Abstract: A DC power source unit includes a main unit that generates DC voltage, and an output cable. The output cable is connected, either integrally or detachably, at one end to the output of the main unit and another end to an adapter plug. The adapter plug is electrically connected to an electrically powered tool, such as an electrical drill. An output voltage switching unit switches the level of voltage supplied by the main unit to the electrically powered tool, to a level that matches the rated voltage of the electrically powered tool that corresponds to the fitting portion of the adapter plug.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit device has an output circuit composed of a P-channel transistor whose source is connected to a terminal for receiving a supplied voltage and an N-channel transistor whose source is connected to a terminal for receiving a ground voltage, with the node between the drains of the two transistors used as the output terminal of the output circuit. A capacitive circuit element is connected between the sources of the two transistors, and thus in parallel with the output circuit, so as to suppress variations that occur in the current supplied from the supplied power as a result of a current being fed through the output circuit to or from a load connected to the output terminal. This helps keep constant the voltage that is supplied to an internal circuit that is connected in parallel with the output circuit, and thereby stabilize the operation of the internal circuit.

Abstract: A corner light switch assembly to be mounted against a corner edge of a wall corner at a predetermined location and vertical height. The corner light switch assembly includes 1) a main switch body; 2) a switch body cover plate of L-shape constructed of a transparent plastic material connected to the main switch body; 3) a touch sensitive switch assembly mounted in the main switch body and engageable with the switch body cover plate; and 4) a power supply cord to connect an appliance, table lamp or light fixture to the touch sensitive switch assembly for selective operation thereof The switch body cover plate has a sensor section with a plurality of sensor openings therein. The touch sensitive switch assembly includes a touch plate sensor connected to a touch sensitive switch circuit. The touch plate sensor is placed within one of the sensor openings in the sensor section of the switch body cover plate and having the touch plate sensor mounted therein.

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).

Abstract: A load bank is constructed using a plurality of tubes made from electrica conductive material and a fluid system that supplies cooling fluid to the tubes. Each of a plurality of electrically conductive clamps is selectively positioned to electrically connect at least two of the tubes in a spaced apart parallel relationship. Each clamp can be adjusted in terms of the amount of force applied to the tubes it connects so that positioning of each clamp is adjustable along the length of the connected tubes. A combination of the clamps and the tubes form an electrically resistive current-carrying circuit that serves as the load for a power source while the cooling fluid serves to dissipate the heat generated in the load.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained and compact load bank of wire wound resistors utilizes wire wound resistors which are air cooled by a fan mounted in a venturi wherein the load resistors may dissipate power at up to six times their power rating. Current flow through the resistors is controlled by a transistor bank and portions of the resistors may be shorted out through taps connected to SCR's, with both the SCR's and the transistors being controlled by a microprocessor. The load bank is fully automatic, and because of highly effective air cooling, minimization of air flow resistance and use of edge wound resistors, the load bank is highly portable due both to its compact size enabling travel through normal passageways and its reduced weight. Both the microcontroller circuitry and the resistive load dissipation circuitry are contained within the same unit and are electrically isolated from each other by optical isolators.

Abstract: A relay output circuit is provided which enables a relay coil to be connected to a possibly variable input DC voltage without requiring relatively high power components to be used. The relay coil is provided with sufficient current to actuate it and then the actuating current is decreased to a lesser magnitude which is sufficient to maintain the relay in an actuated position. In order to accomplish this, the relay output circuit first provides current to the coil through a single resistor and then effectively connects an additional resistor in series with the initial resistor to decrease the current flowing through the coil. The second resistor is effectively added to the circuit by turning off a field effect transistor that provides a shorting across the second resistor when it is in a conductive state. The conductive state of the field effect transistor is controlled by a capacitor which charges for a preselected period of time following a change of state of an input circuit point.

