Abstract: An aquarium heater override control system for use with an aquarium heater in which the system includes a temperature probe placed in the aquarium environment and a control module with temperature settings, visual indications of power presence, circuit testing and reset buttons connected thereto that provides power to the heater so long as the temperature within the aquarium does not exceed a predetermined threshold value of the override control system.

Abstract: A high-power relay with a low-power operating circuit is usable in combination with a low-current source of DC power. The source has a hot terminal and a common terminal and a bistable relay has an energizing relay winding with one terminal of the winding connected to the common terminal of the supply. First and second semiconductor switches are connected to a second terminal, the switches being alternately operable in response to control signals to respectively set and reset the relay. First and second capacitors are connected to the first and second semiconductor switches, respectively, and first and second charging circuits are connected to the low-current source and to the first and second capacitors, respectively, to charge the capacitors from the source. The switches are connected to selectively discharge the capacitors in opposite directions through the energizing relay winding thereby to SET and RESET the relay in response to control signals. A method of operating the circuit is also disclosed.

Abstract: A simple, inexpensive automatic apparatus for unplugging electrical and electronic equipment from electrical circuits such as power, cable television and telephone circuits when an electrical storm is detected in the vicinity of the device by monitoring conditions that typically change near electric storms and, when one or more indicia of a storm are noted, physically disconnecting the device from the circuit(s) so that substantial insulation is interposed between the device and the circuit(s). In some configurations, re-connection of the electrical or electronic equipment automatically occurs after an electrical storm has passed.

Abstract: A heating apparatus comprising a heating member, energization element for energizing said heating member, a temperature detection member for detecting a temperature of said heating member, a first switching element for turning on/off energization by said energization means on the basis of the temperature detected by said temperature detection member, abnormal current detection element for detecting an abnormal current flowing through said heating member, a second switching element for turning off energization by said energization element, and energization stop member for operating said second switching element to turn off energization.

Abstract: A unitary device requiring no assembly by a user is plugged into an electrical power source to provide freeze protection. The device includes a socket for holding a heat lamp and a pressure connector, such as a plug, for connecting to an electrical receptacle or a live lamp socket. A remote sensor monitors temperature at a location remote from the device, and causes a switch to energize the heat lamp when freezing temperature is sensed. The device is supported by the plug or other connection to the power source. A commercially available heating lamp is a preferred heating element. Ease of installation and lamp replacement make the novel device highly practical for homeowner use.

Abstract: An arrangement for protecting an integrated circuit device (11) against latch up during a nuclear event comprising a capacitance (15) and a switch (17) connected in parallel across the power supply lines (13) of the device. When the power supply lines are connected to a power supply (19) the capacitance stores energy sufficient to supply necessary operating currents to the device during its normal operation. The switch is arranged so that, under a transient gamma pulse incident thereon during a nuclear event, its impedance is set to a low value at such a rate that the energy stored by the capacitance is discharged through the switch and the voltage applied to the device via the power supply lines is pulled down to such a level and at such a rate as to prevent transient gamma pulse induced latch-up in the device.

Abstract: An automatic switch is provided which includes a motion detector, a filter and amplifier circuit, a direction discrimination circuit and a processing circuit for controlling electrical load such as lights or home appliances in a room. The motion detector employs a pyroelectric infra-red detector for detecting the number of persons entering and leaving the room. The detector sends signals with phase differences to the processing circuit for counting. When the number of persons entering the room is greater than that of the number of persons leaving the room, the processing circuit automatically turns the lights on. Opposingly, when the number of persons entering the room is less than the number of persons leaving the room, the processing circuit turns the lights off.

