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: 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: 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: 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.

Abstract: A display ad system for door handles may include electronics that provide multisensory stimuli. In one embodiment, an end cap includes light and sound triggered by a motion detector. In another embodiment, an end cap includes fan-directed aromas triggered by a motion detector. In a third embodiment, a flexible grid of LED lights backlights the display ad in any time sequence desired, and may be motion-triggered as well. A door handle embodiment may also provide a note board surface as an alternative to showing display ads.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a controller (1) for use with a mechanical switch (2). The controller (1) comprises at least one sensor (9), an actuator and at least one attachment member (5) suitable for attaching the controller (1) to the mechanical switch (2) such that the actuator is brought into contact with the mechanical switch (2). The actuator is arranged to operate the mechanical switch (2) in response to a signal from the at least one sensor (9), in use.

Abstract: Integrated circuits and methods for deactivating user circuit operation with one or more wide channel sensing transistors biased to an on condition for exposure to total ionizing dose and then to an off condition for measurement and comparison of a leakage current or threshold voltage parameter to a predetermined reference, and a deactivation circuit selectively disables operation of the user circuit if the sensed parameter is greater than or equal to the reference.

Abstract: A power distribution device (100) is provided which is adapted for use at a junction point (103) between an electrical panel (121) and an electric outlet and/or switch (101) of a home. The device may include a switching circuit (104) adapted to regulate power flow between one or more junction point input lines and one or more junction point output lines, and a communication module (105) functionally associated with the switching circuit and adapted to receive power regulation instructions from a central, usually, remote; controller (106). There is also provided a power distribution controller adapted to communicate and provide power regulation instructions to one or more power distribution devices. A method is also provided for imparting smart-home capabilities to a non-smart home.

Abstract: A protective device for a photovoltaic system includes at least one input for connection to a photovoltaic generator and at least one output for delivery of an electric power supplied from the photovoltaic generator. The protective device includes a detection device for a signal applied via the at least one output, and is configured to provide a low level-limited voltage at the at least one output if an applied signal does not meet a predetermined criteria, and is further configured to connect the at least one output with low resistance to the at least one input via a switching device if the applied signal meets the predetermined criteria.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for reducing power consumption of an electronic product. The apparatus and method reduces unnecessary power consumption by cutting off power for driving a load if a predetermined control condition is satisfied in an electronic product operating for a long time. In the electronic product operating for a long time, power for driving the load is cut off to prevent waste of the power if the predetermined control condition is satisfied, and the load is driven only when the predetermined control condition is not satisfied, thereby efficiently reducing the power consumption of the electronic product.

Abstract: A multi-modal load control system includes a sensor that operates as an occupancy sensor in a first mode of operation and operates as a vacancy sensor in a second mode of operation. The load control system comprises a load control circuit coupled in series between an AC power source and an electrical load for controlling the amount of power delivered to the load in response to sensor, which is operable to detect occupancy or vacancy conditions in a space in which the sensor is located. In the first mode, the load control circuit turns the load on when the sensor detects the occupancy condition and turns the load off when the sensor detects the vacancy condition. In the second mode, the load control circuit turns the load off when the sensor detects the vacancy condition and does not turn the load on when the sensor detects the occupancy condition.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a main board and a heat dissipation device, and the heat dissipation device includes a plurality of fans and a micro control unit (MCU). The main board and the plurality of fans are electrically connected to the MCU. The MCU controls the plurality of fans to rotate, and each of the plurality of fans sends a feedback signal to the MCU as long as it is working normally. When a feedback signals from at least one of the plurality of fans in not received, the MCU applies a soft power-off to the main board after storing current data of the electronic device.

Abstract: A discharge system includes a battery, an electrical power bus selectively connected to the battery, a module configured to receive electrical energy from the battery via the electrical power bus, and a discharge resistor selectively connected to the electrical power bus. A contactor is operatively disposed between the battery and the electrical power bus. The contactor is configured to selectively connect the electrical power bus to the battery or the discharge resistor. That is, the contactor is configured to connect the electrical power bus to the discharge resistor in a default mode to discharge electrical energy stored in the module, and the contactor is configured to connect the electrical power bus to the battery in at least one vehicle operating mode.