Abstract: A sewing machine is disclosed having an electric circuit divided into a first high-voltage section and a second low voltage section. The second section is supplied via a step-down transformer connected to the first section. The second section has a rectifier connected to the output of the transformer for dispensing DC power to the functional elements of the machine. The first circuit section, the transformer and some elements of the second section are contained in a remote housing which is separate from the machine and is linked to it by a cable. A foot pedal for actuating the machine is integral with the housing.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method for operating a door hold-open device and a device for carrying out the method. A door hold-open device which unlatches a held door based upon the occurrence of an unlatch condition includes a door latching mechanism, a signal processing circuit having a power source. The method consists of the steps preventing the signal processing mechanism from consuming electrical current, upon occurrence of an unlatch condition, generating a unlatch condition signal and providing electrical current to the signal processing mechanism to power it, determining the continued existence of the unlatch condition signal with the signal processing mechanism and upon determination of the continued existence of the unlatch condition signal with the signal processing mechanism, transmitting an electrical unlatch signal to the door latching mechanism.

Abstract: An iris driving circuit, adapted to a color video camera, detects excessive intensity of radiation above a predetermined level from a white-colored subject so that an iris is controlled to optimize the function of auto white balance.

Abstract: An improved structure of a fixed device of fan switch, which is to fix a fan switch fixing plate to the steering gear box that firmly attached to the motor and to fix a fan switch to the fixing plate through two of the supporting rods of the fixing plate, and at the same time, to fix a plastic back cover to the fixing plate through the other two supporting rods of the fixing plate so as to combine the motor, the fan switch fixing plate, the fan switch and the plastic back cover together as one unit.

Abstract: In a radio frequency switch, a pair of diodes is coupled in series with polarities opposed between input and output ports. A shunt diode is coupled between the junction point of the pair of diodes and a point of reference potential. A transistor has its main conduction path coupled between the junction point and the point of reference potential. When the switch is to couple a signal between the input and output ports, a control arrangement applies bias tending to forward bias the pair of diodes, to reverse bias the shunt diode and cut off conduction through the transistor.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved drive circuit for a print element actuator wherein the current applied to the actuator has a fast rise mode which is terminated when a predetermined level has been reached. Current is allowed to slowly decay through the circuit until it reaches a second and lower predetermined level. The circuit is self-timing and self-compensating for variations in voltage or actuator impedance.

Abstract: A drive circuit for a piezoelectric actuator includes a pair of power input terminals for supplying either AC or DC power, with the piezoelectric actuator being connected between these power input terminals. A device for supplying current for driving the piezoelectric actuator in one direction is interposed between one of the power input terminals and an end of the piezoelectric actuator. Further, there is provided connected in parallel to the piezoelectric actuator a switching circuit which turns into a high resistance state when the device is on and serves as an active discharge path for the electric charges of the piezoelectric actuator.

Abstract: A control device includes an electrically contactless depluggable logic module such as a computer that is used to interface between a power supply and input and output elements to process a system of control signals. There are no electrical connections to the logic module. This eliminates electromagnetic interference and conducted line interference. The power supply is magnetically coupled to the logic module. Information and control signals are optically coupled to the logic module. It is a free standing, environmentally immune unit, electrically isolated from the outside world.

Abstract: A product such as a portable radio adapted for operation from either an internal battery source or an external source of relatively high voltage alternating current electric power is provided with a removable power module containing all of the high voltage components required for operation from the alternating current source. The removable power module is connected to the product by a low bulk, low voltage electrical connector through a recess in the product housing, the recess being sized to receive both the power module and the electrical connector when battery operation is desired. Because of the low bulk of the electrical connector, the size of the recess may be minimized.

Abstract: To obtain a good print quality in metal paper printers, the print current, after ignition of the arc, must be rapidly reduced to a fraction of the value necessary for ignition. For this purpose, two transistor power stages (T3, T4) are connected to the print electrode (2). Their partial currents form the print current, whose rapid reduction after ignition of the arc is obtained by the two transistor power stages being operated at voltages (U2, U3) of different magnitude. The second transistor stage (T4) is operated at a voltage (U3), whose magnitude corresponds to the drop in potential occurring upon ignition between the grounded metal layer (3) of the record carrier (4) and the print electrode. As a result, the second transistor stage is switched off when a diode (D) connected to it becomes non-conductive.

