Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a control unit to identify a type of an option unit using pre-stored ID information including information regarding a universal interface to which at least one type of option unit can be connected, a power supply unit, and an option unit connected to the universal interface. A plurality of switches is located along a power supply path between the option unit and the power supply unit. The pre-stored ID information includes the type of the option unit and level of power allowed for the type of option unit. The control unit controls on/off states of the plurality of switches so that power corresponding to the identified type of option unit can be supplied to the option unit. Accordingly, possible damage to the image forming apparatus due to inappropriate connection between the option unit and the image forming apparatus is prevented.

Abstract: A proximity switch assembly and method for detecting activation of a proximity switch assembly and tuning the assembly. The assembly includes proximity switches each having a proximity sensor providing a sense activation field and control circuitry processing the activation field to sense activation. The method of tuning includes generating an activation field with a proximity sensor, generating a signal in response to the activation field, detecting noise associated with the signal, and adjusting a parameter based on the detected noise, wherein the parameter is used to detect a proximity state such as activation of the proximity switch.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a two lead electronic switch adapted to replace a mechanical switch are provided.

Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for a connection system operable to sink and source supply power are provided. In this regard, one or more circuits within a connector that resides in a networking enabled device may be operable to determine whether the networking enabled device is to operate as a powered device or as a power supplying device. Based on a result of the determination, the one or more circuits may be operable to couple power pins of the connector to either a first power rail of the networking enabled device or a second power rail of the networking enabled device. The determination of whether the networking enabled device is to operate as a powered device or as a power supplying device may be based on a voltage on a sense pin of the connector and/or based on mechanical characteristics of the connector.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for controlling actuator drive current. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for controlling actuator drive current. The method may include receiving a reference signal, determining a feedback signal based at least in part on the drive current, determining a conditioned feedback signal based at least in part on the feedback signal, comparing the reference signal to the conditioned feedback signal, and controlling the drive current based on the comparison of the reference signal and the conditioned feedback signal. Certain embodiments of the method may include manipulating one or more devices to establish at least one positive current path and at least one negative current path through an actuator via hysteresis control.

Abstract: The programmable electrical outlet and keyed lock box for connection therewith is designed to program the output of electricity through an electrical outlet while simultaneously securing a male prong of an electronic appliance inside of the keyed lock box. The programmable electrical outlet includes a display and a plurality of buttons to program the electrical outlet, and an electrical cord with GFCI circuitry integrated into the male plug. The keyed lock box is specifically designed to contain and lock inside the programmable electrical outlet and the male plug of the electronic appliance. The keyed lock box includes a window to enable viewing of the display of the programmable electrical outlet. The keyed lock box also includes a snooze button extension that aligns with a snooze button located on the programmable electrical outlet.

Abstract: A digital wiring device including a user interface panel, a digital display, and a paddle including a transparent portion to reveal the digital display and an opaque portion to cover the user interface panel. The paddle rotates from a first closed position to a second open position. A digital “schedule-at-a-glance” may be provided so that a user can quickly assess a schedule of events. The digital wiring device may include a back light to illuminate the digital display. The paddle may be operatively associated with the back light. A battery may provide an electrical current to power the digital wiring device in a battery backup mode, and the back light may be disabled based on the mode. The user interface panel may be used to schedule events or otherwise configure the digital wiring device.

Abstract: An electronic device for predicting or anticipating a user's operational desires. The electronic device is ready to perform the anticipated function without input from the user by using sensors to sense environmental attributes. The sensors can include an ambient light sensor, a force sensor, a temperature sensor, an ambient noise sensor, and a motion sensor. The electronic device also includes a control mechanism for switching between modes for the device.

