Switch Actuation Patents (Class 307/139)
  • Patent number: 6307283
    Abstract: A position indicator for step switches and tap selectors of transformers and the like has a contact array connected to the motor drive and connected by a plug to the plug of a connector which, in turn, is connected by plugs to the information-generating module which outputs to the display. One of the pairs of plugs between the contact array and the connector or between the connector and the module can be reversed relative to the other to signal a different sense of rotation of the motor drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Dohnal, Franz Griesbacher, Michael Holmer
  • Patent number: 6304008
    Abstract: An electronic device having an auto-OFF function is disclosed in which a switch unit having an auto-OFF function and capable of being operated manually and automatically is connected to a primary circuit in a power control circuit, the switch unit S1 being normally turned auto-OFF with a signal provided from a control system circuit to cut off the supply of electric power to the primary circuit, thereby permitting a stand-by electric power to be nil, and if a trouble should occur in the control system circuit to an inoperable extent of the switch, the switch can be turned OFF manually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshimi Goto, Toshiharu Mori, Yoshio Tanabe, Kaoru Soeta
  • Patent number: 6265790
    Abstract: A computer system fan circuit having a primary power voltage source and a standby power voltage source. A fan control circuit is coupled to the primary power voltage source, the standby power voltage source and a power supply fan. In this way, power may be provided to the power supply fan when a power supply is in either a fill power mode or a standby power mode. In another embodiment, a ripple filter circuit is coupled to a voltage source and a system fan. The ripple filter circuit may be, for example, an active suppression current limiter circuit that limits the current drawn by one or more system fans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Viktor D. Vogman
  • Patent number: 6262497
    Abstract: A switch integrated controller capable of giving a wide variety of controllers at a reduced cost. The controller has a casing composed of a controller module and a terminal module which are separately formed from each other and detachably connected to each other. The controller module has an entry section for receiving a specific external condition and a signal generating section which generates a trigger signal when the specific condition is met by a predetermined reference. The terminal module includes at least one pair of terminals which are adapted to be connected through wires to the external electrical device and an associated external power source and further includes a relay switch which is connected between the terminals for selectively connecting and disconnecting the electric device to and from the electrical power source in response to the trigger signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Muroi, Takayuki Todokoro, Kazuo Yanagida
  • Patent number: 6215263
    Abstract: A motor operator for an overhead power switch is disclosed including a microcontroller, a unique and powerful array of well-integrated sensors, a motor and drive developing substantial torque and speed and coupled to a switch actuator and responsive to the microcontroller, and a sophisticated program algorithm stored in memory at the actuator site for dynamically controlling, i.e., governing the various control modes as called for by changing conditions. The sensors include an encoder associated with the motor and drive that develops position information signals fed to the dynamic microcontroller to compute real time information including position, speed, and stopping distance used in conjunction with remote operate commands to open, close and monitor status of the switch in the various ways disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: EnergyLine Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald S. Berkowitz, Witold Bik, John Hammons, Jeff Heckathorn, Stephen F. Isaacson, Terry R. Klusmeyer, William Christian Tracy Nelson
  • Patent number: 6191504
    Abstract: A system and method for reduced standby power consumption in a display device. In one embodiment, a circuit for power mode switching between a main mode and a standby mode of a display device is provided. In this embodiment, the circuit includes a power supply unit coupled to a power source for receiving an input power signal and for generating output power signals when the display device is in the main mode. The circuit also includes an opto coupler coupled to a computer and responsive to a sync signal therefrom. The opto coupler is also coupled to the power supply unit for selectively sending an OFF signal thereto when the opto coupler does not detect the sync signal from the computer. Moreover, in this embodiment, the power supply unit shuts down and stops generating the output power signals in response to the OFF signal, thereby switching the display device to the standby mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignees: Sony Corporation of Japan, Sony Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Toshiro Kawata
  • Patent number: 6166460
