Abstract: A vehicle brake device has wheel brake actuators or wheel brake units which are provided with electronic circuits. The actuator or units can be actuated by at least one redundant communications system. Transmission of data takes place on the at least one communications system according to a predefinable communications matrix in a time-controlled and fault-tolerant manner.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of evenly distributing an electrical load across an n-phase power distribution network. The current in each incoming phase and in each branch circuit is measured by a current sensor. The outputs of the current sensors are monitored by a processor. Associated with each branch circuit is a multi-pole switch and a conventional circuit breaker. Each switch is able of connecting its corresponding branch circuit to any incoming phase, and of disconnecting the branch circuit from all n phases. The processor periodically monitors currents flowing through each incoming phase and, based on branch circuit load conditions, reprograms the switches to keep the branch circuit loads evenly distributed across all three incoming phases.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an electrical distribution system for an automobile having a power distribution bus and a signal distribution bus. An area module has an electrical connection with the power distribution bus and the signal distribution bus. The area module has connections to individual feature modules. The feature modules have power and signal distribution for electrical components. The area and the feature modules distribute power and signal to the electrical components from the power distribution bus and the signal distribution bus.

Abstract: An open loop control arrangement for an electrical energy flow-controlling circuit coupling the varying terminal voltage of an energy storing capacitor to a fixed voltage direct current aircraft energy supply bus in order to supplement bus voltage transients. The open loop control arrangement allows energy flow from the varying terminal voltage of the capacitor to the fixed bus voltage by providing a time varying pulse modulation cycle in an energy conveying and voltage changing inductive element located in the energy coupling path. The open loop control arrangement senses input voltage rather than output voltage of the coupling circuit in what is termed a "feed forward " output regulation algorithm. A transistorized and integrated circuit inclusive preferred embodiment of the invention is disclosed in which a disconnect of the inductance from the aircraft supply bus is accomplished during shunt path inductance energy charging portions of an operating cycle.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle comprises a motor driving the vehicle's wheels, multiple batteries supplying electric power to the motor, and a generator driven by an internal combustion engine to generate electric power for charging the batteries. Battery sensors detect terminal voltages of the batteries. An ECU controls a DC/DC converter to distribute electric power to independently charge the batteries through charge lines in accordance with the shortage of charge in respective batteries when excess electrical power is available from the generator even after a required amount of electrical power from the generator is used to rotate wheels.

Abstract: In a power supply apparatus including a plurality of batteries and a plurality of power supply portions for connecting to loads, a plurality of switches connect these batteries to these power supply portions, respectively. The apparatus further includes a control mechanism which controls the opening and closing operations of the switches. When one of the switches is turned on in one of the power supply means, the control mechanism executes the control in such a manner that the other switches are turned off. The control mechanism further controls each of the switches on the basis of the remaining capacity of each battery and the load state of each power supply portion. Accordingly, the power supply operation can be flexibly carried out.

Abstract: A controller and method for controlling two or more electrical generators to meet the applied load, varies the activation/deactivation sequence of the generators according to and instruction set selected by time or day or other discrete event. The controller and method also control discretionary loads via a request to run process which allows the generation system to be readied for the additional load.

Abstract: A semiconductor device has a plurality of power supply circuits whose generated voltages are different from each other, and a plurality of internal circuits whose operating voltages are different from each other. The power supply circuits and the internal circuits are interconnected by power lines with respective power supply switches inserted therein. The power lines are connected to a single external terminal by respective control lines with respective external switches inserted therein. The power supply circuits and the internal circuits can be tested from the single external terminal.

Abstract: A proximity detector having a power switch 30 which is switched as a function of the approach of an object. The detector includes a MOS depletion transistor T1 which connects one of the terminals 15 of the detector to a control input of a power switch 30 through a control switch T2. A regulator stage 45 is coupled to T1 in order to keep T1 saturated in the closed condition of the detector and to regulate the gate voltage of T1 when the detector is in a open state.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling distribution of d.c. power to a plurality of remote d.c.-powered LAN transceivers, which includes a plurality of primary d.c. power supplies and at least one backup d.c. power supply, all having means for connection to a source of electrical power to provide output d.c. power independently of each other. A plurality of electrical switches are each operable in a first mode of operation to connect one of the primary power supplies to at least one set of output terminals for connection to a remote transceiver. Comparator circuits compare the output voltage at each of the primary power supplies to the output voltage at the backup power supply to indicate a failure condition at one of the primary supplies. Circuitry is responsive to a failure indication for operating one or more of the electrical switches in a second mode of operation in which at least one set of output terminals is connected to the backup power supply.

