Abstract: A charging system comprises circuitry adapted to devices to be charged, including a power receiver module embedded or molded into form-fit case, e.g., gel-skin, that attaches physically and electrically to the device to be charged and that effectively receives power either conductively or inductively from a power delivery surface of a recharging pad on which the devices are placed.

Abstract: An adaptive power strip has a power rail. A power entry module and one or more receptacle modules having plug receptacles are mounted on the power rail. The power entry module has a power inlet to which a source of power can be coupled. The power entry module distribute power from the power source to the power rail. The receptacle modules distribute power from the power rail tot the respective plug receptacles. In an aspect, the power entry module has a communications module that discovers receptacle modules on the power rail having data communications capability and if a receptacle module does not have a unique identifier assigned to it, assigns a unique identifier to the receptacle module that the receptacle module stores in a memory. The communications modules also retrieves from each receptacle module having data communications capability, information about the characteristics of the receptacle module that the communications module stores in a memory.

Abstract: A power device for use in a vehicle includes a housing, a voltage converter, and a charge-storing device. The housing carries the voltage converter and the charge-storing device. The voltage converter includes a circuit that converts a power signal having a first voltage level to a second voltage level. The charge-storing device electrically couples with the voltage converter and stores the power signal having the second voltage level.

Abstract: A control portion 80 for a breaker 10 causes the breaker 10 to apply a current of a first apply phase (R phase) at a timing where a residual flux of R phase agrees with a steady magnetic flux. Thereafter, the control portion 80 determines whether or not the current measured by current measuring portions 40R, 40S, 40T exceeds a threshold value. When the measured current does not exceed the threshold value, the control portion 80 causes the breaker 10 to apply currents of the other two phases (S and T phases) at a timing where a voltage of R phase becomes zero. When the measured current exceeds the threshold value, the control portion 80 causes the breaker 10 to once shut off the current of R phase and to apply again the current of R phase.

Abstract: A fuel cell power management system and an anti-islanding method using the power management system. The power management system includes a fuel cell to generate direct current (DC) power, a power conditioning system (PCS) to generate alternating current (AC) power from the DC power generated by the fuel cell, a power grid that is connected to the PCS, a detector to detect a change in the AC power flowing from an output line of the PCS, and a controller to control the connection between the PCS and the power grid, according to the result of the detection.

Abstract: A transfer switch assembly is disclosed that includes a power switch device with a number engagement landings and a printed circuit board defining an opening bordered by a number of tabs. The tabs engage the landings as the switch device extends through the openings, and can be fastened together.

Abstract: The present invention is an energy generating system for a telecommunications megasite which uses fuel cells and capacitors to backup a commercially available primary source of power.

Abstract: A control system and method of controlling an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system prevents a load anomaly, such as transformer DC offset, resulting from a supply disruption, such as a voltage sag, by modifying the UPS supplied power curve. The UPS supplied power curve maintains a predetermined power for a predetermined duration to cause the UPS supplied power curve to depart from normal supply curve post sag detection. Following the predetermined duration, the UPS supplied power curve is conformed to the normal power supply curve until restoration of the source power supply or engagement of a secondary power source.

Abstract: A communication circuit for an electronic dimming ballast provides high-voltage miswire protection and improved rise and fall times of a transmitted digital signal. The electronic dimming ballast comprises a control circuit, which is coupled to a digital communication link, for example, a DALI communication link, via the communication circuit. The communication circuit comprises a receiving circuit for detecting when the digital ballast communication link is shorted and for providing a received digital message to the control circuit. The communication circuit also comprises a transmitting circuit for shorting the communication link in response to the control circuit. The communication circuit also includes a high-voltage fault protection circuit for protecting the circuitry of the communication circuit if the communication circuit high-voltage mains voltages. The communication circuit is operable to reliably transmit digital messages having improved rise and fall times.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge protection device for an optical disc drive is provided. A rail disposed on the casing of the disc drive has an opening. A guide bar is slidable disposed on the rail. A conductive elastic plate is fixed around the opening on the rail. The elastic plate has an elastic-pressing end leaning against the guide bar through the opening, and a protrusion electrically contacting the casing. A tray supported by the guide bar to move in and out of the casing has an underside covered by a protection bottom plate. A conductive strip-shaped elastic element is fixed on the tray by a fixing screw, which fastens the protection bottom plate on the tray. As such, the elastic element is in contact with the protection bottom plate; besides, the elastic element also leans against the guide bar, so as to dissipate electrostatic discharge by the guide bar.

