Abstract: A system and method for measuring voltage of individual cells connected in series includes a single flying capacitor. The capacitor stores the charge of one of the cells such that a primary analog-to-digital converter (ADC) connected to the capacitor may process a representation of the voltage of the cell being measured. A secondary ADC is connected directly to the cell being measured. The measurements of the primary and secondary ADCs are then compared to verify the accuracy of the flying capacitor.

Abstract: A sensor-less technique is described for detecting the status of an AC contactor of a power inverter. In one embodiment, a method is provided of sensing an unexpected condition of an AC contactor used to couple to a power distribution system a power inverter having at least one power conductor. The method includes determining a voltage value for the conductor; determining a current value for the conductor; determining a phase difference using the voltage value and the current value; and monitoring successive values of the phase difference to produce a monitoring result. Depending on the monitoring result, a determination is made whether or not to issue an alert signal. Control routines embodying such technique may be stored on computer-readable media. A power inverter using such technique is described.

Abstract: To detect opening/closing of a neutral detection hydraulic switch by a detection apparatus and detect breakage of a wiring line connected between the detection apparatus and the switch. Since a second contact and an ECU are connected to each other by two wiring lines, even if one of the wiring lines is broken, opening/closing of the neutral detection hydraulic switch can be detected through the remaining one of the wiring lines. Since different voltages are applied to the wiring lines through resistance type voltage dividing circuits, the occurrence of the wire breakage can be detected making use of the fact that the voltage detected by the ECU upon opening of the neutral detection hydraulic switch when one of the wiring lines is broken is different from the voltage when none of the wiring lines is broken.

Abstract: A method for detecting a target in a soil, including the step of generating a transmit signal, the transmit signal including at least three different frequency components, a relatively high frequency component, a relatively medium frequency component and a relatively low frequency component; and processing a receive signal, the processing including selecting coefficients for, in effect, linearly combining the relatively high frequency components, the relatively low frequency components and the relatively medium frequency components of the receive signal to produce an indicator output signal, the indicator output signal including a signal indicative of the presence of the target in the soil, and wherein the coefficients are selected such that the indicator output signal is approximately independent of log-linear frequency-dependent resistive signal components and log-uniform resistive signal components from the soil.

Abstract: Activity sensing in the home has a variety of important applications, including healthcare, entertainment, home automation, energy monitoring and post-occupancy research studies. Many existing systems for detecting occupant activity require large numbers of sensors, invasive vision systems, or extensive installation procedures. Disclosed is an approach that uses a single plug-in sensor to detect a variety of electrical events throughout the home. This sensor detects the electrical noise on residential power lines created by the abrupt switching of electrical devices and the noise created by certain devices while in operation. Machine learning techniques are used to recognize electrically noisy events such as turning on or off a particular light switch, a television set, or an electric stove. The system has been tested to evaluate system performance over time and in different types of houses. Results indicate that various electrical events can be learned and classified with accuracies ranging from 85-90%.

Abstract: An improved overload relay includes a number of current transformers that draw power from a circuit it protects to power itself. The current transformers charge a capacitor which powers a processor and which can energize a solenoid to initiate the interruption of the circuit. The overload relay further includes a capacitor analysis circuit which detects an operational parameter of the capacitor and enables a processor to determine when the energy storage capability of the capacitor has dropped to a predetermined threshold. In the event of such a determination, the overload relay can perform any of a number of actions.

Abstract: A pocket grounding device without power socket has a casing, an AC plug and a circuit board. The AC plug is mounted in the casing and electronically connected to the circuit board. The circuit board has a ground detecting circuit having three ports respectively connected to the AC plug, an electronic switch connected between to two of the ports and a controlling terminal thereof connected to the last port, and an indicator exposed to the casing. The indictor is driven to light according to an AC outlet of a power strip having good or bed grounding connection. Therefore, a user checks the indicator status to judge whether the AC power strip has good grounding connection.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology subject matters for providing improved functionality of a meter in a 2-way communications arrangement, such as an Advanced Metering System (AMS) or Infrastructure (AMI). More particularly, the present technology relates to methodologies and apparatus for providing load side voltage sensing for utility meters which preferably are operable with remote disconnect features in an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) open operational framework. The present subject matter provides enhanced capabilities resulting in improved functionality, increased safety, and greater economy vis-à-vis fraud detection for individual metrology components in an open operational framework. Meters per the present subject matter utilize a detection circuit, which is situated generally downstream of a remote disconnect functionality. Such detection circuit is able to sense whether voltage exists or doesn't exist at such relatively downstream, or load side location.

