Abstract: A solenoid operated remote resetting device with a protective solenoid activation circuit is disclosed. The solenoid activation circuit includes circuitry for protecting the solenoid from overheating due to intentional or unintentional prolonged current flow in the solenoid. The solenoid activation circuit receives an activation signal, in the form of an alternating current signal, from a remote activation means. The activation signal is coupled to a rectifier in the solenoid activation circuit that provides rectified DC power for the solenoid activation circuit. A solenoid power circuit is also coupled to the rectifier input such that the AC signal from the activation means can be rectified and passed to the solenoid positive DC signal. A timing circuit coupled between the rectifier output and the solenoid power circuit provides an active phase of a predetermined time and a blocking phase after each application of the activation signal.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a circuit for integrating a local switch and a remote-control switch, primarily comprising a remote-control circuit, a first trigger circuit, a second trigger circuit, an integrating unit and a power circuit, in which the integrating unit further comprises two timer circuits, a local switch detecting circuit, a switching circuit and a power supplement circuit. When the circuit described above is in an initial state, in the event of the local switch does not operate within a certain time period, the control priority belongs to the remote-control circuit. When a user controls a load by remote control, the remote-control circuit will send a signal to reset the local switch detecting circuit and to make the output signal of the remote-control circuit be the control source of the switching circuit directly.

Abstract: Two electronic modules are connected to share and to independently read the sensed value from a single environmental sensor element, by communicating between each other when a particular module is reading the sensor output signal. The sensor output signal is a function of the value of the reference voltage being applied by the reading module and the characteristics of the environment being sensed. A module provides a toggle signal when it completes its reading of the sensor so that the other (non-reading) module will know when it may apply its reference voltage to the sensor and complete its reading of the sensor. The modules alternate the reading of the sensor in order to eliminate the need for a plurality of corresponding sensors.

Abstract: A stove timer and automatic cut off system is provided including a stove having a plurality of burners each adapted to generate heat upon the receipt of power. A start switch situated on the stove is adapted for transmitting a start signal upon the depression thereof. A timer selector switch assembly is situated on the stove and has a plurality of discrete modes. The switch assembly is adapted to transmit a timer signal representative of a unique predetermined amount of time in each mode. An indication means is situated on the stove and is adapted to alert a user only during the actuation thereof. A relay is connected between the burners of the stove and a source of power. The relay is adapted to supply the burner with power only when actuated. Finally, a control mechanism serves to function in an activated mode only upon the receipt of the start signal wherein the control means actuates the relay.

Abstract: Safety discharge circuit and method, capable of protecting workers from electric shocks during maintenance of high voltage electrical systems. A high voltage electrical system is placed inside a grounded box having a cover, releasably connected to the box. The circuit uses an electronic device adapted to sense the removal of the cover from the box and disable the high voltage electrical system. The electronic device is connected to the cover at its input and to the high voltage electrical system at its output, and is preferably a semiconductor controlled rectifier having a gate at its input. The semiconductor controlled rectifier is in a reverse blocking state when the cover is connected to the box, and is latched in a forward conducting state when the cover is removed from the box. The connection from the gate of the semiconductor controlled rectifier to the cover is made through mounting screws, which hold the high voltage electrical system connected to the cover.

Abstract: A priority control system is disclosed for controlling multiple secondary load devices, and one priority load device. The secondary load devices can be randomly controlled at any time, except when the priority load device is activated, in which case, all secondary load devices are deactivated. The priority control system has a first relay which relays power to a plurality of secondary relays corresponding to the secondary load devices. The first relay is biased such that it normally provides power to the secondary relays. The first relay also has a priority position which is the non-biased position, for providing power to the priority load device. The first relay is activated by a priority control device which switches system power from the secondary relays to the priority load device. A priority timer circuit is provided to limit the time the first relay is in the priority position, regardless of a possible malfunction in the priority control device.

