Abstract: A high voltage array switching system utilizes an array of low voltage charge storage devices to generate a relatively high energy, high voltage output required by battery powered devices such as implantable cardioverter defibrillators. The system includes a low voltage battery system having a supply voltage connection and a ground connection. N low voltage charge storage devices are provided, with each charge storage device having one of an anode and a cathode electrically connected to the supply voltage and having the other of the anode and the cathode electrically connected to the ground connection. M configuration switches are electrically connected between the charge storage devices and the battery system.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of evenly distributing an electrical load across an n-phase power distribution network. The current in each incoming phase and in each branch circuit is measured by a current sensor. The outputs of the current sensors are monitored by a processor. Associated with each branch circuit is a multi-pole switch and a conventional circuit breaker. Each switch is able of connecting its corresponding branch circuit to any incoming phase, and of disconnecting the branch circuit from all n phases. The processor periodically monitors currents flowing through each incoming phase and, based on branch circuit load conditions, reprograms the switches to keep the branch circuit loads evenly distributed across all three incoming phases.

Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides a microprocessor controlled power delivery circuit with short circuit protection. The microprocessor controls the load current flow at the circuit's load connection terminal by connecting this terminal to the positive or negative side of a power supply or opening the circuit to prevent current flow. The short circuit protection uses a passive electrical component feedback circuit to communicate the voltage level at the circuit's load connection terminal back to the microprocessor. The microprocessor routinely monitors this voltage and compares this voltage against the expected voltage at this terminal. When the actual voltage does not match the expected voltage, the circuit will provide protection by interrupting current flow through the load connection terminal.

Abstract: In order to prevent a device serving as a load from being destroyed or causing an operation error while assuring an optimum operation voltage of a solar cell, and to stably, efficiently obtain power, a DC source system, in which a solar cell (1) and a DC source (3) are connected to an output terminal connected to a load (2) in parallel with each other, includes a first switch (5) arranged between the load (2) and the solar cell (1), a second switch 7 arranged between the load (2) and the DC source, and a capacitor (6) arranged between the load and the first switch in parallel with the solar cell.

Abstract: An electronic proximity switching device with a proximity indicator and with an electronic switch which can be controlled by the proximity indicator. A plurality of these switching devices can be series connected without an unacceptable voltage drop occurring on the series connection when the switching devices are conductive, by the electronic switch of each switching device being connected to one input (2) of an AND element (3), another input (4) of the AND element (3) representing a control input (5) of the switching device, the output (6) of the AND element (3) representing the output (7) of the switching device, and load current flowing via the AND element (3) in the conductive state of the switching device. In other words there is AND element (3) in addition to an inductive proximity switch (1).

Abstract: An active harmonic filter selectively sources current to or draws current from power lines. The active harmonic filter includes a controller which executes a predictor routine which predicts the current to be supplied to or drawn from the power line at a time t+.DELTA.t to reduce load induced phase differences between the line voltage and the line current. An integrating slow control routine integrates difference currents between actual line currents and desired line currents in equivalent segments of time in different cycles of the power line. The integrated differences may be combined with proportionally controlled difference currents to reduce or eliminate harmonic line currents. A current balancing routine enables the active harmonic filter to balance currents in two or more lines of a polyphase power line. The predictor, integrating slow control and current balancing routines, may be used singly or in combination to improve the condition of line currents on the power lines.

Abstract: A switching device of the type that can be placed between electric outlet and a load and is provided with a switch and electronic circuits including a programmable control device in order to close and break the circuit according to predetermined conditions. This is not provided with any external mechanical or electromechanical means for setting, and the conditions for switching and time adjustment are fixedly built in or programmed. In one embodiment moreover functions for switching and time setting are controlled by an optic or acoustic sensor connected to the control device. Hereby, a compact structure and a simple but reliable function is obtained.

Abstract: A circuit for reducing a potential difference between terminals of an open switch. A current source is arranged to supply charges to a capacitor through first and second switches. Charge is being supplied to the capacitor only when the first switch is closed. The current source and the capacitor are maintained at first and second reference potentials, respectively. The circuit further includes a voltage follower which has its output connected to the second switch and one of its inputs connected to the capacitor and the other input connected to its output. The output of the voltage follower is at the same potential as one terminal of the first switch so that when the second switch is closed, the two terminals of the first switch are at the same potentials as each other.

Abstract: An electrical circuit arrangement for detecting the switching conditions of individual switching devices includes a direct voltage source having a positive terminal and a negative terminal. Switching groups each having switching devices are connected in parallel between a respective input (e1, e2) and a respective output (a1, a2). Resistors are connected in series to a respective switching device between the respective inputs (e1, e2) and the respective outputs (a1, a2). Each one of the resistors has a preselected resistance value for providing a voltage encoded signal output across the respective inputs (e1, e2) and the respective outputs (a1, a2) when the corresponding switching device is switched on.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for supplying power to superconducting loads includes a current source, a cryogenic region (e.g., a cryogenic chamber), a first switching device in series between the current source and a superconducting load, and a second switching device in parallel with the superconducting load. The switching devices are arranged so that, when the first is closed and the second is open, recharging current is supplied to the superconducting load. The second switching device serves as a shunt. When it is closed and the first is open, current recirculates through the persistent (or partially persistent) superconducting load. The invention also provides a superconducting magnet incorporating such a power supply.

