Abstract: A modular power strip having two or more modules with each having at least one electrical outlet. The modules are removably connected to each other to provide one or more remote electrical connections. Each module is electrically connected. An electrical cord connecting the modules can be stored when the modules are connected.

Abstract: A control system for a pool and spa. Main line voltage is provided through a single line voltage service and a single ground fault circuit interrupter circuit, facilitating a ground fault test and simplifying installation. The control system controls the pool and spa equipment, with a circuit board assembly including individual fuse protection devices and switching circuits. A test algorithm is included, wherein the control system is disabled from normal operation if the GFCI test fails. The pool operator manually enters a water fill command, and the controller system automatically opens the fill valve for a predetermined time interval, and then automatically closes the valve. An emergency disconnect switch is mounted near the bathing area, connected by low voltage wiring to the controller system cabinet. The controller system senses the emergency switch closure and disconnects line voltage to the line voltage loads. The emergency switch closure also remotely induces a ground fault, tripping the GFCI.

Abstract: To realize the multinational energy and power interchange, understanding the characteristics and differences of energy and power system of respective countries, electric power facilities of respective countries must be totally operated thus providing economic effects such as lowering of energy charge and the stable power supply. To this end, the respective power systems of many countries and regions such as North America, Russia, China, South East Asia, Australia, South America and the like belonging to the Asian-Pacific rim which have characteristics and difference are connected by direct current interconnecting facilities or alternating power transmission facilities thus ensuring the balance of power supply and enabling the total or partial operation of the entire system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a telecommunications network device including at least one power distribution unit capable of connecting to multiple, unregulated DC power feeds. The network device may also include a redundant power distribution unit. Both power distribution units are independently removable from the network device. Thus, when two power distribution units are mounted within the network device one may be removed for repair or upgrade and the other power distribution unit will continue to provide power to the network device such that it may continue running. Each power distribution unit may also include an on/off switch, which when in an “on” position allows the power distribution unit to supply power from each connected power feed to the network device and when in an “off” position prevents the power distribution unit from supplying power from any power feed to the network device.

Abstract: An electrical control wiring system in which mains voltage (115 volts to 600 volts) power loads in a home or in a commercial building are controlled by use of extra low voltage devices such as switches, variable resistances and microcontrollers. Wires are routed from an electrical panel and looped between special electrical device enclosures that in some respects resemble conventional electrical outlet boxes. The special electrical device enclosures are located in walls so that the front edges appear flush with the finished wall as would be the case with a conventional electrical outlet box in a finished room. The mains voltage wiring is done in the manner normally used in mains voltage wiring. Multi-conductor extra-low voltage cable such as Category 5 cable is routed from a control location and looped to the same special electrical device enclosure locations.

Abstract: An a.c. current distribution system fed by a current source for providing electrical power to a load, the current distribution system comprising a first and second conductive means connectable to the current source and coupling means to couple substantially one half of the load in series at a first position along the first conductive means and to couple substantially the other half of the load in series at a second position along the second conductive means, the first and second positions being substantially the same distance along the first and second conductive means from the current source.

Abstract: Semiconductor device according to the present invention includes package frame, bonding wire, pad, first internal power supply line, second internal power supply line, internal circuit, stabilize circuit, GND package frame, GND bonding wire, GND pad, and internal GND line. Bonding wire, pad, and first and second internal power supply lines and function as a filter. As a result, noise generated by operation of internal circuit is absorbed in propagating to stabilize circuit through first internal power supply line, pad, and second internal power supply line. Therefore, effects of noise given to stabilize circuit is small.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power distribution system with a split section panelboard that provides two interior sections. Each section is supplied power from a separate power source. A common bus bridges the two sections. Remotely-operated circuit breakers for both the sections are connected to the common bus. A power interface unit converts power from one of the power sources to provide low voltage power for the circuit breaker motors and a control unit. The control unit in the panelboard controls the operation of the circuit breakers of both the sections.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a plurality of units. Each of the units includes a power supply pad, a function circuit, and a power supply control circuit. The plurality of units each have a first state in which the function circuit is in an operating state by the power supply pad being at a prescribed operating potential and a second state in which the function circuit is in a non-operating state by the power supply pad being at a prescribed non-operating potential. The power supply control circuit includes a switching circuit for connecting the power supply pad to the prescribed non-operating potential. The power supply control circuit in each of the plurality of units closes the switching circuit when at least one of the other units is in the first state and opens the switching circuit otherwise.

