Abstract: An electronic device includes a substantially planar face, a switch and a switch actuation mechanism. The switch is configured such that successive actuations of the switch actuates the device between a first state and a second state. The switch actuation mechanism is configured to actuate the switch a first time in response to a first input along the face and a second time in response to a second input along the face. The second input has at least one characteristic, other than time at which it is performed, distinct from the first input.

Abstract: An operating switch wiring device capable of easily setting a load which is a group control object, without using a dedicated setter, and a handle member used therefore. The operating switch wiring device used for a remote supervisory control system includes a plurality of individual switches which are individually assigned with addresses corresponding to addresses of relays and individually turn on/off the relays, a group switch which groups one or plural of the individual switches into a group and collectively turns on/off the relays corresponding to the individual switches in the group, and group setting switches which are provided in correspondence with the individual switches and set whether each of the individual switches are registered in the group.

Abstract: An interface comprises a switch supported in relation to a motor vehicle interior trim component. The switch is operable to actuate and de-actuate an electrically operated device of the motor vehicle. A sensory feedback component is operatively connected to the switch for producing a sensory feedback when the switch is operated.

Abstract: A self-powered switching system using electromechanical generators generates power for activation of a latching relay. The electromechanical generators comprise electroactive elements or magnetic based microgenerators that may be mechanically actuated to generate electrical power. The associated signal generation circuitry may be coupled to a transmitter or transceiver for sending and/or receiving RF signals to/from a receiver which actuates the latching relay. Power may be stored within the circuit using rechargeable batteries for powering or supplementing power to the transmitter or transceiver.

Abstract: A control apparatus comprises an SMR for switching supply of power on and off from a high voltage battery to an inverter, a switching command section for commanding the SMR to switch supply of power from the high voltage battery, a collision detection section for detecting a collision from outside the inverter, and a collision determination section for determining a collision with the inverter on the basis of at least detection by the collision detection section. The collision detection section includes a load detection sensor for detecting a load from outside the inverter and the switching command section commands the SMR to stop supply of power from the high voltage battery on the basis of collision determination by the collision determination section.

Abstract: An operating switch wiring device capable of easily setting a load which is a group control object, without using a dedicated setter, and a handle member used therefore. The operating switch wiring device used for a remote supervisory control system includes a plurality of individual switches which are individually assigned with addresses corresponding to addresses of relays and individually turn on/off the relays, a group switch which groups one or plural of the individual switches into a group and collectively turns on/off the relays corresponding to the individual switches in the group, and group setting switches which are provided in correspondence with the individual switches and set whether each of the individual switches are registered in the group.

Abstract: A foot controller for a microsurgical system that includes a body, a switch disposed on the body, and a switch guard coupled to the body and disposed in a spaced relationship to an outer surface of the switch.

Abstract: A pressure switch employs a Wheatstone bridge incorporating piezoresistive elements. The output of the bridge is monitored by a control circuit which produces a first control signal when a high pressure is achieved and produces a second control signal when a low pressure is achieved. The output of the control circuit is coupled to the gate electrode of a high current MOSFET device. The drain electrode of the MOSFET is coupled to one terminal of the motor where the other terminal of the motor is coupled to an operating potential. The source electrode of the MOSFET is coupled to ground. When the monitored pressure reaches a high threshold the MOSFET turns off as biased by the control circuit which in turn disables the motor. If the pressure drops, the control circuit detects this and produces the control signal, which activates the motor through the MOSFET.

Abstract: A power control device prevents unauthorized and unwanted use of electrical devices by locking the plug of the electrical device in the power control device, when the current flowing through the power control device is stopped. The device includes a switch, moveable between on and off conditions by moving a slide lock or bolt, typically by rotating a key in a locking structure. When the slide lock has moved into contact with the switch, such that it is in an off-condition and current is not flowing through the power control device, the slide lock has also locked the plug in the power control device. The electrical device is temporarily inoperable and can not resume normal operation until the power control device is unlocked.