Abstract: A self-regulating heater including a resistance element for converting electrical power to thermal energy and a power supply includes circuitry for controlling its output during heat up along a path bounded by two preferred paths:1) a path defined by constant voltage with a cross-over to constant current for a NTCR heater element when the power output reaches a maximum or a path defined by constant current with a cross-over to constant voltage for a PTCR heater element when the power output reaches a maximum; and2) a path defined by constant power with a cross-over to maximum current for a NTCR heater element or to constant voltage for a PTCR heater element when the power supply reaches maximum current or maximum voltage output respectively. When the heater element reaches the set control temperature, the power supply then maintains power equilibrium with the thermal load through controlling its output according to resistance control, i.e.

Abstract: A fixing device of an image forming apparatus for fixing a toner image on a paper by a heating roller and a pressure roller, and having a detector for detecting the temperature of the heating roller. The fixing device controls to supply the electric current to the heating roller intermediately between on state and off state by repeatedly switching on and off the electric current when the difference between the detection temperature signal detected by the detector and a reference temperature signal is within a predetermined value.In detail, the fixing device overlays a periodically changing signal on at least one of the detection temperature signal and the reference temperature signal by a signal convertor so as to control the current supplied to the heating roller in accordance with the comparison result of the detection temperature signal and the reference temperature signal output from the signal convertor.

Abstract: A transformerless electrical appliance with an AC heating element uses a triac in series with the heating element and a control circuit responsive to a thermistor to regulate flow of heating current. A power supply is formed by a resistive divider that steps down the AC line voltage and a fullwave diode bridge that rectifies the stepped-down voltage. The resistance of the divider is comparatively high, limiting power dissipation in the divider, but incidentally producing significant variations in the power supply voltage (roughly 100% from minimum to maximum levels). The impedance of the divider element which conducts the operating current of the control circuit is selected to ensure that the average minimum power supply voltage is above the minimum operating voltage required by the control circuit. Resistive dividers are used to produce temperature and reference signals from the power supply voltage, making switching of the triac relatively immune to the significant variations in the supply voltage.

Abstract: A range hood positioned above a cooking range employs a continuous heat sensor system which includes twisted wires which are separated from one another by an insulator which is formed of a material which melts at a predetermined temperature. The wires carry a supervisory current which also flows through an actuator, which may be an electrified system for cutting a tension wire. An indicator lamp, such as an LED, which may have a series resistor associated therewith, limits the current through the actuator to a level below the activation threshold of the actuator.

Abstract: A first control device controls a temperature of an object so as to make it near a first predetermined temperature. A second control device stops heating the object if a temperature thereof reaches a second predetermined temperature as a result of a temperature thereof increasing because the first control device is substantially disabled. The second predetermined temperature is higher than the first predetermined temperature.

Abstract: Detector comprising a sensor and a processing circuit connected to a load by means of two wires. Two switches (I1, I2) are arranged in series in a switching circuit leg (21), the ends of which (C, D) are connected to the detector terminals and the middle point (S) to a terminal (F) of the processing circuit. When operating (I1) is conductive and (I2) determines a parallel regulation of the voltage (V) at the processing circuit (12) terminals ; when in rest position, (I1) determines a series regulation of the voltage while (I2) is blocked.

Abstract: A method for assuring a safe work space operates so that a work enable signal is generated only when absence of workers from the work space where the workers work in cooperation with a machine is detected. The work enable signal has a logical value of 1 corresponding to a high energy state and only this signal can initiate activation of the machine sharing the subject work space thereby assuring safe environments for workers.

Abstract: A brushless motor accommodated within a case and having mounted on a substrate rotor speed detection sensors and a monolithic integrated circuit which includes an inverter for driving the rotor, drive circuits for driving the inverter, power source circuit for supplying a power required by each circuit, circuits for controlling the speed of the rotor and a protection circuit for protecting the inverter from excess current.