    Abstract: An electrical junction box for a vehicle includes a housing and a circuit disposed in the housing for receiving power from a remote power source. At least one power switching device is electrically connected to the circuit for switching power from the power source to a remote electrically-actuated device in the vehicle. A controller operates the at least one switching device. The junction box is characterized by the controller being removably connected to the circuit. In a first version, the controller is packaged in a protective case separate from the junction box housing. In a second version, the controller is accessibly packaged within the electrical junction box housing. Both embodiments accomplish one object of the present invention to provide a controller for an electrical junction box which is easily and quickly removable for service repair or replaceable for micro-processor chip upgrade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Lear Automotive Dearborn, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Chutorash
  • Patent number: 6160765
    Abstract: A device for the determination of the elapsed time since the initial activation of a unit of equipment. The device consists of a first and second circuit and a switch-on element. The first circuit establishes a connection between the item of equipment and the switch-on element. The second circuit consists of at least a time-counter and a source of energy to power the time-counter. Both circuits can be activated simultaneously by the switch-on element. The first circuit can be used both as the current flow for the item of equipment and also for detecting voltage or physical energy in a component of an item of equipment. The switch-on element can be activated both mechanically and electronically. The counter-information can be presented in a display unit in both a deletable or non-deletable manner. The time-counter and the display unit are powered by their own energy source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Klaus Schober
  • Patent number: 6157098
    Abstract: A feed line connecting circuit for selectively connecting first, second and third feed line connecting terminals under a predetermined current feeding condition comprises a first current detector connected between one of the first and second feed line connecting terminals and a central node for detecting a current over a predetermined value; a first switch connected between the one of the first and second feed line connecting terminals and the central node for connecting said one of the first and second feed line connecting terminals to the central node under an unpowered condition; a selective switch controlled by the first current detector, the selective switch having first and second contacts and a common contact connected to the third feed line connecting terminal, the common contact being connected to the first selective contact when the first current detector does not detect a current over the predetermined value, and to the second selective contact when the first current detector detects a current over
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignees: KDD Corporation, KDD Submarine Cable Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Junichi Kojima, Kenichi Asakawa, Koji Goto, Toshio Kawazawa, Koh-ichi Tatekura, Etsuo Nazuka
  • Patent number: 6127748
    Abstract: An installation for the electrical connection between an assembly of items of electrical equipment which are affixed onto a common baseplate and a system for command and control of that assembly. The installation includes an electrical interface device which provides a connection of signals from the equipment in the assembly with the signal linkage connected to the system. The interface device can be mechanically dissociated from the base plate and is attached to it by a detachable fixing element. The device includes a casing which houses a printed circuit by which two connectors are located which respectively provide the electrical connection with the assembly and with the linkage and which are interconnected through a printed circuit. One of the connectors is specifically adapted to the type of linkage used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Schneider Electric SA
    Inventors: Michel Girard, Emmanuel Latour, Didier Sibille
  • Patent number: 6127740
    Abstract: A system for controlling power in a remote signalling device includes an electronic controller, a transmitter portion and a signal conditioning portion. The electronic controller preferably determines the characteristics of the desired transmitted signal and provides information regarding those characteristics to the transmitter portion. The electronic controller also provides a power control signal to the transmitter portion. The controller determines the characteristics of the power control signal depending on the characteristics of the desired transmitted signal and other preselected factors. The power control signal preferably is processed by the signal conditioning portion so that it provides the desired voltage to the transmitter portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy S. Roddy, Philip LeMay
  • Patent number: 6108179
