Abstract: A control method for determining an operational status of an electrical load of a heavy-duty vehicle includes measuring a global current consumption of the electrical network when the electrical load is not activated, detecting an activation of the electrical load, measuring the global current consumption of the electrical network after the electrical load has been activated, determining an electrical current consumption of the electrical load, determining a reference current consumption of the electrical load, if the difference between the determined electrical current consumption of the electrical load and the determined reference current consumption is higher than a first predetermined threshold and lower than a second predetermined threshold, the second predetermined threshold being higher than the first predetermined threshold, set the operational status of the electrical load to a first status called “nominal operation”.

Abstract: The present invention is provided with: a first contact in a first relay connected to a circuit to be grounded; a resistor which is connected between the first contact and the earth, and which suppresses the flow of electric current to the first contact when the first contact is closed; a second contact in a second relay connected in parallel to the resistor; and an interlocking control means which inhibits opening of the first contact in a closed state when the second contact is opened, and which inhibits closing of the first contact in an open state when the second contact is closed.

Abstract: A modular structure for safety switches for controlling access for machines and industrial plants comprises a casing (2) housing switching means for controlling one or more circuits of the machine or plant, drive means adapted to interact with the switching means upon the opening/closing of the access, an auxiliary module (3-3v) housing at least one control (4i-4v) adapted to be manually operated to operate on the switching means and/or the drive means and comprising a box hollow body (5) having at least one opening (6) for inserting the control (4i-4v) provided with first means for removably connecting the control (4i-4v), the latter being selected within a series of controls (4i-4v) having functions different from each other and each provided with a fastening rod (7i-7v) adapted to be inserted in the opening (6) of the box body (5) and provided with second connecting means complementary to the first connecting means.

Abstract: A motor includes one or more actuator, one or more one passive members, and one or more pushing members. The actuator(s) vibrate along a first axis. The vibrations vary a dimension of the actuator(s) as measured along the first axis. The passive member(s) rotate around a second axis that is substantially parallel to the first axis. The pushing member(s) are positioned between the actuator(s) and the passive member(s). The pushing member(s) are fixed to the actuator(s) and have a contact surface frictionally engaging and applying a mechanical force to the passive member (s). The pushing member(s) have an asymmetric rigidity along the first axis. The motor and a power consumer may be conveyed into a wellbore. The motor may be energized to supply mechanical power to the power consumer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for monitoring an electromechanical relay, wherein the electromechanical relay includes a relay coil for actuating at least one switch, the system comprising: at least one sensor adapted to measure an operating condition of the electromechanical relay, wherein the sensor is arranged adjacent or attached to the electromechanical relay; at least one controller communicatively connected to the at least one sensor and at least one memory, wherein the at least one controller is adapted to store the measured operating condition in the at least one memory; at least one transmitter, operatively connected to the controller, wherein the transmitter is adapted to transmit the stored measured operating condition to a remote device.

Abstract: Embodiments of an aerobic septic system health monitor, and a method of its use, incorporate a microcontroller, with associated software, in communication with an aerobic septic system (electro-mechanical) controller that, in turn, is connected to at least one aerobic septic system component and component sensor. By using the microcontroller and software, highly specific monitoring and feedback is available to a user. This approach also offers a clear and easily accessible interface between the user and the aerobic septic system, whereas no such interface exists on prior art systems. The monitor also offers multiple redundancy to address system failures, unlike prior art. Finally, it enables several forms of preventative maintenance that simply don't exist in prior art systems. In some embodiments, the monitor may serve as the aerobic septic system controller, either overriding or supplementing the installed controller or replacing it.

Abstract: In order to suppress both large current and arc discharge during hot switching, a grounding circuit includes a first relay, a second relay, and a third relay, a first resistance connected in series with the first relay and is capable of connecting the feeding path to the ground, and a voltage divider connected in series with the second relay and the third relay and is connectable in such a way as to divide voltage between the feeding path and the ground, the third relay being disposed at a point at which the voltage is divided, and when the feeding path is to be connected to the ground, the feeding path is connected to the ground via the first resistance by the first relay, the voltage divider is connected in parallel with the first relay and the first resistance, and a connection to the ground is cut off.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems of an intelligent light controller controlling a light, are disclosed. One method includes interpreting a switch from a normal power supply to an emergency power supply. Upon interpreting the switch from the normal power supply to the emergency power supply, the intelligent light controller controllably powers the light for a predetermined period of time. Further, the intelligent light controller executes an energy-savings behavior control of the light.

