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

Abstract: A compact information device in which a shortened unlatch time is enabled so such device can transition from a power cutoff mode to a power supply mode to resume supplying power to internal circuits as a result of a latch circuit unlatching a control signal. Embodiments of such a device, which may be a printer, includes a CPU, a power switch, a capacitor, a switch circuit, an unlatch signal generating unit, and a switch control signal generator, which may include a latch circuit, and a potential difference detection circuit. The latch circuit and potential difference detection circuit operate with voltage Vin2. The CPU outputs a start latch signal VLT when the operating mode changes from the power supply mode to the power cutoff mode. When the power switch is turned off, the potential difference detection circuit outputs an unlatch signal VRST. When the unlatch signal VRST is input, the latch circuit unlatches the control signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods include operating a power system in a first state, and detecting an anticipated load increase. The systems and methods further include changing operation of the power system from the first state to a second state upon detection of the anticipated load increase.

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

Abstract: A charging circuit receives electric power from a solar battery, and charges a secondary battery. A charging current detection unit generates a detection signal that corresponds to a charging current supplied from a DC/DC converter to the secondary battery. A control circuit generates a reference voltage that corresponds to the detection signal. A driving unit generates a pulse signal having a duty ratio that is adjusted such that the voltage output from the solar battery matches the reference voltage, and performs switching of a switching transistor according to the pulse signal. A control circuit adjusts the reference voltage such that the reference voltage becomes greater.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a safety device for a photovoltaic system for feeding into a power supply system, that includes at least one input for connection to a PV generator, at least one output for connection to an inverter, and a switching element for de-energizing the at least one output. The safety device includes an evaluating unit configured to switch the switching element based on a low-frequency signal at the at least one output. The disclosure also relates to a method for operating such a safety device.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems for reducing or selectively terminating the power supplied to or the voltage present at the ports of electronic devices are disclosed. Methods, apparatuses and systems for reducing or terminating the power supplied to and, thus, the voltage across electrical contacts of one or more ports of a portable electronic device when the port is not in use may be effected in a variety of ways and may prevent corrosion or other moisture-induced damage to each port, and to the electronic device of which the port is a part.

Abstract: A medical infusion pump and a method for logging a power source voltage of a medical infusion pump are disclosed. The medical pump may include a power source, a processor, and a voltage supervisor which responds if a voltage (VDD) drops to a response voltage level which is above a reset voltage level of the processor. When the voltage supervisor responds, the processor start logging the voltage (Vbat) of the power source in a memory, thus generating a voltage log. The memory maintains the logged data when the power supply by the power source is interrupted, thus enabling retrospective analysis of the voltage log.

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

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

Abstract: An automatic transfer switch includes first and second inputs inputting first and second voltages; a first output outputting a start signal; a first timer timing a first time after the second voltage is available; a second timer delaying for up to a second time before outputting a transfer signal, the second time being reduced by the first time when the second voltage is available; a transfer mechanism selectively electrically connecting one of the inputs to a second output; and a circuit cooperating with the inputs and the transfer mechanism, causing the start signal to be output responsive to the voltages not being available, and causing the transfer mechanism to electrically connect the second input to the second output in response to the transfer signal.

Abstract: Electricity service may be safely remotely connected to a site by a network computing device, such as an electricity meter, even when the network computing device is not accessible at the site. The network computing device may include a service switch capable of connecting electricity service to a site, a communication module capable of receiving commands to connect or disconnect electricity service, and a safety mechanism to monitor a circuit internal to the site and to prevent the service switch from connecting electricity service to the site while a potentially unsafe condition is detected.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for the anti-islanding of a power conditioning system. The apparatus for the anti-islanding of a power conditioning system according to the present invention is applied to a power conditioning system including a DC/DC converter and a DC/AC inverter in order to transfer power from a solar cell array to a grid. The apparatus for the anti-islanding of a power conditioning system may include an injection signal generator generating an injection signal, an adder generating a final fundamental wave command value, a main controller performing the power control according to the final fundamental wave command value and stopping the operation of the power conditioning system when the level of the detected injection signal has reached the predetermined reference level or more, and an injection signal detector detecting the injection signal included in voltage and providing them to the main controller.