Abstract: A power distribution arrangement, especially in an aircraft, includes plural power sources, a power line having plural power supply strands connected to the power sources, plural power consumer groups each including plural power consuming devices, and branch lines respectively connecting the power line with the power consumer groups. A respective allocation unit selectively interconnects the power consuming devices of each group with selected individual branch line strands of the branch lines. A status unit acquires information regarding the respective operating status of the power sources and the power line strands, and conveys corresponding information regarding a power failure on any power line strand to a central power control unit, which correspondingly transmits control commands over a control bus to the respective allocation units.

Abstract: A power supply system which is designed to control the power supply to, for example, a building-block private branch exchange (PBX) system is provided which includes main and extension cabinets having disposed therein AC power supply units, respectively, and a power supply control circuit. The main and extension cabinets are supplied with AC power from an external power source and provide DC outputs. The power supply control circuit includes a first and a second switching circuit. The first switching circuit allows the supply of AC power to the AC power supply unit of the extension cabinet when the power supply system is turned on and interrupts it when the power supply system is turned off. The second switching circuit establishes communication between the AC power supply unit of the extension cabinet and a backup battery when the power supply system is turned on and blocks it when the power supply system is turned off.

Abstract: An isolation circuit for use in a power plant having a first power supply that powers a first load and a second power supply that powers a second load. The first and second power supplies are cross-couplable via a first and second auxiliary path to allow the first power supply to power the second load and the second power supply to power the first load. The first power supply is subject to a reverse current by way of the first auxiliary path. The isolation circuit includes a first switch, located in the first auxiliary path, that substantially reduces the reverse current flowing into the first power supply thereby enhancing an isolation of the first power supply. A controller is, also, provided that monitors the first switch thereby enhancing a reliability of the power plant.

Abstract: A method and circuit arrangement for covering peak energy demand in an electrical AC or three-phase current network having a plurality of consumers of which at least some of the consumers are equipped with a stand-by power supply network having accumulators and at least one rectifier fed from the electrical network. The method includes feeding a fraction of energy from the accumulators of each individual stand-by power supply network into the electrical network via inverters for a short term peak demand of the electrical network. The fraction of energy is fed from the accumulators as long as peak demand is present and sufficient energy for the stand-by power supply is still available in the accumulators.

Abstract: A power supply device for a communication apparatus includes a main power supply for supplying electric power to respective units of a communication apparatus main body, a main power supply control unit for ON/OFF-controlling the main power supply, and a battery for supplying electric power to the main power supply control unit. When the main power supply is ON, the main power supply control unit receives power supply from the main power supply. When the main power supply is OFF, the main power supply control unit receives power supply from the battery.

Abstract: A personal information device is provided, which includes an integrated circuit coupled to a variety of peripheral devices. The integrated circuit is configured with a core section and one or more input/output sections. The core section is powered independently of the input/output sections, allowing selective power down of peripheral components coupled to the integrated circuit without the use of external buffers. The input/output sections are configured with unique input/output circuits which perform the buffering task. The integrated circuit is further configured with a partial reset. The partial reset selectively forces portions of the integrated circuit to an initial state while other portions continue to operate. One particular embodiment of the integrated circuit is configured with a CPU and an RTC unit which comprises configuration RAM and a real time clock facility. When the partial reset is activated, the RTC unit is not reset but the CPU is reset.

Abstract: There is provided a power system for a spacecraft that includes a plurality of electrical loads. The power system comprises N segmented solar array panels. Each of the N segmented solar array panels comprises Y solar array segments. The power system also comprises a plurality of power source blocks, each of which includes a respective one of the Y solar array segments of a respective one of the N segmented solar array panels. The Y solar array segments receive solar energy and provide electrical energy as outputs of respective ones of the power source blocks. The power system further comprises at least one switch which is controllable for coupling electrical energy output by individual ones of the power source blocks to selected individual ones of the electrical loads.

