Abstract: A protective circuit for an apparatus includes an accelerometer having an output and a microcontroller coupled to the output of the accelerometer. The protective circuit also includes a switch for controlling the apparatus coupled to an output of the microcontroller and a load coupled to the switch. A power source is coupled to the load and the switch. In operation the microcontroller is cable of sending a signal to the switch to turn of power to the load when a dangerous condition as detected from the accelerometer data has occurred.

Abstract: Aspects of a hierarchical power distribution network are described. In some embodiments, a first guided surface waveguide probe launches a first guided surface wave along a surface of a terrestrial medium within a first power distribution region. A guided surface wave receive structure obtains electrical energy from the first guided surface wave. A second guided surface waveguide probe launches a second guided surface wave along the surface of the terrestrial medium within a second power distribution region using the electrical energy obtained from the first guided surface wave.

Abstract: An output module for an industrial controller configurable to simplify setup and commissioning is disclosed. The output module includes configurable PWM outputs that may be scheduled to start at different times within the PWM period, that may be configured to generate a fixed number of PWM pulses, and that may have an extendable PWM period. The output terminals are configurable to enter a first state upon generation of a fault and further configurable to enter a second state after a configurable time delay following the fault being generated. The output module may receive inputs signals directly from another module and set output signals at the terminals responsive to these signals.

Abstract: Embodiments of a coupling system include a brace member, a plurality of coupling members, and a plurality of magnetic bodies that permit an individual to be attached or detached from a robotic device. The coupling system may serve as a detachable interface between an individual engaged to the robotic device.

Abstract: A method is provided which protects persons in the vicinity of a high frequency (HF) field-emitting device, in particular a European train control system (ETCS) antenna of a rail vehicle. In order to be able to reliably protect persons from radiation that is detrimental to one's health, the device is held in or switched to an OFF state by an uplink for a limited period of time, the ON/OFF state being optically and/or acoustically signaled.

Abstract: A method is provided for safely switching off a photovoltaic module comprising solar cell groups, a first conductor electrically connected to the solar cell groups, and a second conductor electrically connected to the solar cell groups. The safety device comprises at least one first safely switching element and one second safety switching element, wherein the safety switching elements are arranged in parallel across the solar cell groups and are connected to the first conductor and the second conductor in an electrically conductive manner. If an error state occurs, at least one of the safety switching elements is switched by means of a switching process, such that a shorted circuit is produced across the solar cell groups. The at least two safety switching elements perform the switching process in working areas that differ at least partially regarding the temperature.

Abstract: A shock detector having an electrical detector having a set of water immersible electrodes for detecting hazardous water conditions through the determination of the presence of either an electrical current in a body of water, a voltage in the body of water or a voltage gradient in the body of water and then providing an alert to the existence of hazardous electrical conditions in the body of water which in some cases may transmitted to a power source to shut off a power source thereby removing the hazardous water condition.

Abstract: The noise filter includes a first capacitor that is mounted on a substrate, and includes one end connected to a live side of an AC line of an AC voltage supplied from an AC power supply, a second capacitor including one end connected to a neutral side of the AC line, a first ground pattern to which another end of the first capacitor is connected, and a second ground pattern to which another end of the second capacitor is connected. The first ground pattern and the second ground pattern are not connected electrically on the substrate.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for alerting of personal risk in the workplace through a wearable indication signifying a risk condition that includes generating a set of workplace predictors of risk relating to accidents, injury, and industrial hygiene, based on at least one worker state that includes at least one of a physical state, a cognitive state, and an emotional state, and alerting a worker endangered by a predicted elevated risk to the existence of the predicted elevated risk by sending a perceivable alert to the worker. A system for alerting of personal workplace risk is also described.

Abstract: An electrical power distribution system comprises recloser monitors that monitor power line voltages to thereby whether reclosers are open or closed. The recloser monitors report the voltages and associated times to a remote recipient, such as by cell phone. Momentary voltage drops that do not result in a power outage are reported as well. At least some of the recloser monitors are carried by power poles and desirably comprise weather stations for reporting localized weather conditions. The overall efficiency and reliability of the power distribution system is improved by allowing for more rapid identification of outage locations and proactive repair of power system components prior to actual outages.

