Abstract: Methods and apparatus selecting settings for circuits according to various aspects of the present invention may operate in conjunction with a measurement element connected to the circuit. The circuit may include a voltage source adapted to supply a voltage to the measurement element. The voltage may be substantially independent of the characteristics of the measurement element. The circuit may further include a measurement sensor responsive to a current in the measurement element. The measurement sensor may generate a control signal according to the current in the measurement element.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a microphone detection circuit for detecting whether an external device includes a microphone. The microphone detection circuit comprises: an audio circuit for receiving an analog input signal which is a signal from the external device or a preset signal. The audio circuit comprises: an analog-to-digital conversion unit to generate a digital audio signal according to the analog input signal; a decision unit, coupled to the analog-to-digital conversion unit, to determine whether the digital audio signal satisfies a predetermined threshold to thereby generate an analysis result, wherein if the digital audio signal satisfies the predetermined threshold, the analysis result indicates that the external device includes a microphone; and a control unit, coupled to the decision unit, to control an operation of the audio circuit according to the analysis result.

Abstract: A method for controlling a hybrid vehicle electrical system includes driving the vehicle in a first driving mode where the battery pack is connected to the traction voltage DC-link and the battery pack is supplying the electrical auxiliary units with power, shutting down the power electronics unit in order to cease power delivery from the electric machine to the traction voltage DC-link or to the electric machine from the traction voltage DC-link, disconnecting the battery pack from the traction voltage DC-link by opening the relay, and activating the power electronics unit and controlling output voltage of the power electronics unit to a predetermined level.

Abstract: A wall-mounted dimmer may include an actuator assembly configured to translate a touch interaction with the dimmer into a desired dimming level. The actuator assembly may include a control interface having a resilient, deflectable membrane, a plurality of force-sensitive impedance members supported by the membrane, and an actuator configured to transfer a touch along the actuator to the membrane, causing the membrane to actuate one or more corresponding force-sensitive impedance members. The force-sensitive impedance members may be configured to make contact with corresponding ones of a plurality of open circuit pads supported by a printed circuit board. Each of the plurality of open circuit pads may correspond to a predetermined dimming level applied to a lighting load electrically connected to the dimmer. The control interface may be configured such that contact between the force-sensitive impedance members and corresponding ones of the open circuit pads is pressure sensitive.

Abstract: A switch for a bilge pump of a boat includes a pair of probes for providing a probe signal indicating the presence of fluid at the probes, a current sensor for providing a sensor signal indicating electric current of the pump; and a controller programmed to energize the pump when a threshold level of the probe signal indicates the presence of fluid and to de-energize the pump when a threshold level of the sensor signal indicates that the pump is not pumping fluid. The controller can also be programmed to dynamically change the threshold level of the probe signal based on a prior probe signal that indicates changing probe conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system, and method for enforcing utility usage and metering functions by a utility meter associated with a utility consumer end user, connected to a remote utility management center by a communication network. The present invention proposes a utility meter for controlling and metering a least one utility consumption.

Abstract: In examples, robotic devices with ambient indications of joint status are provided. An example robotic device includes one or more actuators coupled through one or more joints to form a robotic manipulator, and an indicator co-located in proximity to the one or more joints to provide visual feedback on the robotic manipulator at the one or more joints and about the one or more joints. The visual feedback may include information indicative of an operating status of the one or more joints including an indication of an amount of torque that the one or more joints is experiencing. The robotic device also includes a controller programmable to control the indicator co-located proximal to the one or more joints to provide the visual feedback indicative of the operating status of the one or more joints.

Abstract: A mutual capacitive touch sensing device is disclosed. The touch sensing device includes a mutual capacitive sensing controller having a plurality of distinct drive lines and a plurality of distinct sense lines; a source for driving a current or voltage separately though each drive line; and a mutual capacitance sensing circuit that monitors the capacitance at the sensing lines. The touch sensing device also includes a plurality of independent and spatially distinct mutual capacitive sensing nodes set up in a non two dimensional array. Each node includes a drive electrode that is spatially separated from a sense electrode. The drive electrode is coupled to one of the drive lines and the sense electrode is coupled to one of the sense lines. Each node is set up with a different combination of drive and sense line coupled thereto.