Abstract: A compact multiple output power supply which has a circuit architecture with distinct primary and secondary circuit domains. Within the secondary circuit domain, a distribution bus of relatively low constant voltage supplies power inputs to d.c.-to-d.c. converters providing regulated outputs and operating independently of each other. Because of the secondary circuit domain topology, surface mount components are made available in conjunction with relatively simple converter circuitry. Heat management within the compact housing of the power supply is achieved through the utilization of linear driven air flows in combination with employment of heat sinks extending to the heat sink configured cover of the housing. Additionally, the highest heat generation components are positioned rearwardmost within the driven air path.

Abstract: A compressed air servicing unit is provided, which possesses a plurality of modules, such as pressure controllers, filters oilers or the like, adapted to be attached together in any desired order and having module housings, one of such modules being designed in the form of a monitoring unit for the other modules and being electrically connected with same. A bus line, connecting the modules together, of a bus system is provided and furthermore the monitoring module performing control functions as well is provided with a central unit of the bus system and the other modules are provided respectively with a bus subscriber station, sensors and/or actuators present in or on a module respectively, being connected with the associated bus subscriber station. This means that the modules may be arranged in practically any desired order and in an desired number without any problem occurring with electrical wiring or due to incorrect bus subscriber station connections.

Abstract: The electric power breaker for breaking the electric power is placed on the midpoint of the electric power line from the battery power supply, and the electric power line is extracted from the electric power breaker. In addition, the electric power supply terminal is placed on the midpoint on the electric power line, from which the electric power is supplied to the individual electric load. The electric power distribution and the electric power supply operation to the electric loads are controlled by the multiplex communication. A semiconductor device having a self protection function is used as the switching device for supplying the electric power. The electric power line covered by the electric conductive material is arranged in a loop topology so as to start from the connection point to the battery and pass through the designated positions in the vehicle and return to the battery.

Abstract: The electric power breaker for breaking the electric power is placed on the midpoint of the electric power line from the battery power supply, and the electric power line is extracted from the electric power breaker. In addition, the electric power supply terminal is placed on the midpoint on the electric power line, from which the electric power is supplied to the individual electric loads. The electric power distribution and the electric power supply operation to the electric loads are controlled by the multiplex communication. A semiconductor device having a self protection function is used as the switching device for supplying the electric power. The electric power line covered by the electric conductive material is arranged in a loop topology so as to start from the connection point to the battery and pass through the designated positions in the vehicle and return to the battery.

Abstract: Circuitry, particularly for function modules that can be fitted in a motor vehicle and can be connected to a voltage supply and/or a control circuit. A central unit (12) is provided that includes at least one circuit arrangement (16, 36) for all of the function modules (22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 56, 58, 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90, 96, 98), for conditioning voltage and/or control signals to be used by the modules; the central unit (12) is connected to the function modules, and the function modules are connected among themselves, by a bus system (62, 66). Moreover, the control unit (12) is coupled to a driver information module (40) by mechanical connections.

Abstract: An electrical connection system for interconnecting an electrical element of a mount with an electrical element of a subassembly has a foil secured to a face of the mount and provided with a plurality of conductive strips connected to the respective electrical element and a plurality of contacts fixed on a face of the subassembly and engageable with the strips of the foil. The two faces are pressed together as the subassembly is secured to the mount to press the two faces together and thereby engage the contacts against the strips. The contacts project from the face of the subassembly.

Abstract: A control device is proposed for employment in the transfer of control signals between a field bus (2) and at least one load (5). It comprises a control module (23), which possesses a bus communication unit (24) able to be connected with the field bus (2) and which is so able to be attached to a load (5) that a contact means (27) provided thereon is coupled with such load (5). On the control module (23) in addition to the contact means (27) at least one additional signal input (35) and/or signal output (33) is provided which is connected with the bus communication unit (24) for coupling up at least one further load (5') and/or sensor.

Abstract: Semiconductor device according to the present invention includes package frame, bonding wire, pad, first internal power supply line, second internal power supply line, internal circuit, stabilize circuit, GND package frame, GND bonding wire, GND pad, and internal GND line. Bonding wire, pad, and first and second internal power supply lines function as a filter. As a result, noise generated by operation of the internal circuit is absorbed in propagating to the stabilize circuit through first internal power supply line, pad, and the second internal power supply line. Therefore, effects of noise given to the stabilize circuit are small.

