Abstract: A digital automatic monitoring and power breaking safety socket has a shell in which an electrical connection base is mounted for connecting to a power line and an external line plug inside. A power switch is connected in series between the electrical connection base and the power line. A digital power monitoring circuit is coupled to the power line detect the power status to control the power switch based on the power status. Further, a power line data communication circuit is mounted in the shell and connects to the digital power monitoring circuit to obtain and process the power status. The processed power status is loaded into the power line that connects to the electrical connection base. Therefore, in addition to automatic power breaking and supplying, a remote power management host is able to obtain the power status and remotely control the socket.

Abstract: A device that saves electrical energy by turning off power to all computer accessories and/or other devices used at a work station or in the home. When the computer is turn off or goes into sleep mode, away mode or hibernate mode. Also restores power to the accessories when the computer is turned on or awaken from sleep mode, away mode or hibernation mode.

Abstract: A semiconductor relay switch having two data ports receiving incoming signals and a power supply terminal receiving a power supply voltage is responsive to a power supply voltage level and an energy level of the incoming signals to open and close its conduction paths. The relay switch is open when a valid power supply level is detected and when there is no supply power on the power supply terminal but a high energy level is detected in the incoming signals. The relay switch is closed to allow conduction between the two data ports only when there is no power supply voltage on the power supply terminal and an energy level below a predetermined threshold is detected in the incoming signals. In one embodiment, the semiconductor relay switch includes a main conduction switch circuit, an energy detect circuit and a control signal generator.

Abstract: A voltage conversion circuit is provided for efficiently converting the voltage of a DC power source into a lower voltage in accordance with load currents of voltage converters.

Abstract: A system is described including a master power saving device configured for connection with a master load. The master power saving device is configured to determine when the master load is in an operating condition and a non-operating condition, and the master power saving device provides non-continuous power to the master load when the master load is in a non-operating condition. A slave power saving device is configured for connection with a slave load. The slave power saving device is configured to receive a signal from the master power saving device to turn off said slave load.

Abstract: A cable assembly for use with any power cable for an electrical device, the cable assembly including a remotely locatable switch for connecting or disconnecting the electrical device from power draw. Also, a cable assembly for a power device such as a charger for providing output power to an electronic device is disclosed, the cable assembly including two pairs of wires wherein a first pair provides output power for the electronic device and a second pair includes a switch for turning off the charger. The cable assembly allows the switch to be located remotely from a charger housing for the converter circuitry and remotely from a power source such as an outlet, and allows the switch to be generally co-located with and operable at the connector for connecting the power device with the electronic device.

Abstract: A cable assembly for use with any power cable for an electrical device, the cable assembly including a remotely locatable switch for connecting or disconnecting the electrical device from power draw. Also, a cable assembly for a power device such as a charger for providing output power to an electronic device is disclosed, the cable assembly including two pairs of wires wherein a first pair provides output power for the electronic device and a second pair includes a switch for turning off the charger. The cable assembly allows the switch to be located remotely from a charger housing for the converter circuitry and remotely from a power source such as an outlet, and allows the switch to be generally co-located with and operable at the connector for connecting the power device with the electronic device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the chance of a disturbance-free operation of a frequency converter (2) connected to a feeding network (18). According to the invention, during the operation of said frequency converter (2), an intermediate circuit voltage (UZK) is continuously measured and a network-side intermediate circuit current (iZKmains) is continuously determined; these measuring quantities are compared with pre-determined operating values of the frequency converter (2), and quantities which are higher or lower than said values are respectively stored; and the frequency (Hij) of said higher and lower measuring quantities is determined and converted into a characteristic number for the quality of the feeding network (18). As said characteristic number decreases, the chance of a disturbance-free operation of the frequency converter (2) increases.