Abstract: A fabric product includes a body having a skin made by interweaving a plurality of textile fabrics and a low powered activation arrangement which includes an electronic unit and one or more conductive threads extended underneath the skin of the body. The electronic unit includes a power source, an activation circuit which is a low powered activation circuit, and an operator. Each of the conductive threads has a proximal end portion electrically coupled with the activation circuit and a distal end portion which is extended to an outer surface of the skin of the body at a predetermined location thereof and is arranged in such a manner that when the distal end portion of the conductive thread is being contacted, the activation circuit is activated to actuate the operator.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed involving reconfigurable coils. Such coils may be used in applications, including (but not limited to) wireless charging and near field communications (NFC). For instance, a reconfigurable coil may include a first conductive portion and a second conductive portion. Two or more configurations may be established. These configurations may correspond to particular current paths. For example, in a circular configuration, a path is provided having the same rotational sense in both first and second conductive portions. However, in a figure eight configuration, a path is provided having a first rotational sense in the first conductive portion and a second rotational sense in the second conductive portion. A switch coupled between these portions may set the coil's configuration. Configurations may be selected based on one or more operating conditions involving the coil.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided and includes two or more sensor assemblies, each including a sensing unit at a front face thereof, and each being communicatively interconnected and power sharing, a cover plate, mounted adjacent to the front face of the sensor assemblies to entirely cover the sensing units, through which user commands are transmittable, and a wall box, onto which the sensor assemblies and the cover plate are mountable, including a housing in which a space is defined for housing of one or more devices, each device being controllable by the sensor assemblies in accordance with the user commands, and each device being disposed to fit within the space and to be in signal communication with at least one of the sensor assemblies.

Abstract: An EVCS equipped with an accelerometer to detect seismic events. Upon sensing a catastrophic environmental event, the EVCS is automatically disconnected from the main utility power source. A controller powered by a backup or alternate power source inside the EVCS monitors the seismic activity, and upon sensing the seismic event is over, the EVCS automatically performs a startup check. If utility power is present and the self-check passes, the EVCS resets and provides power from the main utility to the charging connector. If the EVCS is operable but utility power is unavailable, the EVCS switches to a generator or a UPS. The EVCS can provide multiple power outlets, including USB outlets, and emergency lighting. The EVCS can also be retrofitted or constructed with a communications interface for communicating status and operational information following a seismic event.

Abstract: A non-contact sensor switch assembly includes a switching transistor adapted for switching on/off the supply of a power supply to the control unit of an automatic handwash dispenser, automatic water tap or automatic door, a charge induction plate inducible by an approaching body part of a person, and a capacitive proximity sensor electrically coupled between the charge induction plate and the switching transistor for triggering the switching transistor to switch on the supply of the power supply to the control unit of the automatic handwash dispenser, automatic water tap or automatic door upon approach of a body part of a person.

Abstract: An electric power supply control circuit includes a bypass circuit connected in parallel with a semiconductor switch. Upon a control circuit being in an inactive state while a load being in a non-electrifying state or in a standby state, the bypass circuit connects a power source to the load. The bypass circuit includes a electrifying decision circuit that generates an activation signal for activating the control circuit in accordance with the load being put in an operation state. The electrifying decision circuit supplies the activation signal to the control circuit so as to turn on the semiconductor switch and allow electric power supply to the load through an electrifying line.

Abstract: A touch control system and a sensing method thereof. Wherein, a plurality of sensor units are connected respectively to a control electrode line and a detection electrode line. Each sensor unit includes: a first switching element and a second switching element connected in parallel, and a sensing electrode connected to the second switching element. A common electrode provides a trigger signal to each sensing electrode to form coupling. The control electrode line is used to selectively output a turn-off signal in sequence to each of the first switching elements, so that the detection electrode line acts in cooperation with the sensor unit, in response to the turn-off signal. When a touch action occurs, the sensing electrode utilizes the detection electrode line to detect variations of current signal passing through the sensor unit, based on turn-on extent of the second switching element, hereby obtaining at least a touch message.

Abstract: A power conversion apparatus includes a plurality of converters which independently converts a voltage of power output from a power source, a measuring instrument which measures at least one predetermined characteristic value of power to be supplied from the power source to a load, and a controller for enabling or disabling each of the plurality of converters based on the at least one predetermined characteristic value.