Abstract: A system for distributing power from a detection switch parent device to detection switch child, or slave, devices. The system includes a power supply source for supplying an electric power; the detection switch parent device including, a body portion, an output wire for outputting a detection signal connected to the body portion, and power supply wires connectable to the power supply source, for receiving the electric power; at least one detection switch child device each including, a body portion, and an output wire for outputting a detection signal connected to the body portion; and electrical connection means for electrically connecting the body portions of the detection switch parent device to detection switch child device to one another to transmits the electric power being supplied to the body portion of the detection switch parent device to the body portion of the detection switch child device.

Abstract: A common turn-off circuit for a thyristor power converter is specified. The common turn-off circuit is particularly suitable for AC converters such as, for example, railway grid couplings. The turn-off thyristors are directly connected to the secondary transformer windings. Additionally provided is a special freewheeling path via which the energy stored, in particular, in the transformer inductors or other relevant inductors can be drawn away. What is advantageous is the fact that all of the thyristors of the power converter can be turned off reliably and without any special precautions, since the common turn-off circuit is automatically ready for turning off. Overvoltages are avoided, moreover, by the special freewheeling path.

Abstract: A component card interconnect apparatus for coupling a component card to a computer system. A component card includes a first group of in-line pins with first power pins for conveying a first voltage and a second group of in-line pins with second power pins for conveying a second voltage. The second voltage is lower than the first voltage. Either the first or the second voltage is conveyed at one time.

Abstract: Electrical equipment such as a personal computer includes a plurality of internal components which require different voltages including low voltages of about five volts for operation. The different voltages are supplied by an internal power supply, with a voltage regulator, which is itself connected to an appropriately transformed high voltage supply typically from an in-the-wall source. Peripherals such as a FAX/modem, CD ROM, or tape recorder are powered by special connectors in the face of the computer housing and connected to the appropriate outputs of the internal power supply to obtain low voltage power directly from the host computer in the absence of a transformed connection to a house supply.

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 printed circuit board (PCB) capable of operating at first and second predetermined voltage levels including a plurality of metal layers, one of the metal layers being divided to provide two electrically isolated sections, the two electrically isolated sections being on substantially the same plane; one of the electrically isolated sections being associated with the first predetermined voltage level and the other of the electrically isolated sections being associated with the second predetermined voltage level. The PCB includes a first plurality of signal pins coupled to the one of the electrically isolated sections. The PCB also includes at least one capacitor coupled to a ground plane, the first plurality of signal pins and the one of the electrically isolated metal sections, wherein an alternating current path is provided. The PCB in a preferred embodiment is an expansion board utilized in a personal computer.

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

Abstract: A dc power supply circuit connects a plurality of dc circuit breakers to a semi-conductor converter, returning again to the semi-conductor converter through a dc driving part such as an electric railcar connected to each dc circuit breaker. A second dc circuit breaker of larger capacity than the above-mentioned dc circuit breakers is provided in a return circuit and opened when a short circuit current is detected. A current decreasing means opens the second dc circuit breaker to decrease the short circuit current and includes, for example, a series-circuit of a resistor R and a reactor L. The dc power supply circuit has a large interruption capacity with low resistance loss.

Abstract: A printed circuit board (PCB) capable of operating at first and second predetermined voltage levels including a plurality of metal layers, one of the metal layers being divided to provide two electrically isolated sections, the two electrically isolated sections being on substantially the same plane; one of the electrically isolated sections being associated with the first predetermined voltage level and the other of the electrically isolated sections being associated with the second predetermined voltage level. The PCB includes a first plurality of signal pins coupled to the one of the electrically isolated sections. The PCB also includes at least one capacitor coupled to a ground plane, the first plurality of signal pins and the one of the electrically isolated metal sections, wherein an alternating current path is provided. The PCB in a preferred embodiment is an expansion board utilized in a personal computer.

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

Abstract: A network of switches for a multiple channel installation adapted to establish connections each between one of N input ports and one of T output ports includes: a plurality of cords each having a first end connected to a first nodal switch, a second end connected to a second nodal switch and, between said two ends, at least one cord switch; optionally, a plurality of branches which comprise a switch having one pole at most connected to an input port, two poles available for the connection of output ports and one pole connected to a pole of a nodal switch; and a plurality of nodal switches interconnected by cords, the input and output ports being connected to the available poles of the switches of the network.

Abstract: A system for controlling reactive power generated in a power, the power system having a power source system, a plurality of load units, each of the load systems, including a cyclic current type cycloconverter system, connected to the power source and a plurality of condenser systems. The system includes a voltage detection unit for detecting a voltage of power supplied from the power source, a current detection unit for detecting a current of the power supplied from the power source, a main control unit for detecting reactive power of the power supplied from the power source and for generating a control signal to control the reactive power generated in the power system, and a plurality of circulating current control units installed in each of the load units, responsive to the control signal generated from the main control unit, for controlling each of the circulating current type cycloconverter systems corresponding to the each of the load units to adjust the reactive power generated in the power system.