Abstract: Mobile agents automatically manipulate components such as blocks on a working surface, to perform operations such as construction of generalized structures. The working surface and/or the components can have machine-readable codes to assist the agents in maintaining current knowledge of their respective locations. Agents identify components by type and location, and can move components according to directions; such directions can be provided by a user, or can be based on a pre-programmed directive, or can be determined dynamically based on current conditions or in response to actions of other agents. Agents may cooperate with one another. Agents can also respond to changes in the environment, alterations in works in progress, and/or other conditions, and may be configured to exhibit responses simulating emotional reactions. Different mobile agents can be associated with different character traits, which may be configured to change based on environmental conditions and/or the behavior of other mobile agents.

Abstract: A branching unit (1) for an optical telecommunication link (100), the unit comprising a first (2), a second (3) and a third terminal (4) for termination of conductors of respective branch cables in use, a fourth terminal (5) for connection to a sea earth (6) in use, and a circuit (8) comprising a plurality of relays comprising at least a first, a second and a third relay associated to respectively the first, second and third terminal, the circuit being structured for connecting together two terminals out of the first, second and third terminal and for connecting the remaining terminal to the fourth terminal, depending on a sequence of power feeding at the first, second and third terminals, in use, wherein the circuit (8) comprises a sea earth circuit (9) terminated at one end to the fourth terminal and a bidirectional triode thyristor (13) placed along the sea earth circuit, a driving circuit (19) being provided for driving the bidirectional triode thyristor so as to trigger the bidirectional triode thyristor

Abstract: An adapter configured to connect a switch device to a data bus, wherein the switch device has a box-like body which houses a switching unit for switching an electric circuit, wherein the adapter includes a case having a first opening and a second opening and an electronic control unit housed in the case and having a first connection element adapted to be connected to the switching unit through the first opening and second connection element adapted to be connected to the data bus through the second opening to convert the electric signals generated by the switching unit into data signals and vice versa.

Abstract: A subsea electrical subsystem and a power distribution utilizing the same. The electrical substation located subsea is electrically connected to AC power provided by a power generator located topside. The electrical substation comprises a plurality of circuit breakers and a circuit breaker operating system associated with each circuit breaker. The circuit breaker operating system is constructed and arranged to operate the associated circuit breaker and is operatively connected to at least one control module. The control modules are electrically connected to a DC power supply located topside.

Abstract: A switchgear includes a power supply built into a common housing, and at least two drives. The power supply can be fed by an external supply voltage and an external consumer can be connected to the two drives. In at least one embodiment, the switchgear includes, in the same housing, a built-in overload detection for the two drives and/or a built-in circuit breaker function for the two drives, and/or a built-in control circuit for the common control of the two drives. The switchgear can optionally be completed by a transformer providing an additional function of the targeted charging of a buffer capacitor and/or by an energy accumulator providing an additional function of the targeted discharge thereof by temporarily switching on a connected consumer.

Abstract: A starter relay structure for a vehicle, where an electronic control unit of the vehicle controls the starter relay structure. The starter relay structure comprises a first relay and a second relay activated by an ignition signal from the electronic control unit. The starter relay structure further include a third relay activated by an output of the second relay, where an output of the first relay is provided as an input to the third relay.

Abstract: A circuit configuration for recording the resistance of a coil of a magnetic valve, having at least one magnetic valve, having at least one valve coil that is to be actuated, a current source for applying a current to the at least one valve coil and generating a voltage drop at the at least one valve coil, and an evaluation circuit for outputting the voltage drop generated at the at least one valve coil as the output signal of the circuit configuration.