Abstract: A dynamically reconfigurable electrical interface is disclosed that can be used in various applications, including avionics communications. In one embodiment, a first switch receives an input signal and routes it to the applicable signal conditioning path unit that conditions the input signal, after which a second switch routes it to an amplifier. The amplifier provides an amplified signal to an analog-to-digital converter that generates a corresponding numerical value based on the voltage of the amplified signal that is analyzed by a processor to determine information conveyed by the input signal based on a particular electrical interface. Multiple distinct interfaces can be accommodated by on one more processors accessing instructions sets for processing information corresponding to a particular electrical interface.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a touch screen, a background light, and a proximity sensor. The electronic device sets a default value for an amount of electric power supplied to the proximity sensor and a rule for adjusting the amount of electric power supplied to the proximity sensor. When a calling function of the electronic device is started, the electronic device is enabled to supply the proximity sensor the amount of electric power having the default value, and determines if the proximity sensor detects an object near the touch screen with the amount of electric power having the default value. The electronic device increases or decreases the amount of electric power supplied to the proximity sensor according to the rule.

Abstract: A device and method for coupling two parts of a dc network, in which at least two capacitors respectively are installed, particularly onboard an aircraft. The device includes at least one static converter including at least one electronic coupling device, including at least one transistor and one diode, associated with an inductance, arranged between these at least two capacitors.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a non-contact switch. More particularly, the non-contact switch includes a button which is disposed at a predetermined position of a housing and operated by an external pressure while being formed, at one end portion thereof, with a magnetic substance; a magnetic field sensor device which is accommodated in the housing to face the magnetic substance and generates an induced voltage depending on an interval between the magnetic field sensor device and the magnetic substance; and a semiconductor device which is driven by the induced voltage generated at the magnetic field sensor device to switch power supplied from a separate battery to a separate load.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for providing a capability to prevent an automatic transfer switch from automatically switching from a primary to a secondary power source are illustrated. The automatic transfer switch includes a transfer inhibitor that is configured to receive a transfer inhibit signal. In response to receiving the transfer inhibit signal, a switching logic is configured to prevent a contactor of the automatic transfer switch from automatically connecting the secondary source to a load.

Abstract: An electronic device is provided, which includes a fixing unit, a detection unit and a control unit. The fixing unit is adapted to maintain a position of the electronic device relative to a user when the user uses the electronic device. The detection unit is adapted to detect a spatial parameter of the electronic device being moved in a space. The control unit is adapted to obtain the spatial parameter, determine whether the spatial parameter matches a predetermined parameter condition, and control the electronic device to switch from a first operation mode to a second operation mode when the spatial parameter matches the predetermined parameter condition, wherein the first operation mode is different from the second operation mode.

Abstract: Embodiments described include voltage generators having reduced or eliminated cross current. Dynamic adjustment of a low or high threshold voltage used in a voltage generator is described. Use of a folded cascade amplifier in a voltage generator is also described.

Abstract: A switching assembly includes a first terminal and a second terminal, a first switch connected to the first terminal, and a second switch connected to the second terminal. The switching assembly further includes a rectifier bridge connected between the first switch and the second switch, and a third switch connected between the first terminal and the second terminal. The switching assembly also includes a control unit that selectively opens and closes the first switch, the second switch and the third switch, and selectively turns on and off the rectifier bridge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic control apparatus, more particularly, to a method of checking a reset function in an electronic control apparatus. The present invention checks whether a sub-controller that monitors a main controller in an electronic control apparatus normally performs the function.

Abstract: A performance venue having a dynamic load management system for use in managing loads. The system uses a dead man circuit as a means for determining the actual or anticipated dynamic load produced by moving loads, and then disables the system by opening the dead man circuit when too many loads are moved or selected to be moved. Preferably, the invention is embodied in a dead man circuit is pure hardware, and is free of software components. The invention also provides a method of controlling movement of loads in a performance venue having a plurality machines. In its basic form, the method comprises selecting at least one of the machines for movement, closing a dead man circuit, and opening the dead man circuit if the current in the dead man circuit falls outside a predetermined range.