Abstract: To detect a faulty operation in a non-contact switch, a pulse signal is applied to the light emitting element of the non-contact switch. The input pulse signal is compared with an output signal generated by a light receiving element of the non-contact switch. The faulty operation of the non-contact switch is discriminated in accordance with the thus compared input and output signals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-contact IC card having a microcomputer. The microcomputer includes a CPU, a resonance circuit which receives data bits through an electromagnetic wave, an input circuit which detects the data signal, and a decoding circuit which supplies a pulse of predetermined length to the CPU when the input circuit detects the data signal. The detection of the data signal also causes a circuit to close a switch using a reception inhibit signal of a half bit's width. The reception inhibit signal rapidly attenuates the oscillations in a resonance circuit, making it ready to receive the next data bit.

Abstract: Two-wire, electronic switch which performs sensing functions, measurement functions, and output-control functions for an electrical load without receiving power from a power source, external or internal, other than the power source for the electrical load that is controlled by the switch. Electronic components of a two-wire, electronic switch which is fabricated in accordance with the present invention obtain power: (a) when the switch is off, from a power source which drives a load which is controlled by the switch and (b) when the switch is on, from an output of devices which convert current to voltage and which receive at least a portion of a current through the load as input.

Abstract: The device comprises a sensor supplying a sensor signal which varies as a result of the placement of a cooking vessel in a heating zone of a heating appliance. The device includes evaluating circuit which, as a function of the sensor signal, supplies an output signal. The evaluating circuit produces the output signal as a function of the rate of change of the sensor signal to indicate the presence or absence of cookware in the heating zone of the heating appliance.

Abstract: An outlet housing includes a plurality of electrical outlets directed through a front wall thereof in electrical communication with a plug member mounted to a rear wall of the housing. A first selector switch is arranged to control electrical communication of the electrical plug with the outlets when below a predetermined temperature, or selectively above that predetermined temperature. A second selector switch is arranged to effect selective bypassing of a control circuit to effect direct electrical communication of the electrical plug with the electrical outlets bypassing a thermostatically controlled control circuit.

Abstract: An electronic device comprising a light sensor, a plurality of inputs and outputs, and an integrated circuit provides discrimination from logic input detection signals to generate output signals. The input detection signals are received from slotted opto-interrupter devices installed at a door and a lid of a hopper and also from a light sensor. Electric locks responsive to the output signals are installed at the door and the lid while an electronic relay is installed at a light switch and power socket. The device will not allow the hopper's lid to be opened if the room's door is open and/or the room's light is turned on. When the hopper's lid is opened the door automatically locks and electric power to the light switch and power socket is interrupted. When the hopper's lid is open and the light switch is turned to the ON position, the light will not turn ON until the hopper's lid is closed.

Abstract: A shock and vibration detecting device comprising a sensor enclosed in an electromagnetic shielded and dust-proof case to send out a signal to an amplifying circuit constituted mainly by an operational amplifier once it picks up a shock and/or vibration signal. The output of the amplifying circuit is connected to a driving circuit to provide an output signal. A delaying circuit is used to lengthen the active period of the output signal. A voltage regulation circuit provides a regulated and filtered voltage to the above-mentioned circuits.

Abstract: A pair of temperature detection devices having different heat time constants and an active device having a predetermined bias are connected in series. The bias is set so as to cause the active device to operate in a saturated region if the temperature is higher than a dangerous level, and to operate in a triode region if the temperature is lower than the dangerous level. The temperature detection devices are chosen so as to cause the voltage generated at the junction of the temperature detection devices to be higher than a predetermined reference voltage if the temperature has been raised to the dangerous level when the temperature is raised slowly, or if the temperature is raised rapidly, even if the temperature is lower than the dangerous level. A constant temperature function and a differential function are generated to detect that a fire has taken place.