Abstract: A power supply system includes a main power storage device and a plurality of sub power storage devices. A converter is sequentially connected to one of the sub power storage devices to convert voltage between the selected sub power storage device and an electric power feeding line bidirectionally. The sub power storage device undergoes a connection switching process, and when there is no new sub power storage device remaining for replacement, then, in accordance with that sub power storage device's SOC and the vehicle's state, a request is generated to disconnect the sub power storage device. Here, when a condition regarding a temperature of at least one of the main power storage device and the plurality of sub power storage devices is satisfied, generation of a disconnection request is prohibited, in order to protect the main power storage device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a driving circuit for relay, which uses N relays with their coils coupled to each other. One of the relays is coupled to a driving power supply. A switching control circuit is coupled to a second relay and a reference voltage for controlling on/off of the plurality of relays. A driving control circuit is coupled to the plurality of relays for controlling excitation of the plurality of relays. After the coils of the relays are excited by the driving control circuit, the voltage of a single coil is dropped to one Nth of the driving voltage. Thereby, the power consumption of the coils of the relays can be reduced, and hence enhancing the lifetime and reliability of the relays.

Abstract: A control system for the ignition of a gas burner that includes an electromagnetic valve having a first coil and a second coil, the activation of the first and second coils controlling the flow of gas through the electromagnetic valve. An incandescent element which is designed to be heated until it reaches the gas combustion temperature of the gas delivered to the burner is disposed electrically in series with the first coil, the incandescent element and first coil forming a first branch that is electrically parallel to the second coil.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least one process variable. The apparatus includes at least one relay, at least one voltage source, and at least one voltage increasing unit. The relay, the voltage source and the voltage increasing unit as embodied, are matched to one another, and are connected with one another in such a manner that, when the voltage source supplies the relay with voltage for pull-in of the relay, the voltage increasing unit causes such an increase of the voltage applied to the relay, that the applied voltage corresponds at least to the pull-in voltage of the relay.

Abstract: A relay device includes mechanical relays, a first bus bar, a second bus bar, and a relay drive circuit. The relay includes a coil, a moving contact whose position changes according to whether the coil is energized, a load terminal conductive to the contact and connected to the first bar, and a coil terminal connected to the coil and second bar. The first bar includes a loading circuit. A current flows to an external load through the loading circuit opened/closed when the position of the contact changes. The second bar includes a coil circuit through which the coil is energized. The drive circuit is packaged on the second bar and opens/closes the coil circuit based on an operation signal. The first and second bars are stacked at predetermined intervals. The relays are between the first and second bars.

Abstract: A vehicle power supply apparatus includes a battery that is the main power storage device, a power feed line through which power is supplied to an inverter that drives a motor generator, a boost converter provided between the battery and power feed line to convert voltage, batteries that are a plurality of subpower storage devices provided parallel to each other, and a boost converter provided between the plurality of subpower storage devices and power feed line to convert voltage. The boost converter is selectively connected to any one of the plurality of subpower storage devices to convert voltage.

Abstract: A multi-coil automatic transfer switch (ATS) adapted for automatically switching an appropriately rated component to render the ATS operational over a worldwide voltage range is provided. A low voltage contactor includes a low voltage coil magnetically linked with a normally open low voltage main contact. A high voltage contactor is coupled in parallel with the low voltage contactor. The high voltage contactor includes a high voltage coil magnetically linked with a normally open high voltage main contact. A normally closed high voltage auxiliary contact is magnetically linked with the high voltage coil. The normally closed high voltage auxiliary contact has a phase opposite the normally open high voltage main contact. The high voltage contactor opens the normally closed high voltage auxiliary contact to disconnect the low voltage coil.

Abstract: A relay assembly for a fog light is disclosed which comprises a relay housing having a first terminal adapted to being connected to a switch for operating another light and operation of the switch for illuminating a fog light.

Abstract: A method for operating an inductive load, which is operated in a motor vehicle with electric voltages of different magnitudes, is provided, a current rise in the inductive load being influenced by selecting pulse lengths and pulse pauses of the electric voltage.