Abstract: Power consumption of location based services applications, that run on mobile devices, is reduced by utilizing processor and positioning resources only when location changes. A method also is provided for detecting or inferring mode of transportation of user of a GNSS-enabled mobile device. Modes of transportation consist of: traveling on foot, biking, motor biking, driving or riding on a car, riding on bus, and riding on train. This method is based on analyzing signal strength information of GNSS signals received at location of the user and speed. The latter is used to make distinction between travelling on foot, biking, and motor biking modes. GNSS signal cannot penetrate metal, therefore when the mobile device is inside a vehicle, such as car, bus, or train, GNSS signals that their path collides with roof or metal body of the vehicle would be weak and have low SNR.

Abstract: A microcontroller-based multifunctional electronic switch using a detection circuit design to convert external motion signals into message carrying sensing signals readable to the microcontroller. Based on the time length of sensing signals and the format of the sensing signals received in a preset instant period of time the microcontroller through the operation of its software program codes written in the OTPROM is able to recognize the working modes chosen by the external signal generating user and thereby selecting the appropriate loops of subroutine for execution. The system and method of the present invention may simultaneously be applicable to detection circuit design using infrared ray sensor, electrostatic induction sensor, conduction based touch sensor or push button sensor for performing multifunction such as controlling the on/off switch performance, the diming or speed control and the delay timer management within the capacity of a single lighting device or an electrical appliance.

Abstract: This technology relates to a battery device, a control method, and an electric vehicle capable of providing a highly secure anti-theft function. A battery outputs DC power through a power line, a reader/writer communicates by outputting a high-frequency signal through the power line to read authentication information of an electronic device when the electronic device is connected to the battery through the power line, a microcomputer stores the read authentication information and controls the battery when first connection to the electronic device is performed, and performs an authentication process of the electronic device based on the read authentication information and the authentication information stored in the first connection and controls the battery according to a result of the authentication process of the electronic device when second or subsequent connection to the electronic device is performed. This technology may be applied to the battery device mounted on a power-assisted bicycle, for example.

Abstract: A power supply system for supplying power to a chipset of an electronic device is provided. The power supply system includes a voltage converter, converting a supply voltage of a power supply into a predetermined voltage and supplying the predetermined voltage to the chipset, and a power control circuit connected between the voltage converter and the power supply. The power control circuit further includes a switch and a switch controller. The switch has a first terminal connected to the power supply, a second terminal connected to the voltage converter and a control terminal The switch controller, connected to the control terminal of the switch and the chipset, controls the switch to couple the power supply to the voltage converter according to the turning-on of the power supply system.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for operating electronic components in a device by separating the devices into a high power group and a low power group; constantly powering the low power group; providing a movable device coupled to power when the device is moved; and providing power to the high power group when the device is moved.

Abstract: Provided is a relay controller which can shorten the time from turning off a switching element until turning off a relay compared with what is conventionally possible.

Abstract: A method and device for automatic activation of a backup supply is provided that measures the positive-phase-sequence voltage of the busbars in a backup power source, the linear voltages at the busbars in the primary power source and the angle between the vectors of the positive-phase-sequence voltages of the busbars in both power sources. The method and device also measures the value of the rms current in a phase and the value of the angle between the vector of the complex rms current in the same phase and of the vectorial sum of the complex rms voltage between the two other phases at the busbars in the primary power source and the received portion. The power supply to the busbars is switched from the primary source to the backup source in the event of any of the above-mentioned magnitudes departing from the range of permissible values for these magnitudes.

Abstract: Provided is a wall-mounted drum washing machine which includes a rear panel having a buffer member interposed between a through-hole and a wall surface and mounted on the wall surface through a fastening member inserted through the through-hole, a tub containing wash water and supported by the rear panel, and a box unit coupled to the rear panel so as to surround the tub. The wall-mounted drum washing machine includes a sensor configured to sense a contact state between the rear panel and the wall surface, a control unit configured to determine a mounting abnormality of the drum washing machine based on the sensed contact state, and a power supply unit configured to control power supply according to the determination result of the control unit.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for preventing unneeded interruption of industrial processes. Spike trap logic used to delay the occurrence of a trip or interlock when a registered signal exceeds a threshold for a minimum period of time. Doing so prevents trips or interlocks from occurring for transient or intermittent signals, which may be the result of poor sensor readings, poor configuration, or actual, but brief, spikes that should not result in a tripped process or machine. That is, rather than simply tripping—or interlocking—when a trip signal is initially observed, the spike trap logic introduces a delay between when a trip signal is received and when an interlock or trip event actually happens. If the signal remains high for delay period, a trip occurs. Otherwise, the trip signal is considered an intermittent or transient spike and does not result in a trip.