Abstract: An enclosure for housing electrical equipment is constructed to simplify use of general purpose electrical equipment at a location in a petroleum refinery which may contain combustible vapors. The construction provides an enclosure that is vapor tight except for an open front, thus providing user access and adequate ventilation to equipment such as a computer. In use a combustible gas monitor surveys the relatively small open area at the front of the enclosure and automatically disconnects electric current supplied to the general purpose rated equipment inside the enclosure on detection of a dangerous concentration of combustible gas entering through the front opening.

Abstract: A device for enabling and disabling the supply of power from a power source to a computer, the power source having a primary side and a secondary side, the device including an interlock switch connected to the computer, the interlock switch selectably positionable between open and closed positions; and two optocouplers coupled in parallel, both of which are referenced to the secondary side of the power source. When the interlock switch is closed, the first optocoupler is active. This enables the supply of power from the power source to the computer. When the interlock switch opens, the first optocoupler shuts off. This disables the supply of power from the power source to the computer. Further when the interlock switch is opened, the second optocoupler is saturated. This overrides the regulation feedback circuitry from regulating the power supplied by the power source driving the power outputted to the computer to zero. When the interlock switch is closed, the second optocoupler operates in the linear region.

Abstract: A lighting control circuit that controls the lighting of particular lamps in response to the toggling of the power switch. The circuit a) connects only with the high (output) side of a lighting system's ballast, b) is completely contained on the high side, and c) with regard to toggling, is dependent upon only a single time period. The circuit can be used with any ballast which makes use of an output transformer and no change need be made to the original ballast circuitry. Users will find operation of the circuit to be straightforward. A triac driven by a flip-flop via a driver transistor is used to control the high frequency AC power that is used to drive the lamps. A Schmitt trigger sharpens the signal generated by the ballast output transformer in response to the toggling of the light switch which is employed to change the output state of the flip-flop. Operationally, all the lamps driven by the ballast are lit when the power switch is initially turned on.

Abstract: A system on an aircraft that eliminates hot-swapping of circuit boards to prevent damage to the circuit board connector interfaces. The system supplies power to a circuit card only when there is an effective coupling between a circuit card connector and an opposite mating connector. A power control circuit responds to a card present signal which indicates when the circuit card connector is coupled to the opposite mating connector. A logic circuit converts the card present signal to a power supply enable signal. A main power supply receives the power supply enable signal and provides power to the circuit card only when the circuit card connector and the opposite mating connector are appropriately coupled.

Abstract: A portable communication device with battery conservation capability is capable of sensing (223) its power source and suppressing a battery conservation circuit depending on an actual voltage determined (225) from an analog-to-digital converter. Two or more voltage ranges are defined (227) such that battery conservation is disabled when an external power source is operated in one of the predetermined voltage ranges.

Abstract: A touch sensor circuit is disclosed for sensing a person's touch and for switching power to an AC load. The touch sensor circuit includes a sense input circuit, logic circuit, power switching circuit and power supply/reference circuit. The power supply and reference circuit tracks the AC line-hot input, and supplies DC power to the circuit. The sense input circuit is configured such that when a person touches the touch input pad, a circuit is created between the positive voltage reference and earth ground, thereby generating an easily detectable voltage swing on an internal sensing node. The logic circuit senses the voltage variation on the sensing node and generates a pulse which toggles power to the power switching circuit and connected load.

Abstract: A computer keyboard power saving method includes sensing if there is keystroke action taking place. When time period of no keystroke action exceeds a pre-set threshold, power supply to the keyboard will be shut down automatically. When a keystroke action is detected, power supply to the keyboard will be resumed instantly. Thus can save energy when keyboard is idle from time to time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sequencing the operation of electronic circuits based upon the level of the voltage provided by an external power supply. One or more power supply sequencer circuits may be interposed between an external power supply and one or more electronic circuits. The power supply sequencer circuits comprise a transistor having its high current node coupled to an external power supply, its controlling node coupled to a voltage sequencing means such as a diode and a resistor, wherein the resistor is in turn coupled to the external power supply and the diode is coupled to the ground potential. The transistor has its controlled high current node coupled through a power input node to the power input for the electronic circuit to condition the voltage received thereby. The power input node is in turn coupled through a second resistor to ground potential.