Abstract: A wearable device for simulating wounds and injuries received during a trauma event includes a raiment and vest for covering the torso of a person. The raiment has an outer surface with a color and a texture comparable to human skin. Mounted on the outer surface is at least one wound simulator formed with an orifice that is in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir. Thus, the person can selectively expel a blood-like fluid from the reservoir, and through the wound simulator orifice, to simulate a trauma event. The vest includes an artificial rib cage and prosthetic internal organs juxtaposed with at least one wound simulator to simulate internal effects of a trauma event.

Abstract: An aqua-lamp-based candle-like lighting device includes a stand, an aqua-lamp and a seat. The stand and seat are positioned at a bottom and a top of the aqua-lamp respectively. A control circuit, installed inside the stand, has a heating element by resistance from electricity and an illuminator. The aqua-lamp is in a three-dimensional hollow shape of transparent appearance containing a low boiling temperature fluid in a dense state with a bottom adhered to the heating element. The seat is provided with a receiving port for accommodating a candle. Thereby the low boiling temperature fluid is in a flowing state by contacting a heat source and under lighting by the illuminator when electricity is applied to the stand and the heating element is operating by resistance so as to enhance the decorating effectiveness.

Abstract: Power outlets adapted for installation within an enclosure are provided. Power outlets are provided having a safety interlock adapted to prevent the creation of a hazardous condition within the enclosure as a result of the continued operation of an electrical device within the enclosed space. The safety interlock may include current limiting circuitry and hardware, hazard sensing devices interconnected with such current limiting circuitry and hardware or other circuit breaker switches, and combinations of such safety interlocks. The power outlets may also be adapted for installation within a movable enclosure, such as, for example, a drawer.

Abstract: A safety control system is provided, which is capable of monitoring many more drive circuits by using a single controller without modifying the configurations of the controller and the drive circuit. An a-contact of a relay is electrically connected between a FB (feedback) output terminal and a FB input terminal of a safety controller. A b-contact of the relay is electrically connected between a signal output terminal (safety output (1) terminal) of the safety controller and a signal input terminal (safety input (1) terminal) of a safety drive circuit. A coil of the relay is connected to a FB monitor output terminal of the safety drive circuit. No factor in a large voltage drop is present between the FB output terminal and the FB input terminal, thus making it possible to monitor many more drive circuits by using a single controller.

Abstract: A signal connecting module, an electronic device, and a connector identification method thereof are disclosed. The signal connecting module is applied to the electronic device to electrically connect to the connector. The signal connecting module includes a connecting port, a controlling module, and a detecting module. The controlling module electrically connects to a first pin of the connecting port. When the connector connects to the connecting port, the controlling module outputs a detecting signal via the first pin to an earphone pin of the connector. The detecting module electrically connects to a second pin and a third pin of the connecting port; wherein after the controlling module outputs the detecting signal, the detecting module detects a current signal received by the second pin or the third pin to determine that the second pin or the third pin electrically connects to a ground pin of the connector.

Abstract: An electronic device for preventing an accidental touch and an operating method thereof are disclosed, where the electronic device includes a first input device, a second input device, synthetic aperture radar and a main system. The synthetic aperture radar can sense whether a charged body is positioned near the second input device. When the charged body is positioned near the second input device, a voltage state of the synthetic aperture radar is pulled to a first logic level. When the voltage state of the synthetic aperture radar is in the first logic level, the main system disables the first input device.

Abstract: A contactless power supplying device is provided. A primary coil and a basic power supplying unit circuit are arranged in a power supplying area. The primary coil supplies secondary power through electromagnetic induction to a secondary coil of a power receiving device in the power supplying area. The basic power supplying unit circuit excites the primary coil in the power supplying area. The basic power supplying unit circuit transmits an oscillation signal from the power supplying area to the power receiving device, receives a modulated wave signal from the power receiving device that detects a modulation wave that is in accordance with a magnetic flux change, and detects the modulated wave signal to demodulate the modulation wave. A system control unit determines whether or not a metal foreign object is present in the power supplying area corresponding to the basic power supplying unit circuit based on the modulation wave.