Abstract: A start-up circuit having a micro crush capacitor that is operatable with a small pressure. The crush capacitor may be connected to a silicon controlled rectifier or similar device. Applying the pressure to the crush capacitor may turn on the SCR which may in turn activate a sensor. The circuit may be fabricated on a flexible substrate which together may be regarded as a flexible circuit. The flexible circuit may be held down on a back plate with a form plate clamping the circuit at its perimeter edge. The flexible circuit may be held firm with the plates for component insertion and/or circuit testing.

Abstract: A load control device for controlling the amount of power delivered to an electrical load from an AC power source comprises a touch sensitive device having a touch sensitive front surface responsive to a point actuation. The front surface is adapted to be provided in an opening of a faceplate such that the front surface of the touch sensitive actuator extends through the opening at a distance equal to or greater than the depth of the faceplate. According to the present invention, the operational area of the front surface is maximized to substantially the entire area of the front surface. Further, a minimum magnitude of a force of each of the point actuations is substantially equal at each of the respective positions on the front surface of the touch sensitive actuator, such that the front surface provides a substantially uniform force profile.

Abstract: A load control device for controlling the amount of power delivered to an electrical load from an AC power source comprises a touch sensitive device having a touch sensitive front surface responsive to a point actuation. The front surface is adapted to be provided in an opening of a faceplate such that the front surface of the touch sensitive actuator extends through the opening at a distance equal to or greater than the depth of the faceplate. According to the present invention, the operational area of the front surface is maximized to substantially the entire area of the front surface. Further, a minimum magnitude of a force of each of the point actuations is substantially equal at each of the respective positions on the front surface of the touch sensitive actuator, such that the front surface provides a substantially uniform force profile.

Abstract: A safety system for powering an outdoor light is provided. The system includes a breakaway cable which runs from the luminaire pole to the junction box. The breakaway is connected to a switch which is opened when the breakaway cable is pulled, for example when the luminaire pole is struck. The device may also include a visual indicator at the junction box which indicates whether power is being supplied to the luminaire.

Abstract: A load control device for controlling the amount of power delivered to an electrical load from an AC power source comprises a touch sensitive device having a touch sensitive front surface responsive to a point actuation. The front surface is adapted to be provided in an opening of a faceplate such that the front surface of the touch sensitive actuator extends through the opening at a distance equal to or greater than the depth of the faceplate. According to the present invention, the operational area of the front surface is maximized to substantially the entire area of the front surface. Further, a minimum magnitude of a force of each of the point actuations is substantially equal at each of the respective positions on the front surface of the touch sensitive actuator, such that the front surface provides a substantially uniform force profile.

Abstract: A capacitive relay takeoff swimming platform sensor system including multiple stations, timing devices and capacitive sensor devices where the presence or departure of a second swimmer on a relay takeoff swimming platform is sensed by the change in a capacitive field above a sensing mat and compared to the arrival of a first swimmer at a touchpad sensor.

Abstract: A capacitive relay takeoff swimming platform sensor system including multiple stations, timing devices and capacitive sensor devices where the presence or departure of a second swimmer on a relay takeoff swimming platform is sensed by the change in capacitance of a sensor mat and compared to the arrival of a first swimmer at a touchpad sensor. The system includes automatic recalibration of sensing, such that presence of a swimmer is sensed and then system recalibrated so as to detect departure of the swimmer. The sensor mat includes an polycarbonate perimeter.

Abstract: A switch circuit for controlling the supply of electrical power from an electrical power source to a load includes a power supply switch comprising input, output and control terminals. The circuit further includes an electronic switching device connected to the control terminal of the power supply switch and having an activating input; a momentary switch coupled to the activating input of the electronic switching device; and a charge storage element coupled to the momentary switch. In a first mode, closing the momentary switch in excess of a triggering time charges the charge storage element and triggers the electronic storage device to turn on the circuit to supply power to the load. In a second mode, closing the momentary switch connects the charge storage element to the electronic switching device to turn off the electronic switching device and the power supply switch, thus interrupting the supply of power to the load.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing DC power to a portable computer operating at a source voltage and a peripheral device operating at step down voltage having a lower magnitude has an input cord for connection to an AC/DC converter that supplies the source voltage, a first output cord for connection to the peripheral device, and a second output cord for connection to the portable computer. An adapter circuit lights an indicating LED when the DC source voltage is connected to the input cord, generates the DC step down voltage to the first output cord and lights another indicating LED and generates the DC source voltage to the second output cord. The adapter circuit includes a switch for selecting between a first magnitude step down voltage lower than a magnitude of the source voltage and second magnitude lower than a magnitude of the source voltage and higher than the first magnitude.