Abstract: An off-mains switch (14) and a control box (15) for electrically adjustable articles of furniture, such as beds, chairs or tables, which automatically interrupt the connection to the power supply when the article of furniture is not adjusted, such that this will not constantly be under the mains voltage. These off-main switches require a multi-part cable which is rigid and thick. In the present structure (14, 15) a single two-part cable (13) is sufficient, as the off-mains switch (14) is configured such that the control signals between control unit/control box (15) and the off-mains switch are transmitted through a mains cable (13). A standard cable having two conductors is then sufficient. This means in turn that standard plugs may be used, and thus that the cable (13) may be connected to the power supply via an ordinary plug. Since, hereby, the off-mains switch may appear as a separate unit, production and logistics are facilitated.

Abstract: A power switching circuit is disclosed. The power switching circuit includes an output switch coupled to a power supply, a control circuit controlling the first switch to output the power supply according to a voltage of a node, and a user switch for receiving a switch signal. Two clock circuits control the voltage of the node according to the period of the switch signal.

Abstract: An electrical distribution system is designed to automatically connect a dedicated group of circuits, which are normally powered by a primary power source, to an auxiliary power source upon detection that there has been a disruption or failure in the primary power source. The system includes a switching arrangement that allows an operator to manually connect the auxiliary power source with other circuits that are not generally powered during disruption of the primary power source. The switching arrangement includes and interlinked breaker arrangement that prevents any of the other circuits that are normally powered by the primary source from being automatically connected to the primary power source when primary power source is restored if those other circuits are connected to the auxiliary power source when the primary power source is restored.

Abstract: A power conversion circuit includes a driving circuit, an activating circuit, a converter and an auxiliary power source. The activating circuit receives a first power signal. The converter is used for converting the first power signal into a second power signal. The auxiliary power source is electrically connected to the activating circuit and the driving circuit. The auxiliary power source is driven by the driving circuit to issue either a first control signal to the activating circuit if the load is connected with the power conversion circuit or a second control signal to the activating circuit if the load is disconnected from the power conversion circuit. In response to the first control signal, the first power signal is converted into the second power signal and the second power signal is transmitted to the load. In response to the second control signal, the converter is disenabled.

Abstract: A docking station to which a portable electronic device is detachably mounted and to which a peripheral device is connected, includes a section for turning on or off the power supply of the peripheral device according to the attachment/detachment state of the electronic device to the docking station and according to the on-state or the off-state of the power supply of the electronic device.

Abstract: A portable power source is configured for use with an electronic device. The portable power source cooperates and communicates with the electronic device via a peripheral bus to which the electronic device is attachable. The portable power source includes circuitry to process a power request signal from the electronic device to determine whether a device connected to a bus interface of the portable power source is requesting power from the portable power source.

Abstract: Accordingly, an energy dumping system for an electric component system is provided. The energy dumping system includes a power consuming element that consumes excess energy of the electric component system and dissipates the excess energy as heat. A solid state switch selectively permits energy of the electric component system to flow across the power consuming element. A control module is operable to monitor a voltage of the electric component system and apply a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal to the solid state switch to selectively control energy of the electric component system to flow across the power consuming element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic apparatus and a power supply controlling method with which input power source is switched efficiently in accordance with a load of a device. A power controller 50, upon detecting a USB connection, monitors power consumption of a CPU 44 based on the operation status of the CPU 44, and controls a switch 42 in accordance with a current supplied from a USB cable 2. When the current is less than or equal to 500 mA, the switch 42 is switched to a terminal a. Before configuration, when the current is less than or equal to 100 mA, the switch 42 is switched to the terminal a, and then a regulator 43 is controlled so that the current will not exceed 100 mA. In USB suspend, the switch 42 is switched to a terminal b, and a regulator 53 stops output to a backup battery 54. The present invention can be applied to a digital still camera supporting USB.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus is disclosed herein. The power supply apparatus includes a power output, a first power source selectively connectable to the power output, and a second power source selectively connectable to the power output. A switch is configured to couple the first power source with the power output until the first power source becomes substantially depleted. The switch is also configured to couple the second power source with the power output after the first power source becomes substantially depleted. An indicator is configured to precisely convey the amount of power remaining in the power supply apparatus after the first power source becomes substantially depleted.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for alternate power delivery are provided. A metering assembly includes a power meter module. The power meter module includes a power control module and a power monitor. The power control module is coupled to a transfer switch that receives both primary power and alternate power. The transfer switch has an output coupled to an electrical circuit load. The power control module is configured to receive a request from the transfer switch for the alternate power to be supplied through the transfer switch to the electrical circuit load. The power control module is configured to enable the transfer switch to supply the alternate power to the electrical circuit load in response to the request. The power monitor is configured to determine an amount of the alternate power provided to the electrical circuit load.