Abstract: A proximity switch assembly and method for detecting activation of a proximity switch assembly is provided. The assembly includes a plurality of proximity switches each having a proximity sensor providing a sense activation field and control circuitry processing the activation field of each proximity switch to sense activation. The control circuitry monitors the signal responsive to the activation field and determines a differential change in generated signal, and further generates an activation output when the differential signal exceeds a threshold. The control circuitry further distinguishes an activation from an exploration of the plurality of switches and may determine activation upon detection of a stable signal.

Abstract: This patent discloses designs of a controller for a solar powered LED lamp system. The control unit includes a controller that has a switching network and that selectively charges a battery from a solar panel, and selectively discharges the battery to power a lamp. The lamp itself includes a second part of the control unit that prevents over-charge and under-charge conditions of the battery. This may be accomplished using a low power passive network of LEDs and resistors, leaving the controller itself to only perform switching. Thus, the power consumed by the controller, and by the LED lamp system as a whole, may be significantly reduced.

Abstract: A proximity switch assembly and method for detecting activation of a proximity switch assembly and calibrating the switch 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 control circuitry generates an activation output when a differential change in the signal exceeds a threshold and distinguishes an activation from an exploration of the plurality of switches. The control circuit further determines a rate of change and generates an output when the rate of change exceeds a threshold rate to enable activation of a switch and performs a calibration of the signals to reduce effects caused by changes in condensation.

Abstract: An automatic configurable relay and a method for automatically configuring a relay. The relay comprises an input sampling module for coupling to a source to be monitored, the sampling module configured to detect a first value of a parameter of the source to be monitored; and a processing module configured to set a working condition based on the detected first value.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, provided is an apparatus for managing a battery system having a plurality of battery cells connected in series, the apparatus comprising a performance measurement section for measuring a performance of each of the battery cells; a cell switching section for turning on or off a connection of each battery cell to other battery cells; and a controlling section for comparing the performance of each battery cell measured by the performance measurement section with a reference performance and, in the presence of the battery cell(s) having measured performance lower than the reference performance, controlling the cell switching section to interrupt the connection of the relevant battery cell(s) to other battery cells.

Abstract: A time-limited power supply system for providing power to an electronic device includes a first input module, a controlling module, a switch module, a display module, and an alarm module. The first input module inputs a power on time signal in the controlling module. The controlling module receives the power on time signal and outputs a power on control signal accordingly. The switch module receives the power on control signal and provides an AC voltage to the electronic device for a set time. The display module displays the time for which the power on state will continue. The controlling module outputs an alarm signal when a remaining power on time is less than a certain period of time. The alarm module issues an audible warning to remind the user that the power on time of the electronic device may need to be extended.

Abstract: A variable frequency drive system for controlling the frequency of a high-voltage power source supplied to a first electric motor includes a transformer section that includes a motorized loadbreak switch system, control power transformers, a controller programmed with control logic to ensure that the motorized loadbreak switch system opens contacts between the high-voltage power source and the variable frequency drive system once the power source is removed, and a tank containing a dielectric fluid, wherein the tank also contains, within the dielectric fluid, a manual isolation switch to supply or remove power to the transformer section, an impedance for use in soft-starting the variable frequency drive system, a primary winding, and a plurality of phase-shifted secondary windings.

Abstract: A switch control unit detects a power supply voltage of a heater detected by a voltage detection unit, and switch is performed on a load state of the heater in a range from a first load state to a fourth load state when the detected power supply voltage falls into a predetermined first domain. On the other hand, the switch is performed on the load state that ranges from the first load state to the third load state when the detected power supply voltage falls into a predetermined second domain that is higher in voltage than the first domain. That is, when the power supply voltage is in the second domain that is higher in voltage than the first domain, a limitation is imposed on the switch to the fourth load state where a combined resistance value is the lowest among the first and fourth load states.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a portable illumination system having a locked state that minimizes unintended activation. The system includes a first activated state, deactivated state, and locked state. The first activated state generates a first optical output via the optical output device. The deactivated state deactivates the optical output device. The locked state also deactivates the optical output device. The system further includes a switching mechanism configured to receive a first and second physical user input and an algorithm of operation for each of the states. The algorithms of operation for the first activated state and the deactivated state correlate the first and second physical user inputs with a state change between the first activated state, deactivated state, and locked state. The algorithm of operation for the locked state is restricted in that it correlates only the second physical user input with a state change.