Abstract: A compact information device in which a shortened unlatch time is enabled so such device can transition from a power cutoff mode to a power supply mode to resume supplying power to internal circuits as a result of a latch circuit unlatching a control signal. Embodiments of such a device, which may be a printer, includes a CPU, tactile switch, smoothing capacitor, switch circuit, a switch control signal generator including a latch circuit, and a potential difference detection circuit. The latch circuit and potential difference detection circuit operate with voltage Vin2. The CPU outputs a start latch signal VLT when the operating mode changes from the power supply mode to the power cutoff mode. When the tactile switch is turned off, the potential difference detection circuit outputs an unlatch signal VRST. When the unlatch signal VRST is input, the latch circuit unlatches the control signal.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention allow LED lamp fixtures to pass EMI testing irrespective of whether the lamp fixture is operated by a magnetic transformer or an electric transformer without causing input current waveform distortion and without defeating transformer compatibility. In certain embodiments, the type of transformer is determined based on detecting characteristic voltage waveforms and based that determination an EMI filter is automatically switched in and out of the lamp circuit.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing controllable power to the load via AC-line power source where load is less than minimal required for proper operation of said source. In one example LED lamp connected to AC power source via conventional triac-based dimmer uses less power than minimum required for proper operation of said dimmer. In another example LED lamp connected to AC power source via device known as electronic transformer uses less power than required for proper operation of said electronic transformer.

Abstract: An automatic breaker apparatus for the USB power supply, comprising a manual switch module, a relay, a high frequency transformer, a PWM power source master control module, a drive module, a signal filter module, an MCU master control module, a lighting instruction module and at least one USB power output end. When a user presses down the manual switch module, the relay becomes conductive, thus causing the electronic apparatus connected to the USB power source input end to be charged, and determining through the MCU master control module whether the electronic apparatus is using the electric current based on the pulsed filter signal outputted by the signal filter module thereby driving the relay to disconnect and also starting the lighting instruction module to generate light.

Abstract: A system includes a control module and a monitor module. The control module selectively operates a component of the system in an ON state. The system receives power from an electrical grid. The monitor module selectively detects a fault event of the electrical grid in response to (i) an amount of current drawn by the component or (ii) a voltage of power received by the component. In response to detecting the fault event, the control module switches the component from the ON state to a second state, determines a first delay period according to a random process, identifies an apparent conclusion of the fault event, and in response to the apparent conclusion of the fault, waits for the first delay period before switching the component back to the ON state. The component consumes less power in the second state than in the ON state.

Abstract: The invention provides a control interface configured to cooperate with a vehicle, such as a wheelchair or mobile robot, said interface comprising at least one sensor is adapted to detect the presence of at least one finger of a user and to act as a switching mechanism between manual and autonomous control of the vehicle. The invention provides a highly intuitive and effective means of switching between automatic and manual vehicle control-no user training required. The control interface allows for user to be comfortable in an autonomous vehicle—users can instantly gain full control when needed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for connecting and breaking DC power comprising an input DC power (DC-In) arranged to be connected to a circuit board (1) and to the collector port (C) of an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT). The insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) is arranged to be connected to the circuit board (1). An output DC power (DC-Out) is arranged to be connected to the emitter port (E) of the insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) and the circuit board (1). The circuit board (1) is arranged to be connected to the gate port (G) of the insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) and the circuit board (1) is designed to monitor predetermined conditions of the input and output DC power (DC-In, DC-Out).

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

Abstract: A power feeding path switching device includes a relay. The relay becomes excited when a power supply current flows across the relay in a first direction of a power feeding path, and becomes unexcited when a power supply current flows across the relay in a second direction opposite to the first direction, or when a power supply current does not flow across the relay. The relay in an unexcited state connects the power feeding path with ground, and the relay in an excited state does not connect the power feeding path with ground.