Abstract: A relay device includes mechanical relays, a first bus bar, a second bus bar, and a relay drive circuit. The relay includes a coil, a moving contact whose position changes according to whether the coil is energized, a load terminal conductive to the contact and connected to the first bar, and a coil terminal connected to the coil and second bar. The first bar includes a loading circuit. A current flows to an external load through the loading circuit opened/closed when the position of the contact changes. The second bar includes a coil circuit through which the coil is energized. The drive circuit is packaged on the second bar and opens/closes the coil circuit based on an operation signal. The first and second bars are stacked at predetermined intervals. The relays are between the first and second bars.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a new pushbutton incorporated into new circuit configurations of an improved intelligent electronic device (“IED”), for use in power substation control systems. The new pushbutton is non-mechanical and configured to control a breaker, or other type of substation equipment, after an IED associated with the circuit breaker, or other type of substation equipment, fails to operate. In an embodiment, the new pushbutton may be a low-energy, membrane-type pushbutton. During normal operation, a microprocessor within the IED operates a solid-state device to control the operation of substation equipment. When the IED fails, manually depressing the new pushbutton bypasses the IED microprocessor and manually controls the substation equipment associated with the failed IED.

Abstract: A switching device comprising switching means for switching at least one current phase between responsive current phase input and responsive current phase output, the switching device being suitable for switching electrical current of a power circuit of an electric motor, further comprises a first communication system interface for a first communication system, a second communication system interface for a second communication system, and a selecting unit adapted to select whether the switching device is a master or slave in relation to said second communication system.

Abstract: The position of an RF switch, or switches, in a matrix switch drive system is monitored using AC rather than DC measurement techniques. Using the same wiring as the matrix switch drive system so as not to increase the size and weight of the switch installation, a low current AC signal is provided during non-actuation of the RF switch(es) to each of plural combinations of a capacitor and a microswitch serially connected across each switch coil. With the capacitor and switch coil exhibiting inverse impedance responses to increasing AC frequency, when the microswitch is open only the coil impedance is read and when the microswitch is closed only the capacitor impedance is read. Using a switch coil with an inductance of 1 henry and a capacitor with a capacitance of 0.1 farads, the difference in impedance between the microswitch ON and OFF states is an easily detectable two orders of magnitude.

Abstract: A power distribution system generally includes at least two relays. An equal-phase pulse generator generates pulse signals in equal phase intervals. At least two drivers, one for each of the at least two relays, control current flow to the at least two relays based on the pulse signals.

Abstract: There is provided a remote control wiring mechanism, which makes it easy to construct a system by facilitating a connection work and treatment of members constructing the system. A main unit includes signal terminals connected to signal lines and power supply terminals to supply power for driving a relay. A relay unit having a relay is detachably connected to a relay socket of the main unit and is integrally coupled to the main unit. When a transmission signal including on-off information of a switch is received through the signal lines, the on-off state of the switch is reflected in the switching of the relay.

Abstract: A fail-safe control system for controlling valves in power generation systems is presented. The AC-coupled, rectified signal supplied to one valve is disabled in the event that the other valve fails. This failure is sensed, for example, through the use of power sensing circuitry configured to sense and multiply the voltage and current applied to the valve. Components such as capacitors and transformers are used exclusively such that only AC power (and not DC power) is transferred, ensuring that, in the worst case, the valves are disabled in the event of a failure.

Abstract: A remote controlled circuit breaker switch handle engagement apparatus is provided. The apparatus is adapted to be removably attached across a circuit breaker face-plate of a traditional residential and commercial circuit breaker in order to facilitate remote completion of a circuit between a source and load, thereby reestablishing electrical service having been previously interrupted. The apparatus utilizes a handle trip assembly which engages an operating switch handle of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A branching unit for use in submarine systems that includes a ground termination; first, second, and third cable terminations each coupled to a power feed line of a respective submarine cable; a re-configuration relay in series between the first cable termination and the ground termination, the re-configuration relay being unidirectional and having at least one contact positioned in series between the second and third terminations, the at least one contact being closed when the re-configuration relay is de-energized; and a bypass relay in series between the second and third cable terminations, the bypass relay having a contact positioned in parallel with the reconfiguration relay and being open when the bypass relay is de-energized.