Abstract: A converter for converting an input current to an output voltage may include: a first region; a second region galvanically separated from the first region; an input reference node in the first region, wherein the converter allows a flow of the input current through a device to the input reference node; a circuitry for generating, based on the input current, the output voltage relative to an output reference electric potential, the circuitry including a voltage transfer component for transferring the output voltage from the first region to the second region, wherein the voltage transfer component comprises a first circuit in the first region and a second circuit in the second region, wherein the first circuit is driven by a first electric supply voltage relative to a first supply reference potential; and an output terminal, located in the second region and connected to the second circuit, for outputting the output voltage.

Abstract: An novel sensor is provided having a plurality of substantially parallel drive lines configured to transmit a signal into a surface of a proximally located object, and also a plurality of substantially parallel pickup lines oriented proximate the drive lines and electrically separated from the pickup lines to form intrinsic electrode pairs that are impedance sensitive at each of the drive and pickup proximal locations.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor detects an object, in particular detects a collision in the case of a movable vehicle part. The sensor has an electrode arrangement which contains at least one sensor electrode. The sensor also has an evaluation circuit which is connected downstream of the sensor electrode and is intended to process a reception signal generated in the sensor electrode. In this case, the evaluation circuit contains a transimpedance amplifier which has a device for compensating for the frequency response.

Abstract: A field device of process automation technology having an interface for output of an electrical current signal and a specifying unit, which provides a value, on which depends an electrical current signal to be output via the interface. A first controllable electrical current sink and a second controllable electrical current sink are provided. The first controllable electrical current sink and the second controllable electrical current sink are settable to predeterminable electrical current levels, and that the first controllable electrical current sink and the second controllable electrical current sink are connected with the interface in such a manner that the electrical current signal which at the interface essentially depends on the lower of the predeterminable electrical current levels, to which the first controllable electrical current sink and the second controllable electrical current sink are set.

Abstract: An novel sensor is provided having a plurality of substantially parallel drive lines configured to transmit a signal into a surface of a proximally located object, and also a plurality of substantially parallel pickup lines oriented proximate the drive lines and electrically separated from the pickup lines to form intrinsic electrode pairs that are impedance sensitive at each of the drive and pickup proximal locations.

Abstract: According to certain embodiments, an apparatus and method for charging a battery pack for an electronic apparatus includes an earphone connection unit, a charge determining switching unit, a charge circuit, and a control unit. The earphone connection unit is configured to be connected to the electronic apparatus to selectively receive one of an earphone unit for an earphone mode and the spare battery pack for a charge mode. The charge determining switching unit is configured to switch to one of the earphone mode and the charge mode according to the unit connected electrically to the earphone connection unit. The charge circuit is configured to open a charge path for charging the spare battery pack with an external voltage applied to the electronic apparatus, according to the switching of the charge determining switching unit. The control unit is configured to measure a resistance value of the spare battery pack applied to the charge determining switching unit, switches the mode, and opens the charge circuit.

Abstract: A voltage generator includes a DC/DC converter configured to output a first voltage during a first period of a frame period, the DC/DC converter being connected to a first power voltage and to a second power voltage lower than the first power voltage, a first transistor coupled between the DC/DC converter and an output terminal, the first transistor being configured to be turned on during the first period, a second transistor coupled between the output terminal and a third voltage source, the third voltage source being configured to supply a third voltage lower than the first voltage, and the second transistor being configured to be turned on during a third period of the frame period, and a voltage controller coupled to the output terminal, the voltage controller being configured to limit a voltage of the output terminal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a decoration, toy technical scheme and the like, particularly to a touch sensitive crystal ball comprises a hollow glass ball and a base, which is characterized in that the hollow glass ball is used in the form of an opening in its lower part, where a conductive resin is disposed; the base is provided with an operating circuit; an electrode plate is arranged under the conductive resin and connected to the operating circuit, a touch switch is composed of the electrode plate, the glass ball and the conductive resin, since the user touch the glass ball, the operating circuit is opened by activating the electrode plate through static electricity from human body.

Abstract: A contactless switch provided by the present disclosure is coupled to a signal input device and receives a magnetic signal generated by a magnetic trigger mechanism. The contactless switch includes: a magnetic sensor, for sensing the magnetic signal and generating a corresponding trigger control signal; a controller, for generating a switch signal according to the trigger control signal; and a mode switch module, for processing the input signal to generate an output signal according to the switch signal.