Abstract: Relay circuitry for a power-over-network device is provided. The relay circuitry allows power-supplying network devices to identify and subsequently to supply power across a network connection to the power-over-network device, thereby eliminating the need for external power sources. The relay circuitry is operative using only the signals transmitted along a data line across the network connection. The relay circuitry is integrated together with switching circuitry on-chip on the power-over-network device. The relay circuitry and switching circuitry are further designed to propagate both the test signals and the subsequent data signals prior to and after the turning on of the power-over-network device, respectively, with minimal signal degradation.

Abstract: A semiconductor relay switch having two data ports receiving incoming signals and a power supply terminal receiving a power supply voltage is responsive to a power supply voltage level and an energy level of the incoming signals to open and close its conduction paths. The relay switch is open when a valid power supply level is detected and when there is no supply power on the power supply terminal but a high energy level is detected in the incoming signals. The relay switch is closed to allow conduction between the two data ports only when there is no power supply voltage on the power supply terminal and an energy level below a predetermined threshold is detected in the incoming signals. In one embodiment, the semiconductor relay switch includes a main conduction switch circuit, an energy detect circuit and a control signal generator.

Abstract: An exemplary regulated AC power supply comprising a three phase AC power source; a first switch having two input terminals arranged for receiving a first phase and a second phase of the three phase AC power source respectively, and an output terminal selectively connected to the input terminals for outputting a voltage of the first or the second phase; and a second switch having two input terminals arranged for receiving a third phase of the three phase AC power source and connected to the output terminal of the first switch respectively, and an output terminal selectively connected to the input terminals for outputting a voltages of the third phase or the voltage outputted by the first switch, wherein the first switch outputs the voltage of the first phase when it is provided, and the second switch outputs the voltage of the third phase when the it is provided.

Abstract: The switching system for reducing standby power consumed by an electrical device includes a remote control device configured to selectively emit a radio frequency signal and a switching apparatus in electrical communication with a power supply and the electrical device. The switching apparatus includes a passive radio frequency receiver for receiving the emitted radio frequency signal and a switch. The passive radio frequency receiver converts the received radio frequency signal into electrical power. The switch is actuable, in response to the electrical power generated by the passive radio frequency receiver, from an inactive mode. The switch substantially restricts the electrical device consuming standby power from the power supply, to an active mode. The switch allows the electrical device to consume power from the power supply.

Abstract: A compact non-contact multi-function electrical switch for use in an electrical box mounted on a wall has a one or more capacitance sensors for detecting a presence of a hand placed adjacent to the switch, as well as the directional movements of the hand along an X and/or Y axis and/or Z axis, and for generating data values, and a CPU for receiving the values and for determining which function is to be performed, such as calculating a power output in response to a first data bit. The switch can communicate with nearby switches to avoid sensor interference. The CPU can be used to generate one or more control signals for controlling the predetermined function associated with the specific movements. A processing unit may be used with multiple switches in a gang assembly, so that the switch sensors form an array enabling the switches to perform more complex control functions.

Abstract: A switchboard apparatus and method are provided including a switchboard bus with conductors secured to the switchboard apparatus; a power quality meter operatively connected to the switchboard bus to obtain bus voltage and current. The apparatus also includes a capacitor operatively connected to and electrically in-parallel with the switchboard bus; the at least one capacitor further including a switch, the switch configured to open and close so as to connect and disconnect the capacitor operatively connected to the switchboard bus upon the occurrence of predetermined conditions; a controller controls the switch. The capacitor is connected to and disconnected from the switchboard bus as a function of the power factor.