Abstract: A hybrid circuit (42) for use with communications transceivers. The hybrid circuit (42) combines the function of an ESD protection circuit (12) with the function of a TX/RX switch (10). The input node of the hybrid circuit (42) is connecting between the source of an ESD event (60) and a device to be protected (44). The hybrid circuit (42) includes an ESD protection element (50), which is triggered by a triggering transistor (52). The gate of the triggering transistor (52) is connected to a driver (54) for turning the triggering transistor (52) on during transmission and for turning the triggering transistor (52) off during reception.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for preventing branch circuit current overload in a non-dedicated branch circuit where current is supplied at least in part by a co-generation power system through an electrical receptacle or outlet. Co-generation systems of this type are typically used in residential applications and can include solar photovoltaic systems and wind turbines. The apparatus modulates or adjusts the current flowing into the branch circuit from the co-generation power system so that the apparatus does not cause the combination of current supplied from the utility power grid into the branch circuit and current supplied by the co-generation system into the branch circuit outlet to exceed the branch circuit current capacity.

Abstract: A variable trip limit transient blocking unit (TBU) is provided. The variable trip limit transient blocking unit circuit includes a transient blocking unit and a low-pass filter, such as an RC circuit having an RC time constant. The RC circuit is disposed to approximate an integrator operating over periods of time that are short compared to the RC time constant. The RC circuit integrates a signal representing an approximated current flowing through the transient blocking unit and triggers a disconnect threshold in the transient blocking unit when a voltage stored across a capacitor of the RC circuit reaches a predefined limit.

Abstract: Provided is a power converter having an inverter (13) wherein capacitors (12) are connected in parallel on a direct current side, and a power supply circuit configured to supply the inverter with a direct current from a power supply (1) and a power storage element (14). A controller using such power converter is also provided for electric rolling stocks. The power supply circuit is provided with a power supply switch (S1) arranged between the power supply and the inverter, a DC-to-DC converter (15A) arranged between the power storage element and the inverter, and a bypass switch (S2) arranged between the power storage element and the inverter.

Abstract: A signal coupling apparatus for power line communications includes an impedance matching transformer and a transmission mode control circuit for high data rate power line communications on a three-phase four-wire distribution line. Therefore, it is possible to improve the efficiency of power line communications, to minimize signal loss, and to construct an optimal high voltage distribution path.

Abstract: A polyphase power distribution and monitoring apparatus having sets of outputs for each phase of power and monitors for each phase of power disposed in the housing. Each monitor provides a visible display of current for an associated phase of power and an audible alarm for each phase of power if the current exceeds a predetermined value or falls below a predetermined value. In three-phase wye power systems, the apparatus preferably includes a neutral line monitor, including a neutral line current display and audio alarm, for the neutral line of the wye power circuit. The apparatus preferably is lightweight, elongated, portable, and mountable to the side of an electronic equipment rack. It may also include additional power monitoring systems such as network power monitoring tools for remotely monitoring the apparatus.

Abstract: An internal voltage generating circuit is utilized to perform a TDBI (Test During Burn-in) operation for a semiconductor device. The internal voltage generating circuit produces an internal voltage at a high voltage level, as an internal voltage, in not only a standby section but also in an active section in response to a test operation signal activated in a test operation. Accordingly, dropping of the internal voltage in the standby section of the test operation and failure due to open or short circuiting are prevented. As a result, reliability of the semiconductor chip, by preventing the generation of latch-up caused by breakdown of internal circuits, is assured.

Abstract: A machine includes a plurality of electronic controllers electrically connected to an electrical power source along a first electrical circuit through a first relay and along a second electrical circuit through a second relay. A relay controller is directly connected to the electrical power source along a third electrical circuit, and is in communication with the first relay and the second relay. The relay controller is configured to open or close the first relay or the second relay in response to a power requirement indication.

Abstract: Power control circuitry for controlling connection of a voltage source to a switched power rail powering an associated circuit is provided. A plurality of switch blocks are connected in parallel between the switched power rail and the voltage source, each switch block being controlled by an enable signal provided by a switch controller. The switch controller performs a turn-on sequence providing a series of enable signal patterns to the switch blocks. The switch controller applies a time varying generation operation to at least one sequence stage of a predetermined turn-on sequence to produce a corresponding enable signal pattern for that sequence stage. When the turn-on sequence is later repeated, the enable signal pattern produced for at least one of the sequence stages differs from the enable signal pattern previously produced for that sequence stage.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus comprises a current limiting unit connected in series between a power source and a power supply circuit that limits output current of the power source; a first switch connected in series with the current limiting unit; a second switch connected in parallel with the current limiting unit; a resistor connected in series between the power source and the current limiting unit; an abnormal current detection unit, connected in parallel with the resistor, that detects the current flowing through the resistor and determines whether or not the detected current is abnormal; and a control unit that turns on the first switch if the abnormal current detection unit detects a current, and, thereafter, turns the second switch on if the detected current is not abnormal, and turns the first switch off if the detected current is abnormal.