Abstract: A dual adjustable voltage regulator combining a DC--DC switching regulator with a linear regulator implemented on a single chip is disclosed. The invention provides switching circuitry that can select between a fixed output voltage level and a user-adjustable output voltage. The circuit further provides means to automatically detect and generate power supply voltage levels as required by the system.

Abstract: A power supply controller is capable of regulating the amount of electrical power supplied to semiconductor fabrication facilities to amounts in accordance with processing conditions of each facility. The apparatus includes a plurality of process status detectors corresponding to the facilities, each status detector detecting an operation mode of each of the facilities and generating a mode detection signal. A plurality of unit controllers are provided, corresponding to the process status detectors, each unit controller generating a power control signal in response to the mode detection signal. A plurality of power supply units are provided, corresponding to the unit controllers, each power supply unit controlling and providing an amount of electrical power from the main power supply to the facilities in response to the power control signal corresponding the operation mode of each facility.

Abstract: A dual power battery charger for charging a rechargeable battery having power input terminals.

Abstract: A redundant power controller including two sets of switches, one of which is electrically controlled and the other is controlled manually. The electrically controlled switch is a relay-controlled switch which when detecting an abnormal input voltage, it sends out a positive voltage to cut off the power supply to the system. The mechanical switch is controlled manually to cut off the power supply to the system when needed.

Abstract: An electric power distribution system is shown where even if supply of electric power is interrupted, other normal electric part systems can be operated. A number of electric power distribution portions are supplied with electric power through at least two systems of electric power lines. The amounts of electric currents in the two systems of the trunk lines respectively are detected and monitored by a sensor and each current detection portion. Moreover, a controller controls a switch corresponding to a sensor which has detected an abnormal value among output values from a number of current detection portions to make non-conductive the trunk line from which the abnormal value has been detected. If a fault takes place in, for example, the trunk line between the electric power distribution portions, the two ends of the trunk line respectively are disconnected by the switch.

Abstract: A synchronization device for a redundant power supply system synchronizes resetting of tripping type current limiter devices which are reset automatically, to prevent the current limiters tripping out in cascade when the system is started up or automatically reset after the disappearance of a short-term current surge. It includes a synchronization link interconnecting all the current limiters of all the power supply units. Each current limiter includes a generator sending a synchronization signal on the synchronization link periodically and independently for each current limiter. The generator which sends a synchronization signal first resets all the current limiters simultaneously. The device has applications in electronic equipment comprising a plurality of power supply units connected in parallel.

Abstract: A spacecraft avionics module having a selected degree of electrical power independence from a core spacecraft structure to which the module is attached. The module of the invention includes at least a power regulator and converter function. Other embodiments of the invention also include an energy storage device and a power generator on the module itself, for complete decentralization of electrical power management for the spacecraft.

Abstract: An uninterruptible power supply control system of for controlling power supply to an internet type apparatus, a CPU type apparatus requiring a shutdown processing and a printer type apparatus not requiring the shutdown processing. The uninterruptible power supply control system comprises an uninterruptible power supply device which is connected to a power source and arranged to be supplied with power from a battery. The uninterruptible power supply device is arranged to output a shutdown signal to the CPU type apparatus when a power service interruption occurs. The CPU type apparatus makes its shutdown processing in response to the shutdown signal. The internet type apparatus is allowed to be directly electrically connected to the battery so that the internet type apparatus is kept in an uninterrupted power supply condition.

Abstract: A control system for a vessel utilizes a first and second power source to supply a first and second electrical load on the vessel. Each of the power sources is connected to its particular load and motorized circuit breakers are provided to allow operation of both the loads with a single power source, conveniently a generator, and to allow connection of each individual load to its own power source and to isolate the two loads and two power sources if both power sources are being used simultaneously.

