Abstract: A power node provides energy management features in a networked data communications and control environment.

Abstract: In an extension cord with wireless timing function, there are included a receptacle housing having more than one flush plug receptacles and internally including a current converter, a power switch and a plurality of electronic relays corresponding to the receptacles; a programmable logic controller in the receptacle housing for controlling the ON/OFF state of the receptacles; a wireless transmission module in the receptacle housing for receiving a wireless signal from a remote device; a power cord connected at an end to the power switch; and an operation and control module located on the receptacle housing and connected to the controller. Thus, timed power supply by each of the receptacles can be set and recorded at the remote device. When the power switch is turned to off, the controller automatically resets the receptacles to ON; and when the power switch is turned to on again, the receptacles will remain to “ON”.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes, in one package: a plurality of semiconductor chips having different operating voltages; and a power supply circuit configured to receive an input voltage from an external power supply and supply operating voltages to the semiconductor chips. The power supply circuit is capable of switching and supplying a plurality of different voltages for each one of the semiconductor chips.

Abstract: A device is provided for riding through brownouts, or transitory losses of control power applied to electromagnetic devices such as contactors and relays. An energy storage circuit stores charge that can be discharged into a contactor operating coil during partial or full losses of control power and for short durations. Momentary reductions in control power can thus be experienced without opening or otherwise changing the logical state of the contactor. Emergency stop override circuitry may be provided for preventing the ride-through performance, thus enabling the device to provide for both ride-through of short losses of control power, while permitting emergency stopping of loads due to the override.

Abstract: A circuit that selectively connects an integrated circuit to elements external to the integrated circuits. The circuit includes an input/output element that selectively connects an input/output pin as a function of a power requirement or a signal bandwidth requirement of the integrated circuit. The input/output element includes one or more switching devices that connect the input/output pin to an external element, such as a power supply or external signal path. The input/output element also includes one or more switching devices that connect the input/output pin to an internal element, such as a power network or internal signal line.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pulse generator circuit for delivering a short high current pulse to a load. This pulse generator comprises a junction recovery diode, a switch, a first resonant circuit and a second resonant circuit. The diode may be configured to store charges in its depletion layer when there is a forward flow of a current and to rapidly switch open after the depletion layer is discharged by a reverse flow of a current. After the diode rapidly switch opens, the pulse generator may provide a reverse current to the load. This pulse generator may be configured to generate at least one pulse that is having a length of no more than 100 nanoseconds at the full-width-at-half-maximum and an amplitude of at least 1 kilovolt. Electrodes may be connected to the pulse generator to deliver one pulse or plurality of pulses to biological cells such as tumor cells.

Abstract: A power saving circuit (PSC) may include a first circuit and a second circuit electrically coupled in series in a power sharing configuration. The PSC may further include a regulator that is electrically coupled to a first node between the first and second circuits. The regulator can supply current to the first node when the first circuit requires less current or the second circuit requires more current, and the regulator can remove current from the first node when the first circuit requires more current or the second circuit requires less current.

Abstract: A power converter having an aircraft power source detector configured to limit the amount of power that can be drawn by the power converter when utilized in an aircraft. The power converter may detect an artifact of the aircraft power source, such as the 400 Hz ripple noise on an aircraft power line, or existing in the aircraft cabin, such EMI or aircraft lighting.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pulse generator circuit for delivering a short high current pulse to a load. This pulse generator comprises a junction recovery diode, a switch, a first resonant circuit and a second resonant circuit. The diode may be configured to store charges in its depletion layer when there is a forward flow of a current and to rapidly switch open after the depletion layer is discharged by a reverse flow of a current. After the diode rapidly switch opens, the pulse generator may provide a reverse current to the load. This pulse generator may be configured to generate at least one pulse that is having a length of no more than 100 nanoseconds at the full-width-at-half-maximum and an amplitude of at least 1 kilovolt. Electrodes may be connected to the pulse generator to deliver one pulse or plurality of pulses to biological cells such as tumor cells.

Abstract: A control system for determining a magnitude of a voltage and controlling an application of the voltage to at least one load device of an appliance is disclosed. The control system includes a threshold-crossing circuit configured to receive a representation of the voltage and to provide an output signifying the voltage crossing a predetermined voltage threshold; and a processor which receives the output from the threshold-crossing circuit and determine the magnitude of the voltage based on the output and a line frequency based on the period of the output, determines an initial cooking profile from a group of cooking profiles based on a user selected initial setting for controlling the application of the voltage to the at least one load device, and adjusts the application of the voltage to the at least one load device based on the determined magnitude of the voltage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for using a renewable source of energy such as solar, wind or geothermal energy. The method includes generating electric energy from a renewable form of energy at a plurality of locations at which reside an electric power line associated with an electric power grid. The electric energy generated at each location is transferred to the electric power line to thereby supply electric energy to the electric power grid.