Abstract: A system is described including a means for receiving a potential and selectively supplying the potential to a load. The receiving and supplying means being responsive to a load control signal to supply the potential to the load when the load control signal is present. The system also includes a means for measuring a load demand. Also included is a means for controlling the receiving and supplying means. The controlling means continuously providing the load control signal when the load demand is greater than a predetermined threshold. The controlling means temporarily providing the load control signal to determine the load demand when the load demand is less than the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an interface switch having an external terminal electrically connected to an AC voltage ? at a frequency ?0 (for example a utility supply), and an internal terminal electrically connected to an AC voltage V at a selectable frequency ? (for example a microsource). In one embodiment, the interface switch is closed when the voltage difference between ? and V and the relative phase angle ?EV between ? and V are both small, and when the higher frequency voltage (as between ? and V) leads the lower frequency voltage. In another embodiment, the interface switch is closed when the envelope of the voltage difference between ? and V reaches a local minimum at a point of inflection.

Abstract: A semiconductor relay switch having two data ports receiving incoming signals and a power supply terminal receiving a power supply voltage is responsive to a power supply voltage level and an energy level of the incoming signals to open and close its conduction paths. The relay switch is open when a valid power supply level is detected and when there is no supply power on the power supply terminal but a high energy level is detected in the incoming signals. The relay switch is closed to allow conduction between the two data ports only when there is no power supply voltage on the power supply terminal and an energy level below a predetermined threshold is detected in the incoming signals. In one embodiment, the semiconductor relay switch includes a main conduction switch circuit, an energy detect circuit and a control signal generator.

Abstract: A system to connect an electrical device to a switch which connects or disconnects the device to the power source, and providing power to the charger and/or another operational circuit of the device, for example, keep-alive circuit, with no dependency in the state of the switch.

Abstract: A power supply adapter for an electronic device includes a power interface and a switch element. The power interface is used for being connected to a power line of the electronic device, for providing power to the electronic device. The switch element is used for being coupled between a power line of a computer and the power line of the electronic device. The switch element has a controllable terminal coupled to the power interface. The switch element is able to disconnect the power lines of the computer and the electronic device according to the voltage level on the controllable terminal.

Abstract: A high current, light weight, thermally stable, bidirectional semiconductor switch module in an electrical system uses MOSFET technology in a back-to-back parallel architecture. The device comprises a controller which permits it to operate in high electrical noise environments. The device is further controlled to operate in either or both directions based on external events such as voltage changes associated with the electrical system and with vehicle operating conditions. The device operates at currents typically from a few amperes to 1000 amperes and may be used as a circuit breaker, over voltage switch, isolation switch, transient protection switch, and voltage converter. The device functions to replace the solenoids and relays associated with starter motors in a vehicle electrical system.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a power extractor's control loop detects changes in power and controls the duty cycle of the switching circuitry in response to the detected changes in power, thereby controlling the power transfer. The control loop may include a signal generator to control the duty cycle, and the frequency of the generated signal may be changed to optimize the energy transfer efficiency. The switching circuitry may control the rate at which circuits store and release the energy in response to the control signal and thereby seek to obtain a rate of storage and release that results in no detected changes in power. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a grid interconnection device that converts electric power from a power supply device into predetermined alternating-current power, and interconnects the power supply device to a power distribution system. The grid interconnection device includes a detector that detects islanding of the power supply device, and a receiver that receives power failure information including local area information indicative of an area in which a power failure occurs, through a predetermined transmission path. The detector enhances detection sensitivity for the islanding when the received power failure information includes the local area information indicative of a different area from the area to which the power distribution system belongs.

Abstract: The switch device includes a control switch that turns on/off an electrical connection between an apparatus and the power supply, a condition judging circuit that judges conditions of driving the control switch, an electric wave reception circuit that receives an electric wave, and a power supply circuit that generates power from the electric wave received by the electric wave reception circuit. An electric wave transmission device that transmits an electric wave for making the switch device operate is arranged in a space, whereby the electric wave can be received by the electric wave reception device in the specific space. The switch device controls the control switch to be turned off/on when the electric wave is received. Alternatively, when the electric wave is not received, the switch device turns on/off the control switch.