Abstract: A method for operating a power tool detects human contact with a non-moving implement of the power tool. The method includes sampling an electrical signal that passes through the non-moving implement, identifying in-phase and quadrature phase components for the sample, identifying a first distance between the components of the sample and a centroid of a cluster of samples corresponding to human contact with the non-moving implement, identifying a second distance between the components of the sample and a second centroid identified for another cluster of samples corresponding to no human contact with the non-moving implement, and identifying human contact with the non-moving implement with reference to the first distance being less than the second distance.

Abstract: A human safety system includes a circuit including at least one power source; a temperature probe in communication with the circuit; at least one use detector in communication with the circuit; and an alert indicator in communication with the circuit. A method of measuring a temperature of a user includes determining whether at least one use detector is active; determining a user temperature based on sensed temperature; and determining whether the user temperature is within an allowable range.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electric circuit designed to control a power supply of a piece of electrical equipment, the electric circuit comprising a piece of electrical equipment and a source of supply voltage, and further having, as inputs, at least two discrete electrical signals of which the values condition the cutting off of the power supply to the piece of equipment, the circuit being characterized in that it further comprises:—a module for the redundant comparison of the discrete electric signals, comprising two branches for comparing said signals, parallel to one other, each branch being designed to supply, at the output, a control signal representative of each of the comparisons of said discrete electrical signals, and—a first module for cutting off the power supply to the piece of electrical equipment comprising two switches in series, each one being controlled respectively by one of the two control signals.

Abstract: The invention provides a control interface configured to cooperate with a vehicle, such as a wheelchair or mobile robot, said interface comprising at least one sensor is adapted to detect the presence of at least one finger of a user and to act as a switching mechanism between manual and autonomous control of the vehicle. The invention provides a highly intuitive and effective means of switching between automatic and manual vehicle control-no user training required. The control interface allows for user to be comfortable in an autonomous vehicle—users can instantly gain full control when needed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a power output discharge circuit including: an output filter module configured to receive and filter an input voltage and to output the filtered output voltage to a load; an output charge module configured to charge the output filter module when a power source module is plugged into a system cabinet; and an output discharge module configured to cooperate with the output charge module to discharge the output filter module when the power source module is pulled out of the system cabinet. With an implementation of the power output discharge circuit according to the invention, whether the power source module is pulled out of the system cabinet can be monitored in real time, and upon detecting the power source module being pulled out of the system cabinet, the output discharge module can be started rapidly, and the voltage across the output port can be lowered below a safety voltage in a very short period of time.

Abstract: According to one embodiment there is provided a lamp device (1) having a lighting module (3) and two pairs of external connection pins (5aa, 5ab, 5ba, 5bb) for connecting the lamp device to a supply voltage of a lighting fixture. A first terminal of the lighting module is connected to a pin of a first pair of pins by a switch which is closed in response to a voltage difference between both the pins of the first pair of pins and the pins of the second pair of pins exceeding a respective threshold voltage. The lamp is therefore safe to handle even in a condition where one pair of pins is connected and the other is not.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling the authentication or authorization of a mobile device user for enabling access to the resources or functionality associated with an application or service executable at the user's mobile device. The user or user's mobile device may be automatically authenticated or authorized to access application or system resources at the device when the current geographic location of the user's mobile device is determined to be within a preauthorized zone, e.g., based on a predetermined geo-fence corresponding to the preauthorized zone. A security level or amount of authorization credentials required to authorize a user for data access may be varied according any of a plurality of security levels, when the current or last known geographic location of the user's mobile device is determined to be outside the preauthorized zone.

Abstract: A two-wire transmitter starter circuit is configured to stably supply power at the time of start-up. The two-wire transmitter starter circuit includes a starter current generation circuit. The starter current generation circuit is connected in parallel with a current conversion unit configured to convert a detection signal of a sensor to a predetermined DC current. The starter current generation circuit includes a first series circuit where a first resistor and a shunt regulator are connected in series, and a second series circuit where a switching element and a second resistor are connected in series. The shunt regulator includes a first control terminal connected to a connection point of the switching element and the second resistor. The switching element includes a second control terminal connected to a connection point of the first resistor and the shunt regulator.