Abstract: A control cabinet for distributing power to a plurality of automated independent and parallel operated loads. A plurality of control cabinets can be interfaced with control cable to be supervised by one main controller. The main controller distributes low voltage ac signals to each control cabinet, which transfers the low voltage signal into high voltage power distribution by a series of low and high voltage relays, thus eliminating the need for excess circuit boards and transformers normally associated with this task.

Abstract: A high-voltage semiconductor driving circuit to be instantaneously operated for the duration of an arbitrary pulse width can be effectuated through an extremely simple circuit configuration.The circuit comprises a pulse transformer (2) which receives an input pulse signal and generates a pulse voltage, a diode (3) which conducts the pulse voltage to the capacitive gate electrode of the high-voltage semiconductor switching element (5), and another switching element (4) which is connected in parallel to the diode (3) and adapted to discharge, at the falling of the pulse voltage, the gate capacitance which has been charged at the rising of the pulse voltage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a remote control device for mobile and stationary concrete pumps. The remote control device has a central control device to control groups and signalling units of the concrete pump and a remote control appliance connected to the central control device via a multicore remote control cable. The central control device has an emergency stop switch gear remote controlled by a mechanically actuatable emergency stop switch fitted in the remote control appliance, the power supply to which is taken via a forced first switch contact of the emergency stop switch and which triggers an emergency stop if the power supply fails. In order to ensure reliable emergency cut-off even in the event of a short circuit in the emergency stop system when the emergency stop switch is actuated, there is an overload fuse in the central control-side lead to the first switch contact designed as a break contact.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying power to a peripheral device of a computer directly from the system power supply is disclosed. An expansion interface connector or a standard interface connector is used for providing power to the peripheral device. Either one or two electronic switching devices control the supply of power to the interface connector. A voltage output line, a control line and a ground line are connected to three pins of the interface connector. The peripheral device has a matched connector comprising three pins corresponding to the three pins of the interface connector. The peripheral device can be powered up and in operation when it is connected to the interface connector. A short protection mechanism is provided to avoid damaging the computer system when the peripheral device is not connected.

Abstract: A communications adapter card includes a circuit arrangement for causing an electrical voltage to be supplied to the card from a first voltage source, even if a second voltage source is available, and from the second voltage source if the first voltage source is not available. The circuit arrangement includes a Field Effect Transistor (FET) with its gate electrode connected to a control circuit which puts the FET in an off-state to inhibit the second voltage source from supplying voltage to the card if the first voltage source is available, and puts the FET in an on-state to supply voltage to the card if the first voltage source is not available. The invention makes it possible for a single communications adapter card to be used to attache power managed and non-power managed personal computers (PCs) to a Local Area Network (LAN).

Abstract: A wireless transmitter associated with a switched electrical connection and a receiver therefor, adapted for connection in an electrical path between the source of power and a load, enables the load to be controlled by the switch originally used to control the switched electrical connection. The communication between the transmitter and receiver may be realized only when power is applied or removed from the switched connection, or, alternatively, this communication may be carried out on a per-cycle basis, enabling a phase-delay type of control over the relocated load, including dimming of the relocated load without requiring modification to a previously installed dimmer switch. The signal radiated by the transmitter may be of acoustic or electromagnetic origin, though IR transmissions are used in the preferred embodiment.

Abstract: A power supply control circuit controls power supply to a circuit when an external unit is connected to and/or disconnected from a terminal unit to which the circuit is coupled. The power supply control circuit includes a first sensor for detecting whether or not the external unit is in a first state where the external unit is close to the terminal unit, a second sensor for detecting whether or not external unit which has been already connected to the terminal unit is in a second state, and a control circuit for controlling the power supply to the circuit in accordance with detecting results obtained by the first and second sensors. In addition the above power supply control circuit is applied to a computer game machine having a main circuit coupled to a cartridge slot to which a cartridge is to be connected.