Abstract: An improved electrical lockout mechanism includes a first connection means to a power source, and a second connection means to the power input terminal of the machine being protected. The machine being protected includes a manually-operated ON/OFF switch. A switching element is operably coupled between the first and second connection means. The switching element is adapted to selectively complete and break an electrical circuit between the first and second connection means in response to a control signal supplied thereto. A control circuit generates a control signal that is supplied to the switching element thereby causing the switching element to complete the electrical circuit between the first and second connection means under a first set of operating conditions and causing the switching element to break the electrical circuit between the first and second connection means under a second set of operating conditions in a manner that prevents unwanted machine restarts.

Abstract: A measurement and control apparatus is disclosed having power input terminals configured to connect with a power source, power output terminals configured to connect with a load, the output terminals being switchably connected to the input terminals, and an actuator configured to switchably connect and disconnect the output terminals to the input terminals upon command. The control apparatus also includes circuitry configured to measure the voltage applied to and the current supplied to the load, circuitry configured to transmit data representative of the applied voltage and the supplied current to a control unit, and circuitry configured to receive a command from the control unit, and in response thereto to switchably connect and disconnect the output terminals from the input terminals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a power supply for electrical domestic appliances, comprising: at least one connection to the mains electricity supply, and at least one connector for releasable electrical coupling of the power supply to a domestic appliance, wherein the power supply is also provided with measuring and control means for controlling a feed signal generated by the power supply by means of at least one control signal transmitted by a coupled domestic appliance. The invention also relates to a domestic appliance for co-action with such a power supply.

Abstract: An electronic power circuit includes at least one power semiconductor whose control inputs are connected to a trigger device and a power supply which, on the output side, is connected to terminals of the trigger device and, on the input side, is connected to an accessory device to which a supply voltage is applied. The power semiconductor is implemented as a self-conducting power semiconductor, which economically reduces the forward power losses and switching losses of an electronic power circuit.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a power device configuration along with adaptive control mechanisms are described. In one embodiment, for example, an apparatus may comprise multiple power switching devices. One or more of the power switching devices may be selected and/or operated for dynamically controlling the overall or equivalent parasitic effects according to usage conditions or performance under demand. The usage conditions may comprise, for example, load conditions, switching frequency conditions, driver voltage/current, and/or input voltage which affect the power consumption of the power device. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

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: A system and method utilizing virtual switching in an electrical panel meter. The virtual switching enables the meter to be upgraded or downgraded through a switching signal, by activating or deactivating the metering functions that are to be performed in the meter. Accordingly, when the upgrade or downgrade is necessary, the meter does not have to be replaced.

Abstract: A semiconductor device for an automotive power control center. The device can include first, second and third legs, a semiconductor and an insulating material. The semiconductor is coupled to the legs and configured to transmit relatively high current power between the first and second legs in response to a control signal transmitted via the third leg. The insulating material can encapsulate the semiconductor and portions of the first and second legs. The insulating material can pass through one or more apertures formed in each of the first and second legs to aid in structurally interlocking the first and second legs to one another. A method for forming a semiconductor device is also provided.

Abstract: An automotive power control center that includes a housing, a first conductor coupled to the housing, a second conductor, a control circuit, which is coupled to the housing, and a semiconductor. The second conductor is coupled to the housing and insulated from the first conductor. The solid-state device includes a first terminal, which is electrically coupled to the first conductor, a second terminal, which is electrically coupled to the second conductor, and a third terminal, which is electrically coupled to the control circuit. The solid-state device is configured to selectively control transmission of electricity between the first and second terminals in response to a signal transmitted from the control circuit through the third terminal. In some embodiments the solid-state device may be removably coupled to the housing. In other embodiments, the solid-state device may be fixedly coupled to the various conductors and terminals.