    Abstract: Emergency shut-down circuit is provided for a multiplexed circuit. The emergency shut-down circuit includes a plurality of contacts arrayed in parallel to each other and which are synchronously opened and closed. A plurality of electromagnetic contactors are operated according to a open or closed state of each of the plurality of emergency shut-down switches and are connected in series to a main circuit power circuit for a motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tohru Katae, Takafumi Ishikawa, Tatsuhiko Furukawa
  • Patent number: 6097111
    Abstract: A mode selectable power receptacle includes an outlet receptacle adapted to receive a plug having first and second terminals. A two position switch is connected to a hot terminal, a switched hot terminal, and a second side of the outlet receptacle. The switch includes an actuator for selectively operating the switch to connect the second side to either the hot terminal or the switched hot terminal to selectively power the outlet receptacle directly from the hot line or through the remote switch from the hot line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: Stephen C. Anrod
  • Patent number: 6087741
    Abstract: A switching device insertable between an electric outlet and a load closes and breaks a circuit between the outlet and the load at certain points of time or in accordance with other predetermined conditions. The switching device is built up from a circuit board or a similar device which supports a substantial part or all circuits of the device. First connectors for connection to an outlet which provides a supply voltage are arranged perpendicular out from one side of the circuit board. Second connectors for outputting the supply voltage are arranged perpendicular out from an opposite side of the circuit board. The first and second connectors are centered about a same axis and are mounted at locations about the axis by substantially right angles in relation to each other, whereby input and output parts under tension on the board are located at maximum distance from each other with smallest possible board size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Easy-Living Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Michael B.ang.berg
  • Patent number: 6075296
    Abstract: A control circuit (200) mounted on a printed-circuit board comprises a control element (100) having a plurality of inputs (110.sub.i). Operating switches (Si) are connected with respective inputs (110.sub.i) by print tracks (12.sub.i, 30.sub.i). A signal source (10) generates a plurality of mutually different signals (.phi..sub.i) which are passed to the various switches (Si) and whose characteristic is priorly known. In case of, for instance, a short-circuit, a signal of a switch may end up at an input of the control element that does not correspond with that switch, but the control element can recognize this error situation because the received signal then has a wrong characteristic. The control element can then ignore the operating instruction, and/or generate an alarm signal. Thus the risk of incorrect operation by short-circuiting between adjacent print tracks is reduced, and the print tracks can be arranged closer to each other on the printed-circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Thyssen De Reus B.V.
    Inventor: Paulus Kasbergen
  • Patent number: 6064127
    Abstract: A switch network comprises N input ports and T output ports for mutually and individually connecting any P (P.ltoreq.N and P.ltoreq.T) inputs and any P outputs. Each switch has four poles and is capable of connecting the first pole to a second, a third or a fourth and correspondingly connecting the third pole to the fourth, first or second poles. The network includes switches disposed in a matrix network including internal switches each connected by its four poles to four adjacent switches and peripheral switches each located on the periphery of the matrix network. At least some of the peripheral switches are connected by at least one pole to an input or an output and by at least two other poles to two switches of the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Alcatel
    Inventor: Bruno Vaillant
  • Patent number: 6060793
    Abstract: An electronic switch has an input terminal, an output terminal and an electronic switch unit between the input terminal and the output terminal controlled by a control circuit which extends from its anode to its trigger and is under the control of an actuator which the user can operate directly or indirectly. There is a current limiter resistor in series with said control circuit. The value of the current limiter resistor is less than the value of the voltage on triggering of the electronic switch unit divided by the minimal trigger current needed by the electronic switch unit for such triggering. It is in the order of 40 ohms at most, for example. Applications include controlling a load without generating spurious harmonics which are a problem on the mains supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignees: Legrand, Legrand SNC
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Cousy
  • Patent number: 6054782