Abstract: According to this invention, in a temperature abnormality detector, an electronic apparatus can be continuously operated without halt, a failure of a sensor can be reliably detected, and power supply is interrupted to protect the electronic apparatus when the temperature of the electronic apparatus really reaches a high temperature. In addition, a highly reliable electronic apparatus which is not halted by erroneous detection can be provided, and repairing of the apparatus can be completed within a short time. Even when the apparatus fails, it can be easily restored.The detector includes a plurality of temperature sensors arranged on an electronic part, a switching circuit for receiving output signals from the temperature sensors, a converting circuit for converting the output signals from the temperature sensors into temperature values, a microprocessor, output circuits of the microprocessor, and a ROM for storing a program for operating the microprocessor.

Abstract: A wireless multiple position switching system is disclosed for controlling the application of power to a load device from a plurality of remote locations. The switching system includes a power source, a load device, a master toggle switch and one or more slave toggle switches. A slave toggle switch generates an electromagnetic switching signal which changes the state of the master switch. The master switch is connected in series with the power source and the load device and controls the application of power to the load device in response to the switching signal from the slave switch or actuation of its own toggle.

Abstract: A temperature limit circuit has a pair of comparators for producing an output signal when a sensed temperature either exceeds of falls below a permissible range. A common impedance circuit uses a single output pin to establish both the upper and lower temperature limits and a hysteresis level at each end of the range. A hysteresis circuit includes two branches, one of which directs a hysteresis current in one direction to a hysteresis resistor at a common input to the comparators to set the hysteresis at one end of the temperature range, and the other of which directs the hysteresis current through the hysteresis resistor in the opposite direction to set the hysteresis at the other end of the temperature range; the oppositely directed current flows establish hysteresis differentials of opposite polarities. A voltage reference circuit that includes a feedback circuit is preferably used for both temperature sensing and to establish a reference current upon which the hysteresis current is based.

Abstract: A temperature-controlled pharmaceutical device includes a substantially enclosed and thermally insulated structure having at least one port which allows access to an enclosed storage area which has a storage temperature. A thermopile heat exchange unit is provided for heating and cooling the storage area in response to signals provided by temperature sensors and a window detector. The storage area is maintained at a temperature between upper and lower predetermined limits. When these limits are exceeded for a predetermined length of time, a visual display is actuated to warn that the substances should be discarded immediately. After signaling an alarm, the indicator is reset by way of a lock switch. The lock switch discourages unauthorized resetting. An energy saving switching mechanism is provided for overriding the heat exchanger circuitry when the port to the enclosed area is open, preventing unnecessary discharge of the battery pack.

Abstract: An on/off circuit is provided to automatically turn "on" or "off" electrical power to electrical outlets depending upon whether an automobile engine is "on" or "off". The circuit is powered by the automobile battery via a plug inserted into an automobile cigarette lighter socket. The circuit includes a mechanical vibration sensor, namely a piezoelectrical transducer, that monitors engine vibrations. Upon detection of vibrations, the sensor outputs a signal that is amplified by an operational amplifier before being rectified and filtered into a signal that triggers a transistor to switch a power supply circuit "on". Energization of the power supply circuit provides power to one or more electrical sockets. The power supply circuit includes a current limiting circuit (featuring a Darlington transistor) to protect against high current damage. When the sensor notes an absence of vibrations, the on/off circuit shuts off the power supply circuit.

Abstract: A control system which minimizes the start up time of heaters and sustains long term automatic control is provided. This control system automatically converts control time constant current to constant power when the power reaches the power set and provides that after power interruptions, control will revert back to constant current until constant power control is again called for. The heater controlled by the control system of this invention is preferably a subterranean heater having a long heating element.

Abstract: A controllable semiconductor switching device having integrated overload protection of a load current path, including a switching section in the load current path and a multiplicity of main switching cells acting in parallel and having load-side terminals and non-load-side terminals including control terminals. The control terminals of the main switching cells are directly connected in a highly conducting manner among one another. A multiplicity of auxiliary switching cells are provided which carry a part of a total load current in parallel with the main switching cells in order to achieve an overload protection, and having load-side terminals and non-load-side terminals. The number of auxiliary switching cells are less than the number of main switching cells. The main switching cells and the auxiliary switching cells form the switching section.