Abstract: An isolator circuit (25) for a unit of a safety system (10) includes a power control line (14) connectable to a first loop of a safety system and a power connection (16) connectable to a second loop of the safety system. A switch (26) is connected to the power control line (14), and the switch has a closed configuration and an open configuration. A controller (28) controls the configuration of the switch (26). If a voltage across the circuit (10) from the power connection (16) to the power control line (14) falls below a predetermined level, the controller (28) opens the switch (26), thereby causing a disconnection to occur in the first loop.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement for sensing movement gestures on a motor vehicle with a capacitive sensor arrangement and at least one control and evaluation device which is coupled to the sensor arrangement and which senses a change in the capacitance of the sensor arrangement with respect to a reference potential. A user can use a part of his body, for example his foot, to make a gesture in the sensing range of the sensors for activating a tailgate. At least two sensor electrode arrangements are arranged at spatially offset positions on the motor vehicle. The sensor electrodes are embodied as elongate electrode arrangements and are arranged with the same spatial orientation. One of the sensor electrodes is longer than the other. The relatively long sensor electrode extends beyond the relatively short sensor electrode on both sides in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A LED driving apparatus having a holding current circuit and an operating method thereof are disclosed. The holding current circuit includes an input terminal, a holding resistor, a regulator, a first resistor, a second resistor, a setup resistor, a control unit, and a transistor. The holding resistor and the regulator, the first resistor and the second resistor, and the transistor and the setup resistor are coupled between the input terminal and ground terminal respectively. The control unit is coupled to the transistor, between the holding resistor and the regulator, and between the first resistor and the second resistor respectively. The control unit receives a first voltage between the holding resistor and the regulator and a second voltage between the first resistor and the second resistor and outputs a control signal to selectively control the transistor off.

Abstract: In a battery management system, a charging/discharging relay has a relay switch coupled to a charging/discharging line of battery cells and a driving coil driving the relay switch, a relay driving unit is coupled to the driving coil so as to control the driving coil, a first switch is coupled to the charging/discharging relay so as to control on/off of the charging/discharging relay, and a control unit applies a control signal to control on/off of the first switch. The battery management system further includes a short circuit protection (SCP) for cutting off the power input to the coil of the relay in the occurrence of a failure in the first switch, so that the charging/discharging line may be prevented from being in an uncontrolled state due to the occurrence of a failure in a circuit component.

Abstract: Inductive A proximity switch comprising an oscillator 1 and a transmitter coil 2 for generating an alternating magnetic field, a receiving circuit 3 comprising two receiving coils 4 and 5 operating in differential connection for detecting a metallic trigger 6, wherein the receiving coils 4 and 5 are arranged such that they can be influenced differently by the trigger 6 and the induced receiving voltages cancel one another out when the trigger 6 is at a desired switching distance is provided. The coils lie in a common coil former 7 and are completely embedded in the material of the coil former. The receiving coil 4 is arranged in the outer region of the coil former 7. The coil former 7 consists of LTCC ceramic with a coefficient of thermal expansion of less than 10 ppm/K.

Abstract: A programmable logic circuit assigns a value to an outlet of a power distribution unit (PDU) that comprises a power source at an input of the PDU and at least one light-emitting diode (LED) associated with the outlet. The programmable logic circuit sends the value to a program on a hardware device that comprises one or more power supplies. The programmable logic circuit receives information from the program. Subsequently, an illumination state of the LED is modified based on the information.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses, including computer program code are disclosed herein that provide adaptive battery protection. A method includes disabling a timer, when a current drawn by a battery-powered device from a battery is less than or equal to a lower current threshold. When the timer is disabled, the battery may remain connected to the battery-powered device. The method further includes enabling the timer when the current drawn from the battery is greater than the lower current threshold and less than an extended current threshold. When the timer is enabled, the timer may allow the battery to remain connected to the battery-powered device until the timer expires. The method further includes disconnecting the battery when the timer expires or when the current drawn from the battery exceeds the extended current threshold.

