abstract: In a relay circuit, a stationary contact of a relay is coupled to a DC voltage source and a moving contact of the relay is coupled to a load circuit. The moving contact is switched to the stationary contact in response to a rapidly rising edge of a DC voltage applied to the relay. A voltage sensor is connected to the moving contact for detecting a voltage which appears thereat. For operating the relay, a switch is closed to apply a voltage from the DC voltage source to a pulse generator. The pulse generator generates a rectangular pulse and applies it to the relay to cause it to switch the moving contact to the stationary contact. If a voltage is not detected by the voltage sensor at the moving contact after energization of the relay, the pulse generator reapplies a rectangular pulse to the relay until a voltage appears at the moving contact, whereupon the pulse generator applies a constant voltage to the relay.

Abstract: A solenoid drive circuit in which a solenoid is intermittently driven while in a powered state. A diode and a resistor are connected from ground to opposite ends of the solenoid to quickly discharge the solenoid. However, during intermittent driving the resistor is short circuited.

Abstract: A relay control system is disclosed for alternately energizing and deenergizing a non-latching relay in response to successive applications of an AC impulse control signal to a control signal input. An impulse processing circuit converts the AC impulse control signal into a DC pulse. The DC pulse toggles a first flip-flop. The output from the first flip-flop is gated through a second flip-flop in response to a clock signal produced by an AC zero-crossing detector to synchronize the second flip-flop output with zero-crossings of the AC power signal. The output from the second flip-flop operates driving circuitry which energizes and deenergizes the relay coil, thereby toggling the relay. A power up reset circuit deenergizes the relay in response to the initiation of the AC power signal and presets the logic circuitry so that the next impulse of the AC control signal will energize the relay.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic device controlling the electromagnet of a multiple operation electrical apparatus.The electromagnetic coil (14) is connected in series to a triac (25) regulated by a generator (32) associated with a monostable flip-flop (34) designed to supply a single pulse of time-length T at each order from a logic circuit (36). A selector (38) cooperates with each output S.sub.1, S.sub.2, S.sub.3 . . . of the logic circuit (36) to choose a predetermined mode of operation of the apparatus (10), particularly remote-operated switch, contactor, or ON-OFF mode.

Abstract: A driver circuit which is responsive to an input AC voltage for providing a drive signal to a load circuit for each activation of a switch. A triggering signal generated by a trigger circuit in response to the activation of the switch energizes a timing circuit during a negative cycle of the input voltage. A control signal from the timing circuit energizes a firing circuit for a selected time period. The drive signal is applied to the load circuit during the time interval in which the firing circuit is energized by the timing circuit.

Abstract: A shutdown circuit for a TV projection monitor includes a standby power supply energizing a main power supply through contacts controlled by a relay winding in the load circuit of a control transistor that is cut off by a pair of latch transistors that receive operating power through the relay winding. Closure of a momentary contact switch effectively disables the latch transistors and grounds one end of the relay winding which is thereby energized to enable the main power supply. Disabling the latch transistors permits the control transistor to become conductive and hold the relay winding energized. A subsequent closure of the momentary contact switch applies sufficient potential to the latch transistors to drive them conductive and disables the relay winding for deenergizing the main power supply.

Abstract: A locking device for utility locks having a lock bolt, wherein a key signal transmitter is disposed in a portable housing and a stationary key signal receiver is disposed in the vicinity of the lock bolt and controls the operation of the lock bolt. The transmitter has a coder for generating a predetermined code specific to the locking device, and the receiver has a decoder for decoding the code generated by the coder. The transmitter coder employs a coding format in which a predetermined sequence of at least three pulses, characterized by at least three different pulse widths is transmitted to the receiver and decoded thereat to unlock the utility lock upon decoding of the predetermined sequence.

Abstract: A solenoid drive circuit includes two output transistors in parallel paths of relatively high and low resistance respectively. The low resistance path transistor is controlled by a voltage comparator arranged to compare the voltage across a common current sensing resistor with a reference voltage. When the input to the circuit is low, the high resistance path transistor is biased on, but where the current is below a set level, only the low resistance path transistor conducts. Only when the comparator changes state as the solenoid current exceeds its set level does switching off of the low resistance path transistor permit the other transistor to turn on. A delay circuit is included which operates to prevent the low resistance path transistor turning on if there is a short circuit across the solenoid.

Abstract: A power control apparatus for applying or removing power to an electrical appliance that is remote with respect to the user. A power subunit which is connected to the appliance receives a signal from a remote control means to either apply or remove power to the appliance.

Abstract: A magnetic flip-flop circuit, predominantly used for hydrophone preamplifs, which allows switching capabilities at a remote location while minimizing the number of conductors. In particular, the circuitry is a magnetic flip-flop system which has a multiple-pole, double-throw latching magnetic relay in combination with a single-pole, nonlatching magnetic relay. The combination is coupled to allow a switching of the magnetic latching relay by merely removing the voltage from a single conductor.

Abstract: A device comprising receiving means mounted on the vehicle, means for establishing an electrical reference voltage corresponding to the speed limit and means for controlling the speed of the vehicle response to the electrical reference voltage. It comprises a capacitor used as a memory connected to the speed control means and means for updating the voltage at the terminals of the capacitor, adapted for connecting an electrical voltage source to the terminals of the capacitor when the vehicle enters the information transmission field, then to isolate the capacitor from this voltage source after a given time.

Abstract: A switching device for the indirect activation and/or termination of systems operatively coupled to the switching device which includes an inductor adapted to be periodically pulse energized, an armature movably mounted with respect to said inductor so as to assume a first and a second position relative to the inductor thereby causing a distinct variation of current flow in the inductor when energized by a periodically applied pulse, a manipulative armature positioning means and an associated electrical circuit responsive to current flowing in said inductor. The members are arranged such that the circuit is adapted to selectively indirectly actuate an external system only when said armature assumes one of said positions and a periodic energizing pulse has reached the inductor.

Abstract: Control of multiple hammer elements in a high speed printing system in which the hammer elements are individually operated by energizing pulses applied to electromagnets is effected by an improved regulation circuit with which additional safety features may be used in cooperative fashion. The additive combination of a full wave rectified signal and the voltage level of a storage capacitor which is being charged by the rectified signal is sensed, converted to a lower level, and compared to a voltage reference. A silicon controlled rectifier which controls charging of the storage capacitor is turned on by this circuit only when current is beginning to flow, thus providing the equivalent of zero crossing initiation and preventing high surge currents from developing. As a further feature, signals generated during times at which printing should not be taking place, such as paper advance, are used to alter the voltage reference level so as to effectively turn off the power during the turnaround interval.

Abstract: A magnetic device comprising two permanent magnets, armature members forming with said magnets a closed magnetic circuit and an external air gap, and means for reversing the direction of magnetization of one of the magnets, whereby the flux is prevented to close along the magnetic circuit and caused to close through the air gap, or caused to close along the magnetic circuit, the flux in the air gap then being suppressed. The said means consist of two distinct coils wound about the magnets. One of the coils is energized for establishing the flux in the air gap, while the other coil is energized for suppressing the flux in the air gap.