    Abstract: A control device employing a remote switch, intended to ensure activation and de-activation of electrical devices in accordance with a plurality of pre-established control functions, from different control members. Each of the control members is constituted by a single electrical contactor adapted to produce, when acted on by the user, a train of electric pulses. The control device includes elements for counting the number of electric pulses produced. The number of pulses counted controls the electric devices depending on the control function which is associated with this number of pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Societe A D E E
    Inventors: Fran.cedilla.ois Girard, Jean-Paul Gauthier, Jean-Claude Metral, Pascal Malet, Michael Pontiggia
  • Patent number: 6034449
    Abstract: The invention relates to a load drive circuit wherein an emergency shutdown switch for forcible interruption and a normal shutdown switch for normal current control are disposed in series in a load power supply circuit. An emergency shutdown switch (SW.sub.A) and a normal shutdown switch (SW.sub.B) are disposed in series in a load power supply circuit. The normal shutdown switch (SW.sub.B) is periodically driven off for a short time by means of a control signal (X) from a normal shutdown switch control circuit (30), and the fact that this is off is monitored by an output signal (AC) from a monitoring circuit (40). If the output signal (AC) is not generated for an off-delay time or more of an off-delay circuit (21), then a control signal (Z) for an emergency shutdown switch control circuit (20) is stopped thereby forcibly switching off the emergency shutdown switch (SW.sub.A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: The Nippon Signal Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayoshi Sakai, Koichi Futsuhara
  • Patent number: 6031301
    Abstract: A simulated toggle switch capable of being set and reset by remote means and being manually operated. Control signals are received by two on-board electronic drive circuit assemblies which cause two corresponding magnetic solenoids to drive two cams clockwise or counterclockwise, independently of each other. This, in turn, causes a bat handle to move to an uppermost position, a lowermost position, or to be centered. In addition, the position of the switch is remotely sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: AAI Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Arthur Callahan, Jeffrey Joseph Perloski, Christopher Joseph Murk, John Nicholas Merkle, David Anthony Franckowiak
  • Patent number: 6011327
    Abstract: An AC transfer switch is provided for switching between a first line cord and a second line cord. The AC transfer switch is designed to be fault tolerant and ensures that continuous operating power is supplied to a load during the transfer process. The system includes a first input from a first power line cord, a second input from a second power line cord, a switch for switching an output between the first and second power line cord, wherein the switch further includes a first contactor set for selecting the first line cord and a second contactor set for selecting the second line cord, the first and second contactor sets including two contactors in series and a control circuit for controlling the switch to select between the first and second power line cords.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Wayne Kenneth Cook, Philip James Windholz
  • Patent number: 6011328
    Abstract: An electric power lockout apparatus is provided which includes an input terminal for electrically coupling the apparatus to an electric power source and an output terminal for electrically coupling the apparatus to a device requiring electric power. The electric power lockout apparatus also has a switch that is electrically coupled between the input terminal and the output terminal. The switch is capable of assuming: (1) an open state wherein the input terminal is electrically isolated from the output terminal and (2) a closed state wherein the input terminal is electrically coupled to the output terminal. The electric power lockout apparatus further has a first lock which controls operation of the switch so that the switch cannot assume the closed state unless the first lock is unlocked at least momentarily. The electric power lockout apparatus also has a locking structure to secure the electric power lockout apparatus to the power cord of an appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Terry L. Smith
    Inventor: Terry L. Smith
  • Patent number: 6008549
    Abstract: A switching circuit (50) comprising cascaded transistor stages (52a, 52b. . . 52n and 54), connected between a high voltage terminal (62) and a sense resistor (RS) coupled to a low voltage terminal (64). The transistor stage (54) closest to the sense resistor (RS) is referred to as a current gain stage (54), and all the other transistor stages (52a, 52b. . . 52n) are referred to as component stages (52a, 52b. . . 52n). Blocking diodes (DD) are connected across all stages (52a, 52b. . . 52n and 54), forming a continuous path between the high voltage terminal (62) and the low voltage terminal (64). When an enable signal is provided to the current gain stage (54), the transistor stages (52a, 52b. . . 52n and 54) sequentially enter conduction, beginning with the current gain stage (54) and proceeding through the component stages (52a, 52b. . . 52n). As each transistor stage (52a, 52b. . .