Abstract: A testing system to test safety interlock switches to ensure that they are operating normally comprising a test loop circuit 16 which connects in series a plurality of safety switches 2, the test loop circuit 16 is adapted to open the switches 2 outputs if broken, the testing system further comprising a diagnostic means 18 which checks each switch to ensure it is operating normally when the test loop circuit 16 is broken. The test loop circuit 16 may be broken when a single switch 2 is activated to open its safety output.

Abstract: Various sensors are provided inside control equipment, and it is determined whether environment inside the control equipment is abnormal or not, based on data obtained from the sensors.

Abstract: A remote lock-out, tag-out system for controlling multiple buckets in a motor control center employs a safety network providing serial communication between one or more remote lock-out, tag-out stations and individual buckets of the control center permitting remote disconnection of power without the need for protective gear.

Abstract: An emergency stop module arrangement having a logic circuit for the detecting a switching status of an emergency stop switch and for the control of a load switch for the safe connection and disconnection of a load, wherein the emergency stop module arrangement has a first emergency stop module and a second emergency stop module, and wherein the first emergency stop module is coupled via an interface connection to the second emergency stop module. To reduce the wiring complexity as well as the space requirement for the arrangement in a switching cabinet, it is provided that the emergency stop modules are designed as plug-on modules which can be plugged on the load switches, and that each one of the emergency stop modules has at least one switching means which is mechanically positively driven with the coupled load switch.

Abstract: The present invention provides a machine tool making it possible that an operator needs to remove a key member from a predetermined position after an unlock condition of a door is established when a door lock mechanism brings the door into an unlocked state, meanwhile the operator can recognize the necessity of reattaching the key member to the predetermined position when the door lock mechanism brings the door into a locked state. In the machine tool, an interlock mechanism 5a allows a door lock mechanism 8 to bring a door 3 into the unlocked state in a state that the unlock condition of the door 3 is established and when the key member 9 is removed from the predetermined position and, after the door 3 is unlocked, allows the door lock mechanism 8 to bring the door 3 into the locked state only when the key member 9 is attached to the predetermined position in a state that the door closed state detection mechanism 7 detects that the door is located at the predetermined closed position.

Abstract: In response to receiving information regarding an unsafe condition from portable electrical energy storage device (e.g., battery) safety sensors, a locking mechanism controller determines whether the battery is in a desired state to, as a safety measure, have the compartment that holds the battery locked and/or to send a signal to reduce or eliminate current draw from the battery. If the locking mechanism controller determines the battery is in the desired state to have the compartment locked, then it sends a signal to a compartment locking mechanism causing the compartment locking mechanism to lock the compartment in which the battery is located to prevent a user from opening the compartment, and thus helps protect the user against the unsafe condition. In some embodiments, the unsafe condition may be a potential or existing catastrophic failure of the battery in the compartment (e.g., a meltdown, explosion or dangerous leak, etc.).

Abstract: A method for operating a trigger device for an occupant protection unit includes: activating a first switch (high side) of the trigger device for occupant protection units; activating a second switch (low side) of the trigger device for occupant protection units; detecting an output voltage at the second switch (low side); and deactivating the second switch (low side) as a function of the output voltage.

Abstract: The present application describes an apparatus (1) for sectioning an electric energy flow in one or more conductors (15) of an electric energy generating plant (100), comprising a pneumatic circuit (4) that feeds a plurality of pneumatic remote switches (5), and a control unit (2) that controls such a pneumatic circuit (4); the pneumatic remote switches (5) intercept conductors (15) of an electric energy generating plant (100) and are able to interrupt the passage of current both for automatic safety intervention and for manual or automatic controlled intervention; it also describes an electric energy generating plant (100) comprising a plurality of electrical generators (6) connected in series and the aforementioned sectioning apparatus (1), the pneumatic remote switches (5) of which intercept at least one conductor (15) of such a plurality of electrical generators (6).

