Abstract: Power switching circuitry has a heat absorbing structure, and a heat conductive substrate having power switching components on a first surface and a second surface adjacent to the heat absorbing structure. Electrically conductive members, comprising first and second members, are on the first surface and extend along a first axis orthogonal to the heat conductive substrate. The second portion is more remote from the heat conductive substrate, and has a smaller cross-sectional area than, the first portion to define a shoulder region orthogonal to the first axis. A circuit board is located on the shoulder regions, with the second portions extending through the circuit board. An urging mechanism urges the circuit board against the shoulder regions, whereby the electrically conductive members provide a current path between the heat conductive substrate and the circuit board, and urge the heat conductive substrate into thermal contact with the heat absorbing structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides charger protection circuitry for a rechargeable battery, and a method of protecting a charger cable during charging of a rechargeable battery. A switch controller is used to turn a switch element on and off in dependence on a direction of current flow through the charger protection circuitry during charging and otherwise. If current is flowing in the first direction the switch controller turns on the switch element such that the auxiliary current tripping element is bypassed, whereby the main current tripping element controls interruption of current flow. If instead current is flowing in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the switch controller turns off the switch element, whereby the auxiliary current tripping element is connected into the current flow path to control interruption of current flow.

Abstract: Power switching circuitry has a heat absorbing structure, and a heat conductive substrate having power switching components on a first surface and a second surface adjacent to the heat absorbing structure. Electrically conductive members, comprising first and second members, are on the first surface and extend along a first axis orthogonal to the heat conductive substrate. The second portion is more remote from the heat conductive substrate, and has a smaller cross-sectional area than, the first portion to define a shoulder region orthogonal to the first axis. A circuit board is located on the shoulder regions, with the second portions extending through the circuit board. An urging mechanism urges the circuit board against the shoulder regions, whereby the electrically conductive members provide a current path between the heat conductive substrate and the circuit board, and urge the heat conductive substrate into thermal contact with the heat absorbing structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides charger protection circuitry for a rechargeable battery, and a method of protecting a charger cable during charging of a rechargeable battery. A switch controller is used to turn a switch element on and off in dependence on a direction of current flow through the charger protection circuitry during charging and otherwise. If current is flowing in the first direction the switch controller turns on the switch element such that the auxiliary current tripping element is bypassed, whereby the main current tripping element controls interruption of current flow. If instead current is flowing in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the switch controller turns off the switch element, whereby the auxiliary current tripping element is connected into the current flow path to control interruption of current flow.

Abstract: A switching circuit for connecting a power source to a load is described. The circuit comprises a first relay and at least one second relay in parallel arrangement with the first relay. The switching circuit is arranged such that in the event of a fault condition occurring that requires the disconnection of the power source from the load, the at least one second relay opens while the first relay remains closed. In this manner, a reliable disconnection of the load from the switching circuit is achieved.

Abstract: A switching circuit for connecting a power source to a load is described. The circuit comprises a first relay and at least one second relay in parallel arrangement with the first relay. The switching circuit is arranged such that in the event of a fault condition occurring that requires the disconnection of the power source from the load, the at least one second relay opens while the first relay remains closed. In this manner, a reliable disconnection of the load from the switching circuit is achieved.

Abstract: A motorized assembly comprises first and second bridge circuits across which respective drive motors are connected. At least one auxiliary motor or actuator is connected between one arm of the first bridge circuit and one arm of the second bridge circuit and electronic control means are arranged to control the operation the drive motors and the or each auxiliary motor or actuator by operating electronic switches of the bridge circuits and an electronic switch connected in series with the or each auxiliary motor or actuator. Such an arrangement obviates the requirement for independent control circuitry for controlling the operation of the or each auxiliary motor or actuator, resulting in a reduction in the overall cost of the motorized assembly.

Abstract: A motorized assembly comprises first and second bridge circuits across which respective drive motors are connected. At least one auxiliary motor or actuator is connected between one arm of the first bridge circuit and one arm of the second bridge circuit and electronic control means are arranged to control the operation the drive motors and the or each auxiliary motor or actuator by operating electronic switches of the bridge circuits and an electronic switch connected in series with the or each auxiliary motor or actuator. Such an arrangement obviates the requirement for independent control circuitry for controlling the operation of the or each auxiliary motor or actuator, resulting in a reduction in the overall cost of the motorized assembly.