Abstract: A power supply system. The power supply system may have a power circuit having a switch and adapted to generate a first output voltage and a second output voltage, depending on the state of the switch. It also includes an output connector coupled to the power circuit, where the output connector includes a plurality of electrical contacts including a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact. A voltage output indicator device is coupled to the first and second electrical contacts. The voltage output indicator device indicates that the power circuit is producing the first output voltage or the second output voltage, so that the user is aware of the voltage being output by the power supply system.

Abstract: A powering source unit comprising: a first powering source; a second powering source; the first powering source being operable to: apply a plurality of voltages towards a powered device via a first path so as to detect a signature impedance, and in the event the signature impedance is detected, to at least partially classify the power requirements of the powered device by supplying a classification voltage towards the powered device via the first path and measuring the resultant current flow, the classification voltage level being higher than each of the plurality of detection voltage levels; the second powering source being operable to apply at least one voltage towards the powered device via a second path so as to attempt to detect a signature impedance at least partially contemporaneously with the supplied classification voltage of the first powering source.

Abstract: A control and supply system for electrical devices comprises at least one voltage supply and control device above sea level, a subsea cable connecting the voltage supply and control device with the electrical devices, and a control and actuating device which is associated essentially in situ with the electrical devices. The control and supply system allows supplies over larger distances, uses fewer devices, obtains higher efficiency and makes better use of the system. In order to achieve this, the voltage supply and control device comprises at least one AC/DC converter for producing a direct voltage in order to feed the subsea cable. The control and actuating device is associated with at least one DC/DC or DC/AC converter for converting the DC voltage transmitted by the sub-sea cable into a DC voltage or an AC voltage. The voltage generated thereby can be transmitted to the electrical device via a connecting line.

Abstract: A power conversion system comprises an input unit, a control unit, a plurality of pulse width modulation (PWM) units and a plurality of conversion units. The input unit is for generating an input voltage-current, and the PWM units are connected with the input unit respectively for receiving the input voltage-current and output the PWM signals corresponding to the input voltage-current respectively. The control units are connected with the PWM units respectively for counting the number of PWM units and determining the order of the PWM units. The PWM units determine the phases of the PWM signals based on the number and order of the PWM units. The conversion units connected with the corresponding PWM units respectively are for generating a plurality of working voltage-currents corresponding to the PWM signals.

Abstract: A power rail system comprises a rail for mounting on a surface and a device for providing power to the rail. An accessory releasably engages the rail and uses the power provided to the rail to power the accessory. The rail may also support non-powered accessories. In one embodiment the device for providing power to the rail comprises a power strip releasably mounted on the rail. The rail may include a first rail segment and a second rail segment where the device for providing power to the rail comprises a power strip located between the first rail segment and the second rail segment. The device for providing power to the rail may comprise an electrical conductor extending along a length of the rail. The electrical conductor is powered by a power module that connects to the rail. A power strip for use in the system is also provided.

Abstract: An interface system may be used to connect an electrical device to an electrical bus. The interface system may include a first end and a second end in electrical communication with the first end. Where the interface system is used to connect an electrical device to an electrical bus, the first end may be connected to the electrical bus and the second end may be connected to the electrical device. The interface system may also include a reverse current blocking circuit configured to block current from flowing from the second end to the first end. Additionally, the interface system may include a discharge circuit electrically connected between the first end and the second end for discharging the blocked current.

Abstract: A distributed power arrangement to provide local power delivery in a plasma processing system during substrate processing is provided. The distributed power arrangement includes a set of direct current (DC) power supply units. The distributed power arrangement also includes a plurality of power generators, which is configured to receive power from the set of DC power supply units. Each power generator of the plurality of power generators is coupled to a set of electrical elements, thereby enabling the each power generator of the plurality of power generators to control the local power delivery.

Abstract: A device for providing several output voltages in a DC/DC converter, which comprises: a series inductance (14) provided with alternating magnetic energy via a loading circuit (11); a first output circuit comprising a first diode (16) coupled to the inductance, and a first capacitor (17) for providing a first output voltage to a first output load (18); a control circuit (19) for controlling the loading circuit to provide sufficient power to the inductance in order to control the first output voltage; at least one auxiliary output circuit comprising an auxiliary diode (21), a switching element (22) and an auxiliary capacitor (23) for providing an auxiliary output voltage to an auxiliary output load (24), the auxiliary output voltage being lower than the first output voltage; and at least one auxiliary control circuit (25).