Abstract: A telephone including a removable DSL filter cartridge is disclosed. The telephone includes a location adapted to receive a filter cartridge. The filter cartridge is designed to fit inside the location provided on the telephone. The filter cartridge includes a first end that electrically connects the filter cartridge to the telephone and a second end that faces outwards. The second end includes a DSL port so that users can plug DSL devices directly into the port. The filter cartridge includes a DSL filter to help eliminate unwanted noise on the telephone line and the filter cartridge is designed to be easily removable.

Abstract: A self-powered switching system using electromechanical generators generates power for activation of a latching relay. The electromechanical generators comprise electroactive elements or magnetic based microgenerators that may be mechanically actuated to generate electrical power. The associated signal generation circuitry may be coupled to a transmitter or transceiver for sending and/or receiving RF signals to/from a receiver which actuates the latching relay. Power may be stored within the circuit using rechargeable batteries for powering or supplementing power to the transmitter or transceiver.

Abstract: An electronic circuit for use with an exhaustible power source and load such as a light bulb, a radio or motor, includes a microchip with an input that transmits a signal to the microchip when the load is activated or deactivated. The input does not form a serial link between the power source and the load. The power switch, by on/off switching, controls energy flow from the power source to the load. The electronic circuit has an automatic delayed shut-off function for the load and, a find-in-the-dark indicator and a power source level indicator which are active when the load is not energized and the power source is not being charged. The input to the microchip acts as an activation/deactivation user interface. The microchip allows the user to select specific functions based on the time duration of activation signals, the time duration between activation signals and the number of activation signals at the input.

Abstract: A self-powered switching device using a prestressed flextensional electroactive member generates a signal for activation of a latching relay. The electroactive member has a piezoelectric element with a convex and a concave face that may be compressed to generate an electrical pulse. The flextensional electroactive member and associated signal generation circuitry can be hardwired directly to the latching relay or may be coupled to a transmitter for sending an RF signal to a receiver which actuates the latching relay.

Abstract: A docking solution for a tablet notebook computer is described. Specifically, the docking solution provides a way to adjust the tilt angle of the tablet screen while conserving area. Further, a main connector and an auxiliary connector is provided to provide an electrical contact between the base unit and the tablet screen when the tablet notebook computer is in a convertible mode.

Abstract: A man-machine interface is provided for a domestic appliance in which remotely sensed buttons, slider bars, marker pucks and a knob are used. The sensing coils for remotely sensing the positions of the buttons, slider bars, marker pucks and the knob are formed on a printed circuit board which is located behind a sealed surface such that there is no risk of contaminants accessing the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A tamper-proof elastomeric membrane device for secure electronic housings. At least one button is molded in this elastomeric membrane. The button is under pressure when the housing is closed to act on an electronic circuit, and the button is idle when the housing is open. The device can be applied to secure housings, such as in particular confidential code housings, whose physical integrity is sought to be guaranteed by a device for detecting opening.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive mat system includes a mat with a recessed mat connector and a cable assembly that includes a cable connector that detachably mates to the mat connector. The cable connector is sized to the inset area of the mat connector and thus conforms to the dimensional envelope of the mat. Conforming to the mat's dimensional envelope minimizes tripping hazards, reduces the likelihood of cable damage, and permits the use of flush fitting edge trim strips that may be used to secure the mat to the floor. In one embodiment, the cable connector mounts to the mat connector via threaded fasteners. The use of threaded fasteners permits compressive connector engagement, which enhances inter-connector electrical contact integrity and permits the use of an interposed connector gasket that provides watertight sealing when the two connectors are compressively engaged. The connector(s) may include other features such as air vents to vent the mat interior.