Abstract: Fast detection of contact status with an AC wetting voltage using a ratiometric approach is described herein. In one embodiment, a voltage source wets the contact with a wetting voltage. A contact voltage monitor receives voltage obtained from the contact and converts the voltage to a first frequency output. A wetting voltage monitor receives wetting voltage provided from the voltage source to the contact and converts the sensed wetting voltage to a second frequency output. A processor generates a ratio between the first frequency output and the second frequency output and determines the status of the contact and the field wires associated with the contact in accordance with the generated ratio.

Abstract: A valve has a valve piston, at least one coil and at least one magnetized component. An induction voltage is induced in the at least one coil, by a movement of the valve piston in the valve through a magnetic field produced by the magnetized component. A reference point is acquired, which is representative of a start of a current activation cycle of the valve. In the current activation cycle a point is determined as a function of a characteristic pattern of the induction voltage, which is representative of an end of a movement process of the valve piston in the valve. A current response time is determined as a function of the point and the reference point. At least one error condition is determined as a function of the response time. An error is identified, when the at least one error condition is satisfied.

Abstract: A method for detecting operations of a power storage device is disclosed. The power storage device includes an electricity storage unit for storing power output from an electronic device or outputting power to the electronic device. The method includes detecting current between the electricity storage unit and the electronic device to determine whether the electricity storage unit is malfunctioned and causes short circuit, and generating an alarm signal when the electricity storage unit is malfunctioned and causes short circuit.

Abstract: A call cord comprising an electrical wire or cable having one end thereof located at a nurse's station or other remote location to which it is desired to send an alert signal and a second end terminating proximate a medical patient or other user and including a push-button type switch. Intermediate the opposite ends of the call cord, there is provided a housed switch of the present invention whose actuation is a function of the physical engagement of the house switch within a operatively cooperative fixed mounting bracket for the housed switch. In the present invention, actuation of the housed switch may be accomplished as a function of the association or disassociation of the housed switch relative to the bracket.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a patch cord connection are presented. The insertion of a patch cord into a device jack physically closes a circuit, thereby permitting determination of the patch cord connection. The connection of only one side of a patch cord to a jack is able to be determined. In addition, a particular jack with which a patch cord is connected is able to be determined.

Abstract: An alarm unit for signaling impending overflow of a urine or ostomy (waste) bag includes an external magnet held at the end of an arm. An internal ferrous armature attracts the magnet which provides flux holding a switch element open when the magnet provides at least a predetermined flux to the switch. A clamp allows the user to fasten the unit to an edge of the waste bag with the bag walls between the magnet and the armature. When the bag contents reach the magnet, fluid force of the bag contents separates the magnet and the armature, causing the switch element to close and conduct power from a power supply to a signal element. The arm may be flexible. The switch element preferably comprises a reed switch controlling an electronic power switch.

Abstract: A chicken coop door module having a frame, a door, and a motor drive unit. The motor drive unit is configured to move the door toward the open position in response to receiving an opening signal so that the frame opening is unobstructed, move the door toward the closed position in response to receiving a closing signal so that the frame opening is obstructed, and prevent the door from moving when no signal is received. The door module receives an opening signal in the morning to let the chickens out of the chicken coop, and a closing signal in the evening to close the door to secure the chickens in the coop. When no signal is received, the door is prevented from moving by the motor drive unit so that when open, the chickens may freely enter and exit the coop; and when closed, predators cannot open the door and attack the chickens. The chicken coop door module may include a controller to provide the opening signal and the closing signal base on a signal from a timer or light detector.