Abstract: A semiconductor transducer or actuator is disclosed. The transducer and actuator each include a deflecting member with corrugations producing increased vertical travel which is a linear function of applied force. An accurate and easily controlled method that is insensitive to front-to-back alignment is also disclosed for forming uniform corrugations of precise thickness; independent of the thickness of the deflecting member. The cross-sectional shape of the corrugations is not limited by the etching technique, so that any configuration thereof is enabled.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a control system wherein fiber optics controls the functioning of one or more types of wiring devices, such as a wall receptacle. With the use of the present invention, a relatively safer system is provided for use in wet, hospital, explosive and other environments, and which is capable of surface mounting. Switch and load supply assemblies are interconnected by fiber optic means for transmitting reflected signals from a movable mirror to a photocell-influenced relay circuit.

Abstract: A spark gap switch having a mid-plane or triggering electrode is brought o a conductive state using a photoconductive switch or other suitable switch, closed by a laser pulse on other pulsed light source. The photoconductive switch is connected between one of the primary electrodes and the mid-plane electrode and brings the potential of the mid-plane electrode to the same potential as the primary electrode when the photoconductive switch is closed. The use of the photoconductive switch permits shorter closing times and eliminates the need for high voltage auxiliary triggering circuits. Plural photoconductive switches, which are triggered in a precise predetermined sequence, improve the operation of Marx generators and other multi-spark gap switch applications.

Abstract: An electronic control or touch button, with no moving button parts and operated by sound absorption, including in a first embodiment (FIG. 1) a cylindrical, metal, outer casing (1) of comparable diameter to standard buttons. The casing holds a glass, ball-shaped button (2) serving as a sound transmitting medium, the exposed side of which serves as the button touch surface (3). Behind the ball-shaped button is a printed circuit board (4), carrying on it an integrated circuit (IC; 5), an ultrasound transducer (6), and a series of light emitting diodes (LED; 7). In operation the transducer routinely sends sound (or ultrasound) waves into the glass ball and then receives back the echoes of its transmission--in sonar fashion. If skin or other material comes into contact with the touch surface, some of the sound will be absorbed by the material, and the reduced echoes detected by the IC, which is analyzing the echoes. When the echoes are so reduced (compare upper and lower wave form traces in FIG.

Abstract: A thermo-electric laser temperature control apparatus is driven by a switching mode control circuit. Driving current polarity determines if the thermo-electric apparatus is operating in a heat absorbent or heat generating mode. A sequencing control circuit is used in association with the control circuit to define operative ranges of the thermo-electric temperature control apparatus consistent with maintaining proper temperature for a linear operative range for the laser. Feedback circuitry permits precision control of the converter output to limit the operative temperature range of the laser to a small precisely defined temperature window.

Abstract: An automatic water supply shut-off system includes a shut-off valve movable between opened and closed positions in a line leading from the water supply. An electric motor actuates the shut-off valve and is electrically connected to a power source through an electric circuit so that when the circuit is closed the electric motor actuates the shut-off valve into the open position to allow water flow through the line. At least one temperature sensitive switch is disposed in the electrical circuit and is operative to normally close the electrical circuit above a predetermined temperature and to open the electrical circuit at or below the predetermined temperature, whereby the shut-off valve moves to the closed position.

Abstract: A dual solid state relay comprised of an input circuit, an optical coupler, a reference voltage circuit, a switch circuit, an SCR saturation circuit, a full wave bridge rectifier, a TRIAC driver circuit, an SCR driver circuit, a TRIAC slave circuit, an SCR slave circuit, a snobber circuit, and an output port. The TRIAC slave circuit and the SCR slave circuit are driven by the TRIAC driver circuit and the SCR driver circuit, respectively. The relay circuit is designed to employ additional TRIACs and SCRs in the event that the switching of very high currents and voltages becomes necessary. A further feature of the present invention is a SPDT switch which allows the user the opportunity of choosing which part of the relay circuit is utilized (TRIAC or SCR).