Abstract: Shorting assemblies, shorting devices, and methods for shorting wind turbine power supplies are provided. A shorting device may include a plurality of cables, each of the plurality of cables including a first end and a second end. The shorting device may further include a plurality of bus bar connectors, each of the plurality of bus bar connectors attached to the first end of one of the plurality of cables and removably connectable to one of the plurality of bus bars. The shorting device may further include a common cable connector, the second end of each of the plurality of cable attached to the common cable connector.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a touch-sensitive paper shredder control system. The touching feature is implemented through a series of electronic circuits, taking input from a conductive touch panel on the shredder feed throat, processing the signal, and through a motor driving circuit, stopping the mechanical parts of the shredder. The system has a touch detection circuit unit, which contains a bioelectricity controlled switching circuit to sense the conductive touch panel. The bioelectricity controlled switching circuit is configured to trigger a ground switching circuit in the touch detection circuit unit which outputs to a multifunction control circuit unit. The control circuit unit then takes care of the remaining protection issues. The touching device for paper shredders protects humans and other living beings including pets from injuries through automatic and real time monitoring. The complete control process is both safe and sensitive.

Abstract: An apparatus that is capable of detecting the presence of a plug comprising: a plurality of receptacles configured to receive a plurality of prongs from a plug, wherein the plurality of receptacles includes a first receptacle and a second receptacle; a controller configured to detect whether a first prong of the plurality of prongs is present in the first receptacle; and a switch configured to provide power to the second receptacle. The switch provides power to the second receptacle when the controller detects that the first prong of the plurality of prongs is present in the first receptacle and the switch does not provide power to the second receptacle when the controller does not detect that the first prong is present in the first receptacle.

Abstract: A safety control system for an electromagnetic door lock of an electric household appliance, wherein a blocking pawl is controlled by the movement of a core of an electromagnet, including a supplying circuit of a coil of the electromagnet, power supplying means to supply electric pulses in the circuit for energizing the coil and a PTC element arranged in series in the circuit; wherein power supplying means are of the type adapted to generate first pulses for taking the pawl to a blocking position and second pulses, having a polarity opposite to the first, for taking the pawl to a releasing position; and including means for determining, according to the parameters of an operating cycle of the electric household appliance, the emission of at least one train of first pulses by the power supplying means, so as to produce the heating of the PTC element.

Abstract: A battery pack discharging device having a hand-held member and a docking device are provided. The hand-held member has a handle portion, first and second extension members, first and second conductive members, and a resistor. The resistor is disposed in the handle portion between the first and second conductive portions. The device further includes a docking device having a housing and first and second contact members. The first and second extension members are disposed in the first and second apertures, respectively, of the docking device such that the first and second conductive members contact the first and second contact members, respectively.

Abstract: A multi-signaling hinged safety switch for mobile protection barriers includes a fixed member designed to be secured to a stationary part of the barrier and having a pair of axial end holes, a movable member designed to be secured to a pivotal part of the barrier and having a pair of substantially transverse arms located outside the fixed member and pivoted to the axial end holes, an electrical detection system within the fixed member switching one or more electric safety circuits of the barrier at a predetermined switching angle. A pair of cylindrical pins extend in cantilever fashion from the arms and are pivotally inserted in the holes, with mutually spaced opposed ends defining a gap with no axial connection member therein. The detection system includes a pair of detectors each interacting with one end of a pin and having a switching angle that are operatively independent of each other.

Abstract: An emergency stop system for an autonomous mobile robot includes a base unit connected to the robot and an element engageable by a user extending from the base unit. The element is movably held by the base unit in an operation mode position. The base unit includes a mechanism for detecting the presence of the element in the operation mode position and triggering an emergency stop of the robot when the element is moved out of the operation mode position by the user.

Abstract: A vehicle powering wireless receiver for use with a first electromagnetic resonator coupled to a power supply. The wireless receiver includes a load configured to power the drive system of a vehicle using electrical power, and a second electromagnetic resonator adapted to be housed upon the vehicle and configured to be coupled to the load, wherein the second electromagnetic resonator is configured to be wirelessly coupled to the first electromagnetic resonator to provide resonant, non-radiative wireless power to the second electromagnetic resonator from the first electromagnetic resonator; and wherein the field of at least one of the first electromagnetic resonator and the second electromagnetic resonator is shaped using a conducting surface to avoid a loss-inducing object.

Abstract: A distance measuring optoelectronic safety sensor (10) for monitoring a monitored zone (18) having at least one protected zone (48) is provided, wherein the safety sensor (10) has a light receiver (24) for generating a received signal on light reception from the monitored zone (18) as well as an evaluation unit (30, 32) which is designed to detect objects (52) in the monitored zone (18) with the aid of the received signal and to determine their position, including their distance from the safety sensor (10), and to output a securing signal on recognition of an unpermitted object intrusion (52) into a protected zone (48). In this respect, the evaluation unit (30, 36) is designed to determine and output the distance of detected objects (52) from the protected zone (48).