Abstract: Shielded power and power extension cords are protected from fire and other hazards caused by deterioration which may be due to age and/or excessive heat, or to physical damage which may be caused by kinking or crushing. At least one shield, which may surround multiple conductors or a single conductor is grounded through a fuse and made to function as a sensor in a fault detection circuit that opens the fuse and causes a relay to discontinue cord power transmission when a fault current passes from an ungrounded conductor to the shield. The relay circuit also refuses to fully close its contacts that transfer power to the cable in the event of receptacle wiring error and functions as a buzzer to indicate such an error.

Abstract: The object is to provide a safe non-contact electric power transmission apparatus reducing unnecessarily consumed electric power, while intermittently-operated or otherwise restrained electric power transmission is not performed, and heat is not generated when a metal such as a foreign object is placed.

Abstract: A device for detecting three states, namely ‘on’, ‘off’ and ‘triggered’ of an electric circuit breaker. The device includes a mobile magnetic device, movable between three positions corresponding to the three states of the circuit breaker, and at least one permanent magnet generating a magnetic field provided with magnetic field lines for driving two DIP switches via the magnetic effect. In each of the magnetic device's positions, the two DIP switches are controlled in either an open or closed position to form a specific combination representing one of the three states of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A system for processing sensor information in a wireless communications device, comprising a sensor processing module for execution by the microprocessor, the sensor processing module being configured to: receive a signal representing the state of the sensor; and process the received signal to determine whether there is a change in a state of the device; wherein processing the received signal includes implementation of a hysteresis.

Abstract: A power detection and indication circuit device includes a processor, a signal conditioning circuit coupled to the processor and an indicator coupled to the signal conditioning circuit. The power detection and indication circuit performs a test to determine the presence of a switch coupled to the processor through the conditioning circuit. In response to determining that the switch is coupled to the processor through the conditioning circuit, the power detection and indication circuit performs a test to determine a status of the switch and provides an indication of the status of the switch using the indicator.

Abstract: An emergency device actuator absence notification system and method therefore capable of notifying an observer or system supervisor of the presence and operability of the emergency device actuator and also capable of notifying an observer or system supervisor of the absence or inoperability of the emergency device actuator.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a process of configuring a standalone self-supplied numeric controlled relay for providing phase and earth over current protection to electrical systems by accurate current measurement. The arrangement for current measurement with control algorithms is provided for power control by providing amplified and conditioned current for optimization between the current to power an electronic circuit and the fidelity of a measured current waveform so that they both are at the acceptable levels at the same time. This disclosure describes the current sensing and associated algorithm for power control in a truly self-powered relay.

Abstract: A security system for a boundary is generally shown as (1) in FIG. 1. The components comprise an elongate member (2) and a support (3) for the bar. The bar support (3) can be fitted to boundary support. A conduit (7) extends through the housing (3). The rod is surrounded by a resilient member. The boundary supports (4) and the bars (2) are in communication with a circuit monitor unit (17) and from an electromechanical disturbance mechanism (EMDM) unit for detecting security breakdown of the boundary.

Abstract: The invention comprises of a method and alarm device used to prevent metal theft from irrigation systems. The alarm device attaches to a plurality of electric conductor such as copper wiring that is in need of protecting and the preexisting irrigation system circuit. The alarm device detects voltage in the irrigation system circuit and if there is no voltage signals from the irrigation system circuit, then the alarm device automatically breaks the original circuit and inserts itself into the irrigation system circuit. The alarm device then sends a low voltage, low current down the plurality of electric conductors and the plurality of conductors then become part of a circuit that energizes a magnetic switch located in the alarm device. A breach of integrity of the plurality of conductors such as by physical detachment triggers an alarm condition which lead to audio and visual alarms plus activating an automated dialer.

Abstract: A power supply device for supplying power to a communication device includes a power source, a first fuse, a second fuse, a voltage converter, a photo coupler, and a central processing unit (CPU). The voltage converter is configured for receiving first power signals from the power source via the first fuse and the second fuse, and converting the first power signals to second power signals. The photo coupler connected in parallel to the third resistor, configured for outputting a first electrical signal upon the condition that the first fuse and the second fuse are operational, and outputting a second electrical signal upon the condition that at least one of the first fuse and the second fuse is blown. The CPU is connected to the photo coupler, configured for generating an alarm message upon receiving the second electrical signal from the photo coupler.