Abstract: An automotive power control center that includes a housing, a first conductor coupled to the housing, a second conductor, a control circuit, which is coupled to the housing, and a semiconductor. The second conductor is coupled to the housing and insulated from the first conductor. The solid-state device includes a first terminal, which is electrically coupled to the first conductor, a second terminal, which is electrically coupled to the second conductor, and a third terminal, which is electrically coupled to the control circuit. The solid-state device is configured to selectively control transmission of electricity between the first and second terminals in response to a signal transmitted from the control circuit through the third terminal. In some embodiments the solid-state device may be removably coupled to the housing. In other embodiments, the solid-state device may be fixedly coupled to the various conductors and terminals.

Abstract: An electric device including an electric switch having a plurality of contact members arranged in series to form a plurality of breaking points arranged in series. One of the contact members at each breaking point is movable. A drive is arranged to actuate each movable contact member. The drive is arranged to effect simultaneous movement of the movable contact members. A commutation circuit is connected in parallel with the electric switch. Each contact member constitutes a part of a contact element, which contact elements are arranged in series. The contact elements have conducting and insulating parts. Every second contact element is movable in relation the others so that movement effects a breaking or closing position of the electric switch. The invention also includes a current limiter such as an electric device and also an electric power network provided with such a current limiter.

Abstract: The protection circuit serves for the monitoring of output voltages of a power supply unit which has a normal mode and a standby mode. The protection circuit comprises a first switching stage (T1), coupled to the current input (1) of which are output voltages (U5–U8) which are present both in the normal mode and in the standby mode and coupled to the control input of which are output voltages (U1–U3) which are only present in the normal mode. A control signal (Us), by which the power supply unit is switched over between normal mode and standby mode, is coupled to the control input (2) of this switching stage (T1). As a result, by means of the control signal, the output voltages which are only present in the normal mode are blocked in the standby mode by the control signal, so that in the standby mode only the output voltages (U5–U8) which are coupled to the current input (1) are monitored.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provides for high-speed switching of high-voltage and high power MOSFET-based solid state relays. A driver for a MOSFET based, high voltage, high current electronic relay includes a current supply for actuating the switching circuit and a transformer arrangement coupled to the current supply for receiving the supply of current from the current supply. The transformer arrangement is adapted for coupling with the switching circuit for selectively applying a predetermined voltage to the switching circuit which establishes the switching circuit in switch conducting or switch isolation.

Abstract: A battery is charged utilizing electric power provided by a power supply line included in a cable that is in accordance with IEEE 1394. A charging apparatus and a personal computer are connected together by the cable. A power source unit in the personal computer converts AC voltage to direct voltage and supplies the DC voltage to the power supply line. The voltage is applied to a charging circuit via the power supply line, thereby charging the battery. A signal line included in the cable is used when the charging apparatus and personal computer send and receive data to and from each other.

Abstract: A remote power switch uses the initial portion of each AC positive and negative going current pulse to generate power for the controller. This is accomplished by removing the gate signal from an electronic power delivery component at each zero cross and restoring the gate signal after sufficient power has been stored to power the controller for the remainder of each AC current pulse. The majority of each current pulse is delivered through the electronic power delivery component to the load. One embodiment employs a transistor oscillator with transformer feed back to produce a self-regulating power supply. An aspect of the present invention relates to color-coding of a switch cover of the remote power switch to match the color of the corresponding actuation key on the remote controller.

Abstract: A MOSFET based, high voltage, high current AC electronic relay includes a MOSFET switching circuit selectively switching between switch conducting and switch isolation. The relay also includes a transformer coupled to the MOSFET switching circuit, the transformer selectively applies a predetermined voltage to the MOSFET switching circuit which establishes the MOSFET switching circuit in switch conducting. In addition, a switching assembly for use in an AC power control system includes a first MOSFET switching circuit and a second MOSFET switching circuit electrically connected between a first terminal and a second terminal, an electrical conducting member positioned between the first MOSFET switching circuit and the second MOSFET switching circuit. The switching assembly also includes a third MOSFET switching circuit electrically connected between the electrical conducting member and ground.

Abstract: A system and method utilizing virtual switching in an electrical panel meter. The virtual switching enables the meter to be upgraded or downgraded through a switching signal, by activating or deactivating the metering functions that are to be performed in the meter. Accordingly, when the upgrade or downgrade is necessary, the meter does not have to be replaced.