Abstract: A circuit and method for controlling two or more electric relays, wherein at least one of the relays are rated to handle a higher voltage level while at least one of the relays are rated to handle a lower voltage level. A controller selectively activates the relays such that the higher voltage rated relay(s) open before but close after the lower voltage rated relay(s) within the system.

Abstract: An arrangement for monioring multiple channel solenoid currents wherein a plurality of separately controllable solenoid coils are coupled commonly by a single current measurement element to one side of a current supply.

Abstract: A control apparatus for master/slave outlets having a current sensor, a driver, a large current switch component and a direct-bucking type power supply such that the working power source required by the master/slave equipment can be supplied stably. Further, the control apparatus for master/slave outlets provides a most simplified circuit to perform a function that the slave outlet supplies a power at the time the master outlet is supplied the power.

Abstract: A branching unit, for use in optical communication systems, has three branches A, B and C each including a connection for a power feed and several inputs/outputs for optical fibers. Optical switches are provided for selectively coupling inputs/outputs of different branches to enable a routeing of optical signals through the unit. The routeing is effected in dependence upon the way in which each of the three branch connections are provided with an electrical power feed.

Abstract: An arrangement includes two series-connected switching contacts in two contactors. The tripping signal thereof is generated with a variable time offset so that the number of disconnection processes and connection processes, which are carried out first in time, are virtually the same during lengthy use.

Abstract: A system for remotely manipulating circuit breakers between open and closed conditions in an electrical panel having a number of circuit breakers in a vertical array includes an activator unit removably attachable to the panel and having an elongated shaft equipped with a series of control switches adjustably spaced apart to interact with the circuit breakers. A motorized drive feature achieves controlled axial rotation of the shaft to a sufficient extent to cause effective movement of selected circuit breakers. A wireless control unit activates the drive feature to rotate the shaft in either direction to move the circuit breakers to their open or closed positions.

Abstract: A submarine branching unit is disclosed that includes a termination for each of at least three line cables and a termination to sea ground. A relay is positioned between each pair of cable terminations. When current flows between two of the cables, the intermediary relay will become energized and cause a contact to connect the third cable to the sea-ground termination. To avoid dangerous surges in current to sea ground when a relay trips, a current limiter is placed in series with the sea ground termination.

Abstract: An intelligent power distribution system including one or more intelligent power strips. The power strips can each include an elongated housing that may be adapted for mounting in an equipment rack. The housing can include a first end, a second end and plurality of power outlets mounted thereon. The first end can have a number of apertures that enable power and signal conductors to enter an interior region of the housing. The second end can include a first and a second communication port. The first communication port may be adapted to enable a computer to communicate with the power the strip. The second communication port may be adapted to enable the power the strip to be daisy chained with a second intelligent power strip. The power strip further includes power management circuitry that can power-on and power-off the power outlets in accordance with an operator defined sequence and delays.

Abstract: A known method of addressing relays in an array is to provide two windings on each relay, wherein one winding is associated with a row drive signal and one winding is associated with a column drive signal, and half of the required activation current is provided by each winding. A known limitation of such addressing arrangements is limited discrimination between selected relays and non-selected relays. The present invention relates to an enhanced addressing system for such arrays of relays.

Abstract: A switch device of theft-prevented type alarm has a first switch module controlled by a starting switch so that the first switch module is turned on when the starting switch is pressed at a first time and is maintained in an on state. A second switch module is normally turned on to connect an input power to the first switch module, and outputs power when the first switch module is turned on. A power-off control circuit is coupled to the second switch module. A receiver is provided for activating the power-off control circuit to turn off the second switch module in response to receiving an off signal.