Abstract: A thermostat is configured for automated compatibility with HVAC systems that are either single-HVAC-transformer systems or dual-HVAC-transformer systems. The compatibility is automated in that a manual jumper installation is not required for adaptation to either single-HVAC-transformer systems or dual-HVAC-transformer systems. The thermostat has a plurality of HVAC wire connectors including a first call relay wire connector, a first power return wire connector, a second call relay wire connector, and a second power return wire connector. The thermostat is configured such that if the first and second external wires have been inserted into the first and second power return wire connectors, respectively, then the first and second power return wire connectors are electrically isolated from each other. Otherwise, the first and second power return wire connectors are electrically shorted together.

Abstract: An electronic device, comprising: a housing having at least one chamber; a magnetic element guideway for accommodating and guiding a magnetic element, wherein the magnetic element guideway enables positioning of an accommodated magnetic element in at least two magnetic element positions relative to the housing. A control and evaluation circuit is arranged in the chamber and has two Hall sensors for registering at least one component of a first local magnetic field at the respective site of the first Hall sensor and for the providing, in each case, a signal, which depends on the local magnetic field registered at the first site.

Abstract: Power management monitor apparatus for managing an output power supply from an input power supply including: electrical isolation means operable for electrically isolating and connecting the output power supply from the input power supply; control means operatively associated with the electrical isolation means; sensing means electrically connected to the control means for sensing presence of a person within a space to be monitored as an input to the control means; perimeter detecting means electrically connected to the control means for detecting breaching of the perimeter of the space to be monitored as another input to the control means; program means programmed into the control means for programming the isolation of the input power supply from and connection of the input power supply to the output power supply according to the inputs received from the sensing means and the perimeter detecting means.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an energy-saving control device, the control method and a power adapter including the energy-saving control device. The energy-saving control device comprises a mechanical switch having a first end and a second end, wherein the second end is an output end of the switch; a controller of which an input terminal is connected to the output end of the mechanical switch and an output terminal outputs a switching control signal; and a power converter for receiving the switching control signal from the controller, wherein the power converter is operated according to the switching control signal. When a connection cable is plugged into or removed from a cable interface, the first end and the second end of the mechanical switch are contacted or separated.

Abstract: A system for controlling electrical loads in a house, apartment, office or any living environment, comprising the following units: Smart load control unit (LCU), Remote control unit (RCU), Sensors unit (SU), Computer interface unit (CIU), Infrared control unit (IRU) and Keypad unit (KU). Each LCU is so devised as to replace a wall switch or other electrical load power control device and comprises means for controlling an electric power delivered to the load responsive to a user's commands. Each RCU comprises means for activating LCU units, and each SU comprises sensor means. Each unit further includes means for connecting by wireless to the other units to exchange data or commands therebetween.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and system for controlling power saving. The system for controlling power saving includes: a battery supplying power; a power saving controlling apparatus including a sensing unit detecting a user's contact and generating an activation signal when a user's contact is acknowledged, a latch unit maintaining the activation signal which has been received from the sensing unit, and a switch unit disposed on a current path that delivers power, and connecting the current path according to the activation signal from the latch unit; and a microcomputer controlling an operation of the system connected upon receiving power from the power saving controlling apparatus.

Abstract: A portable electronic apparatus and a connection method therefore are disclosed. The portable electronic apparatus comprises a connector, a processing circuit, and a switch module. After a plug is plugged into the connector, the processing circuit reads a voltage value of the plug via the switch module. When determining that the voltage value of the plug is within a first voltage range, the processing circuit outputs switch signals to the switch module, so that an input signal of the plug is able to be transmitted to the processing circuit via the connector and the switch module. When determining that the voltage value of the plug is within a second voltage range, the processing circuit outputs other switch signals to the switch module, so that an output signal of the processing circuit is able to be transmitted to the plug via the switch module and the connector.