Abstract: A protective shutter device for exposing and preventing access to electrical contacts of a switchgear. The device includes a linkage assembly coupled to the housing, the linkage assembly including a first and a second drive ann. A guide assembly is coupled to the housing, and includes a first end, a second end, and a body connecting the ends. The device further includes a first shutter coupled to the first drive arm and the body of the guide assembly. The first shutter selectively moves along the body. A second shutter is coupled to the second drive arm and the guide assembly body, the second shutter including a lower and an upper plate. The lower plate is coupled to the tipper plate, wherein the plates selectively move along the body to a first position to expose the electrical contacts, and to a second position to prevent access to the electrical contacts.

Abstract: A vehicle powering wireless receiver for use with a first electromagnetic resonator coupled to a power supply. The wireless receiver includes a load configured to power the drive system of a vehicle using electrical power, and a second electromagnetic resonator adapted to be housed upon the vehicle and configured to be coupled to the load, at least one other electromagnetic resonator configured with the first electromagnetic resonator and the second electromagnetic resonator in an array of electromagnetic resonators to distribute power over an area, wherein the second electromagnetic resonator is configured to be wirelessly coupled to the array to provide resonant, non-radiative wireless power to the second electromagnetic resonator from the first electromagnetic resonator.

Abstract: A method is provided for safely switching off a photovoltaic module comprising solar cell groups, a first conductor electrically connected to the solar cell groups, and a second conductor electrically connected to the solar cell groups. The safety device comprises at least one first safely switching element and one second safety switching element, wherein the safety switching elements are arranged in parallel across the solar cell groups and are connected to the first conductor and the second conductor in an electrically conductive manner. If an error state occurs, at least one of the safety switching elements is switched by means of a switching process, such that a shorted circuit is produced across the solar cell groups. The at least two safety switching elements perform the switching process in working areas that differ at least partially regarding the temperature.

Abstract: A multilayer casing device for attenuating electromagnetic waves is made of at least one textile material, at least one metal material. The device is made up of a stack provided with at least, consecutively from the inside to the outside: a first diamagnetic metal material layer at least partially made of copper, a second textile layer at least partially made of wool or cotton, a third layer made of a ferromagnetic material, and a fourth textile layer at least partially made of wool and cotton. The device is also made up of a complementary stack of identical layers (the second textile layer, the third ferromagnetic layer and the fourth textile layer) extending symmetrically in relation to the first copper layer.

Abstract: A medical device-powering wireless receiver for use with a first electromagnetic resonator coupled to a power supply. The wireless receiver includes a load configured to power an implantable medical device using electrical power, and a second electromagnetic resonator adapted to be housed within the medical device and configured to be coupled to the load, wherein the second electromagnetic resonator is configured to be wirelessly coupled to the first electromagnetic resonator to provide resonant, non-radiative wireless power to the second electromagnetic resonator from the first electromagnetic resonator, the area circumscribed by the inductive element of at least one of the electromagnetic resonators can be varied to improve performance.

Abstract: A display apparatus, a power supply apparatus and a power supply method thereof are provided. The display apparatus includes: a signal processor which processes an image signal; a display unit which displays thereon an image corresponding to the processed image signal; and a power supply unit which receives an input of AC power and supplies operating power to the display unit. The power supply unit includes a discharging circuit unit which discharges a remaining voltage of the power supply unit if the input of the AC power is suspended, and does not discharge the voltage if the AC power is input. Accordingly, a remaining voltage from a power supply unit is effectively removed if an input of AC power is suspended, and power consumption does not occur if the AC power is input.

Abstract: A power control device includes an electric power switch and a control unit. The control unit is mounted on an electric device, determines whether the electric device is disposed at a normal use position or an abnormal inclined position, and determines whether the electric device is at a normal use state and is disposed at the normal use position. The control unit controls the electric power switch to provide electric power to the electric device when the electric device is at the normal use state, and to stop providing the electric power to the electric device when the electric device is at the abnormal inclined position.