Abstract: A switch circuit (10) controls the supply of electrical power from an electrical power source (11) to a load (R5). The switch circuit (10) includes a first transistor (Q1), the emitter of the first transistor (Q1) is adapted to be coupled to the power supply (11) and the collector is adapted to be coupled to the load (R5). An electronic switching device (Q2, Q3) includes an input, an output adapted to be coupled to the other side of the load (R5) and the power source (11), and an activating input. A first resistance device (R1) is coupled between the base of the first transistor (Q1) and the input of the electronic switching device (Q2. Q3). A momentary switch (S1) has first and second terminals (13, 14) and the activating input of the electronic switching device (Q2, Q3) is coupled to the first terminal (14) of the momentary switch. A pulse generation device (C1, R4) is coupled between the collector of the first transistor (Q1) and the second terminal (13) of the momentary switch (S1).

Abstract: A self-powered switching device using a prestressed flextensional electroactive member generates a signal for activation of a latching relay. The electroactive member has a piezoelectric element with a convex and a concave face that may be compressed to generate an electrical pulse. The flextensional electroactive member and associated signal generation circuitry can be hardwired directly to the latching relay or may be coupled to a transmitter for sending an RF signal to a receiver which actuates the latching relay.

Abstract: A trigger switch module suitable for use with various household appliances and instruments is capable of generating a signal needed by a microcontroller via a human-machine interface, so that the trigger switch module has stable signal level output pins for a microprocessor or a logic gate to make judgment easily. The trigger switch module can be triggered to output a signal through a non-direct contact of the switch at low voltage and low power consumption. All components of the trigger switch module are enclosed in a top casing that is completely watertight and dustproof to ensure stable capacity of the switch. The trigger switch module combines the functions of conventional switches but eliminates drawbacks thereof. A touch panel made of plastics, metal, glass, ceramic or other insulating material may be provided with the top casing to ensure safe and durable use of the trigger switch module.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an earthquake or shock responsive electric relay, shutting off electric power, or actuating the use of power in lights, motors, alarms or any electric device, which includes any electric device used to stop the flow of water, gas oil or steam. The device utilizes a common relay type design whereby its reacting parts are balanced between a weight and a spring, a relay centered between upper and lower contactors so that upon occurrence of an earthquake or other violent shock, the device cannot remain balanced, thus causing the relay to conduct the contactor. After the shock has subsided, the relay returns to the balanced-position which is equal centered distance between the upper and lower contactors. The sensitivity of the device is controllable.

Abstract: A security mat alarm system having a pressure sensor sheet that is capable of detecting pressure and outputting a pressure sensed signal. A wireless transmitter is electrically connected to the pressure sensor sheet. The wireless transmitter is capable of transmitting an alarm signal upon detection of the pressure sensed signal. A wireless alarm receiver is capable of receiving the alarm signal and alarming.

Abstract: An integral resistance element combined with a snap-action thermal switch and coupled to an output thereof, the snap-action thermal switch being structured in a normally-open configuration. The resistance element and the snap-action thermal switch share one or more common terminals. The snap-action thermal switch is structured having a pair of terminals being mutually electrically isolated when the snap-action thermal switch structured in the normally open configuration, and the integral resistance element is electrically coupled to provide an output on the pair of electrically isolated terminals.

Abstract: There is described a safety monitor for machinery comprising a pressure sensitive monitor switch mountable in the vicinity of the machinery and having first and second switching contacts which are normally separated but are arranged to be brought together in response to pressure upon the monitor switch indicative of a potential emergency, and at least one solid state switching device having first and second device inputs and at least one device output, the solid state switching device being controlled by voltage across the device inputs, which are connected across supply terminals connectable to a power supply, the first and second switching contacts of the monitor switch being respectively connected to the device inputs so that while the monitor switch is open circuit a voltage from the power supply is applied to the solid state switching device to maintain it in a first state indicative of normal operation whereas application of pressure to the monitor switch brings the switching contacts together providing

Abstract: A foot controller 32 for use with ophthalmic surgical equipment 34 includes a foot controller 32 having a door 18. Door 18 covers a surgical switch 24 when door 18 is in a closed position, and door 18 is a shroud for a surgical switch 24 when door 18 is in an open position. A door-position sensor 48 disables activation of the surgical switch 24, except when the door is in an open position.