Abstract: A remote control activated electric drip coffee maker including a plurality of integrated electric controllers for implementing a plurality of start control brewing times and for providing audible signals from the coffee maker and from the hand-held remote control to signal exactly when the coffee has been brewed and is ready to drink. An electrical circuit is provided at the drip coffee maker to generate an out-of-water signal for remotely notifying the user that the drip coffee maker is out-of-water is also provided.

Abstract: Improved redundant relay control circuits are set forth which prevent a load from being energized when any relay coil or contact or stop or start switch contact fails. A first circuit embodiment sets forth a plurality of branches with a cross-monitoring interconnection between a start branch and one of the two other circuit branches. The interconnection prevents a load from being energized when a start switch welds. Second and third circuit embodiments are configured such that the redundant control relay circuit remains inoperative until a fault is cleared although the main power across the circuit is temporarily removed. A fourth circuit embodiment operates independent of relay contact timing.

Abstract: A semiconductor power switch system having a control portion and at least one semiconductor power switch unit (PSU) having a self-diagnosis function to simplify the connection lines between the control portion and the PSU. In the PSU, a diagnosing terminal for transmitting an abnormality signal is, by a connection line in the outer portion, connected to an input terminal for receiving a control signal so that the control signal from the control portion to the PSU and the abnormality signal from the PSU to the control portion are communicated through one bidirectional signal transmission line. That is, if an abnormality has taken place, a transistor is turned on so that the level of the bidirectional signal transmission line is fixed to the level of the abnormality signal through the diagnosing terminal and the connection line.

Abstract: A power controller (10) for supplying power to a power distribution network (N) in which power from a polyphase source (G) is routed to using equipment (E) connected to the network through the power controller. A plurality of solid-state power devices (82) switch each separate phase of the polyphase power to the equipment. A firing circuit (14) controls gating of the switches to route the power. Fuses (F) are connected between the switches and the using equipment to interrupt power flow to the equipment if excessive current begins to be drawn. A con, roller (20) controls a shutdown sequence employed by the controller to eliminate current spiking at shutdown. The various components are housed in an enclosure (22) which includes a mounting structure (56) for mounting the aforesaid components. A cooling system (26) employs a fan (88) for directing air flow through the mounting structure to cool the components.

Abstract: A reconfigurable connector for a peripheral device, which has a first standard configuration in which data is sent and received, and which has a second configuration in which data is sent and received, and in which power is supplied to an interfaced device through a predefined signal pin on the reconfigurable connector. Included in the reconfigurable connector are a controller and a sensor which senses a predetermined signal. In response to the predetermined signal, the controller alters a configuration of the reconfigurable connector from the first standard configuration to the second configuration. In the first standard configuration, the predefined signal pin is configured to provide to the interfaced device a signal which indicates that the peripheral device is supplied with power. In the second configuration, the predefined signal pin is configured to supply power to the interfaced device.

Abstract: An electricity meter includes input terminals to which, in use, a main electricity supply is connected, output terminals via which, in use, electricity is fed to a consumer, a switch via which electricity is fed from the input terminals to the output terminals and an indicating device operative to provide an indication of the quantity of electricity fed via the switch to the consumer. The meter is adapted to receive a unit arranged in operative association with the switch so as to effect operation of a switch actuator to open the switch for the purpose of interrupting the supply of electricity to the consumer consequent upon receipt by the unit of a predetermined actuation signal.