Abstract: A light level controlled electrical extension socket comprising a main body on which is formed two pairs of insertion sockets for receiving an appliance's power plug, a photosensitive element externally mounted in a housing on the main body, an extension cord attached to a power outlet, and a pair of indicator lights for each respective pair of insertion sockets. Each insertion socket comprises three receiving slots, whereby, a power plug inserted to the right side always receives power as in a convention adapter. A power plug inserted to the left side has its power turned on or off automatically according to prevailing light levels. A first pair of insertion sockets has its power on in automatic mode, i.e. the left side when the second pair has its power turned off, and vice versa. The indicator lights for each corresponding pair of insertion sockets reflect the status of each respective pair.

Abstract: Temperature measurement with thermocouples is made more accurate, and the cost of disposable thermocouples is reduced by locating the cold junction close to the hot junction, utilizing a thermistor in thermal communication with the cold junction in developing a compensating voltage which varies with temperature as does the voltage produced by the cold junction, and applying the compensating voltage to cancel the cold junction voltage. The presence of radio frequency fields in the region of the thermocouple is detected and utilization of the thermocouple voltage is interrupted in intervals when the interference is greater than some preselected intensity. Further, the thermocouple voltage information is utilized to simulate the resistance a thermistor would have at the temperature represented by the thermistor voltage information and that simulated resistance is applied to instrumentation designed to measure temperature with a thermistor.

Abstract: A light control circuit for a video camcorder, where said video camcorder includes an illumination light. The light control circuit includes a pause switch for enabling the light control circuit. A light on/off control is responsive to the pause switch and controls a light control relay. A record signal delay is responsive to the on/off control and applied a record signal to a microcomputer a predetermined elapsed time after operation of the light on/off control. An illuminance detector is responsive to illuminance surrounding the video camcorder and generates a comparison output signal indicative of the surrounding illuminance. A light control is responsive to the light control relay and controls the illumination light associated with said camcorder.

Abstract: A proximity switch assembly (10) for signaling the location of a movable member (36) at either of opposite end limits of movement relative to a stationary frame (44, 46) includes a compact elongate housing (58) adapted to be mounted on the frame to extend along the path of movement of a power driven member (32), such as the piston rod of a hydraulic cylinder, which shifts the movable member between its end limits. The proximity switch is fixedly mounted in the housing and carries a switch actuating member (68) mounted for sliding movement over a relatively short distance sufficient to move an actuating target (74) into and out of actuating proximity of an air core proximity sensing coil (120) within the housing. Lost motion abutment shoulders (70, 72) on the switch actuation member and power driven member (54) move into engagement with each other as a power driven member approaches each end of its stroke.

Abstract: A control system and methods of making and operating the control system are provided, the system comprising an RTD temperature sensor, an applying unit operatively interconnected to the sensor for applying a varying voltage across the sensor and thereby providing a certain current level through the sensor for each certain voltage value being applied across the sensor while the sensor is sensing a certain temperature, and a microcomputer operatively interconnected to the sensor and the applying unit for determining from the voltage being applied across the sensor the actual temperature being sensed by the sensor, the applying unit comprising a charge pump arrangement.

Abstract: An interface device which is provided with a DC-DC converter and a power output terminal so that the internal circuit of the interface device and the external equipment may share a common power source in spite of their different power supply requirements, and the wiring connection between the interface device and the external equipment may be simplified. In particular, if the interface device is configured as a terminal base and coupled to the controller via serial transmission line, a significant simplification of the wiring between different parts of the controller system can be accomplished. If the power terminals include positive and negative power output terminals arranged in an alternating fashion, and the power terminals and the signal lead terminals are arranged in two different rows, preferably, in staggered relationship, the leads from different pieces of external equipment may be clustered close to each other, and the external wiring work is extremely simplified.