Abstract: A message sending device mounted under the garage door operating motor whereby a user generated message is projected onto the interior surface of the garage door in conjunction with the operation of the garage door.

Abstract: A power failure alarm for use in sounding a warning in the occasion of a power failure, with built in electrical connectors, and a temporary source of light. The device is housed in a molded plastic enclosure in a rectangular shape and includes an emergency light, night-light, flashlight, and power failure alarm. All unit functions are completely automatic once the unit has been plugged into a standard 120 volt receptacle. The device has a three prong male plug on the back of the body and is designed to occupy one receptacle of a duplex receptacle thus leaving one receptacle still available for use. Alternate embodiments of the device are specifically intended to alert and notify the user of a power failure. The device utilized logic circuitry to determine if a power failure or improper setup has occurred. The battery charging and monitoring circuits ensure the batteries are always charged and ready for use.

Abstract: A network device is provided which comprises a lamp display that includes a lamp visible from the outside, and that has a display mode in which the lamp may light up when the network device is powered on, and a non-display mode in which the lamp does not light up when the network device is powered on; and a lamp mode setting module to set the lamp display to the display mode or the non-display mode, wherein when a prescribed condition requiring the user to take note of the lamp is not met within a prescribed time interval in the display mode, the lamp mode setting module sets the lamp display to the non-display mode, and when the prescribed condition is met in the non-display mode, the lamp mode setting module sets the lamp display to the display mode.

Abstract: An alarm device for cooperation with an associated safety wire coupling a harness on a worker to an anchor point which includes a connector having first and second axial extremities fixed respectively to axially spaced points on the associated safety wire, the connector having a smaller axial extent than the axial extent of the axially spaced points on the associated safety wire, the connector including a switch having first and second portions having frictional engagement therebetween, the first and second portions being dimensioned and configured to disengage when the connector is taunt, and an alarm initiated when the first and second portions are separated. Some embodiments include an alarm device that includes an external alarm and signaling apparatus for communicating with the external alarm. The device may include both an internal alarm and a remote alarm. The apparatus may include an external alarm and radio frequency signaling apparatus for communicating with the external alarm.

Abstract: The circuit monitoring device is disclosed. The device is for monitoring circuit resistance. At configurable thresholds digital flags are triggered, the device can be used as a Security/Building management system. The device uses open technology is fully scaleable and allows programmable logic controllers to be used as security management systems. Using a soft logic option a PC could take the place of the PLC.

Abstract: A reminder device includes a controller, a switch, and an annunciator. When a user closes the switch, the controller turns on the annunciator for a fixed period of time. The annunciator may be a light source such as a flashing LED or an audio indicator. The signal from the annunciator communicates to a user that a particular task, such as taking a pill or locking a car door, has been completed and need not be further verified.

Abstract: An Intelligent Electronic Device with integrated protection, and/or control, and/or monitoring for two power system primary objects or more power system primary objects, responsive to a plurality of inputs from the power system primary objects, and providing a plurality of outputs to the power system primary objects.

Abstract: A power switch, in which one end is electrically connected to a power supply terminal, while another end is electrically connected to an electronic device, and the power switch is used to switch the power supply state of an electronic device. The present invention primarily effects an electrical connection between two indicator lights and a current circuit within the power switch, thereby enabling the user to know the power supply state of the power supply terminal, the power supply state of the electronic device and whether the electronic device is operating normally or not.

Abstract: A manipulation detection system for removable money cassettes for use in automated teller machines is described that makes it possible to discriminate between unauthorized opening of the money cassette outside the automated teller machine and authorized opening of the money cassette inside the automated teller machine.

Abstract: A motion or vibration activated flashlight or lamp controlled by a sensing switch to turn it on in response to motion detected and then turn itself off if the detected motion stops or its frequency is below a set frequency. Varying brightness intensities are also disclosed depending on duration of vibration, tilt or motion.