Abstract: The coupling device comprises a controllable switch unit coupled to an output side of the communication cable, and having a first, a second and a third state. In the first state, a voltage of the communication cable is detected, and the setting of the controllable switch unit is changed from the first state to the second state, if the detected voltage is below a threshold level. In the second state, the communication cable is connected to a controller to check the reception of an identification signal indicating to the controller that a coupling device to couple a load to the cable is connected to the cable. If the identification signal is identified by the controller, the controllable switch unit connects the supply power source to the communication cable.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system, and a method of operation relating to an electronic firearm system are disclosed. As one example embodiment, one or more tilt switches and/or tilt sensors are provided on-board the firearm. These tilt switches and/or tilt sensor may activate or deactivate electronics on-board the firearm responsive to different orientations or tilt states of the firearm. As another example embodiment, an energy storage device having one or more integrated tilt switches and/or tilt sensor is disclosed which varies an energy output of the energy storage device responsive to an orientation or tilt state of the energy storage device.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for using gas detection techniques to determine if a room is vacant or occupied, and to activate, dim or deactivate lighting based on a detected occupancy status. The system and method may monitor a concentration of a first gas using a gas sensor such as a CO2 sensor. The space may also be monitored using second and third sensors, and a vacancy status of the space may be based on the concentration of the first gas and information from the second and third sensors. The second and third sensors can be passive infrared sensors, ultrasonic sensors, gas sensors, microwave sensors, audio sensors, or video sensors. An electrical load associated with the space may be controlled based on the determined occupancy/vacancy status. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: An emergency stop system for an autonomous mobile robot includes a base unit connected to the robot and an element engageable by a user extending from the base unit. The element is movably held by the base unit in an operation mode position. The base unit includes a mechanism for detecting the presence of the element in the operation mode position and triggering an emergency stop of the robot when the element is moved out of the operation mode position by the user.

Abstract: A power strip may automatically disconnect a wired connection 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 for a National Weather Service Specific Area Message Encoding system message including an alert type. The power strip may process the message and disconnect a wired connection based on the 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: An electronic device has a first terminal and a second terminal and includes a control unit, a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR), and a switch unit. The control unit detects a positive pulse signal from the first terminal of the electronic device. When the positive pulse signal is detected by the control unit, the control unit generates a reset pulse after a predetermined time. The SCR has a first anode terminal, a second anode terminal, a first cathode terminal, and a second cathode terminal. The switch unit provides a plurality of transmission paths. When the switch unit receives the reset pulse, the switch unit cuts off the transmission paths, so that the first anode terminal, the second anode terminal, the first cathode terminal, and the second cathode terminal of the SCR are floating.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for reducing power consumption of an electronic product. The apparatus and method reduces unnecessary power consumption by cutting off power for driving a load if a predetermined control condition is satisfied in an electronic product operating for a long time. In the electronic product operating for a long time, power for driving the load is cut off to prevent waste of the power if the predetermined control condition is satisfied, and the load is driven only when the predetermined control condition is not satisfied, thereby efficiently reducing the power consumption of the electronic product.

Abstract: An offline power supply includes a power supply circuit including a primary-side circuit for connecting to a power source, a secondary-side circuit for connecting to a load, and a transformer connecting the primary-side circuit and the secondary-side circuit. A switch operates to selectively connect the primary-side circuit to the power source. A trigger circuit is connected to the secondary-side circuit and has at least one input. The trigger circuit generates an output to selectively operate the switch based on the at least one input.

Abstract: A sensor device has a sensor unit, a control unit; and multiple power supply paths from a power supply to the sensor unit and the control unit. The multiple power supply paths are configured to be switched in accordance with an operation status of the sensor unit. The sensor device further has a wireless communication device for transmitting a measurement result of the sensor unit. The multiple power supply paths are provided to supply power from the power supply to the wireless communication device. The multiple power supply paths are configured to be switched in accordance with an operation status of the wireless communication device.

Abstract: A protection system includes a baseboard management controller (BMC), N fans, a power on unit, a power supply, and a switching unit. The switching unit includes an AND gate, a transistor, and a first resistor. During operation the fans each output an operating signal to the BMC. The BMC counts the operating signals received. When the count is less than N, the power-off pin outputs a low level signal, so that the output pin of the AND gate outputs a low level signal, and the transistor turns off. The power supply then receives a high level signal and stops supplying power.