Abstract: A submarine branching unit including at least one power relay having two separate coils, rather than a single coil. The first coil provides an initial magnetic field capable of closing an electrical circuit contact, while the second coil provides a redundant magnetic field that reinforces and backs-up the magnetic field generated by the first coil. The first low-voltage isolated coil of the relay is positioned in the path of the main trunk in a submarine communication system, and the second high-voltage isolated coil is located in the spur branch connected to sea earth. By this double-coil configuration, the independent and redundant relay power system ensures that the charged spur cable is not switched back to the main trunk when an open circuit occurs or any equivalent system failure that could show a current dropping to zero while the system voltage remains non-zero, avoiding high current passing through relay contacts and subsequent dangerous arcing, each being a possible cause of relay failure.

Abstract: An electrical circuit arrangement for controlling a unit, such as an adjustment system for windows or a sliding sunroof, that is driven by a motor and is situated in a motor vehicle. The arrangement guarantees that, in the case of a short-circuit of circuit components, especially a control device operation of a motor is still possible, especially in a preferred direction of motor rotation, whereby the direction of rotation results in an opening of the unit and the short-circuit is caused by salt water for instance. Two circuit-breaker elements that operate the motor in either direction can be directly activated by an allocated circuit device which bypasses a failed control device. The remaining circuit-breaker element is blocked at least when the first circuit-breaker element is activated.

Abstract: A signal conditioning system which includes a low voltage analog bus and a high voltage analog bus. The signal conditioning system comprises a chassis having a plurality of slots, wherein each of the slots is adapted to receive a module. The chassis includes a low voltage analog bus and adapted for transmitting low voltage electrical signals. The chassis also includes a high voltage analog bus and adapted for transmitting high voltage electrical signals. Modules may be placed in slots of the chassis, wherein each module may connect through a connector to one or both of the low voltage analog bus and the high voltage analog bus. The high voltage analog bus allows for the conditioning (including switching) of high voltage electrical signals. In an alternate embodiment, the signal conditioning system may comprise a chassis which only includes a low voltage analog bus, i.e., the chassis does not include a built-in high voltage analog bus.

Abstract: A relay multiplexing system which provides improved safety from hazardous voltage conditions. The relay multiplexing system comprises a relay multiplexer module and a terminal block which connects to the relay multiplexer module. The relay multiplexer module and corresponding terminal block incorporate a design according to the present invention whereby power can only be provided to the respective relays when the corresponding terminal block is connected to the respective relay multiplexer module. The terminal block is required to form an electrical path between the power supply in the relay multiplexer module and the relays. Thus, when the terminal block is removed from the corresponding relay multiplexer module, power is unable to be provided to the relays, thereby ensuring safety from hazardous voltages which could otherwise appear on exposed pins of the connector.

Abstract: A submarine branching unit is disclosed that includes a termination for each of at least three line cables and a termination to sea ground. A relay is positioned between each pair of cable terminations. When current flows between two of the cables, the intermediary relay will become energized and cause a contact to connect the third cable to the sea-ground termination. To avoid dangerous surges in current to sea ground when a relay trips, a current limiter is placed in series with the sea ground termination.

Abstract: A submarine branching unit including at least one power relay having two separate coils, rather than a single coil. The first coil provides an initial magnetic field capable of closing an electrical circuit contact, while the second coil provides a redundant magnetic field that reinforces and backs-up the magnetic field generated by the first coil. The first low-voltage isolated coil of the relay is positioned in the path of the main trunk in a submarine communication system, and the second high-voltage isolated coil is located in the spur branch connected to sea earth. By this double-coil configuration, the independent and redundant relay power system ensures that the charged spur cable is not switched back to the main trunk when an open circuit occurs or any equivalent system failure that could show a current dropping to zero while the system voltage remains non-zero, avoiding high current passing through relay contacts and subsequent dangerous arcing, each being a possible cause of relay failure.

Abstract: An actuator assembly includes an operating actuator and a holding actuator that are engageable with an operator member of a device. The operating actuation is cycled between on and off states to move the operator member in incremental steps, and the holding actuator is maintained in an active state to maintain or latch the current position of the operator member. Each of the operating and holding actuators may include one of the following: a solenoid actuator; and an actuator including one or more expandable elements, such as a piezoelectric element, a magnetostrictive element, and a heat-expandable element.