Abstract: The position control and force control of a device mounted to a tractor, in particular for controlling the depth penetration of a plough, is supplemented by a lowering speed-responsive control to limit the lowering speed to a predetermined maximum value in order to increase safety of operation. Activating and disabling the lowering speed signal takes place in response to operating a mode select switch provided for the position control and force control as well as in response to a high-speed actuation of the mounted device. Furthermore, the lifting and lowering function of the hydraulic jack of the mounted device may be locked to prevent undesired motions of the mounted device when the system is put in operation.

Abstract: An electromagnetic switchgear has a set of main and leading switches in a housing for adding series damping resistors to legs of a network which feeds a capacitive load. Plural switch sets are arranged side by side with associated main and leading switches positioned one over the other in two stories. Electrical bridges which extend over the two stories connect the input leads of the switches of a set. Similarly, a damping resistor is connected between the output leads of the switches of a set, and the resistors are mounted so that they lie, protected against external influences, between separation ribs on the switchgear housing.

Abstract: A switching assembly to be incorporated in a window-regulator for a motor vehicle and the like, which includes paired units of switching members, each of which is arranged to serve for operating an electric motor in either of two rotational directions in a manual mode or in an automatic mode subject to the displacing amount of a single switching knob, and an electric circuit means including a solenoid for selectively self-retaining and self-releasing the automatic operating mode. The switching assembly is arranged to be capable of selectively energizing and de-energizing the electric motor incorporated in the window-regulator together with operating the solenoid simultaneously.

Abstract: The recording device has a heating unit operated and controlled to a predetermined operating temperature, the start of the recording device is governed so as not to operate the heating unit before its temperature reaches a predetermined operating value, the starting of the recording device is permitted prior to a certain time before the temperature of the heating unit reaches the predetermined operating value after the power supply is energized source for the recording device.

Abstract: A silencer adapted to suppress the audio output of a radio or television set during commercial breaks in a program. The silencer which requires no wiring changes in the set includes a probe insertable in the existing earphone jack. The probe is constituted by a truncated tubular plug whose length falls short of the flexible switch arm of the jack that normally engages a contact arm to connect the audio signal line to the loudspeaker, the plug having a retractable plunger therein. When the plug is advanced by a local actuator, it engages the switch arm of the jack to flex it away from the contact arm to cut off loudspeaker sound, the sound being restored when the plunger is retracted. The local actuator of the plug is coupled to a remote actuator which when manually-activated acts selectively through the local actuator to advance or retract the plunger to cut off sound at the outset of a commercial break and to restore it at the conclusion thereof.

Abstract: A seismic prospecting roll along switching system using a relatively small number of switches to provide roll along prospecting while also providing variable gapping with minimum loss of active channels. In a simple form two sets of switches are provided with each set having one switch provided for each geophone input and with switch outputs connected in pairs, appropriately selected, to the inputs of signal processing channels. The two sets of switches are connected to the processing channels in a skewed or staggered manner with the amount of skew corresponding to a selectable gap. A controller is provided for electronically closing the appropriate switches from each set in accordance with the desired gap. Additional switch sets may be employed to provide additional selectable gaps while maintaining complete utilization of processing channels.

Abstract: A control circuit for a refuse compactor having a compacting ram driven by a reversing electric motor for compacting refuse placed in a receptacle in the compactor. A tilt switch is associated with the receptacle and a control circuit for plug reversing the ram drive motor as a result of the tilt switch sensing a tilted condition of the receptacle during the compaction operation so as to return the ram to a retracted position as a result of such sensed tilted condition. The plug reversal operation is effected during novel utilization of the normal motor direction reversing switch of the control with the tilt switch being connected selectively in series with or in parallel with the reversing switch in different embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: A switch and latch arrangement for use in a washing appliance of the type providing for user selection of one of two dry cycle options in which option selection is coupled to the door latch mechanism in such a manner that movement of the door latch means from a latched to an unlatched position assures that a predetermined one of said options is automatically selected, requiring manual override at that selection by the user after latching the door if the other option is desired. In an illustrative embodiment, the switch and latch arrangement is used in a dishwasher which provides for user selection of a non-heated dry option or a heated dry option. An option selection button, movable between a first portion for enabling the non-heated option and a second position for enabling the heated dry option is provided.

