Abstract: Electromagnetic inductor components include a magnetic core and a conductor assembled with the core and defining a winding completing a number of turns. The conductor is fabricated from a composite material including carbon nanotubes having an improved conductivity. The conductor has a cross section defined by an effective diameter. The conductor is fabricated to have performance parameters that are selected in view of a function of a ratio of conductivity and/or a function of a ratio of effective diameter of the composite conductor material relative to a reference conductor material as conventionally used in an inductor fabrication.

Abstract: A non-contact magnetic sensor assembly includes a thin-walled magnetic ring that facilitates a reduction in the size of the device without compromising performance. The component assembly may be configured as a Hall effect current sensor and may be included in a string monitor for a photovoltaic power system.

Abstract: A charger appliance configured to determine a no-load, disconnected state from an electronic device having a rechargeable battery, and configured to determine a connected state of the charger with an electronic device in which recharging power may be supplied through the charger to the electronic device. Automatic connection and disconnection of a mains power supply is made depending on the detected state of the charger to avoid wasteful energy consumption in a no-load state. State detection may be determined by monitoring a voltage on one or more signal lines associated with the electronic device.

Abstract: Electromagnetic actuator components include a magnetic core, a conductor assembled with the core and defining a winding completing a number of turns, and a movable component that may be displaced by a magnetic field. The conductor is fabricated from a composite material including carbon nanotubes having an improved conductivity. The conductor has a cross section defined by an effective diameter. The conductor is fabricated to have performance parameters that are selected in view of a function of a ratio of conductivity and/or a function of a ratio of effective diameter of the composite conductor material relative to a reference conductor material as conventionally used in an electromagnetic actuator fabrication.

Abstract: Electromagnetic transformer components include a magnetic core and at least two conductors assembled with the core and defining respective windings completing different numbers of turns. The conductors are fabricated from a composite material including carbon nanotubes having an improved conductivity. The transformer is fabricated to have performance parameters that are selected in view of a function of a ratio of conductivity and/or a function of a ratio of effective diameter of the composite conductor material relative to a reference conductor material as conventionally used in a transformer fabrication.

Abstract: Miniaturized magnetic components for electronic circuit board applications include enhanced magnetic composite sheets facilitating increased direct current capacity and higher inductance values. The components may be manufactured using relatively simple and straightforward lamination processes.

Abstract: Electromagnetic inductor components include a magnetic core and a conductor assembled with the core and defining a winding completing a number of turns. The conductor is fabricated from a composite material including carbon nanotubes having an improved conductivity. The conductor has a cross section defined by an effective diameter. The conductor is fabricated to have performance parameters that are selected in view of a function of a ratio of conductivity and/or a function of a ratio of effective diameter of the composite conductor material relative to a reference conductor material as conventionally used in an inductor fabrication.

Abstract: Electromagnetic actuator components include a magnetic core, a conductor assembled with the core and defining a winding completing a number of turns, and a movable component that may be displaced by a magnetic field. The conductor is fabricated from a composite material including carbon nanotubes having an improved conductivity. The conductor has a cross section defined by an effective diameter. The conductor is fabricated to have performance parameters that are selected in view of a function of a ratio of conductivity and/or a function of a ratio of effective diameter of the composite conductor material relative to a reference conductor material as conventionally used in an electromagnetic actuator fabrication.

Abstract: Electromagnetic transformer components include a magnetic core and at least two conductors assembled with the core and defining respective windings completing different numbers of turns. The conductors are fabricated from a composite material including carbon nanotubes having an improved conductivity. The transformer is fabricated to have performance parameters that are selected in view of a function of a ratio of conductivity and/or a function of a ratio of effective diameter of the composite conductor material relative to a reference conductor material as conventionally used in a transformer fabrication.

Abstract: A non-contact magnetic sensor assembly includes a thin-walled magnetic ring that facilitates a reduction in the size of the device without compromising performance. The component assembly may be configured as a Hall effect current sensor and may be included in a string monitor for a photovoltaic power system.

Abstract: Power management controls for electrical appliances and devices include a supercapacitor and processor based controls for automatically disconnecting the appliance or device from a main power supply when not in active use. The control may include a micropower controller that enters a very lower power sleep mode and may wake up for limited times to detect and respond to various states of the appliance and the supercapacitor by connecting or disconnecting the appliance and a main power supply, all while drawing effectively zero power from the main power supply. The control may be interrupted when the appliance is switched on for active use.

Abstract: A multi-port power switch device may intelligently detect whether a portable electronic device is connected to one of the output ports provided. The output ports can automatically be switched on and off as needed depending on whether they are connected to a portable electronic device.

Abstract: A low profile magnetic component includes at least one coil layer defining a generally planar coil winding having a center area and a number of turns extending about the center area. A body encloses the coil layer, and is fabricated from one of a dielectric material and a magnetic material. A magnetic core material occupies at least the center area of the coil layer.

Abstract: Power management controls for electrical appliances and devices include a supercapacitor and processor based controls for automatically disconnecting the appliance or device from a main power supply when not in active use. The control may include a micropower controller that enters a very lower power sleep mode and may wake up for limited times to detect and respond to various states of the appliance and the supercapacitor by connecting or disconnecting the appliance and a main power supply, all while drawing effectively zero power from the main power supply. The control may be interrupted when the appliance is switched on for active use.

Abstract: Electrical apparatuses, systems and methods involving battery boost circuitry configured to charge a supercapacitor to a regulated voltage different from the battery voltage and apply a series combination of the regulated voltage and the battery voltage to a load such as a starter motor for an internal combustion engine or a component of a handheld device. The circuitry also includes a contactor connected to the supercapacitor and operable to bypass the capacitor when fully discharged to avoid reverse charging of the supercapacitor.

Abstract: Electrical fuse indicators, systems and methods for detecting when fuses enter an open state involve a wireless identification element, which alerts a communication unit that the fuse has entered an open state. The wireless identification device may include an antenna. The antenna may be in contact with a fuse element, such that opening of the fuse element renders the antenna inoperable. Alternatively the antenna may be connected to the fuse element in such a manner that opening of the fuse element alters the frequency on which the antenna transmits. A logic port may also be used to detect the operational state of a fuse. Use of such indicators is compatible with existing infrastructure.

Abstract: Electronic systems and methods automatically monitor a presence, absence, and change of circuit protectors at specified locations in an electrical system. Circuit protectors may be automatically detected and correlated with specific circuit protection holders as they are installed and replaced in the electrical system. Determinations may be made regarding whether the installation or replacement is proper or improper for optimal protection of the electrical system.

Abstract: Miniaturized magnetic components for electronic circuit board applications include enhanced magnetic composite sheets facilitating increased direct current capacity and higher inductance values. The components may be manufactured using relatively simple and straightforward lamination processes.

Abstract: Magnetic component assemblies including layered moldable magnetic materials and coils are advantageously utilized in providing surface mount magnetic components such as inductors and transformers.

Abstract: A low profile magnetic component includes at least one coil layer defining a generally planar coil winding having a center area and a number of turns extending about the center area. A body encloses the coil layer, and is fabricated from one of a dielectric material and a magnetic material. A magnetic core material occupies at least the center area of the coil layer.