Abstract: A device for regulating the flow of electrical current to a power tool includes a switch and handle combination coupled to a wiring component which serves to bypass an electrical circuit of a power tool. In a first embodiment, the wiring component can be "hard wired" into the electrical circuit of a power tool in a permanent arrangement. In a second embodiment, the wiring component is self-contained, and includes a power cord bisected by a junction box, the junction box for accepting the plug adaptor of a power tool. An anchoring device serves to anchor the switch and handle to an accessible location upon the power tool, so that the switch may be easily reached, should a user need to increase, decrease, reverse or stop the flow of electrical current to the power tool motor.

Abstract: A timer device for controlling the ON/OFF of a power source generates a long delay from the time when the power source is turned on to the time when the power source timer function thereof is validated. When the power source is turned off and then turned on at a short interval, the device is initialized and prevents equipment incorporating the device from being used over a long period of time. The device, therefore, obviates the illicit use of the equipment.

Abstract: In a relay switching panel, a switching circuit operates to selectively connect and disconnect resistive, capacitive and inductive loads to an AC power source with substantially no arcing. The switching circuit comprises a pair of relays, preferably connected in parallel, with one of such relays having a triac, connected in series therewith. With the relays open, an air gap isolates the power source and the load. In closing the relays in sequence, one relay provides a conductive path from the power source to the triac. After a suitable delay to allow the relay contacts to stabilize in the closed position, the triac is triggered to provide a conductive path from the power source to the load, and a large current surge flows to the load. After the current surge has subsided, the second relay is closed to provide a direct conductive path between the power source and the load. Next the first relay and the triac are removed from the circuit to ensure full conduction through the second relay.

Abstract: A power switching circuit includes a power switching NPN transistor (1) having its collector electrode coupled to a reference potential terminal (17) and its emitter electrode coupled to an output terminal (7). A driver circuit (5) is provided having an input coupled to a supply terminal (6) and a driving current output coupled to the base electrode of the power transistor (1). A PNP transistor(4) has its emitter electrode coupled to the output terminal(7), its base electrode coupled to a reference voltage terminal (9) for receiving, in operation, a voltage which is positive relative to the reference potential and its collector electrode coupled to the base electrode of an NPN transistor (2). The NPN transistor (2) has its collector electrode coupled to the collector electrode of the power transistor (1) and its emitter electrode coupled to the base electrode of the power transistor (1).

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method for controlling electrical devices connected to an AC power line by means of control signals transmitted over the AC power line. The control system consists of a transmitter apparatus and a receiver apparatus. The transmitter apparatus generates, and transmits via an AC power line, multiple voltage pulses during any one-half cycle of the AC power line voltage. The multiple voltage pulses act as control signals for any electrical device that is sought to be controlled, or a "slave" device. The receiver apparatus is simultaneously coupled to the slave device and the AC power line for receiving and, if necessary, decoding the voltage pulses sent by the transmitter apparatus. The receiver apparatus in turn generates a command signal that controls the slave device's operation.

Abstract: A frequency slider circuit for reducing power dissipation in the form of switching losses in a switching device when the switching device is near its desired maximum temperature limit is disclosed herein. The switching device controls an electric load, such as a motor. The frequency slider circuit samples a current of the switching device. The frequency slider circuit then uses a current transducer to convert the current to a signal level. The signal level is then processed by a model of the thermal response of the switching device. The output of the thermal model is compared to a reference signal, and if the output of the thermal model is greater than the reference signal, the switching frequency of the switching device will be lowered gradually to keep the power generated during the switching periods to be below a predetermined value. A minimum frequency clamping circuit is included to ensure that the switching frequency never drops below a minimum value, to ensure stable operation of the switching device.

Abstract: Remote control of a slave electric circuit is produced by sensing change in state of power flow through a master electric circuit and transmitting a resultant wireless signal between apparatus included in each the master circuit and the slave circuit. In a representative embodiment, the master electric circuit might include a main lamp which can be switched on and off while the remote electric circuit may include a supplementary lamp which is to be controlled.