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

Abstract: An uninterruptible power supply provides improved reliability by supplying temporary standby power to a critical load and startup power to a backup power source from a single energy storage system. In the preferred embodiment, a flywheel energy storage device that produces three-phase AC voltage is used to provide temporary power to a critical load while a backup power supply, such as a diesel generator set (GENSET), is accelerated to full speed. The startup power for the GENSET is also provided from the flywheel energy storage device through a circuit that converts the AC voltage at one level to DC voltage at a lower level (e.g., 12 or 24 volts). Therefore, backup power will be provided from the GENSET unless a catastrophic failure occurs in the GENSET itself.

Abstract: In a control system for a power transmission and distribution system, a plurality of distributed power supplying and receiving units each including a control unit are provided and connected along a power distribution line. The power supplying and receiving unit function to generate active and reactive powers of fundamental and higher harmonic waves to supply and receive the same to and from the power distribution line. A first central control unit controls the power distribution line and is designed to store information relating to the configuration of the power distribution line, to collect information with regard to instant open and close conditions of respective disconnecting switches connected for sectioning the power distribution line, and with regard to current electrical quantities on the power distribution line.

Abstract: An analog-to-digital converter comprises the following elements. A reference voltage generation circuit is provided for dividing a reference voltage into a plurality of divided reference voltages having voltage levels different from each other. A plurality of comparators are provided, each of which has a first input terminal connected to an analog input line for fetching analog signals and a second input terminal connected to the reference voltage generation circuit for fetching a corresponding one of the divided reference voltages so as to compare the analog signals with the divided reference voltage. Each of the comparators has an output terminal through which an output digital signal is outputted.

Abstract: A plug-in module receives both primary and alternate power via mating connectors on the module and on the backplane. Multilevel connectors are used so that a module being inserted first receives alternate power and ground before primary power and signal connections are made. The initial connect to the alternate power supply directs the transient current to the alternate power supply through an isolating PN junction diode having a forward bias voltage drop of about 0.8 volts. When the module is fully inserted, the module is connected to both the primary and alternate power. Within each module the associated electrical load is now connected directly to the primary power bus. To prevent transient currents produced by the hot insertion of other plug-in modules from affecting the voltage level on the power bus, the primary voltage supply is connected to the primary power bus via a Schottky diode having a forward bias voltage of approximately 0.4 volts.

Abstract: A recovery system for a power supply. The inventive system includes a first circuit which detects a reapplication of wall power to the power supply and generates a signal in response thereto after an interruption in the output thereof. A second circuit then automatically reactivates the power supply on receipt of the signal without operator intervention. The invention is particularly well suited for systems having multiple power supplies each operating within an associated power boundary. In this case, a first power supply provides power to a first load and a second power supply provides power to a second load. A control circuit is provided in each load. The control circuit is equipped to receive the signal indicating a reapplication of power to a power supply within another power boundary and automatically reactivate the power supply.

Abstract: The power supply unit (1) of an optical fibre telecommunications network distribution point is provided with a power supply controller. The power supply unit (1) is connected to a plurality of power supply lines in the premises of a plurality of customers. A controller (6) controls the supply of power from the power supply lines to the power supply unit of the distribution point.

Abstract: A broadband communications network having an uninterruptible power supply. The power supply has one input connection to AC line voltage and another input connected to a gas powered electrical generator. The power supply contains an uninterruptible power supply module having a controlled ferroresonant transformer and a battery. The power supply also contains a bypass module having a controlled ferroresonant transformer. Switches are provided to allow either of the inputs to be connected to either the UPS module or the bypass module for the generation of power signals for supplying power to the broadband communications network.

Abstract: A transfer switch system includes a controller which sends separately timed restart signals over a communications network to an addressable relay associated with each load in order to sequentially restart the loads following a transfer. When the loads are elevators, the controller sends a prepare to transfer signal to each elevator through the associated addressable relay directing the elevator to park at a floor with its doors open and delays making a discretionary transfer until all elevators send a reply message over the network that they are appropriately parked. A message from the utility directing a reduction in use of their power can be sent to the controller over the communications network through an additional remote station. The controller can then transfer to the alternate power source and/or send messages to selected loads to shut down.