Abstract: An electrical power distribution busway and bus plug arrangement useable in an office area. The arrangement includes at least one busway having three power bus bars for carrying electrical power, and isolated ground (or neutral) bus, a neutral bus, and a bonded ground bus. The arrangement also includes a power distribution unit for providing the busway with electrical power, where different qualities of electrical power may be selectively provided to the power bus bars of the busway. The arrangement also includes plug-in assemblies which are electrically engageable with the busways and capable of being configured to selectively provide power from one of the three power bus bars to a sensitive device such as a computer or an insensitive device such as an electrical motor.

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 electrical system wherein the electrical conductive traces on the circuit boards are routed to achieve a balanced net to reduce noise caused by transmission line reflections. A trace is routed from the source terminal of the net to a balanced junction wherein if there are an odd number of load terminals, or loads, the balanced junction is located at one of the loads. The remaining loads are grouped into branches wherein each branch includes an equal number of loads. A trace is routed between each of the loads of each branch to serially connect the loads of each branch together, or, a trace is routed from a center one of the branch loads to each of the remaining branch loads, forming subbranches. In an alternate embodiment, a balanced subbranch is developed. The balanced load is connected to a pseudo-balanced load, which further receives an equal number of branches. The pseudo-balanced load is then connected to another pseudo-balanced load, which may also receive an equal number of branches.

Abstract: Power is supplied to a computer facility by a plurality of electrical plug-in busways fed by a power distribution unit. The power distribution unit includes circuit breakers for the busways served. Powered equipment is connected by its own power cable to the busways via a plug-in cable tap box having an approprate receptacle for the particular equipment and also housing a circuit breaker dedicated to that equipment.

Abstract: A ferroresonant regulator for use in an inductively coupled high frequency power distribution system. A constant current resonant power source, comprising a sine wave oscillator (12), an amplitude controlled amplifier (16), a power amplifier (20), and an impedance matching transformer (24), provides current at a frequency of 38 kHz to a supply loop (68) that is installed in the floor of an aircraft passenger space. A current sensing transformer (32), and a voltage sensor (46) produce feedback signals that are used to control the amplitude of the current circulating in the supply loop, maintaining it substantially constant. A plurality of multiturn coils (70) are disposed proximate the supply loop. Connected to each of the multiturn coils is a saturable transformer (76), which includes a secondary winding attached to a load comprising an entertainment and passenger service system installed in each seat. A tertiary winding (106) on the saturable transformer is connected across a resonance capacitor (108).

Abstract: A power supply system for segmented loads, and having phantom redundancy, is comprised of multiple sets of power supplies, with each set having an output terminal for furnishing load current at a certain voltage. A respective load is connected to the output terminal of each set, and each set also has a current-sharing circuit by which the load currents furnished from the supplies within a set are equalized. Further, all of the supplies from all the loads combined, minus any one supply, have a total current-furnishing capacity which meets the current requirements of all of the loads, but no set of supplies for any one load includes an extra or redundant supply. Also, switches are provided which selectively interconnect, and disconnect, the respecitve current-sharing circuits of the power supply sets such that the supplies of all connected sets furnish equalized load currents.

Abstract: A specially designed module and integrated circuit chip therefor which permits the sharing of module EC pads between chip receiver and driver circuits. The chip has a direct normal input line to each receiver circuit therein and a direct normal output line from each driver circuit therein along with signal lines from each of those circuits to various EC pads. The chip further includes a switching and control circuit for switching the receiver circuits and driver circuits between their normal and EC lines to effect an electronic delete function. In a preferred embodiment, a majority of the EC pads are switchably connected via the switching and control circuit to different sets of three adjacent receiver circuits, driver circuits, or a combination thereof. The design permits the use of approximately half the EC pads normally required for a module, while permitting EC connections to be made in most cases to three adjacent receiver or driver circuits simultaneously.

Abstract: A fault-tolerant power distribution system which includes a plurality of power sources and a plurality of nodes responsive thereto for supplying power to one or more loads associated with each node. Each node includes a plurality of switching circuits, each of which preferably uses a power field effect transistor which provides a diode operation when power is first applied to the nodes and which thereafter provides bi-directional current flow through the switching circuit in a manner such that a low voltage drop is produced in each direction. Each switching circuit includes circuitry for disabling the power field effect transistor when the current in the switching circuit exceeds a preselected value.