Abstract: A security electrical interrupt device for preventing unauthorized usage of an electrical appliance such as an electric stove, while retaining operation of auxiliary electrical equipment such as the lights and an electrical clock. The device comprises a relay controlled by a micro-processor based programmable controller which measures the amount of electrical supply current being drawn by the appliance. A software computer program stored in the microcontroller commands the relay to disconnect the supply power if any person attempts to operate any part of the appliance which draws electrical current exceeding a preset limit while the controller is in the interrupt mode. In a preferred embodiment the microcontroller is programmed to enter the interrupt mode by 1) key sequences entered on a detachable key pad, 2) when a selected amount of time has elapsed since the last authorized usage, or 3) by removal of the detachable key pad.

Abstract: The invention discloses a safety circuit for electrically operated devices, which turns on the device in question, based on its position and design, only if handling and posture by the operator is completely correct and proper and the circuit, moreover, is static and insensitive to outside influences due to the use of sensor switches.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for isolating control devices from the mains in cases where the internal operating voltage is supplied by means of a mains-bound voltage source.Control devices of this kind, which are used in many fields of engineering, including applications in living rooms and bedrooms, are always connected to mains voltage, this entailing disadvantages in terms of costs, a hazard potential and concerns as regards health.The task of the invention, which consists in isolation from the mains during times at which no control functions are to be performed, is solved by providing a relay (12) with at least one relay-actuated switch which is in the OFF position when not excited and is located in the mains-side supply lead (11) and by providing an auxiliary power source (9, 10) which is wired in parallel with the mains-bound voltage source (7, 8) and is connected to the control input of the relay (12) via a switch (3 to 6). (FIG.

Abstract: A calculator includes a shell defining two slots. The calculator uses a switch and a power supply. The switch includes two tubular portions projecting therefrom and being slidably received in the slots so that the switch can be moved between ON and OFF positions. The power supply uses a plate defining two apertures. Two screws are inserted through the apertures and secured in the tubular portions, thus joining the switch with the plate for retaining the switch on the shell. A casing is received in the shell so that the plate is enclosed in the casing. At least one container is formed on the casing and defining an inlet through which aqueous solution of salt can be filled into the container and an outlet through which the casing is in fluid communication with the container. At least one pair of positive and negative electrodes is attached to the plate. At least one absorber is received in the casing.

Abstract: A modular circuit interrupter is arranged for interrupting current in a three-phase circuit path providing current from a three-phase source to a three-phase motor. The interrupter includes a contactor unit arranged to interrupt the circuit path in response to a trip command; a current inducer circuit for providing a current signal having a magnitude corresponding to the current in the circuit path; a fault detection circuit responsive to the current signal, for detecting and communicating power faults in the circuit path; and start and stop motor modules. Respective housings are provided for each of the contactor unit, the fault detection circuit, the start motor module and the stop motor module. A data/power communication bus provides a data communication link between each of the contactor unit, the fault detection circuit, the start motor module and the stop motor module.

Abstract: A low inductance triaxial semiconductor switching module. The module permits high power semiconductor switching devices to operated at high frequency but with low inductance. The module incorporates compositional, geometrical and electrical symmetry in connection with a triaxial terminal subassembly having coplanar contact areas. The terminal subassembly is readily fabricated and assembled into the module. The module also includes short internal leads, a special circumferential array of substrates subassemblies, and a circular circuit board having gate and Kelvin circuit patterns.

Abstract: An apparatus interrupts a circuit at a predetermined time. The circuit includes a load and a source of time-varying current. The apparatus includes a relay circuit including a latching relay switch, a first relay coil and a second relay coil, the relay switch switching to engage a first current path when energy is applied to the first relay coil, the relay switch switching to engage a second current path when energy is applied to the second relay coil. The apparatus further includes a switch coupled with the relay means for selectively completing the circuit through one current path of the first current path and the second current path. The apparatus further includes a power supply responsive to the time-varying current for generating a reference voltage, and a timer for measuring a time factor in response to the reference voltage.