Abstract: Electrically operated folding operable walls controlled by an electrical operation circuit of the type having a key switch, a control panel, an extend limit, a stack limit, control relays and a motor. The invention consists of a mechanism designed to provide safety during the operation of said folding walls by sensing a person or object with a lead edge sensor, floor mat sensors, and a wireless transmitter and receiver assembly that, when wired to the folding wall control panel, will shut down the operation of the folding wall. Another mechanism provides for the restarting of the folding wall by resetting the relay inside the control panel.

Abstract: A controlling device adapted to be used for a heat-dissipating device. The controlling device includes a signal generator electrically connected between the heat-dissipating device and a power source supplying a voltage for the heat-dissipating device, and generating a control signal for switching on/off the power source, and a voltage regulator electrically connected between the heat-dissipating device and the power source and connected in parallel with the signal generator for continuously providing the heat-dissipating device with a basic voltage when the power source is switched off by the control signal so as to prevent that an output signal of an external device electrically connected with the heat-dissipating device is interfered with the control signal.

Abstract: A foot switch for use in the control of medical apparatus comprises a pedal that is connected to and movably seated on a floor plate of a joint connection, a sensor linked to a switch element, and a repositioning device disposed between the floor plate and the pedal. The repositioning device ensures that an operating force must be applied to the upper surface of the pedal to produce a tilting movement of the pedal out of an initial position into an operating position in which a smaller angle is defined between the floor plate and the pedal than in the initial position and in which the sensor is activated to trigger the output of a switch pulse from the switch element. The improvement of the present invention consists of the combination of the repositioning device and the joint into an elastic joint device. The simplified foot switch is easily disinfected.

Abstract: This invention includes an electronic accessory having a single button that actuates all of its control features. In one embodiment, the accessory is a MP3 player wherein songs are stored on a multimedia card. Once the card has been loaded an inserted, the MP3 player is coupled to an energy source. In a preferred embodiment, the energy source is preferably a cellular telephone. After coupling, all of the functions of the MP3 player are controlled with a single button. In a preferred embodiment, power is actuated by pushing the button for one second. Volume is adjusted by toggling the button laterally. Tracks are selected by pushing the button quickly while power is applied. Power is turned off by depressing the button for two seconds or more.

Abstract: An overdrive protection system and method for a mechanical assembly is provided. A cam gear is provided for driving a part. The cam gear includes a cylindrical outer surface is bounded on one end by a gear drive portion and on the other end by a cam face including a cam wedge. Additionally a cam groove is defined on the cylindrical outer surface of the cam gear, the cam groove engaging a cam follower on the driven part. Rotational movement of the cam gear is translated into a resultant linear movement of the part. At a predetermined position during the rotation of the cam gear, the cam wedge closes a switch, stopping the rotation of the cam gear preventing over rotation of the cam gear. A bias mechanism, such as a leaf spring, may be provided to prevent over rotation of the part driven by the cam gear.

Abstract: A semiconductor manufacturing apparatus operable with supply of an electric power from a main electric power source wherein, in response to actuation of an emergency-off switch, the main electric power source is disconnected and, before the disconnection, braking control is made to a member being driven, by use of an electric power from the main electric power source.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for isolating an electric circuit, especially for high current intensities, with a housing (1) in which is provided at least one electrical conductor element (3) which presents an isolating area (9) and which can be wired in such manner into the severable electric circuit that the isolating current path passes over the conductor element (3) and with activatable means(13, 7; 3, 9, 7), provided in or at housing (1) for generating a trigger pressure which acts directly upon the isolating area (9) and/or via a driving surface (17, 23, 39, 41), in its original position, impinging upon the isolating area (9), wherein the isolating area (9) and/or the driving surface (17, 23, 39, 41) is designed in such manner that after activation of the means (13, 7; 3, 9, 7) the isolating area (9) is totally isolated or broken out, or the cross-section of the isolating area (9) is reduced.

Abstract: A hot swappable system is described. It included software controlled hot swapping operations which provided a graceful booting or power-down of the system. In the even of force insertion or extraction of the system blades, a set of hardware features (such as using different pin lengths in the connectors and dampening resistor) prevents these types of operations from damaging the system hardware or affecting the operation states of other blades within the system.