Abstract: A power system plant includes a backplane arrangement including a primary and secondary bus to which intermediate power processing modules are selectively connected to the input and output power control and monitors of the plant. The backplane connections are controlled by the plug-in power processing modules. the resulting connections are unique to the type of plug-in module placeed on an input shelf (i.e. rectifier or converter plug-in module) and determine how the plant is to operated. The connections of these plug-in modules to the backplane connector are such that the plug-in module is designed to have its connectors connect to either primary or secondary referenced control signals. The connectors of the backplane accept both type of plug-in modules so that any plug-in module inserted is automatically connected to respond to the appropriate primary or secondary referenced control signals.

Abstract: An electric power distribution center for use on aircraft comprises a space frame having a first surface defining a plurality of sockets, and a second, generally parallel, surface defining a plurality of connector ports; a plurality of conducting bus bars utilizing a three dimensional routing configuration encapsulated within the space frame; current sensors integrally mounted within the space frame for monitoring the flow of electrical current through the conducting bus bars; and a printed circuit board encapsulated within the space frame for providing electrical circuit pathways within the power distribution center. Further, a plurality of load protection and control devices, seated within the sockets of the first surface, provide a switchable coupling between the bus bars and the printed circuit board to control the distribution of electric power to the individual aircraft loads.

Abstract: A fault tolerant isolation system providing fault tolerant electrical isolation between different components receiving power from separate power sources regardless of which of the power sources fails. One power source provides operating voltage to an isolation device, which is a transceiver, buffer, quick switch, etc. The other power source activates a transistor switch coupled to the output enable input of the isolation device, and a current limit device is provided between the output enable and power inputs of the isolation device. In this manner, failure of either power source disables the isolation device and therefore provides fault tolerant isolation between the devices on either side. In the preferred embodiment, the isolation device acts as a high impedance open switch if its power is removed thereby isolating the devices on either side.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of evenly distributing an electrical load across a three phase power distribution network. The current in each incoming phase and in each branch circuit is measured by a plurality of current sensors. The output of the current sensors are monitored by a processor. Associated with each branch circuit is a multi-pole switch and a conventional circuit breaker. Each switch is able to connect its corresponding branch circuit to any incoming phase or to disconnect the branch circuit from all three phases. The processor periodically monitors the current flowing through each incoming phase and based on branch circuit load conditions, reprograms the switches to keep the branch circuit loads evenly distributed across all three incoming phases. In another embodiment, a summing circuit combines the current capacities of all three incoming phases into a single summed output.

Abstract: An electric power distribution center for use on aircraft comprises a space frame having a first surface defining a plurality of sockets, and a second, generally parallel, surface defining a plurality of connector ports; a plurality of conducting bus bars utilizing a three dimensional routing configuration encapsulated within the space frame; current sensors integrally mounted within the space frame for monitoring the flow of electrical current through the conducting bus bars; and a printed circuit board encapsulated within the space frame for providing electrical circuit pathways within the power distribution center. Further, a plurality of load protection and control devices, seated within the sockets of the first surface, provide a switchable coupling between the bus bars and the printed circuit board to control the distribution of electric power to the individual aircraft loads.

Abstract: A method for performing a voltage stability security assessment for a region of an electric power transmission system having a plurality of buses and a plurality of sources of reactive reserves coupled thereto. The plurality of buses are grouped into a plurality of voltage control areas such that each of the buses within each voltage control area has a substantially similar reactive margin and voltage at the minimum of the corresponding reactive power versus voltage relationship. A corresponding reactive reserve basin is determined for each of at least one of the voltage control areas. Each reactive reserve basin comprises at least one of the sources of reactive reserves selected in dependence upon a measure of the reactive reserves depleted at a predetermined operating point of the electric power transmission system. A single contingency analysis is performed by computing a corresponding quantity for each reactive reserve basin in response to each of a plurality of single contingencies.

Abstract: A power line conditioner in which a plurality of outlets are mounted on a housing for receiving AC plugs from a plurality of electrical components. The housing is connected to a source of AC power which is distributed to each of the outlets, with the AC power associated with the outlets being processed to improve the performance of the components connected to the outlets. The AC power processing at one or more of the outlets differs from the processing at one or more of the other outlets so that the outlets can accommodate components with different electrical characteristics.