Abstract: A directional separator-coupler circuit is provided for a medium-frequency carrier current on an electrical line of a low-voltage alternating current network. The separator-coupler circuit comprises a parallel resonant circuit (C,L) inserted into the electrical line and a circuit (E) for the transmission-reception of the carrier currents which are voltage-coupled to the resonant circuit by a connecting circuit (D). The connecting circuit also comprises a series connecting branch (L.sub.d, C.sub.d) which enables current coupling of the transmission-reception circuit (E) and the medium-frequency line, as well as decoupling thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a variable voltage to an electric load utilizes a transformer with several taps to provide different voltage levels for the load. The load is connected to alternate taps by a switching device, which is operated by a control device responsive to short interruptions in the power supply to the load. Short interruptions in power can be generated by rapidly turning one or more existing power switches in circuit with the load off and on again, so remote control is possible from several locations. Apparatus with the above structure is particularly suitable while employing a toroidal transformer for dimmer control of halogen lamps.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a power module for use in an electrical system of the type having a multiplexer which provides an output signal in response to an input signal, the output signal commanding that electrical power be furnished to a device, the power module including: a housing; a first end of the housing being adapted to be inserted into an electrical outlet; a second end of the housing being adapted for electrical connection to the device, such that, when the power module is turned on, electrical power will be furnished to the device and, when the power module is turned off, electrical power will be removed from the device; and connection means to connect the power module with the multiplexer to receive the output signal from the multiplexer so that the output signal will turn the power module on and/or off. In another aspect of the invention, a power switch similar to the power module is provided. In a further aspect of the invention, a telephone modular connector is provided.

Abstract: An improved interface isolation and selection circuit for a local area network. The invention includes a power supply effective to provide an isolated output voltage. An opto-isolator transforms a first control signal to a second control signal effective to activate the interface. The opto-isolator includes an optical emitter for providing an optical signal in response to the first control signal and an optical detector for receiving the optical signal and providing the second control signal in response thereto. The second control signal is effective to activate the interface by applying the isolated power thereto. In particular implementations, the isolated power and the power for the opto-isolator are provided by a single power supply and a field effect transistor is activated by the opto-isolator and, in turn, activates the interface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated outlet that allows supply of AC power to an outlet receptacle when certain conditions are satisfied. The integrated outlet contains separate modules establish electrical connection with electrical conductors that transmit AC and DC power, telecommunications, control communications, and signals transmitted along a coaxial wire. In a preferred embodiment, these electrical conductors are all disposed on a single ribbon cable. Each module within the integrated outlet can attach to only certain conductors to increase safety in the resulting system.

Abstract: A plug-in timer has a set of input terminals and a set of output terminals as well as a contactor operable to make and/or break electrical connection between these sets of terminals in accordance with a pre-setable 24 hour program. The timer is powered from a small built-in battery, and comprises its own quartz clock and programming-and-control means. The contactor is actuated by a miniature DC motor through a gear and cam arrangement. The operation of the DC motor is controlled by the programming-and-control means, which provides power from the battery to the motor in accordance with a pre-set program; which pre-set program may be modified at any time by way of a keyboard and a numeric display means.The contactor operates by way of hard metal contacts and very little power dissipation occurs within the timer. The timer can be plugged into a special wall switch receptacle and then operates to programmably control the flow of power to the load controlled by this wall switch.

Abstract: A power source switch circuit can remember the last state a switch is in when main power is lost. A capacitor or battery is used to place the switch in its original position after the main power is restored.

Abstract: An appliance timer incremental drive is provided with an electronic circuit that generates a nonvarying camstack motor advancement pulse that cooperates with a cam-operated motor control switch. When the motor control switch is closed, a power circuit is completed with a camstack drive motor and the camstack rotates. When the motor control switch opens, the power circuit is also open, so the camstack is stationary. The camstack remains stationary, delayed, until the electronic circuit, which operates independently from the camstack, provides a nonvarying camstack advancement pulse to power the camstack drive motor to rotate the camstack.