Abstract: The invention relates to an voltage converter for converting a voltage to multiple output voltages, comprising a first switching circuit (SO) connected to an inductive energy storage element (L) for allowing and interrupting a current flow through the inductive energy storage element (L); at least two second switching circuits (S1) for a controllable discharging of the energy stored in the inductive energy storage element (L), each second switching circuit (S1) being connected to the inductive energy storage element (L) in parallel connection to each other at its respective input and each second switching circuit (S1) comprising a parasitic element; control voltage selection means for selectively supplying a control voltage to the parasitic element of the switching circuits (S1) such that a current flow trough the parasitic element of the respective switching circuit (1) is inhibited when the second switching circuit (S1) is turned off. A negative influence of parasitic elements (e.g.

Abstract: A power distribution unit includes a two pole circuit breaker having a first pole electrically coupled to an x-phase circuit portion of the power distribution unit and having a second pole electrically coupled to a y-phase circuit portion of the power distribution unit. The two pole circuit breaker is so designed that both of the two poles of the circuit breaker trip simultaneously and open even when an undesired electrical condition exists on the portion of the power distribution unit electrically coupled to only one of the poles.

Abstract: A decorative lighting apparatus includes a decorative light strand having first, second, and third wires, each with a plurality of lamps coupled in series therealong, and a return wire coupled to ends of the first, the second, and the third wires. Each lamp of the plurality of lamps has a first light-emitting diode (LED) device coupled in parallel and in reverse orientation with a second LED device. The first, the second, and the third wires are positioned together such that each lamp of the first, the second, and the third pluralities are positioned adjacent to each other but sufficiently separated such that little or no color mixing occurs between the lamps. The apparatus also includes a controller adapted to control the plurality of lamps to provide different user-selectable color schemes in various simultaneously-illuminated combinations of color.

Abstract: A control for a flashlight system in an airport, includes flash units which are connected to an energy supply line and, on the output side, to respective flashlights of the flashlight system via a light cable. In order to avoid unwanted high voltages, each flash light unit includes an energy-integrating low-voltage capacitor which can be supplied by a current source having a corrected power factor and which is connected to the flashlights embodied as low-voltage lights. The energy transmitted to the flashlights can be electronically controlled. A connection device connecting the flash units to a local master control system is embodied as a local field bus system, in such a way that different, conventionally arranged, simultaneous or mixed flash configuration patterns can be produced by way of the same electrical installation.

Abstract: A system and method of communicating among devices via a piping structure using at least one induction choke about the piping structure to route a time-varying current carrying communication signals between the devices. A communications system comprises a piping structure, a first communication device, a second communication device, and an induction choke. The piping structure comprises a first location, a second location, and an electrically conductive portion extending between the first and second locations. The first and second locations are distally spaced along the piping structure. The first and second communication devices are each electrically connected to the electrically conductive portion of the piping structure along the first location and second location, respectively, and each is adapted to send and receive communication signals via time-varying current.

Abstract: An electronic system includes a common power bus and a variable load connected to the common power bus. A first power supply output node and a first sense line node of a first power supply are connected to the common power bus. A second power supply output node and a second sense line node of a second power supply are connected to the common power bus. A sense line load adjustment circuit is linked to the common power bus, the first sense line node, and the second sense line node. The sense line load adjustment circuit is configured to generate a mirror voltage that provides a corrected reference voltage at the first sense line node and the second sense line node in the presence of a relatively small variable load.

Abstract: All-or-none operation of a series of modular load elements is ensured by routing high and low voltage lines from a power source through opposite nodes positioned at either end of the series of load elements. This arrangement prevents activation of only a portion of the load elements where electrical connection between them is not successfully established.

Abstract: A redundant power and communications network that is generally fault tolerant and generally immune to single point failure. A primary or master node communicates via a standard multiplex protocol to the control infrastructure of a vehicle. The master node, in a subnetwork or supplementary communications bus, further communicates with one or a plurality of slave nodes in a local vehicle area or structure such as a seat. The main multiplex network and subnetwork are bridged by the master node, which transfers information between the main multiplex network and the subnetwork.

Abstract: A converter system (10) has a number of individual converter modules (13, . . . , 17), which are in the form of load converter modules (13, . . . , 15) or power supply system converter modules (16, 17) and are connected to one another via a DC voltage intermediate circuit (11, 12; 29; C1, . . . , CS) which has two DC voltage busbars (11, 12) and a DC voltage intermediate circuit capacitance (C1, . . . , CS) arranged between the DC voltage busbars (11, 12).

Abstract: A wiring apparatus comprises a trunk cable, branch junctions, and branch cables diverging individually from the branch junctions. A plurality of photovoltaic modules, which are arranged side by side on a roof of a building or the like, or module units, composed of the modules, serve as generating sections. The respective outputs of the generating sections are lead into the building by means of a trunk conductor of the trunk cable. Each branch cable includes a branch conductor that is connected to the trunk conductor of the trunk cable. Each branch cable of the wiring apparatus is connected to a connector for use as an output terminal of the module units by means of a connector attached to the distal end portion thereof. The module units are connected in parallel with one another by means of the wiring apparatuses, and their respective outputs are supplied to loads in the building by means of a pair of lead-in wires.