Abstract: In a power supply control system including first through N-th power supply units for generating first through N-th output voltages, the first through the N-th power supply units producing first through N-th failure signals on occurrence of failure in the first through the N-th power supply units, respectively. A sequence control unit carries out a power on sequence which is for sequentially putting the first through the N-th power supply units into an on state in voltage increasing order of the output voltages and carries out a power off sequence which is for sequentially putting the first through the N-th power supply units into an off state in voltage decreasing order of the output voltages.

Abstract: A secondary power system eliminates the need for an automatic transfer switch and permits simultaneous supply from different sources. Primary power is rectified and connected to a DC bus, an AC generator has its output rectified and connected to the DC bus, and a storage battery is also connected to the DC bus. Current on the DC bus is inverted to AC to provide an uninterrupted power supply. The system is connected to a household electrical system by a power distribution panel which can be installed in a home prior to the secondary power system and can facilitate installation of the secondary system. The distribution panel can selectively bypass the secondary system and can disconnect non-vital loads when primary power is not available. The generator is powered by an engine using gasoline, natural gas or water, which can also power other systems, such as air conditioning, with exhaust heat or rotary motion.

Abstract: A circuit breaker device for use on an electric vehicle has a high-voltage drive power supply for supplying electric energy to a load to drive the electric vehicle, a circuit breaker for cutting off the electric energy supplied from the drive power supply to the load, a sensor assembly for detecting conditions of the electric vehicle, and a controller for controlling operation of the circuit breaker in response to a detected signal from the sensor assembly. The controller is connected to a low-voltage accessory power supply for energizing accessories on the electric vehicle, and also connected to the drive power supply through a power supply converter for converting the electric energy supplied from the drive power supply, so that the controller can be energized at all times by at least one of either the accessory power supply or the drive power supply.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit is operative in a plurality of different modes. A plurality of select signals whose number corresponds to modes selected from a plurality of different modes are outputted. In response to the select signals, it is detected whether at least two operation modes are selected simultaneously. If so, a detection signal is outputted. In response to this detection signal, the operation of the semiconductor integrated circuit is stopped. Further, in response to the select signal, the semiconductor integrated circuit is activated in a mode by means of a predetermined select signal of these select signals. Further, in response to these select signals, the selected mode can be detected.

Abstract: A distributed power system for providing multiple output voltages, including pulsed voltages, to a solid-state phased-array radar transmit/receive module, for example, includes: an energy-storage capacitor for coupling to an input dc power source and for storing substantial energy at high voltage for supplying pulsed voltages at low voltage; at least one capacitance-multiplying converter, including first and second transformers with multiple secondary windings, for producing positive and negative voltages on buses internal to a power module; and a plurality of series regulators to obtain multiple positive and negative load voltages, including pulsed voltages, from the positive and negative bus voltages. Substantial energy storage is achieved within the power module; and, if even more energy storage is desired, an additional external energy-storage capacitor can be coupled to the input power leads, thereby being coupled in parallel with the energy-storage capacitor.

Abstract: A power supply device includes an emergency power cut-off switch, a basic power supply unit supplied with an external alternating current electric power through the emergency power cut-off switch and a plurality of expansion power supply units supplied respectively with external alternating current electric power through power supply switches and provided sequentially and externally to the basic power supply unit. Diodes or current control elements are inserted in a path connecting a first line supplied with direct current outputs from the power supply units in the preceding stages of the externally provided expansion power supply units to a second line for supplying direct current outputs to the power supply units in the next stages of the externally provided expansion power supply units.

Abstract: An appliance control circuit used in a dishwasher which includes only a single door switch which is used both for disabling/enabling the AC voltage components of the dishwasher and which also provides an input to the microprocessor of the control circuit. A zero crossing conditioning circuit is also included to condition the door switch signal and to provide it to the microprocessor. The microprocessor control is electrically isolated from the grounded side of the line voltage.

Abstract: An electric utility sub-station having two transformers which transmit electric energy to customers in different service areas. A throwover is provided which is operative, when a failure occurs in one transformer, to switch the load normally carried by the failed transformer over to the other transformer which then carries the load of both transformers. Operation of the throwover is blocked when the total demand load on both transformers exceeds the capacity of either transformer.