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Eldec Corporation
    Inventors: James L. Cooper, Mark Adams
  • Patent number: 6005308
    Abstract: An electrical switch and dimmer device for controlling current applied to a load comprises a bezel assembly (16) which includes a bezel housing (17), a switch actuator (18) and a dimmer actuator (19). The bezel housing supports both switch and dimmer actuators for respective movement between first and second positions, whereby the on/off state of an electrical switch adapted to apply power to an electrical load (e.g. an electric light or fan) is controllable, as is the level of power applied to the load by the switch. The bezel housing and the switch/dimmer actuators which it supports comprise a self-contained assembly which can be releasably connected to a yoke member (20) on which an electrical switch and dimmer circuitry are mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Gary William Bryde, James Edgar Swain, John Roderick Woodman, Mark Andrew Cieri
  • Patent number: 5990582
    Abstract: A cooling system for cooling components of a computer is provided. The cooling system includes a DC fan which operates at a speed which is substantially proportional to the voltage that is applied to the fan. A zener diode voltage divider is connected in series between a voltage source and a first input of the fan. The second input of the fan is connected to a reference voltage source. A switch is also connected in series between the voltage source and the first voltage input of the fan so as to be connected in parallel with the zener diode voltage divider. When the switch is in a first position, the voltage produced by the voltage source is applied directly to the fan allowing the fan to operate at a first speed. When the switch is in a second position, the voltage from the voltage source is applied to the first input of the fan through the zener diode such that the first input of the fan receives a second voltage that is less than the first voltage thereby causing the fan to operate at a second speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Micron Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael G. Henderson, Carlton G. Amdahl, Dennis H. Smith
  • Patent number: 5986359
    Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides a microprocessor controlled power delivery circuit with short circuit protection. The microprocessor controls the load current flow at the circuit's load connection terminal by connecting this terminal to the positive or negative side of a power supply or opening the circuit to prevent current flow. The short circuit protection uses a passive electrical component feedback circuit to communicate the voltage level at the circuit's load connection terminal back to the microprocessor. The microprocessor routinely monitors this voltage and compares this voltage against the expected voltage at this terminal. When the actual voltage does not match the expected voltage, the circuit will provide protection by interrupting current flow through the load connection terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Lear Automotive Dearborn, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Enderich, Shawn P. Slusser, Chris A. Wunderlich
  • Patent number: 5986357
    Abstract: A multiple sensing technology-based occupancy sensor. Ultrasonic and infrared sensors are used to produce first and second occupancy estimator signals that are combined using a fusion based detection algorithm to produce a combined estimator signal. The combined estimator is then used to switch electrical loads when the combined estimator signal is above a predetermined threshold. The result is an occupancy sensor that has a very high probability of occupancy detection and a low probability of false tripping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Mytech Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas D. Myron, Vadim A. Konradi, Bruce G. Williams, John J. Fowler, Timothy W. Woytek, Jonathan D. Williams, Gerard L. Cullen
  • Patent number: 5977882
    Abstract: A switch (10) utilizes an infrared detector (22) that can be operated by existing wireless television or stereo remote control transmitters. Output from a triac (14) of a switch (10) to a load (11) can be varied remotely. In addition, a variety of load (11) types and ratings can be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Clayton K. Moore
  • Patent number: 5973414
    Abstract: A switching device of the type that can be placed between electric outlet and a load and is provided with a switch and electronic circuits including a programmable control device in order to close and break the circuit according to predetermined conditions. This is not provided with any external mechanical or electromechanical means for setting, and the conditions for switching and time adjustment are fixedly built in or programmed. In one embodiment moreover functions for switching and time setting are controlled by an optic or acoustic sensor connected to the control device. Hereby, a compact structure and a simple but reliable function is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Easy-Living Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Michael B.ang.berg
  • Patent number: 5973420
    Abstract: An electrical system, or a trigger circuit for use in connection with an electrical system, is disclosed. The electrical system includes a circuit element responsive to applied current, a power source for providing current to the circuit element, a substrate, and a substantially clear conductive composition arranged on or in associatin with the substrate for providing an electrical current path between the power source and the responsive circuit element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Colortronics Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: Terrance Z. Kaiserman, Adrian I. Rose, Sel Avci, Andrew R. Ferber
  • Patent number: 5955795