Abstract: In an inverter apparatus for converting a direct current to an intermittent current by a converter configured by parallel-connected plural pairs of serially-coupled switching elements, resistance loads are connected across output terminals of the converter and a positive terminal or a negative terminal of a direct current source, and a direct current output can be supplied to the resistance loads from the inverter apparatus by controlling the converter at a low frequency.

Abstract: A duplexing encoder/decoder pair for operating two loads independently, from two independent current sources, and using two conductors to connect the current sources and return to the loads, in general, and for expanding automatic sprinkler systems comprising a number of solenoid valves electrically connected to an irrigation controller for the timing and switching thereof, in particular.

Abstract: An electrical circuit has a power source line from a battery. The power source line is divided into a primary side and a secondary side by a device, such as, for example, a diode. A high current load circuit is connected to the primary side and a lower current device, such as, for example, a display-related circuit and a capacitor are connected to the secondary side. The display-related circuit continues to receive adequate power when the battery voltage drops due to operation of the high current load circuit. In addition, a voltage detector is connected to the secondary side, where the voltage fluctuates less than on the primary side. The voltage detector controls operation of the high current load circuit. As a result, the high current load circuit can be efficiently driven.

Abstract: Connection of batteries to the DC bus lines across which capacitors are connected in power systems, such as uninterruptible power systems, is carried out using an auxiliary switch which is controlled to connect the batteries to a DC bus line through a precharge resistor momentarily before connection is made through a main connector. The preconnection of the batteries through the precharge resistor provides a controlled rate of charge of the capacitors before closing of the main connector to thereby avoid excessive surge currents. When the main connector is opened, as when the power system is prepared for transportation or long term storage, the auxiliary switch interrupts the current path from the battery through the precharge resistor and provides a current path from the DC bus line through a discharge resistor to ground to bleed down the charge on the capacitors to a desired level within a selected period of time.

Abstract: An electrical current actuated accessory outlet including a power cable receiving mechanism removably securable to a remote electrical power receptacle for receiving a source of alternating current therefrom; and an electric circuit including an electrical receptacle coupled to the power cable receiving mechanism and having an accessory outlet and a tool outlet for delivering the source of alternating current, and a power switching mechanism coupled between the outlets of the receptacle and the power cable receiving mechanism and with the power switching mechanism having an activated mode for automatically allowing alternating current to be drawn from the auxiliary outlet by an auxiliary electrical device when alternating current is being drawn from the tool outlet by an electrical tool secured thereto.

Abstract: A multi-unit railway freight car of which each unit defines a container well for receiving cargo containers, and including a permanently installed power distribution cable arrangement, for receiving power from a generator carried in a container well and for providing power to containers carried in other container wells and container-carrying positions of the car units. Cables and terminal devices are located in positions largely protected from mechanical damage, and circuit breakers are associated with the cables to protect the cables and the generator from overloads.

Abstract: The master/slave circuit has a power supply with two conductors. One conductor is connected to one side of both a master outlet and a slave outlet. The other conductor is connected to the main terminal 1 (MR1) of the Triacs Q1, Q2 respectively associated with the receptacles. The other side of the master receptacle is connected to the main terminal 2 of the associated Triac Q1, and to the gate of Q1, through a resistor and to the gate of Q2 through a second resistor. The other side of the slave outlet is connected to MT2 of Q2. When a tool or device plugged into the master outlet is switched on and off a device plugged into the slave will turn on and off with the master and will have the same character (speed control, Soft Start, etc.). An optional switch between the slave outlet and the second resistor connected to the gate of Q2 allows operation of the device plugged into the slave outlet without operating the master.

Abstract: An operator controlled variable electrical power delivery console and foot pedal controller are provided. The variable electrical power delivery console is designed to supply power to universal motors that are subjected to fluctuating loads that impact the performance of the motor. The invention combines two types of solid state electronic circuits including a selectable power booster circuit that responds to load changes that enables a motor to operate at high torque and another selectable solid state electronic circuit which allows the motor to operate at high speeds and lesser torque demands. The invention includes a selectable auxiliary foot pedal controller that is operator selectable for use with either of the two types of electrical circuits.

Abstract: An AC branch power distribution filter is provided for supplying AC power to a plurality of different load devices from a common external AC power source that eliminates the need for a separate protection device at each power outlet with the load devices. A plurality of elongate, flat conductors are coupled to the AC power source and include a neutral conductor, a ground conductor and at least one live conductor. The elongate flat conductors are parallel and spaced apart in an electrically insulated casing member. An electrically conductive shield member is electrically connected to the ground conductor and extends lengthwise of the elongate flat conductors overlying the insulative casing member. The shield member provides a shunt capacitance between ground potential and each of the live conductors and the neutral conductor. This distributed capacitance is utilized as the shunt element of the distribution filter.

