Abstract: A high-speed current switch (36) comprises a differential switch (14), a current source (12), an op-amp (32), a feedback switch (38), a hold capacitor (40), a biasing transistor (42), and a second current switch (44). The high-speed current switch (36) receives a complementary control signal (46) and a control signal (48), and generates an output current (26).

Abstract: An efficient, economical circuit which is easily added to existing modular or integrated pulse-width modulator circuits, e.g. switching power supply regulator circuits, having an fault comparitor which disables the pulse-width modulator when an overload error condition is detected for a time which exceeds a first RC time constant, and restoring the operation of the pulse-width modulator after a second R′C time. The differing RC and R′C time constants are provided by varied resistor circuit paths established by the state of the fault comparitor. The topology and economy of parts provide a current limiter which facilitates miniaturization and circuit integration.

Abstract: Combination ground fault circuit interrupter/surge suppressor which provides overvoltage protection for AC power lines, coaxial transmission lines and communication lines without a separate ground conductor.

Abstract: A fluid contamination analyzer employs one or more micro-miniature sensors which provide for a substantial reduction in sensor dimensions form prior art dimensions of approximately 2 in.×2 in. to approximately 1 mm×1 mm. The sensors are incorporated into probes for easy lubricant fluid accessibility or alternatively may be employed in an on-line analyzer residing in the fluid flow path. The sensors sense an impedance of the fluid which is a function of its contamination and communicates the impedance to analysis circuitry via either a hard-wired or RF data link. An array of sensors may also be utilized in conjunction with a magnetic field intensity gradient to obtain a particulate distribution across the array. Impedance information, which is indicative of the particulate distribution, is communicated to analysis circuitry individually or in a multiplexed format for fluid contamination analysis.

Abstract: A high-voltage switch circuit is disclosed, which includes at least one voltage source input terminal for providing at least one voltage source (HV1), and a passing circuit (T0) for controllably passing the voltage source. The present invention also includes a pumping circuit (202) for raising voltage level of one output terminal (C) thereof. At least one switch circuit (T6 or T7) under control of a switch signal is used so that the voltage source controllably propagates to one output terminal (OUT1, OUT2) of the switch circuit through the passing circuit. Finally, a circuit (T4) is used for forcing the output terminal of the pumping circuit and one internal node (A) of the pumping circuit to an equal potential, so that the voltage source propagates to the output terminal of the switch circuit through the forcing circuit when the output terminal of the switch circuit is coupled to a ground.

Abstract: A backup power-supply device is provided. The backup power-supply device can supply a DC power to an electric appliance when an external power source electrically connected to the electric appliance is interrupted. The backup power-supply device can sustain supplying the DC power for at least three to five minutes so that the operation of the electric appliance will not be interrupted during the power outage.

Abstract: A power supply system and method provides for smooth transitions between a utility power, transitory instantaneous power, and backup power in the event of a utility power failure of a utility supplying power to a load. As the utility power weakens due to a failure of the normal utility power supply, a synchronous machine becomes immediately a generator and supplies the required instantaneous power to the load. In order to maintain a constant speed on the synchronous machine, a high speed flywheel rotating faster than the synchronous machine provide kinetic energy that is magnetically coupled to the synchronous machine through an electromagnetic clutch to provide the synchronous machine with the required energy until the utility recovers from its failure. The magnetic clutch has induction bars for rotating with the flywheel and field coils rotating the synchronous machine for coupling kinetic energy from the flywheel to the synchronous machine during a utility power failure.

Abstract: A new method is introduced to characterize EMC at the IC/ASIC package level. It is designed to excite the modes of radiations found in IC/ASIC packages, and permits the characterization of packages in a way that represents their real application. In the new method, a small antenna designed on a die is mounted inside the package under test. The package is mounted on a carrier PCB that is used to feed a signal into the antenna on the die. Radiated emissions from this set-up are measured. The antenna on the die is measured in free space to obtain a reference level which represents its capability to radiate without shielding. The antenna is then measured inside a package to obtain its capability to radiate with package shielding. The difference between the two measurements will represent the shielding effectiveness or the EMI reduction the package offers to the die. All measurements may conveniently be performed inside a TEM (Transverse Electromagnetic Mode) cell.

Abstract: A double-speed tester for a microelectronic device, in which a plurality of recesses is formed on the circumference of a test plate at an interval of step, the recesses each accommodating a microelectronic device which is measured with the test plate rotating.

Abstract: A combination ground and power source circuit tester device includes a cylindrical plug with a cone-shaped end that fits into a vehicle accessory receptacle. An attached body member engages the plug and retains first and second radially extending contacts that function to provide a connection with conductive studs that attach to leads to a circuit. A light bulb indicating that the circuitry is powered is retained in the body member and in a parallel circuit with the contacts.