Abstract: An electrical switch and a method of generating an electrical switch output signal. An electric switch senses both pressure placed upon the switch's surface and the contact of the object exerting the pressure on the switch. When both conditions exist, the switch is activated. The electrical switch may employ a piezoelectric element to recognize the application of pressure, a capacitive sensing circuit to recognize the presence of an object applying the pressure, and a microcontroller circuit to control output switch circuity upon satisfaction of both conditions precedent. The electrical switch can be configured to provide a continuous output signal for the duration that the switch is pressed after the conditions are satisfied or to switch between open and closed states each time the switch is pressed after the conditions are satisfied.

Abstract: A tactile sensory system comprising a floor covering integrated with a tactile sensory layer to form a tactile sensory surface is described. The tactile sensory layer has a plurality of sensors. The system also comprises a controller connected to the tactile sensory surface to track a person or object. In one embodiment, the tactile sensory surface is flexible and is manufactured in bulk on a roll, so that it is adjustable in both length and width. Any type of sensors can be used, including pressure sensors, force sensors, force and position-sensing resistors, proximity sensors, and so forth.

Abstract: A bypass switch (155) for use in an electronic device (125) includes a substrate (205) on which first, second, and third terminals (215, 220, 235) are mounted and an electrically conductive primary element (250), having first and second opposing ends, mounted to a bottom surface of the substrate (205) and electrically coupled to the first terminal (215) at its first end and to the second terminal (220) at its second end. The switch (155) also includes an electrically conductive bypass element (255), having first and second opposing ends, mounted to the bottom surface of the substrate (205) and electrically coupled to the third terminal (235) at its first end and vertically aligned, at its second end, with the second end of the primary element (250). A switch actuator (225) is mechanically coupled to the bypass element (255), extends through the substrate (205), and has an actuating surface (290) accessible at a top surface, opposite the bottom surface, of the substrate (205).

Abstract: The electrical equipment of the present invention is operated such that the ON operating member for the primary power supply supplying circuit is manually operated, the switch device S is turned ON and when a supplying of electrical power for the primary power supply supplying circuit is shut off, the circuit for the control system is operated and upon performing a predetermined security processing, the driving source is driven, the OFF operating member is automatically operated, the switch device S is automatically turned OFF and supplying of an electrical power to the primary power supply supplying circuit is automatically shut off, so that it is possible to perform an appropriate processing before shutting off the primary power supply supplying circuit and thus it is also possible to provide electrical equipment showing a high safety characteristic.

Abstract: A key fob for remotely actuating vehicle functions incorporates switches and a control which can determine whether an actuation is inadvertent or intended. In a disclosed embodiment, the switches each include field limited capacitive switches which can determine the amount of surface area of ionic material in proximity to the switch. This allows a placement of switches on both sides of the keyfob without raising the intended danger of inadvertent actuation. If a control determines the switch is proximity to ionic material over its entire surface area, the control can determine that the actuation is inadvertent as it is probably actuation by the palm of a user. However, if the actuation is above a predetermine minimum, yet below a predetermined maximum, the control can identify the actuation as intended.

Abstract: A switch for use in a ride-on vehicle for children. The switch includes plural contact sets operated by an actuator to control the speed and/or direction of the vehicle. In the disclosed embodiment, a separator structure blocks contact sets from closing when they should be open to prevent inadvertent shorting.

Abstract: A hydraulic winch limit switch circuit for preventing a winch cable from moving beyond its normal stop position which insures that the winch cable and research equipment attached to the cable are not damaged. The circuit includes a single pole limit switch with a diode connected across the contact of the limit switch. In normal operation the limit switch is closed and current flow is through switch to a winch electronic displacement controller which controls the operation of the winch motor and the winch. When the winch reaches a stop position during payin of the winch cable, the limit switch opens as the result of the limit switch arm engaging a tow bar attached to the end of the winch cable. opening the limit switch stops current flow through the winch electronic displacement controller since the diode is reversed biased during payin of the winch cable. This de-energizes the winch motor which results preventing the winch cable from moving beyond its normal stop position.

Abstract: A hot swappable system is described. It included software controlled hot swapping operations which provided a graceful booting or power-down of the system. In the even of force insertion or extraction of the system blades, a set of hardware features (such as using different pin lengths in the connectors and dampening resistor) prevents these types of operations from damaging the system hardware or affecting the operation states of other blades within the system.