Abstract: A switchgear operable to conduct or shut off the a.c. current to an a.c. load by use of a semiconductor switch. The switchgear is formed such that a common thyristor switch in serial connection with a switch is connected in parallel to a switch for each of capacitor banks, so that each capacitor bank is connected or disconnected to the a.c. power line in non-contact manner through the thyristor switch.

Abstract: The specification discloses an electronic circuit which allows selective energization of electrical loads from a remote location by successive momentary interruptions of a common power source.In one embodiment, a ceiling fan and an attached light fixture are controlled from a single wall switch position, such that the first application of power energizes only the light circuit, a second application (following a momentary interruption) energizes only the fan circuit, and a third such application energizes both circuits at the same time.

Abstract: A timepiece includes in addition to the conventional timekeeping circuits, high load, that is, high current circuits such as an alarm driving circuit and a lamp driving circuit. Low load, small current systems such as the oscillator, divider, display drivers and display for timekeeping are operated directly from the battery voltage source when the high load circuits are off. When the high load circuits are on, the low load circuits are disconnected from the battery and operate from an electric charge stored in a capacitor connected in parallel with the low load circuits. The high load circuits are driven intermittently at a high frequency to reduce power consumption and to permit recharging of the storage capacitor during off-periods. The drive frequency is sufficiently high such that an illumination lamp shows no flicker and brightness is controlled by duty cycle.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a cord set involving a plug unit connected to one end of a multiple-conductor cord or cable, and destined to concurrently serve different electrical loads within a given utilization device. A suitably miniaturized power-factor control circuit is embodied within the plug, so that when plugged into a conventional a-c power outlet receptacle, a first two of the cable conductors can deliver suitably modified voltage appropriate to the instantaneous load requirements served by the modified voltage, while one of these first two cable conductors and a third cable conductor can concurrently deliver voltage appropriate to the different electrical load which it serves.

Abstract: A testing circuit for a control system has a two-state input circuit connected across a plurality of switching devices. The input circuit assumes one state when any one of the contacts is closed and the other state when they are all open. An indicator device shows whether the contacts are functioning correctly.

Abstract: A system for distributing electrical energy to the electric current consumer devices of an automobile without having to wire each consumer individually via a switch to the power source, comprising a central control unit connected to a plurality of remote control units by a single control line for each side of the automobile to which respective groups of consumers are connected. A single power line for each side of the vehicle runs from the power source to the remote control units which selectively energize the consumers in dependence on coded pulse signals received from the central control unit. Operation of the system is cyclic and includes time on the control line for a reverse flow of signals from sensors and/or check circuits to transmit to the central control unit for information and/or warning display on an instrument panel of the automobile.

Abstract: Dental apparatus having a plurality of dental instruments, holders for the instruments, signal transmitters each operable to transmit an extraction signal when an instrument is extracted from its holder, and a logic-actuation circuit for each instrument connected to a respective signal transmitter and to all the other logic-actuation circuits. Each actuation circuit can generate an actuation signal for its associated instrument, and a blocking signal for supply to the other actuation circuits, when an extraction signal is transmitted and when no blocking signal is supplied by any of the other actuation circuits. A single connecting line interconnects the actuation circuits to transmit blocking signals therebetween, and logic identification circuits associated with the actuation circuits are each connected to the connecting line and to an input and to an output of the associated actuation circuit.

Abstract: A current-splitting network comprises a voltage divider having first and second output terminals, the potentials at the first and second output terminals having a predetermined ratio. A first amplifier is coupled between one end of a first resistor and the first output terminal for holding the potential of the one end of the first resistor substantially at the potential of the first output terminal. A second resistor has a resistance value which has a predetermined ratio to the resistance value of the first resistor, and a second amplifier is coupled between one end of the second resistor and the second output terminal to hold the potential of the one end of the second resistor substantially at the potential of the second output terminal. A constant-current source is connected in common to the other end of the first and second resistors such that a constant current fed from the constant-current source is split to flow through the first and second resistors.

Abstract: A circuit for providing a regulated square wave output voltage and a regulated DC output voltage or both. An AC source energizes a switching circuit, having a variable switching rate, which connects a capacitor in voltage clamping relationship to an AC load for both half cycles of the AC voltage thereacross. This switching rate is controlled in accordance with the time accumulation of an electrical quantity, in the present instance the voltage across the AC load. The DC voltage across the capacitor attains a predetermined equilibrium value when the frequency of the AC output voltage is equal to the frequency of the AC source. If the DC capacitor voltage and the AC output voltage derived therefrom deviate from their equilibrium values, as, for example, because of a change in the level of load current, there occur transient changes in the switching rate of the switching circuit which result in changes in the phase displacement between the AC input voltage and the AC output voltage.