Abstract: Generally, this disclosure provides systems and methods for a power switching system with a switching control circuit powered by a supply voltage derived from an input control signal. The system may include a power switch configured to electrically couple a device between a battery voltage and a ground, the device to be powered by the battery when the power switch is closed; a control circuit coupled to a gate port of the power switch, the control circuit configured to open and close the power switch by adjusting a gate driving signal provided to the gate port in response to a switching control signal provided to the control circuit; and a voltage conditioning circuit configured to generate a supply voltage based on the switching control signal, such that the supply voltage powers the control circuit.

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

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

Abstract: A method, system or computer usable program product for controlling power emission from a socket to a plug including providing a first unit connected to the socket with full power emission disabled and a second unit connected to the plug, each unit with a signal generation capability, establishing a handshake protocol between the first and second units, and responsive to a successful handshake protocol between the first and second units, the first unit enabling full power emission from the socket to the plug.

Abstract: A method that includes identifying a desired signal connectivity through a switch matrix, where the switch matrix includes a plurality of switching elements, and where the switching elements are selectively operable in a plurality of states to provide a plurality of signal paths for routing signals through the switch matrix. The method also includes identifying a sorting network model that corresponds to a topology of the switch matrix, applying a sorting algorithm to the sorting network model, and determining, based on the results of applying the sorting algorithm, operational states of the plurality of switching elements to provide signal paths corresponding to the desired signal connectivity.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a method and apparatus for a zero voltage processor sleep state. A voltage regulator may be coupled to a processor to provide an operating voltage to the processor. During a transition to a zero voltage power management state for the processor, the operational voltage applied to the processor by the voltage regulator may be reduced to approximately zero while an external voltage is continuously applied to a portion of the processor to save state variables of the processor during the zero voltage management power state.

Abstract: A relay and a controller for the same are disclosed. The relay includes an isolated power supply configured to receive a voltage input and generate a voltage output based upon the voltage input, an isolator configured to receive an input signal and generate an isolated output signal based upon the input signal, at least one switch, and a driver in electrical communication with the isolated power supply, the isolator, and the at least one switch for controlling the at least one switch in response to the isolated output signal, wherein the driver receives the voltage output from the isolated power supply as an operating voltage. The controller is in signal communication with the isolator to generate and transmit the input signal thereto.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for controlling the switching time of a device that includes a magnetic circuit and a conductive winding. Said method includes the steps of: acquiring a measurement of the magnetic field generated by the residual flux, by means of a sensor placed near the magnetic circuit; processing the acquired measurements so as to infer therefrom the residual flux in the magnetic circuit; determining, on the basis of the residual flux, the optimal time for switching on the device. All of said steps are carried out after the device has been switched off. The invention also relates to the use of said method to switch on a three-phase transformer. The invention relates to a transformer comprising a primary conductive winding and a secondary conductive winding surrounded by an enclosure and, on the magnetic circuit and/or on one outer surface of the enclosure, a magnetic field sensor belonging to said system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for configuring contacts of a first connector includes detecting mating of a second connector with the first connector and in response to the detection, sending a command over one of the contacts and waiting for a response to the command. If a valid response to the command is received, the system determines the orientation of the second connector. The response also includes configuration information for contacts in the second connector. The system then configures some of the other contacts of the first connector based on the determined orientation and configuration information of the contacts of the second connector.

Abstract: Apparatus, devices, and methods for providing a voltage reduction capability in a welding power source for safety purposes. The resistive load and the output voltage of the welding power source output are monitored and compared to predefined or preselected threshold values to generate a load condition signal and an output voltage condition signal (e.g., logic signals). The load condition signal and the output voltage condition signal serve as inputs to a voltage reduction device control logic which generates control signals to enable and disable the input and output of the welding power source according to the defined control logic. As a result, an extra measure of safety in preventing electrical shock is provided to users of the welding power source during hazardous operating conditions.