    Abstract: An apparatus for enclosing appliances includes an enclosure having an access member movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. A power supply mechanism disposed within the enclosure and adapted to supply power to the appliance when the access member is in the open configuration and disconnect power to the appliance when the access member is in the closed configuration is also included. An access member locking mechanism is disposed within the enclosure which is operable between a locked condition to lock the access member in the open configuration in response to the operation of the appliance and a released condition to permit movement of the access member to the closed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Inventor: David W. Beer
  • Patent number: 5952740
    Abstract: In a circuit that controls the mean current flowing to a load 40 by turning ON or OFF in predetermined ratio the power source voltage VB applied to load 40 using for this purpose a switch means Sw1, a capacitor C1 is charged with the potential difference generated between the load 40 and power source whilst switch means Sw1 is OFF, and a voltage for control purposes which exceeds power source voltage VB is applied to drive circuit 20 using this stored voltage. A high side switch can thereby be implemented using N type semiconductor elements in a simple circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichiro Maeda, Daisuke Yoshida, Koichi Kato, Yasushi Kawaji
  • Patent number: 5952741
    Abstract: A safe external A/C adapter protecting the user against hazardous, high-voltage D/C output. High voltage is defined as any voltage in excess of 60V D/C. The adapter provides an internal remote ON/OFF circuit that automatically switches the D/C output OFF unless the output plug is seated within a mating socket disposed in an electronic device powered by the adapter. When the output plug is so seated, the hazardous voltage output is inaccessible to the user. In addition, a secondary shutdown circuit is provided that latches off the A/C input in the unlikely event that the remote ON/OFF circuit should fail. The secondary shutdown circuit is largely independent from the primary remote ON/OFF circuit, and can be implemented using control circuitry already present in the adapter. No special mechanical connectors are required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Samson K. K. Toy
  • Patent number: 5952737
    Abstract: A switch-off device for airport series circuits (2) has input terminals (3, 4) which are connected to a current source (1). It also has output terminals (5, 6) which are connected to a series circuit (2) and connecting elements (7, 8) by means of which the input terminals (3, 4) and the output terminals (5, 6) can be connected to one another. The switch-off device has an actuator (11) for the purpose of simplifying operation and permitting a plurality of different, clearly visible operating states. In a normal position, the actuator positions the connecting elements (7, 8) such that each input terminal (3, 4) is connected to an output terminal (5, 6). In a service position, it positions the connecting elements (7, 8) so that the input terminals (3, 4) are disconnected from the output terminals (5, 6) and are connected to a grounding terminal (9), while the output terminals (5, 6) are connected to one another and to the grounding terminal (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Julien Boon, Jean-Claude Vandevoorde
  • Patent number: 5942815
    Abstract: A flexible capacitor is used in a switch circuit arrangement for activating a vehicle horn. The switch circuit arrangement includes an astable circuit having a flexible capacitor. The astable circuit generates a signal having a frequency that varies in response to force applied to the capacitor. A programmed frequency sensor activates a horn activation signal if the frequency of the signal falls below a programmed threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Sheldahl, Inc.
    Inventors: David Raymond Neuman, Roy A. Maynard, Gary W. Schult
  • Patent number: 5942816
    Abstract: A precautionary timer for installation in a kitchen range, as a replacement of a plug-type fuse protecting one of the heating elements of the kitchen range. In a first aspect of the invention, the precautionary timer comprises a threaded fuse stock having first and second electrically conductive terminals set apart from one another, and conductive segments mounted inside the threaded fuse stock and connected to the first and second terminals. A timing unit comprising a low voltage solid state timer and an electronic switch is also mounted inside the threaded fuse stock. The solid state timer is powered by a current transformer sampling power from the current flowing in one of the conductive segments. The semiconductor switch is connected in series with the conductive segments and the first and second terminals, for selectively electrically connecting and disconnecting the first and second terminals to and from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventor: Jack J. Carter
  • Patent number: 5940069
    Abstract: A driving signal generator of the LCD includes a DC/DC converter which generates a constant analog voltage of 5V after receiving a power voltage of 5V or 3.3V. Resistors connected in series between the output terminal of the DC/DC converter and the ground divide the output voltage of the DC/DC converter. An npn-type transistor sets a digital voltage of 3.3V level from the voltage divided by the resistors, and an NMOS transistor outputs the digital voltage set by the npn-type transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seung-Hwan Moon
  • Patent number: 5932937
    Abstract: A power control system includes a sensing device, a switch, a controller, a first circuit, and a second circuit. The sensing device determines whether a first predetermined condition or a second predetermined condition has occurred. The controller closes the switch responsive to a signal received from the sensing device indicating the occurrence of the first predetermined condition and opens the switch responsive to a signal received from the sensing device indicating the occurrence of the second predetermined condition. When the switch is open, the first circuit is enabled to apply power to the controller and prevent the application of power to a device. When the switch is closed, the second circuit is enabled to apply power to the controller and permit the application of power to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Lancer Partnership, Ltd.