Abstract: In described examples, a first transistor has: a drain coupled to a source of a depletion-mode transistor; a source coupled to a first voltage node; and a gate coupled to a control node. A second transistor has: a drain coupled to a gate of the depletion-mode transistor; a source coupled to the first voltage node; and a gate coupled through at least one first logic device to an input node. A third transistor has: a drain coupled to the gate of the depletion-mode transistor; a source coupled to a second voltage node; and a gate coupled through at least one second logic device to the input node.

Abstract: A system for controlling a network access device is provided. The system includes a processor, the network access device, and a control circuit. The processor being in communication with the network access device through a communication link. The control circuit monitoring a temperature of the network access device and activating or deactivating the network access device based on the temperature.

Abstract: A solar power module, and related method of operation, that protects the bypass diodes in the solar power module from overheating due to partial shading, and also protects firefighters and installer personnel from electrical shock hazard. The solar power module includes active bypass switches, and isolation switches that disconnect the PV cells from the bypass switches when all the bypass switches are closed concurrently, thereby allowing the PV cells to continue supplying power to the control circuitry. The isolation switches are also used to maintain the solar power module in a safe state during installation, or in case of fire.

Abstract: A power strip may automatically disconnect wired connections in response to received weather alert data based on a configuration file including one or more user preference settings. The power strip may include a receiver to receive the weather alert data. The power strip may process the received weather alert data and disconnect the wired connections based on the one or more user preference settings. A timer function may also define a time period that the power strip monitors its receiver for weather alert data and automatically disconnects and reconnects the wired connections.

Abstract: A proximity switch assembly and method are provided having wrong touch feedback. The switch includes a plurality of proximity switches each including proximity sensors providing a sense activation field. Control circuitry processes the activation field of each proximity switch to sense activation, detects an allowed activation of one of the proximity switches and further detects an attempted activation that is not allowed. The switch further includes an output coupled to a device to perform a function when an allowed activation is detected. The switch includes one or more user perceived feedback devices for generating user perceived feedback when an attempted activation that is not allowed is detected.

Abstract: The wireless non-contact switch detects movement of human body in the beam-shaped detection are which extends from the upper area on the wall toward the floor surface, and controls opening and closing of the automatic door. Regardless of the height of the location of the movement, as long as it is in the detection area, the switch detects the movement of different height location in the detection area. Therefore, regardless of the difference of regulation between each states, it can be operated at any height of the movement.

Abstract: A switching system for switching between phases in a multi-phase power distribution system includes a switch for selectively connecting a lateral line to feeder conductors of different phases in a multi-phase power distribution system. Feeder terminals of the switch are configured to connect to feeder conductors of the multi-phase power distribution system. At least one output terminal of the switch is configured to connect to the lateral line. The feeder terminals are spaced about the body of the switch. A shaft and a rotatable contact member extending radially from the shaft are configured for rotating within the switch body to selectively connect the at least one output terminal to any one or more of the feeder terminals. At least one controller operates the switch to selectively change connection of the lateral line between the feeder conductors.

Abstract: A power supply assembly which can drive a number of different devices at different voltages. A rack holds a number of breaker modules, and each breaker module can connect to one or many breakout boxes. The breakout boxes are keyed to the breaker modules, so that the breaker boxes will not be energized with power unless they are the proper voltage and/or configuration to receive that power. The coil of a contactor in the breaker module is powered by a key wire that is connected through specified pins in the breakout box. Therefore, no power is ever provided to the breakout box unless it is of the proper voltage configuration. In addition, feeder power to the power supply assembly is provided over bolted connections, without any wire connections between the power feed and the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A control system has an instruction path of which an object section connects a microcomputer, a switch and a switch supervisory device with one another. The switch sets the path in conductive or non-conductive state on the low side of the microcomputer. An instruction signal is sent to the microcomputer through the conductive path to set the microcomputer in an operation state. When the device judges based on the operation state of the microcomputer that the switch has set the path in a conductive state, the device sends a first signal of first voltage, causing the signal to have current strength equal to or higher than predetermined value in the path, to the object section. When the device judges that the switch has set the path in a non-conductive state, the device sends a second signal of second voltage lower than first voltage to the object section.