Abstract: A power off delay circuit includes a switch connected between an external power input terminal and an internal power supply terminal, a capacitor connected to the internal power supply terminal, and a hysteresis comparator to switch the switch according to the voltages of the external power input terminal and the internal power supply terminal. During on-time of the switch, the external power input terminal is connected to the internal power supply terminal and the capacitor can be charged by the external power source. When the switch is off, the capacitor provides electric power for an internal circuit. Application of the power off delay circuit to an audio system may eliminate the turn-off pops of the audio system.

Abstract: Electronic device for the connection of two or more loads to the alternating electrical network and the executed connection procedure, allowing for the supply of such loads keeping under control inrush current value, as well as supplying the nominal current value during steady state. The device and its procedure comprise a clear solution especially designed for simultaneous charge of significant amount of electronic devices, whose charge is carried out by switching-type DC chargers. This situation is feasible for both single-phase networks of 110 VAC or 220 VAC nominal.

Abstract: A motion sensing switch actuator assembly is provided for automatically switching an existing light switch upon detection of motion. The assembly includes a housing having a rear face. An actuator is slidably coupled to the rear face of the housing. The actuator is configured for engaging and flipping a switch positioned adjacent to the rear face of the housing when the actuator slides relative to the housing. A motion sensor is coupled to the housing and configured for detecting motion proximate the housing. A processor is operationally coupled to the motion sensor and the actuator to selectively slide the actuator upon detection of predetermined input from the motion sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-contact switch which is used for an elevator or general automatic doors, and comprises: buttons B including a push button or an optical sensor button for selecting an elevator movement or opening an automatic door; a pair of long sensor blocks 10, which are installed adjacent to or above the push button and arranged so as to face each other with a gap 12 equivalent to the width of one to two human fingers therebetween; and a plurality of sensors S which are installed in a single file on the surfaces of the sensor blocks that face each other, wherein a sensor detects movement of a human finger moving with the gap 12 at or above a predetermined length or at or above a predetermined speed and selects an upward or downward movement for a destination floor for the elevator or opens the automatic door.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a slave station that may not deteriorate even when a switch is placed in a vertical direction and that may replace only the worn switch with new one in low costs thereby having user-friendliness. The slave station according to the present invention comprises the switch. The switch comprising a flexible cylindrical member bendable in any directions and the flexible cylindrical member being detachably attached to a housing composed of a body, a rigid rod member attached to a free end of the flexible cylindrical member, a flexible rod member extending from a base end of the rigid rod member toward the base end of the flexible cylindrical member through the inside of the flexible cylindrical member, and a guiding member comprising a insertion opening for inserting and holding the flexible rod member, the guiding member allowing movement in a direction to the shaft line of the flexible cylindrical member.

Abstract: A system for controlling a power input to a load includes a gate action monitor configured to transmit a door activation signal corresponding to an opening or closing of an access way to an enclosed space, a double signal sensor configured to transmit an occupancy signal corresponding to a detected occupancy of the enclosed space and a temperature signal corresponding to a detected temperature of the enclosed space, and a controlled load switch configured to detect one or more of the door activation signal, occupancy signal and temperature signal, and enable or disable the power input to the load.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods for controlling the flow of power are provided. A current source (110) can be coupled to an uninterruptible power supply (120) to provide an uninterruptible current. A first service connection (190) can be coupled to the uninterruptible current using one or more conductors. A monitor (150), measuring one or more parameters, can be disposed in, on, or about the one or more conductors coupled to the first service connection (190). A first interruptible service connection (182) can be coupled to the current source (110) using one or more conductors. A first switch (172) can be disposed in, on, or about the conductors coupled to the one or more interruptible service connections (182). A control logic device (160) can be coupled to the monitor (150) and to the first switch (172) to interrupt the flow of current to the first interruptible service connection (182) when one or more parameters measured by the monitor (150) falls below a pre-determined threshold.