Abstract: An electronic system includes at least two subassemblies connected through an assembly of at most three conductors (3), each subassembly (1, 2) including at least one microprocessor. In its preferred alternative embodiments, it allows the connection of electronic subassemblies through a cable containing two or three conductors. Further, in certain alternatives it allows galvanic insulation to be achieved between the subassemblies. The galvanic insulation obtained has technical characteristics capable of complying statutory requirements as regards electrical safety without resorting to cables complying the statutory requirements.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a protection apparatus for an IT network having a first and a second live line, having a signal generator which is designed to feed a first signal to the first and/or to the second live line, having a detection device which is designed to detect the profile of the fed first signal in at least one live line, and having a control device which is designed to analyse the detected profile and to output a disconnection signal when the analysis of the detected profile indicates that a living organism is in contact with the first live line and the second live line. The present invention also discloses a method and a power supply system.

Abstract: A portable electronic device supporting wireless electronic communication comprises a display, at least one sensor device, a protective cover and a processor. The protective cover is mounted to selectively cover portions of the display and the at least one sensor device detects an object located in proximity of the electronic device. The processor controls transmission power in response to detection of the object located in proximity of the electronic device by the sensor device and in response to an operation mode associated with the protective cover.

Abstract: Disclosed in the present invention are a method of electricity leakage detection and prevention of electrical equipment's outer surface and system thereof. The method and system are used for detecting and preventing electricity leakage of the electrical equipment's outer surface caused by defective insulation and power supply connection faults. Without in touch with the electrical equipment's outer surface, the electricity leakage of the outer surface can be detected and the connection between the electrical equipment and the power supply can be cut and an alarm is made by means of the current channel (2) formed between the electrical equipment neutral line (N?) and the electrical equipment's outer surface (G?) and the monitoring of the current value. A power supply channel (5) is set up to make sure that the electrical equipment can be normally operated via the system even in the condition of the power supply connection faults.

Abstract: A safety switch for generating a system enable signal depending on the position of a movable guard door which is used for safeguarding a hazardous area of a machine installation. At least one part of the machine installation can only be operated when the system enable signal is present. The safety switch has a door part to be fastened to the movable guard door and a frame part to be fastened to a mating door piece. The safety switch also has a bolt which can be moved between a first position and a second position, a recess in which the bolt can engage in the second position, and a locking element designed to block the bolt in the second position. In addition, the safety switch comprises a first position sensor designed to clearly detect at least one of the positions of the bolt in order to generate the system enable signal. Moreover, the safety switch comprises a door release request unit configured to generate a door release request signal in addition to the system enable signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems and methods using an interruption device for automatically re-routing power upon the occurrence of an event. The interruption device may interrupt the flow of power to an external device upon the detection of an event, such as a circuit overload or short circuit. Interrupting the flow of power may cause power to be cut off to a receiving connector, which supplies power to the external device, by re-routing the flow of power away from the receiving connector by the use of relay switches. By interrupting and re-routing the flow of power, an electrical fire, damage to the external device or other hazard may be prevented. Once the source of the problem, such as a defective external device, has been removed or fixed, the flow of power may be re-routed back to the receiving connector.

Abstract: An emergency release locking system for a trunk lid, with a lid lock and a catch device which has a catch hook and in the case of the opened rotary latch limits the opening movement of the lid, with an emergency release system disposed in the trunk, and with an actuator that is controlled by a control unit of the vehicle and drives a blocking element, which above a predetermined or predeterminable recommended speed of the vehicle stops at least the releasing action of the emergency release system on the catch hook of the catch device. The control unit is assigned, apart from a sensor unit for detecting the current driving speed of the vehicle, one sensor unit each for detecting the current operating position of the emergency release system and of the catch hook of the catch device.

Abstract: Disclosed is an in-vehicle integrated-inverter electric compressor (1) in which an inverter accommodating section (3) is provided on the periphery of a housing (2), an inverter device is installed in the inverter accommodating section (3), and the opening portion of the inverter accommodating section (3) is sealed by means of a cover member (4) to be fixed with screws. A safety mechanism (7) is provided such that some of the fixing screws (5) fixing the cover member (4) to the inverter accommodating section (3) cannot be removed when the electric compressor (1) is mounted in a vehicle.