Abstract: A light guide part (20) is provided along a Z-axis on a side surface of a case (2) of a relay (1). The light guide part is a thick portion formed of a material forming the side surface of the case, and is structurally integral with the other parts of the case. Also, a light emitting device which emits light in response to application of a voltage to coil terminals (41) is provided within the relay (1) (case). A reflection surface (201) which reflects illuminating light emitted from the light emitting device in a (+Y) direction in a (+Z) direction is placed at a lower end of the light guide part. Illuminating light reflected by the reflection surface is guided to a display surface (200) placed at an upper end of the light guide part, to illuminate the display surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a patch cord connection are presented. The insertion of a patch cord into a device jack physically closes a circuit, thereby permitting determination of the patch cord connection. The connection of only one side of a patch cord to a jack is able to be determined. In addition, a particular jack with which a patch cord is connected is able to be determined.

Abstract: A shielded solenoid for a solenoid operated valve having a solenoid body and an annular coil of electrical wire in the solenoid body. An armature of magnetic material is rectilinearly movable with respect to the body. A magnet holder is fastened to the armature and has a permanent magnet fixedly oriented thereon. A shield member covers the magnet holder and the permanent magnet. The shield member is configured to shield a Hall effect sensor from any significant electromagnetic field produced by the coil when effecting rectilinear movement of the armature. The hollow shield member has a non-metallic plug closing one end thereof. The plug has the Hall effect sensor oriented therein to closely oppose the magnet on the magnet holder so that movement of the armature and resulting corresponding movement of the magnet will cause the Hall effect sensor to produce a signal indicative of movement of the armature.

Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods of illuminating indicator lights. For example, one embodiment includes an apparatus for indicating status of an electrical device. The apparatus includes a housing configured to be attached to an electrical device, an electrical input disposed on the housing and configured to receive an electrical signal, a lighting element disposed in the housing and configured to output light in response to the electrical signal, and a first optical element disposed in the housing. The apparatus further includes a second optical element configured to be attached to a panel. The first optical element and the second optical element are positioned so that the first optical element is configured to transmit at least a portion of the output light to the second optical element and the second optical element is configured to output light received from the first optical element.

Abstract: A valve alarm for use with a valve having an open position, a closed position, and a knob is provided. The valve alarm includes a handle having a knob seat receivable about the knob, and a body defining a volume. The knob seat is carried within the volume and moveable relative the body between an open position and a closed position. A switch is carried by the handle and changed from an Off orientation to an On orientation when the knob seat is moved to the open position, and changed from the On orientation to the Off orientation when the knob seat is moved to the closed position. A timer circuit is coupled to the switch and carried by the handle and includes a time period counted down to zero upon activation by the switch changed to the On orientation. A signaling device is carried by the handle and coupled to the timing circuit for activation upon the timer circuit time period reaching zero.

Abstract: To detect opening/closing of a neutral detection hydraulic switch by a detection apparatus and detect breakage of a wiring line connected between the detection apparatus and the switch. Since a second contact and an ECU are connected to each other by two wiring lines, even if one of the wiring lines is broken, opening/closing of the neutral detection hydraulic switch can be detected through the remaining one of the wiring lines. Since different voltages are applied to the wiring lines through resistance type voltage dividing circuits, the occurrence of the wire breakage can be detected making use of the fact that the voltage detected by the ECU upon opening of the neutral detection hydraulic switch when one of the wiring lines is broken is different from the voltage when none of the wiring lines is broken.

Abstract: A status monitoring device for a fenestration unit is provided. The device is positioned in or on the fenestration unit and includes a panel position sensor and a lock status sensor. The device is capable of transmitting panel position data and lock status data to a remote device, trigger an audible alarm on the device or the remote device, trigger a visual alarm on the device or the remote device, or a combination of these.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter with end-of-life protection has four components: 1) a control circuit to activate an electromagnetic unit upon detecting a predetermined condition; 2) a fuse coupled between the control circuit and the power supply; 3) an end life sensing circuit coupled to the control circuit; and 4) an end life indicating circuit coupled to the end life sensing circuit and the power supply. The end life sensing circuit includes a light emitting device and a light sensitive device controlled by the light emitting device. The end life indicating circuit includes a visual indicator to indicate that the circuit interrupter reaches the end of its life. Another circuit interrupter with end-of-life protection has three components: 1) a control circuit to activate an electromagnetic unit upon detecting a predetermined condition; 2) a fuse coupled between the control circuit and the power supply; and 3) an end life sensing and indicating circuit coupled to the control circuit.

