Abstract: A current protection apparatus (200) and current protection method (1000) that may include programmable current protection characteristics has been disclosed. A current protection apparatus (200) may include a power distribution unit (230) with power distribution outlets (PDO-1 to PDO-8), each having a corresponding circuit breaker unit (CB1 to CB8). Each circuit breaker unit (CB1 to CB8) may operate in response to a processing unit (236) that can sample current values flowing between a respective power distribution outlet (PDO-1 to PDO-8) and a load device (LD1 to LD8). Processing unit 236 may operate under control of software stored on a memory (238) to control a switching circuit (320). Current protection characteristics for each circuit breaker unit may be independently programmed and/or altered by a user, for example by way of a computer (250).
Abstract: Methods and/or systems providing new capabilities in power monitoring and/or power cycling management allowing a variety of different remote interfacing.
Abstract: Methods and/or systems providing new capabilities in power supply and/or power cycling management allowing a variety of different remote interfacing.
Abstract: A retrofittable valve monitor provides an input to an electrical circuit to indicate a fully closed position of a ball valve. A magnetically permeable object attached to the ball valve lever handle actuates a magnetic reed switch in a proximity sensor when the ball valve is moved to the fully closed position. A bracket which fits between the ball valve body and the ball valve lever handle is held in place by the ball valve locking nut so the proximity sensor is held in proper alignment to be actuated by the magnetically permeable object. The actuated reed switch provides an input to a switched electrical circuit.
Abstract: A switch for use in a ride-on vehicle for children. The switch includes plural contact sets operated by an actuator to control the speed and/or direction of the vehicle. In the disclosed embodiment, a separator structure blocks contact sets from closing when they should be open to prevent inadvertent shorting.
Abstract: The present invention is a universal host-to-switch application program interface (API) utilizing a generic message format for performing call control processing and capable of being customized to meet telecommunications application and network signalling protocol requirements. The generic message formats have programmable fields for transmitting commands, status, and data between the host application and the switch. The present invention further comprises a programmable telecommunication switch that provides a user with the ability to define a desired signalling protocol, either "standard" or custom in nature, for performing any desired switching functions. The present invention includes a protocol development environment which enables a user to define a separate finite state machine for each port provided by the switch.
Abstract: A traction position indicator for a feeding tube catheter provides a permanent magnet and a sensor, both in the distal end portion of the catheter, wherein the sensor is responsive to the presence of a magnetic field of predetermined strength supplied by an external magnet. The external magnet forms a magnetic coupling with the catheter magnet to permit manipulation of the catheter in response to movement of the external magnet. The sensor responds to the magnetic field of the external magnet, but only when the external magnet and the catheter magnet are magnetically coupled sufficiently to create a traction force so that the catheter distal end portion can be manipulated by movement of the external magnet.Apparatus for creating a magnetic guidance path for a remote device includes a follower magnet and a sensor, both of which are attached to the remote device, and a leader magnet.
Abstract: A protective covering for a rocker switch that includes a bezel and a rocker arm passing upwardly through an opening in the bezel. An open frame is snap-fitted tightly over the bezel and contains a resilient cap that encloses the top of the frame and the upwardly extended rocker arm. The cap is bonded to the frame to provide a dirt-proof seal therebetween. The cap can be depressed against the rocker arm to cycle the switch without disturbing the seal.
Abstract: A double relay control circuit for connection between the ignition switch and starter switch of a vehicle and the vehicle power supply and exterior lights for providing automatic daytime running lights whenever the vehicle ignition switch is ON and the starter switch is OFF and subject to being overridden by the conventional light switches and ambient condition and vehicle condition sensors.
Abstract: A high voltage reed switch that opens and closes in response to a magnetic flux field. The switch comprises a pair of parallel partially overlapping flexible reed contacts hermetically sealed in a tubular envelope and extending through ends thereof to provide external contacts. The preferred switch also comprises at least one non-magnetic member or a plurality of magnets for generally counteracting the electrostatic attraction produced between the open reed contacts while high voltage is applied to the switch.
Abstract: Relay switching circuits for supplying power to a vehicle exterior lighting system to provide for daytime running lights and which are controlled by solid state logic circuits, depending upon the condition of either or both of the vehicle starter and ignition switches.
Abstract: A switch for making multiple contacts formed as an elastomeric molded body having a base with a ring of material molded therewith to the base, and attached to the base by a web. An interior cylindrical member is supported within the ring of material by another web. Electrically conductive media is formed on the ring and on the interior cylindrical member. The switch is mounted on a board having multiple stationary contacts that can be contacted by the conductive surfaces on the ring and the conductive surface on the interior cylindrical member.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 30, 1996
Date of Patent:
November 10, 1998
Assignee:
Staco Switch, Inc.
Inventors:
John W. Berger, Ted L. Nichols, Andry Kertatama, James F. Gust
Abstract: A surface mountable reed switch, which is particularly useful for implantable devices such as pacemakers, defibrillators, drug pumps and neurostimulators. The switch includes reed contacts hermetically sealed within a tubular glass envelop, wherein the reed contacts extend through ends of the envelop to provide external contacts. A trilobular cross section mounting bar is attached to each external contact such that the reed switch can be mounted on a mounting surface such as a ceramic substrate or the like. A protective housing contains the reed switch while the attached trilobular bars extend from a side of the housing to allow communication between the switch and the mounting surface. Further, a testing apparatus is provided for evaluating how the housed reed switch will perform when installed in the implantable device and subjected to stray (must not operate) as well as designated (must operate) magnetic fields.