Abstract: Zero crossing synchronous AC switching circuits are provided which employ piezoelectric ceramic bender-type switching devices for use in supplying loads of a resistive, inductive or capacitive nature. The circuits include zero crossing sensing sub-circuits for sensing the passage through zero value of a supply source of alternating current voltage and/or current and for deriving zero crossing timing signals representative of the occurrance of the zero crossings. The zero crossing timing signals are employed to control operation of a bender energizing potential control sub-circuit for selectively controlling application or removal of a bender energizing potential across the piezoelectric bender member of the bender-type switching devices.

Abstract: In a system including an electrical power center for producing and distributing electrical energy for vehicles, particularly aircraft, primary circuit breakers and contactors are distributed between a D.C. electrical power center, relay boxes, electronic bays and control panels and the electrical power center forms a central unit grouping together different protection or safety devices. The system permits the electrical network on board an aircraft to be simplified and lightened.

Abstract: In a switching system having n nodes (1,2 . . . 6) which are connected via interruptible current branches (11,12 . . . 16) in the form of a ring, in the case of non-availability of at least one of the nodes or at least one of the switching points provided in the interruptible current branches (for example 11) the nodes which are still available are to be connected in the form of a ring, the structure of which is nearly unaltered in the undisturbed areas of the switching system with respect to the corresponding structure of the ring provided in the undisturbed system. For this purpose, n dual isolating switches (31a, 32a, . . . ) and a circuit breaker (a) are provided which are connected to the nodes (1,2 . . . 6) in such a manner that each node (for example 1) can be connected to any one of the other nodes (for example 2) via one of the n dual isolating switches (for example 31a), the circuit breaker (a) and another one of the n dual isolating switches (for example 32a).

Abstract: An electrical lighting circuit for doll houses or other miniature installations includes, for actual connection in operating relation to a power source, a miniaturized master breaker switch, and a miniaturized master panel, together with a distribution circuit. In addition, for aesthetic appeal, a miniature power line input, including a weather head and a miniature current meter box, is simulated. Each of the separate outputs in the distribution circuit from the master panel leads to an individual doll house room or circuit group. One unique circuit group comprises a series circuit of subminiature bulbs mounted in shrink tubes to simulate candles, which are constructed to serve as miniature christmas tree lights, miniature chandeliers, or in like installations.

Abstract: A high speed bus structure is described which employs an ordinary flat ribbon cable. ECL receivers are coupled to conductor pairs of the cable through resistors which change the capacitive load of the ECL receivers to a resistive load. The receivers are coupled to the cable through a plurality of connectors having spaced-apart pins. The pins in each connector engage less than all of the conductor pairs, thus a plurality of connectors are required to completely couple receivers to all the conductors in the cable. This connector arrangement substantially reduces the parasitic capacitance loading on the cable. The invented high speed bus is able to effectively function at 100 MHz with 80 feet of cable and with 16 receivers coupled to each conductor pair.

Abstract: An electrical shock free submersible, remote control switch assembly for controlling the operation of electrically powered apparatus used with swimming pools, spas and the like is disclosed. The switch assembly includes a permanent magnet actuated reed switch mounted in a battery powered, low voltage electrical circuit. The low voltage circuit, in turn, is optically coupled by an opto-isolator to a relay circuit, which is used to open and close the high voltage circuit powering the electrical pumps, lights, blowers, etc. at the pool or spa.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner power and control system wherein a single pair of conductors is employed to transmit electrical power to a remote motor driven agitator and to selectively energize the blower motor of the cleaner. Photo electric means is employed to sense current flow in the conductors and trigger the power switch for the blower in response to the sensing of such flow. A switch includes a load capacitor which may be selectively connected between the conductors to establish current flow therethrough without activating the remote motor driven agitator. In one embodiment, the power supply for the agitator motor is separate from that of the blower and a sensor is provided in the vicinity at which the agitator is connected to sense the supply of power thereto and activate the blower in response to such supply.

Abstract: A demand controller for connecting and disconnecting loads from a power source has a plurality of control elements in two priority groups, an equal priority group and a set priority group. Loads are controlled by the control elements to be connected and disconnected. A control means directs signals for restoring and shedding the loads and for the priority between the two groups of control elements.

Abstract: A plurality of flash units mounted as warning, navigational or signal beacons are driven from a remote energy storage power converter with reduced number and or size of discharge current cables by common use of cables combined with sequential flashing such that the discharge current for only one flash lamp is carried by a cable at a given instant. By very close spacing, the sequential flashes may be made to appear simultaneous to the human eye.