Abstract: An optical logic element includes an optical bistable npnp element for switching from a high resistance state to a low resistance state in response to electrical bias and incident light energy in which the switching time becomes shorter as the incident light energy becomes larger. The elements emit light in the low resistance on state. The optical logic element is designed for analog threshold processing of light energy. A plurality of optical bistable elements connected in parallel differentially threshold process incident light energy. An opto-electronic conversion apparatus includes linear arrays of light emitting elements, a two-dimensional array of optical memories, i.e., optical bistable elements, and linear light receiving element arrays arranged transverse to the light emitting element arrays, all integrated with each other. Corresponding light emitting elements, optical memories, and light receiving elements permit arbitrary transfers of signals.

Abstract: A temperature regulating control unit and method of making the same are provided, the unit comprising a RTD temperature sensor, a unit for applying electrical signals to the sensor, and a microcomputer for receiving digital signals from the sensor in relation to the temperature being sensed by the sensor, the unit for applying electrical signals to the sensor applying a varying voltage to the sensor.

Abstract: Device for measuring the temperature of the material contained in a closed apparatus. Including a probe equipped with a sensitive thermocouple element mounted in a protective housing made of an electrically and thermally insulating material in contact with the material to be measured, the element is connected with a preamplification electronic circuit adjacent to it, and having an operational preamplifier connected with a couple of semiconductor switches and an integration circuit which probe is connected to means located at a distance from the apparatus for amplifying and processing the signal and associated with visualization, recording and control members.

Abstract: Electronic control device of the electrical supply of a heating resistance (1) adapted to heat a cooking or grilling enclosure (2) such as, for example, the heating enclosure of a toaster. A detector (9) detects the temperature prevailing in the enclosure (2) and is electrically connected to an electronic timing circuit (7) adjustable according t a selected temperature (To) chosen by the user, and is adapted particularly to control the opening of a switch (5) mounted in series with the resistance (1). The detector (9) is mounted outside the enclosure (2) and comprises a variable resistance (10), for example a thermistor, which is in thermal relationship with a calibrated resistance (11), and which is electrically connectd to the timing circuit (7) so as to control this circuit. The thermal characteristics of the detector (9) are such that the timing circuit (7) controls the opening of the switch (5) practically at the instant at which the heating resistance (1) achieves the selected temperature (To).

Abstract: An electric immersion thermometer, for use in a device such as a mixing faucet, is disclosed. The immersion thermometer includes a body which houses a temperature sensing assembly in which the sensing element is encapsulated or laminated in a plastic sheath or jacket. The encapsulating sheath being formed from a plastic thermally shrinking tubing and a plastic bracket for mechanically supporting the thermometer. A plastic insert also can be mounted in the body of the immersion thermometer that is coupled to the faucet. The plastic jacket has good heat conducting and electrical insulating properties.

Abstract: A driving control apparatus for an electric range having a function of self-diagnosis by detecting a temperature within an oven with a voltage, detecting the present temperature within an oven by comparing the detected temperature with reference voltages according to each step, controlling precisely the temperature within the oven by the present temperature with an established temperature and determining automatically the state of a hardware for outputting the reference voltages at the time of detecting the present temperature. The apparatus can precisely control the temperature within the oven, and in case of an abnormal condition of a hardware, it stops the operation of heater and indicates the error, thereby the reliability and safety of the product can be enhanced.

Abstract: A circuit breaker for opening and closing contacts disposed on each phase of a multiphase electric power line has a photo-diode array and a light emitting diode array disposed on opposite sides of a driving rod of a driving mechanism, with a light passing aperture provided in the driving rod. When the aperture in the rod crosses the respective light paths between the photo-diodes and the corresponding light emitting diodes, the photo-diodes issue electric output signals corresponding to movement of the driving rod. By processing these output signals, any abnormal breaking of the breaker contacts among the phases is detected.