Abstract: An electronic device module, an electronic device thereof, a protection element thereof and a method of raising working frequency thereof are provided. The electronic device module comprises the electronic device and the protection element. The electronic device comprises a main body, a device detection element and a central processing unit (CPU), wherein the device detection element and the CPU are disposed within the main body. The protection element comprises a protection cover and a protection detection element, wherein the protection detection element is disposed on the protection cover. The CPU raises a working frequency thereof according to an approaching movement between the device detection element and the protection detection element.

Abstract: When portable electronic equipment drops, CPU stops power supply to a prescribed unit. A prescribed unit is a unit that is not necessary for the continuous operation of the portable electronic equipment. When the portable electronic equipment collides with the floor or the ground, the battery terminal may be momentarily detached from the connector. In this case, instantaneous voltage drop or momentary power failure may occur. Power supply to a prescribed unit is stopped while power supply to CPU and RAM is continued. Therefore, power supply to CPU and RAM can be continued with electric charge stored in a capacitor inside the portable electronic equipment.

Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed comprising a pre-charge circuit, including a resistor, that selectively connects a traction battery to an electrical impedance. A controller is programmed to inhibit pre-charging for an amount of time when a predetermined number of pre-charge cycles have occurred within a preceding predetermined period of time. The predetermined number of pre-charge cycles may be based on a voltage or current magnitude across the resistor during the previous pre-charge cycles. The predetermined number of times may be modified based on prior successful and failed pre-charge cycles. A method of limiting a temperature increase of a pre-charge resistor is disclosed comprising counting a number of prior pre-charge cycles and inhibiting pre-charging when the number of prior pre-charge cycles within the preceding period of time exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: An electronic system includes a Hall sensor to sense a controlled current. The Hall sensor is positioned proximate to a signal path and develops a voltage that includes a component corresponding to a controlled current. A controller generates a switch control signal to control conductivity of a switch, and the switch controls drive current for a load. The controller receives information either directly or indirectly from the Hall sensor corresponding to the controlled current and utilizes the information from the Hall sensor to control conductivity of the switch. Controlling conductivity of the switch controls the drive current for the load. The frequency of the switch control signal is sufficiently higher than a Hall sensor noise voltage to allow the controller to sufficiently cancel out the noise voltage for control purposes.

Abstract: An apparatus that is capable of detecting the presence of a plug comprising: a plurality of receptacles configured to receive a plurality of prongs from a plug, wherein the plurality of receptacles includes a first receptacle and a second receptacle; a controller configured to detect whether a first prong of the plurality of prongs is present in the first receptacle; and a switch configured to provide power to the second receptacle. The switch provides power to the second receptacle when the controller detects that the first prong of the plurality of prongs is present in the first receptacle and the switch does not provide power to the second receptacle when the controller does not detect that the first prong is present in the first receptacle.

Abstract: A three-way or four-way switching circuit for lighting, and the like, is described. One three-way switch is replaced with an electronic switch. Both legs of the switching circuit are powered all the time and current is sensed in the legs to determine when one of the three-way or four-way switches has been switched. This information is used to turn the light on and off.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter includes, a first contact and a second contact, the second contact being moveable relative to the first contact, a drive assembly structured to move the second contact relative to the first contact, and an erosion monitoring device including a linear transducer coupled to a portion of the drive assembly. The liner transducer is structured to generate an output signal representative of an amount of linear displacement of the portion of the drive assembly, wherein the erosion monitoring device is structured to monitor a degree of erosion of at least one of the first contact and the second contact based on the output signal.

Abstract: A circuit includes an electronic switch with an isolated gate, a measuring device for determining a charge at the isolated gate, and an energy supply for providing charge to the isolated gate based on the charge determined by the measuring device.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a smart energy-saving power source control apparatus and method. The apparatus includes a sensor set and a system control unit, and the system control unit includes a moving direction determination unit, a timer, a counter, a power switch system control unit.

Abstract: A window with built-in devices that senses carbon monoxide; powered only by the exterior daylight; that automatically opens by itself and sounds an alarm when a dangerous level of carbon monoxide is sensed to release the accumulated carbon monoxide and let the clean air with fresh oxygen enter the contaminated area to prevent or minimize poisoning and/or death of humans & animals without the need of any human physical action; the provided contacts can be connected to a private alarm station to alert the Fire & Police Departments to provide immediate assistance to the endangered humans & animals and protect the opened residence.