Abstract: A portable computer incorporates an AC adaptor for providing DC power to the portable computer. Especially, the adaptor is configured to be housed within or detached from the battery pack-receiving bay of the portable computer. Preferably, the AC adaptor includes a second connector electrically connectable to a first connector provided in the battery receiving bay, to form appropriate electrical connection. Also, the AC adaptor has the same configuration as the battery pack. Further, the AC adaptor has a DC jack for receiving a DC plug, and for outputting the DC power at the side of the adaptor provided with said second connector. The DC jack may also be provided on the side of the adaptor opposite to the second connector, when the AC adaptor is mounted in the battery receiving bay. With this arrangement, use of the portable computer becomes more convenient by incorporating the battery pack in a detachable way.

Abstract: A mechanism for switching from independent to synchronous, or vice versa an operational circuit for supplying power to an electric dust collector (Slave) when an electric power tool (Master) is operated. In independent mode, power is supplied to both the electric power tool and the electric dust collector at all times. In synchronous mode, power is supplied to the electric power tool at all times. The current drawn by the electric power tool is directed through a coil of an electromagnetic relay. When the electric power tool is operated, the current flowing through the coil of the electromechanical relay creates a magnetic field which operates the contact of the electromechanical relay. The contact of the electromagnetic relay directs power to an electric dust collector.

Abstract: An idle current supplying path is switched during correction operation and during normal operation to detect a magnitude of an idle current flowing through a power amplifying circuit when the correction operation is switched. A bias voltage of the power amplifying circuit is corrected based upon the idle current detecting result. The bias voltage is automatically corrected in such a manner that the magnitude of the idle current flowing through the power amplifying circuit is made coincident with a predetermined current value. As a consequence, the idle current flowing through the respective power amplifying circuit can be continuously maintained to the optimum values respective of to the element deviation.

Abstract: A precautionary timer for installation in a kitchen range, as a replacement of a plug-type fuse protecting one of the heating elements of the kitchen range. In a first aspect of the invention, the precautionary timer comprises a threaded fuse stock having first and second electrically conductive terminals set apart from one another, and conductive segments mounted inside the threaded fuse stock and connected to the first and second terminals. A timing unit comprising a low voltage solid state timer and an electronic switch is also mounted inside the threaded fuse stock. The solid state timer is powered by a current transformer sampling power from the current flowing in one of the conductive segments. The semiconductor switch is connected in series with the conductive segments and the first and second terminals, for selectively electrically connecting and disconnecting the first and second terminals to and from one another.

Abstract: A module for interconnecting an AC power line to a load such as a lamp, which includes a first switch. The module detects the state of the first switch and then provides power to the load when the switch is closed. Sequentially opening and closing the first switch can be used as a command to dim the lamp. The module may also include a transceiver which communicates the state of the switch to the other modules thereby allowing a plurality of devices to be controlled by the first switch.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling distribution of d.c. power to a plurality of remote d.c.-powered LAN transceivers, which includes a plurality of primary d.c. power supplies and at least one backup d.c. power supply, all having means for connection to a source of electrical power to provide output d.c. power independently of each other. A plurality of electrical switches are each operable in a first mode of operation to connect one of the primary power supplies to at least one set of output terminals for connection to a remote transceiver. Comparator circuits compare the output voltage at each of the primary power supplies to the output voltage at the backup power supply to indicate a failure condition at one of the primary supplies. Circuitry is responsive to a failure indication for operating one or more of the electrical switches in a second mode of operation in which at least one set of output terminals is connected to the backup power supply.

Abstract: An automatic bus transfer device is provided for single phase and multiphase power systems. The automatic bus transfer device provides infinite isolation and automatic switching from a primary power bus to a secondary power bus when the power (or voltage) being provided by the primary power bus falls below a predetermined level. The automatic bus transfer device includes a relay and a signal detector. The relay includes a master portion and a slave portion. The slave portion has a first input terminal, a second input terminal and an output terminal. The slave portion is switchable from a primary state to a secondary state and vice versa in a manner responsive to the master portion. The output terminal of the slave portion is electrically connected to a primary one of the input terminals when the slave portion is in the primary state and is electrically connected to a secondary one of the input terminals when the slave portion is in the secondary state.

Abstract: An energy storage system including a first power conversion device and a second power conversion device for providing energy to loads upon interruption of a main power source. A first power conversion device is connected in parallel to a first load, receives energy from an energy storage device and provides power to the first load. A second power conversion device is connected in series with a second load, receives energy from the energy storage device and provides power to the second load. The first and second power conversion devices are rated so that power consumption by the power conversion devices is reduced.

Abstract: Seat sensor switches connected to the drivers seat and passenger's seat of a motor vehicle generate signals indicating when the seats are occupied. The passenger sensor switch generates an adult present signal, a child or small adult signal, or an infant/small child present signal depending on the size of the occupant. In response to a signal indicating that all the seats are unoccupied, the parking brake is set, a windshield curtain and a side window sunshade panel are deployed, and the headlamps and ceiling light are deactivated. In response to an adult present signal from the passenger sensor switch, a first quantity of air bag propellant is electrified, the air bag is aimed at an upper location, and the shoulder belt anchor is moved to an upper position. In response to a child or small adult present signal from the passenger sensor switch, a second, smaller quantity of air bag propellant is electrified, the air bag is aimed at a lower location, and the shoulder belt anchor is moved to a lower position.

Abstract: A power distribution arrangement, especially in an aircraft, includes plural power sources, a power line having plural power supply strands connected to the power sources, plural power consumer groups each including plural power consuming devices, and branch lines respectively connecting the power line with the power consumer groups. A respective allocation unit selectively interconnects the power consuming devices of each group with selected individual branch line strands of the branch lines. A status unit acquires information regarding the respective operating status of the power sources and the power line strands, and conveys corresponding information regarding a power failure on any power line strand to a central power control unit, which correspondingly transmits control commands over a control bus to the respective allocation units.