Abstract: In response to turning-on of a lock-type power switch, an initial controller outputs a first voltage for a first period and a gate is turned on for the period via a first driver responsive to the first voltage, then DC power is supplied to a main circuit. During the period, a control processor causes a voltage output section to start outputting a second voltage so that the gate is turned on via a second driver to continue the DC power supply. When no event has been generated for a second period, the second voltage from the voltage output section is stopped to turn off the gate, thus the power supply to the main circuit is shut off. Once a power from outside is switched from OFF to ON while the power switch kept ON, the power supply to the main circuit is resumed via the controller and first driver.

Abstract: A power adaptor system and method is provided. The adaptor system includes a system side and a power adaptor. The power adaptor method includes steps of: transforming an AC voltage to a DC voltage; the power adaptor generating a periodic signal and outputting a combined signal according to the DC voltage and the periodic signal; the system side retrieving a determination signal corresponding to the periodic signal according to the combined signal; and the system side selecting an operating mode according to the determination signal.

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

Abstract: The disclosure describes a battery management system, a battery module, a battery system and a motor vehicle. In order to be able to reliably exchange battery modules, the battery module is provided with a data memory, and the battery management system is provided with a control apparatus, which can be connected to the data memory so as to transmit data, and with a bridging switch, wherein the control apparatus closes the bridging switch on the basis of the data in the data memory and therefore bridges the battery module.

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: Methods and systems for detecting a falling power line in a power transmission or distribution system are described. Electrical measurements at various points in the power distribution system are used to detect changes in a power line indicating that the conductor has broken or become disconnected. Upon detection, control mechanisms are used to deenergize the conductor while the conductor is falling and/or before it contacts the ground.

Abstract: An electronic device according to the invention includes a second electronic device and a first electronic device removably connected with the second electronic device; the electronic device includes a first heat dissipation channel in the first electronic device and a second heat dissipation channel in the second electronic device. In a disconnected state, the heat dissipation airflow flows through the first heat dissipation channel to perform heat dissipation of the first electronic device. In a connected state, the first air inlet of the first heat dissipation channel communicates with the second air outlet of the second heat dissipation channel, and the heat dissipation airflow may enter into the first heat dissipation channel via the second heat dissipation channel so as to perform heat dissipation of the first electronic device by the second heat dissipation channel and the first heat dissipation channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a proximity sensing structure, which is disposed in an article for detecting whether an object approaches the article. The article can be an electronic device. The proximity sensing structure comprises a first sensing electrode, a wire, a second sensing electrode, and a proximity sensor. Both ends of the wire are coupled electrically to the first and second sensing electrodes, respectively. The proximity sensor is coupled electrically to the wire, the first sensing electrode, and the second sensing electrode, and detects whether the object approaches the article according to an electrical status of the wire, the first sensing electrode, and the second sensing electrode. Thereby, the proximity sensing structure according to the present invention uses the wire to increase the sensing area. In addition, the wire design makes the disposal of the proximity sensing structure more flexible.

Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating notice to limit battery degradation within a battery pack are disclosed. In one example, a signal is generated and passed between modules of a battery pack to provide notice to limit battery pack degradation. The system and method may be particularly useful for a battery pack with distributed battery modules.

Abstract: A control circuit of a cycling switch for controlling an electronic equipment includes a switch loop, a first control loop and a second control loop. The switch loop generates a driving signal to drive the electronic equipment. The first control loop is electrically connected with the switch loop and the electronic equipment respectively, and generates a first control signal according to a variation of the driving signal. The second control loop is electrically connected with the first control loop and the electronic equipment respectively. The second control loop has a storage unit which charges and discharges according to the first control signal, so that the second control loop generates a second control signal. The second control signal is inputted to the first control loop and controls the electronic equipment. A control method applied to the control circuit of the cycling switch is also disclosed.