    Inventor: Mark E. Bewley
  • Patent number: 5929536
    Abstract: A control device is proposed for employment in the transfer of control signals between a field bus (2) and at least one load (5). It comprises a control module (23), which possesses a bus communication unit (24) able to be connected with the field bus (2) and which is so able to be attached to a load (5) that a contact means (27) provided thereon is coupled with such load (5). On the control module (23) in addition to the contact means (27) at least one additional signal input (35) and/or signal output (33) is provided which is connected with the bus communication unit (24) for coupling up at least one further load (5') and/or sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Festo KG
    Inventors: Kurt Stoll, Stefan-Johannes Demuth, Magnus Henzler
  • Patent number: 5917252
    Abstract: Lamps LP1-LP9 are connected in a matrix form. Control devices Tr1-Tr6 are installed on connecting wires of the lines and rows of the matrix used for connecting the lamps LP1-LP9, respectively. Each of the connecting wires L1-L3 on each line is connected to a power supply Vcc via each of the control devices Tr1-Tr3. Further, each of the connecting wires L4-L6 is connected to the ground via each of the control devices Tr4-Tr6. Then the plurality of loads are connected to the control devices Tr1-Tr6 so as to control the loads by the control devices Tr1-Tr6, the number of which is smaller than the number of loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignees: Harness System Technologies Research, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahiro Tokunaga
  • Patent number: 5917256
    Abstract: A timing device for television that controls television viewing by interrupting the input signal, or input signals, to a remote television during a predetermined time or times of day. A user selects and manually presets the timer to automatically close or open an internal switch that alternately connects and interrupts transmission of an input signal, or input signals, to a remote television.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventor: Frederick J. Broadbent, II
  • Patent number: 5907198
    Abstract: A trickle power supply for a light switch module according to the invention enables power to an electronic circuit to be taken directly off the hot line. The power supply operates under what is referred to as the "switched leg theory". All power is taken off the standard switched leg of the light circuit. The power supply bleeds enough current to power its electronic circuitry without turning on the load device, i.e., the light. At the same time, the maximum current to the load is limited to prevent shorting out of the power supply which would effectively disable the switch module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventor: David Allen Lech
  • Patent number: 5900684
    Abstract: Power supplies which include sockets for supplying DC voltages as well as cables for supplying DC voltages to internal components of, for example, a computer are configured to prevent a user from connecting to an inappropriate DC voltage. The apparatus includes a special multiple din socket which provides a different voltage at each din of a subset of the dins, only one din of which is alive at a time. The apparatus includes a switch at each socket operative to select only a single din of a subset of dins at that socket. The illustrative apparatus includes several sockets, each one of which includes a different subset of dins selected by a switch, a single din at a time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: AM Group, Corporation
    Inventor: Phillip Lam
  • Patent number: 5898237
    Abstract: A device is provided for interrupting the power supply to an object and is characterized in that it has elements (1, 2, 11) for effecting at which time the power supply shall be interrupted. The device is particularly adapted for use in connection to electrical stoves, as its function is such that accidents occurring because of overheating of stove plates or setting of fire to foodstuffs and the like used in connection to use of the stove can be avoided, and an obvious advantage in comparison to conventional stoves is thus obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventors: Torbjorn Birging, Carl-Gosta Ardesjo
  • Patent number: 5895989
    Abstract: A power supply unit adapted to supply power from a power supply section to a load via a plurality of power supply lines connected by an on/off switch and connectors. The power supply unit includes a load open detection section for detecting an open state between the on/off switch and the load, a monitor section for monitoring the number of times the open state has been entered per unit time based on the detection result of the load open detection section, and a control section for controlling the on/off switch off when the number of times the open state has been entered per unit time is greater than a predetermined number of times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Imaizumi, Hiromichi Hanaoka, Tatsuaki Oniishi