Abstract: A control device is provided, for controlling the supply of power from a remote power source to a headgear mounted illumination device to selectively turn the corresponding illumination source on and off. The control device includes an attachment feature that facilitates donning the control device on the body of a user. To operate the control device, the wearer causes hands-free, tactile contact with a switch contact surface of the control device, e.g., by bumping, pressing or otherwise engaging the switch contact surface against a limb or external structure.

Abstract: An outdoor extension line socket enabling remote controlled timing power supply is disclosed, comprising a socket body and a remote controller body, in which the bottom of the socket body is formed as a tapered body for sticking the socket body into the ground. The socket body consists of a socket, a display, a time adjustment button, an extension line plug and a socket power control circuit. In addition, the remote controller body consists of a time adjustment wheel, two switch control buttons and a remote control circuit. As the socket body being stuck on the outdoor ground, it is possible to provide electric power required for operations of an outdoor electronic device, and the power supply time of the socket body can be adjusted in accordance with the settings done by the remote controller body so as to designate the operation time of the outdoor electronic device.

Abstract: This is generally directed to providing protection circuitry to selectively handle power-providing cables and headset cables that can couple to the same port of an electronic device. In some embodiments, the device can include a Headset Rx chip to communicate with the headset cable and a Power Rx chip to communicate with the power-providing cable. As the Headset Rx chip and the Power Rx chip can be coupled to the same contact of the device's port, these chips may prevent one another from operating correctly or may damage one another. Accordingly, in some embodiments, it can be determined whether a headset cable or a power-providing cable is coupled to the device. When a headset cable is coupled to the device, the protection circuitry can disconnect the Power Rx chip. Similarly, when a power-providing cable is coupled to the device, the protection circuitry can disconnect the Headset Rx chip.

Abstract: An electronic audio host device has an audio accessory connector with multiple pins. An ultrasonic test signal source has an output coupled to a first pin of the connector. A programmable switch circuit couples a second or third pin of the connector, to a ground of the audio host device. A controller measures a signal on one of the pins of the connector while the test signal source is on, and compares the measured signal to a predetermined, stored signature. The signature is associated with one of several different accessory plug pin assignments for the connector, which can be configured using the programmable switch circuit. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: There is provided a power management device including a storage unit configured to hold a correspondence relationship between first identification information held by a power supply target and second identification information held by a user in advance, and a power management unit configured to issue a power supply instruction to a power supply device that supplies power to the power supply target based on the correspondence relationship between the first identification information and the second identification information.

Abstract: A standby power system for an appliance having a power input coupled to a main power source includes a power enabling device coupled between the main power source and power input of the appliance, a standby power state sensing device coupled to the power enabling device, and a power restore device coupled to the power enabling device.

Abstract: An efficiency monitor for monitoring the efficiency of power transmission by an inductive power outlet. The efficiency monitor includes an input power monitor, for measuring the input power delivered to the primary coil, and an output power monitor, for measuring the output power received by the secondary coil. The input and output powers are used by a processor to determine an index of power-loss. A circuit breaker may be used to disconnect the inductive power outlet in case of excessive power loss.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an energy-saving electronic touch switch, comprising a touch sensing module, a power supply module and a switch driving module, wherein the touch sensing module is used for receiving a touch sensing signal inputted by a capacitive touch switch, and controlling the action of the switch driving module according to the touch sensing signal, so as to switch on a power supply circuit for the load; and the power supply module feeds power to the touch sensing module. The touch switch can drive various loads and has a wider range of possible loads including inductive, capacitive or purely resistive loads and high-frequency switch power supply loads, such as energy-saving lights, AC (Alternating Current) motors, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) new light sources, common fluorescent lamps, and the like. The energy-saving electronic touch switch overcomes the disadvantages of small load range and weak load capacity of conventional switches.