Abstract: The power management circuit includes a sampling unit, a reference voltage unit, a comparator, and a power managing unit. The sampling unit divides an input voltage from the power supply to generate a sampling voltage. The reference voltage unit receives the input voltage and generates a reference voltage when the input voltage is larger than a predetermined value. The comparator compares the sampling voltage with the reference voltage, generates a first signal when the sampling voltage is larger than the reference voltage, and generates a second signal when the sampling voltage is smaller than the reference voltage. The power managing unit establishes an electrical connection between the power supply and the load according to the first signal, and cuts off the electrical connection between the power supply and the load according to the second signal. A related electronic device is also provided.

Abstract: The power management integrated circuit has a startup circuit, a switch controller and a standby controller. Powered by a power source, the startup circuit provides electric power to an operational power source during a startup period. The switch controller controls a power switch to store or release energy in an energy conversion unit. Powered by the power source, the standby controller receives a standby signal. When the standby signal is asserted, the standby controller disables the startup circuit and the switch controller, thereby startup circuit not providing electric power to the operational power source and the switch controller continuously turning off the power switch.

Abstract: A compressor monitoring system includes current and voltage monitors, current and voltage averaging modules, a control module, and a switch. The current monitor measures a current drawn by a motor of a compressor. The current averaging module generates first and second average current values based on the current measured by the current monitor. The voltage monitor measures a utility power voltage. The voltage averaging module generates first and second average voltage values based on the voltage measured by the voltage monitor. The control module selectively generates a fault signal when a first ratio is greater than a first predetermined threshold and a second ratio is less than a second predetermined threshold. The first ratio is based on the first and second average current values. The second ratio is based on the first and second average voltage values. The switch deactivates the motor when the fault signal is generated.

Abstract: A contactor unit includes an input lead connectable to a first lead of an energy output device, an output lead connectable to a first lead of a voltage bus, a contactor that connects and disconnects the input lead from the output lead, a driver configured to operate the contactor, a serial data link connectable to a system controller that is external to the contactor unit, and an integrated circuit (IC) positioned within the contactor unit and configured to output a control command to the driver to open the contactor based on at least one of a current in either the input lead or the output lead and a voltage differential across the contactor, and output a contactor control status via the serial data link.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure illustrates a transmission cable including a first port, a second port, a third port and a plurality of conduction wires. Through each respective one of the plurality of conduction wires, a power pin of the third port is connected to power pins of the first port and the second port, a ground pin of the third port is connected to a ground pin of the first port, and a specific pin of the third port is connected to a metal shielding case or the ground pin of the second port. The second port is floating when the specific pin of the third port is connected to the metal shielding case. Therefore, the stability of a transmission system established through the transmission cable can be guaranteed.

Abstract: A power on and off testing device includes a control module, a switch module, an alternating current and direct current converter module, an input module, and a detecting module. The switch module is connected to an alternating current source. The alternating current and direct current converter module is connected to a motherboard of a computer. The input module is connected to the control module to input testing references to the control module. The detecting module is connected between the control module and the motherboard. The detecting module detects a power status of the motherboard and sends the power status to the control module. The control module controls the switch module to be switched on according to the power status after receiving the testing references, thereby controlling the alternating current source to supply power to the motherboard.

Abstract: The present invention relates to low voltage electrical equipment testing technique, more particularly, to a low voltage and intense current phase-controlled switching on equipment, comprising: a frame, at least an vacuum arc extinguish chamber, at least a permanent magnet control device and at least a intelligent phase choosing controlled module, with the vacuum arc extinguish chamber and the permanent magnet controlled device mounted on the frame, wherein the vacuum arc extinguish chamber comprises at least a movable contact and a isolated pull rods connected to the movable contact, and the permanent magnet controlled device comprises electromagnetic coils, movable iron cores and output shafts connected to the movable iron cores, and a transmission system is arranged to connect to the isolated pull rod and the output shaft, with the intelligent phase choosing controlled module electrically connected to the electromagnetic coils of the permanent magnet controlled device.