  • Patent number: 5889645
    Abstract: An arrangement for driving actuator coils for two or more driven devices employs a microprocessor or similar controller and an actuator driver circuit. The actuator driver circuit controls two or more relay actuator coils from a single microprocessor output terminal. This output terminal can provide a high, low, or pulse output signal. An amplifier switching device, such as a transistor, whose base is coupled to the output terminal of the microprocessor, drives the first relay actuator coil as its load. A rectifying diode is connected to one end of a capacitor and thence through a negative resistance device to a second relay actuator coil or other driven device. The coil impedances are selected so that the second coil has a significantly higher impedance than the first coil. When output pulses appear at the microprocessor output terminal, the transistor switch pulses on and off, and thus energizes the first coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: International Controls and Measurement Corp
    Inventors: Andrew S. Kadah, Andrew M. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 5886430
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electronics device for use with a refrigerator/freezer for controlling the dispensing of ice cubes by an ice auger through a door flap when a cradle is pressed. The electronics device comprises a solenoid in operative connection with the door flap, and the solenoid is powerably connectable to a 120 Volt AC line power source. The electronics device also comprises a relay switch controlled by two NPN bipolar transistors in a Darlington configuration which are in parallel connection with a diode and a capacitor. The relay switch is also connected to the power source and connects the power source to the solenoid when the cradle is pressed causing the door flap to open. The power source powers the ice auger to dispense ice cubes through the door flap, and the capacitor causes the transistors to be biased on while the capacitor is charged to a voltage greater than a voltage of the diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Gabriel, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Ralson, Gregory Jay Ramsey
  • Patent number: 5883445
    Abstract: A power sharing device is disclosed, having a primary utility in supplying power to automotive block heaters or other auto warming devices at a user selectable duty cycle of 12.5% or 25%. In a first mode, power is supplied to 4 outlets in a sequential manner, for 15 minutes each. In a second mode, power is supplied to the 4 outlets in a sequential manner, for 7.5 minutes each, followed by a period of 7.5 minutes in which power is not supplied. The user may elect to initiate a delay period, that is selectable between 1 and 2 hours, to precede the sequence of power distribution, allowing time for the car to cool before the power cycles begin. A test circuit, activated by a pushbutton, allows a user to distinguish between the periods of time when power is not being supplied to an outlet as a part of the sequential sharing of power between outlets and a circuit malfunction, such as a blown fuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Inventor: Frank T. Holman
  • Patent number: 5874787
    Abstract: An isolation and positive shut-off system for a fuel dispensing facility having a plurality of dispensers and at least one fuel storage tank in electrical communication with one or more of the dispensers is provided comprising a power source for supplying a power signal to the dispensers and fuel storage tanks, a plurality of relays connected between the dispensers and the storage tanks and power source for selectively interrupting the electrical communications and power signals to each of the dispensers, a control signal for the relays, and a plurality of switches for independently and selectively controlling transmission of the control signal to the relays in order to trigger the relays to separately interrupt transmission of the power signal and electrical communications to each of the dispensers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Inventors: Martin A. Meyer, Mickey A. Meyer
  • Patent number: 5866958
    Abstract: A power control device includes a power control circuit connected to a power supply and a supervisory power monitor unit for outputting a control pulse to the power control circuit for approximately one second. The power control circuit switches the power supplied at the power control circuit input to an output of the power control circuit when the control pulse is deasserted. A reset output logic device receives the power supplied from the output of the power control circuit when the control pulse is deasserted and outputs the power to reset outputs in a distributed power system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Gordon Ngo