Abstract: A reciprocating engine generator set and a permanent magnet turbogenerator/motor integrated into a single power generation package. Control means are provided to: (a) select between a load control mode of operation, a load following mode of operation, or a peak shaving mode of operation for the permanent magnet turbogenerator/motor when utility grid power is available to the load; (b) to start the reciprocating engine electric generator when utility grid power is unavailable; and (c) to start the permanent magnet turbogenerator/motor with power from the reciprocating engine electric generator when utility grid power is unavailable.

Abstract: A power supply for supplying energy to a load includes an energy supply source for generating energy, an energy storage device that is charged from the energy generated by the energy supply source, an optional regulator for improving the energy matching of the energy supply source and the energy storage device, an energy converter for delivering energy from the energy storage device and/or the energy supply source to a load, a detector for monitoring the energy level of the energy storage device and for determining when to activate the energy converter to allow energy delivery to the load from the energy storage device and/or the energy supply source, an optional energy discharge controller that allows the energy storage device to discharge over time, and an optional switch controller for controlling a switch, valve, relay, etc.

Abstract: A computer, or other electrical component, having an electrical switch adapted to open when the cover of the chassis of the component covers the chassis and close when the cover is removed from the chassis. A mechanism is provided that turns on, and stays turned on, in response to the closing of the switch for providing an output. An indication device is connected to the mechanism and is adapted to provide a corresponding indication when the mechanism turns on.

Abstract: A power supply for providing electrical power to one or more communications components includes energy converting cells configured for mounting on or adjacent a light source such as a street light. Energy dissipated by the light source is converted into electrical energy and used to power one or ore communications components. The power supply combined with a battery, control circuitry and a communications component is provided as a unit to be mounted onto a street light housing. Energy converting cells in the form of thermoelectric converters use the heat from the light housing to power the communications component.

Abstract: A system for supplying electrical energy to an electrical apparatus includes devices for generating electrical energy for ensuring the supply of the electrical apparatus, and compensating devices for compensating for disturbances in the supply to the apparatus including a compensation device with an active element for storing active electrical energy, adapted to exchange the active energy with the electrical apparatus upon the appearance of a disturbance.

Abstract: An interface circuit permits a customer who receives two-phase service from an electrical utility company to use power from an on-site source instead of or in addition to the utility company's power. Several embodiments are disclosed, in some of which the interface circuit automatically disconnects the utility company's power lines if the utility's power is lost and connects the on-site power source. The interface circuit may be installed in whole or in part in a meter collar which fits between an electric meter and the meter socket box that the meter would otherwise plug into.

Abstract: A device for limiting an alternating electric current includes a least one passive semiconductor configuration and a protection circuit. The semiconductor configuration is configured such that when a forward voltage is applied thereto, a forward current flows through the semiconductor configuration. The forward current increases monotonously with the forward voltage up to a saturation current at an associated saturation voltage. At a forward voltage above the saturation voltage, the forward current is limited to a limiting current that is smaller than the saturation current. The semiconductor configuration is further configured such that when a reverse voltage is applied, a reverse current flows through the passive semiconductor configuration.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and arrangement for disconnecting consumers who are connected to a voltage source, specially a direct voltage source. For the purposes of the present invention direct voltage systems are, for instance, the well-known mobile equipment driven by solar cells, primary or secondary batteries. The present invention is based on the knowledge that several consumers are often present in a voltage system, apart of which can be disconnected immediately when one or several conditions for disconnection are fulfilled, while another part of the consumers should be gradually disconnected due to technical safety reasons or psychological aspects. According to the invention consumers connected to a voltage source can be disconnected in two steps, that is, the power passing through the consumers is reduced, for which a slow regulation is offered, and later the power passing through the rest of the users is disconnected.

Abstract: The device comprises a three-pole lightning arrester, switch means having conductive blades, trigger means having a trigger fuse piece which is thermally connected to the lightning arrester, and conductor means which define input and output line terminals and a ground terminal. The conductor means provide links between the input terminals and the output terminals, between the line electrodes of the lightning arrester and the input terminals, and between a ground electrode of the lightning arrester and the ground terminal. The trigger piece maintains the blades in their first position until a heating limit temperature above which the piece melts and enables the blades to be resiliently returned to their second position. The trigger piece is made up of a recessed central body bearing against the lightning arrester, and of blade-retaining members positioned on either side of the central body so as to secure the blades to the trigger piece.

Abstract: A method and system for the arrangement of a power supply with an expansion card which can be connected to an electronic device and comprises at least a first and a second circuit. The power supply is arranged in at least two stages, wherein at the first stage, at least one operating voltage (Vcc) is connected to the first circuit, and at the second stage, the at least one operating voltage (Vcc) is connected to the second circuit.