Abstract: For a remote controller that is mainly used for simply and surely controlling various electronic devices, when predetermined pressing force is imposed on an operating body, a predetermined set value is stored in a storing section when a detection value of a pressure-sensitive conducting contact exceeds a predetermined resistance value and the detected value is stored in the storing section when the detection value of the contact point is within the range of the predetermined resistance value. Since a remote control signal is generated using a ratio of a value stored in the storing section and a value obtained when the remote controller is operated, an electronic device can be controlled without being influenced by variation of elements constituting the remote controller.

Abstract: A device for supplying an ignition current from an energy reserve to at least one ignition power module, a voltage regulator being provided between the energy reserve and the at least one ignition power module, setting a voltage on the at least one ignition power module at a predetermined level.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for optimizing power consumption in electronic devices that operate on battery-based or scavenged power. The power scavenged or otherwise supplied by such devices may therefore last longer, allowing longer performance on a given charge (whether sourced from scavenged power, battery power, or a combination thereof). An energy distribution circuit can be used in conjunction with a hysteretic switch, wherein the hysteretic switch can be used to switch an energy storage element in-circuit (so that it can provide charge to sub-circuitry or components) when the charge stored on that element exceeds a given charge threshold; otherwise, the hysteretic switch presents as a high resistance or open circuit when the charge stored on the energy storage element drops below a lower recharge threshold. The energy distribution circuit can be configured for adaptively providing different discharge rates for different loads.

Abstract: The power supply system includes a generator, a transformer circuit, and a battery. The generator generates electric power of a first voltage. The transformer circuit boosts the electric power of the first voltage to a second voltage. The battery is connected, via the transformer circuit, to the generator and stores electric power of the second voltage obtained by the boosting by the transformer circuit. At least one of actuators is connected on the generator side of the transformer circuit, so as to be supplied with the electric power of the first voltage.

Abstract: The invention is based on an electric device, in particular an electric hand tool, having a removable power supply unit (18, 70, 104), an accommodation region (16, 102, 132, 144, 156) for accommodating the power supply unit (18, 70, 104), and a locking device (20, 76, 114, 134, 146, 154) for locking the power supply unit (18, 70, 104) to the accommodation region (16, 102, 132, 144, 156). It is proposed that the locking device (20, 76, 114, 134, 146, 154) is provided for the purpose of unlocking the power supply unit (18, 70, 104) from a locked state—by means of a force which is exerted on the power supply unit (18, 70, 104) and moves the entire power supply unit (18, 70, 104) in relation to the accommodation region (16, 102, 132, 144, 156).

Abstract: A power control system is described that reuses current from segregated circuits of the mobile device. In some embodiments, the segregated circuits (or “sections”) can be “stacked” in series (with respect to the power supply) such that power is more efficiently used. The power can be more efficiently used by arranging a first section to reuse current that supplies power to a second section. A power control unit can be used to control regulators.

Abstract: A charge control apparatus operable in a first power mode or a second power mode having power consumption less than that of the first power mode, the charge control apparatus includes a main power supply, an auxiliary power supply, a charging unit, a time count unit, and a charge control unit, wherein the charge control unit controls the charging unit to switch from a first charge mode to a second charge mode upon detecting that the charging time counted by the time count unit is or larger than a predetermined time period in the first power mode, and wherein the charge control unit controls the charging unit to operate in the second charge mode when the charge control apparatus operates in the second power mode.

Abstract: The solution controls electric operational power to be fed to an amplifier. The control can be carried out, for instance, in accordance with a predetermined signal. The operational power is fed to the amplifier with a voltage source unit and a current source unit, and the operational voltage that the voltage source unit feeds to the amplifier is controlled. The current source unit feeds at least some of the operational electric current of the amplifier.

Abstract: An inexpensive unmanned mobile sensor and data collection rolling rover (“rollver) for exploring remote, inaccessible locations, such as deep craters and canyons, includes a hollow enclosure having a flexible wall that is expandable into the shape of a sphere, an apparatus for selectably expanding the wall of the enclosure, a sensor and instrumentation payload disposed within the enclosure and coupled to an inner surface of the wall of the enclosure, and a power supply for powering the payload at its destination. The rollver is adapted to roll to a target destination at least partially in response to at least one of an initial impetus imparted to the vehicle and gravitational forces acting thereon, and due to its relatively low cost, can be simultaneously deployed and used in an area of interest in relatively large numbers.