Abstract: A low-cost control system for irrigation valves and the like, including a station advance control unit and a plurality of valve control units connected in a series string by a pair of power supply lines from the station advance control unit, each of the valve control units being associated with a single valve or a single group of valves. When power is first applied to a valve control unit, it actuates the valve or valves with which it is associated, and blocks the flow of power to succeeding control units in the series string. When a station advance signal is transmitted along a third line connected to all of the valve control units, the most remote control unit to which power is connected responds by deactuating its valve or valves, and switching power through to the next unit in turn.

Abstract: A reclosing system for d-c feeder breakers in transit systems employing cars using a chopper type of regulated power is disclosed. The circuit includes voltage-sensing and load-measuring circuits which determine that there is no short circuit on the respective feeder line before the circuit breaker can be closed. The system operates in two sequential modes. The first is a voltage-sensing mode which, upon sensing a voltage on the feeder circuit greater than some given magnitude, will cause the closing of the feeder breaker. If this voltage is not sensed during the voltage-sensing mode, the circuit automatically goes into a load-measuring mode wherein a current is injected into the feeder circuit and the voltage drop caused by the injected current is monitored. If a sufficiently high voltage is produced, which indicates that the feeder circuit is free of a fault, the feeder breaker is closed.

Abstract: The intermediate current transformer is replaced by a shunt resistor which bridges the secondary winding of the main current transformer and is of such magnitude that the secondary winding of the main current transformer is virtually short-circuited, but the voltage at the shunt resistor is still sufficient for evaluation in the electronic relay. The shunt resistor consumes only very little power and can therefore be located in the base of a plug-in device. This base, being a permanent part of the assembly, remains in circuit even when the relay is changed or removed for inspection or testing purposes.

Abstract: A selection acknowledgment system is disclosed for a laundry appliance having a plurality of function selection switches, a plurality of function indicator lights, and an integrated program chip which controls functions during operation of the laundry appliance. The program chip has a plurality of control lines each of which function as both an input and an output. During an input mode, signals generated by the function selection switches are input via the control lines. In an output mode, the same control lines convey output signals to trigger appropriate function indicator lights. In order to acknowledge operator actuation of one or more of the function selection switches during an input mode, an acknowledgment switching circuit is provided which momentarily turns off all of the function indicator lights as long as one of the function selection switches is depressed, thus indicating to the operator that the function he has selected has been entered into the program portion of the system.

Abstract: A portable electronic calculator is provided with a housing carrying a first printed circuit board having the operating parts mounted thereon, i.e., keyboard, electronic arithmetic unit, and multi-digit display unit. The housing is of rectangular outline and of shallow height, and is provided at one end with a receptacle communicating with the first printed circuit board and opening at the end of the housing. An electrical supply unit is mounted on a second printed circuit board which slides into said receptacle, said two printed circuit boards having plug-and-socket connection means therebetween for automatically making and breaking connections when said second printed circuit board and electrical supply unit are inserted into or removed from said receptacle.

Abstract: A low noise D. C. power supply system that is particularly suited for suping D. C. power from a stationary source to electronics equipment mounted on a rotating assembly. Brush and slip ring assemblies are used to transfer the D. C. power to the rotating assembly and brush noise is minimized by having non-inductive impedences on both sides of the brush and slip ring assemblies. Floating circuits are employed to transfer the D. C. power from the stationary assembly to the rotating assembly with the return reference ground being through the brush and slip ring assemblies to the stationary assembly. Higher than usual voltages are supplied to a capacitor mounted on the rotating assembly to charge the capacitor providing reserve energy storage, providing a voltage margin for further regulation and thus minimizing the effect of brush noise.