Abstract: Provided is a network system including: a utility network including an energy generating unit; a home network consuming energy generated from the energy generating unit and including an energy consuming unit operating based on energy information including at least one energy price information; and a power adjusting device through which a current or a voltage supplied for an operation of the energy consuming unit is passed, wherein the power adjusting device reduces energy cost or an energy amount used by adjusting a voltage or current amount applied to the energy consuming unit based on the energy information.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for controlling electrical energy supply to one or more peripheral devices. The apparatus includes a first input operable to receive electrical energy from an electrical energy source and a battery operable to store the received electrical energy. The apparatus further includes at least one output operable to supply electrical energy to at least one peripheral device and an energy management controller operable to control the supply of electrical energy to the at least one peripheral device. The apparatus also includes a communications module operable to detect the purchase of prepaid airtime associated with the apparatus, with the energy management controller activating the peripheral device(s) for as long as there is sufficient airtime and deactivating the peripheral device(s) once the airtime has expired.

Abstract: A power control apparatus comprises a transducer having an output (12,13) which is connected to a remotely activated device (25) mounted in a mains consumer unit (14). When a predefined parameter is detected, the device (25) is activated to connect a load (29) between the switched live output (18) of a residual current device RCD (15) and the neutral input (17) thereof, thereby creating an imbalanced current flow on the live and neutral output terminals (18,19) of the RCD (15) which causes contacts (20,21) inside the RCD (15) to disconnect the supply to an appliance circuit (22).

Abstract: This broadcasting receiver includes a power supply portion supplying power, a power receptacle portion capable of being connected with a power plug of a peripheral device, a switch portion for making a connection and disconnection between the power supply portion and the power receptacle portion and a control portion. The control portion controls the switch portion to make a disconnection between the power supply portion and the power receptacle portion when having determined that it is not necessary to supply power to the peripheral device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for protecting an electric line in a vehicle, it being possible to adapt the apparatus to the properties of the electric line to be protected. The apparatus for protecting an electric line comprises an electric fuse and a controllable switching element, the controllable switching element and the electric fuse being formed as a parallel circuit, and the parallel circuit being connectable in series to the electric line, the electric fuse being disposed in a first branch of the parallel circuit, which has a first resistance, and the controllable switching element being disposed in a second branch of the parallel circuit, and the controllable switching element being configured to accommodate at least two states, a first state with a second resistance higher than the first resistance, and a second state with a third resistance lower than the first resistance, and to switch into the second state when there is a pulse load condition.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus for conditionally power supplying is provided. In the electronic apparatus, an external connection port is embedded on a surface of a case for electrically connecting to an external device, and includes plural exposed terminals including one power pin. First and second detection electrodes are disposed on the surface of the case and normally maintain in broken-circuit. When the first and the second detection electrodes are in a wetting condition, the first and the second detection electrodes are in short-circuit. A switch is electrically connected to a power module and the power pin. A control module detects that the first and the second detection electrodes are in short-circuit or in broken-circuit, and drives the switch to make the power module output power to the power pin when the first detection electrode and the second detection electrode are in broken-circuit.

Abstract: A controller for a safety shut-off system is taught. The controller is for a system that interrupts a supply of electricity to an electrical appliance upon detecting a trigger. The controller includes a housing having a cover with an electrical socket, which is configured to receive an electrical plug electrically coupled to the appliance. The controller also includes interrupter circuitry contained within the housing, which is electrically coupled to a power supply and to the socket, and which is configured to decouple the power supply from the socket upon receiving a trigger signal. The trigger signal is generated in response to a safety hazard associated with the electrical appliance.

Abstract: A touch sensor device comprises: a touch sensor 1 for sending out an output voltage signal S1 representing the presence or absence of an operation; an operation presence/absence determination unit 2 which, when the output voltage signal has a value equal to or more than a predetermined threshold value, determines that the operation has occurred; a stability determination unit 5 for detecting whether a differential signal S3 representing a differential value obtained by differentiating the output voltage signal is limited within a predetermined range or not; and a count-up timer 4 which, when a period during which the differential signal is limited within the predetermined range becomes a predetermined time period or longer on the premise that the output voltage signal has the value equal to or more than the predetermined threshold value, sends out an ON determination signal S5 and allows an external device 7 to operate.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for a local power controller to power and/or charge a user device. The local power controller receives a recharging request for the user device, and enables a timed charge for the user device by a power station. Upon completion of the timed charge or upon disconnection of the user device, the local power controller initiates a payment for the timed charge. A maximum amount may be set by the user device. The recharging request may be transmitted by the user device over a cellular communication path.