Abstract: A non-contact auxiliary switch for a circuit breaker includes a target having first and second positions corresponding to open and closed positions of separable contacts. A non-contact sensor is responsive to the first and second positions of the target to generate first and second output signals. A movable slider member carries the target and is structured to slide within a holder inside the housing of the circuit breaker and to be coupled to and moved by an operating mechanism responsive to the open and closed positions of the separable contacts. This effects one of the first and second positions of the target when the separable contacts are closed and the other of the first and second positions of the target when the separable contacts are open.

Abstract: A load abnormality detecting system and method for detecting the burnout and short circuit of a load are provided. A voltage generator (10) generates a specified voltage Vs in accordance with a load current IL. A judging device (4) compares a signal corresponding to this voltage (Vs) with a specified reference value (T1, T2) to judge whether a load (2) has any abnormality. A selector (6) causes the burnout reference value (T1) to be inputted to the judging device (4) and controls the voltage generator (10) to use a first resistance value when checking the burnout of the load (2) while causing the short-circuit reference value (T2) to be inputted to the judging device (4) and controlling the voltage generator (10) to use a second resistance value when checking the short circuit of the load (2).

Abstract: A load control device for controlling the amount of power delivered to an electrical load from an AC power source comprises a semiconductor switch having a control input, a triggering circuit, a timing circuit, and a status indicator circuit. Preferably, the status indicator circuit includes a light-emitting diode in a rectifier bridge. In a first embodiment, the status indicator circuit is coupled in series with a capacitor in the timing circuit such that the status indicator is illuminated to a dim level when the load is not powered and the status indicator is illuminated to a bright level when the load is powered. In a second embodiment, the status indicator circuit is coupled in series with a control input of the semiconductor switch such that the status indicator is not illuminated when the load is not powered and the status indicator is illuminated when the load is powered.

Abstract: A vacuum-type electrical switching apparatus (10) for high voltage electrical power. A vacuum pressure condition in a vacuum pressure space (21) surrounding electrical contact points (18) is monitored and movement of the contact points between open and closed positions is automatically prevented when the pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold in order to avoid destructive arcing between the points. A sensor (32) provides a vacuum signal (34) responsive to the vacuum pressure condition. A controller (36) automatically inhibits movements of the contact points when the vacuum signal indicates that the vacuum has degraded. A contactor (38) may be placed in series with power supply (28) and a solenoid (24) used to move the contact points, with the contactor being automatically opened by the controller in response to the degraded vacuum condition.

Abstract: A method of utilizing device indicator lights includes providing a device that includes a plurality of device indicator lights and a user control. A first set and a second set of device states are monitored. The plurality of device indicator lights are individually utilized to communicate each of the first set of device states. It is determined if the user control has been activated. The plurality of device indicator lights are used in concert to communicate one of the second set of device states upon a determination that the user control has been activated.

Abstract: There is provided an electronic device that enables and ensures the detection of the open/close condition and attached condition of a plurality of cover bodies by only one detection switch. Therefore, an electronic device comprises an upper cover, a front cover, an actuator, and a mechanical switch. The upper cover is provided openable and closable with respect to a rolled sheet holder storing case, and the front cover is removably attached on the rolled sheet holder storing case for covering a component, which is housed in the rolled sheet holder storing case. The actuator is provided on the front cover, and it makes an action when the upper cover is closed to the rolled sheet holder storing case, and the mechanical switch detects the action of the actuator.

Abstract: A semiconductor leakage current detector of the present invention includes a first analog switch which causes a current to be measured to flow or to be cut off, a second analog switch which causes a reference current to flow or to be cut off, an integral capacitance element which is connected by the first analog switch and the second analog switch and is charged with the current to be measured or the reference current, a discharge unit which discharges the integral capacitor, and a comparison unit which compares the reference voltage with each of an integral voltage generated in the integral capacitor by a reference current after the discharge of the integral capacitor and an integral voltage generated in the integral capacitance element by the current to be measured after the discharge of the integral capacitor.