Abstract: An operation abnormality detector of electronic modules detects an abnormality in an associated device, such as the presence of a foreign body nearby the device. The detector can be used, for example, in the mouthpiece of a card reader of a self-serving banking machine. Upon detecting an abnormality, operation of the machine can be suspended by turning off its display, precluding fraud with unauthorized cards or vandalism. Upon detecting the abnormality, an alert is set to an alarm central.

Abstract: A magnetic field strength threshold alarm that includes sensing means responsive to a magnetic field and actuating in response to field strength above a predetermined threshold, the sensing means being configured to be operational and able to actuate without consumption of energy; and alarm means for outputting an alarm responsive to the sensing means actuation, the alarm means being configured not to consume energy prior to actuation of the sensing means and only consuming energy subsequent to actuation of the sensing means. So, energy is not consumed by the alarm means prior to actuation. The alarm may be considered to include energy storage means for providing electrical energy, wherein the sensing means, the alarm means and energy storage means being operatively connected such that the electrical energy from the energy storage means is provided only when the sensing means is actuated.

Abstract: A system and method for continual cable thermal monitoring using cable characteristic considerations in Power over Ethernet (PoE) applications. Cable heating in PoE applications is detected through changes in electrical characteristics of the cable itself. By periodically monitoring the electrical characteristics such as insertion loss or cross talk of the cable, it can be determined whether the cable has exceeded certain thermal operating thresholds.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses may be provided for stray voltage detection. The systems, methods and apparatuses may include providing a first antenna at a first location relative to a monitored equipment or structure, where the first antenna may be operative to detect a first electric field strength at the first location, providing a second antenna at a second location relative to the monitored equipment or structure, where the second antenna may be operative to detect a second electric field strength at the second location, and detecting a stray voltage based at least in part upon the detected first electric field strength and the second electric field strength.

Abstract: An emergency power activation device includes at least one power module and a main control module. Each of the at least one power module includes an output end. The main control module includes an interface unit and a monitoring unit. When the interface unit is electrically connected with the power module, the electric energy stored in the power module can be outputted to the output end. The monitoring unit monitors the power storage of the power module and the electric connection between the power module and the main control module in real time. In this way, the emergency power activation device can keep the power supply stable while on standby for a long time and monitor the storage of its internal electric energy for an emergency power generator.

Abstract: The patent discloses a method of verifying that a dialysis machine audio alarm has been sounded. The method senses a waveform of electric power, such as a waveform of the current or voltage that drives a speaker. When the speaker produces sound, power consumption changes the waveform in a manner that is detectable by electrical and electronic sensors. The amplitude envelope and frequency or period of the waveform is specific to the electrical and mechanical characteristics of the speaker. The waveform may be detected by a current-sensing resistor in series with the speaker power source, by a non-contact current transformer or hall-effect sensor, or may be sampled by an ADC. A computer program then compares this resulting signal to an expected signal or waveform and verify the speaker is working. If the speaker is not working, the machine sends a visual alarm or places itself in a safe state.

Abstract: An AC-DC power converter controls an external upstream switching device, which supplies it power to be converted. Power conversion is initiated when an external signal requests power be converted or when a program within the AC-DC power converter detects the need for power conversion. When this occurs, the AC-DC power converter signals the external switching device, which is upstream of the AC-DC power converter to turn on, thereby supplying the power to be converted to the AC-DC power converter.

Abstract: A method protects a power button of a computing device. The computing device includes a front panel and a motherboard. The front panel includes a protection switch and a power button. The motherboard includes a power protection unit that displays a power-on simulation icon and a power-off simulation icon on a display screen when the power button is pressed. The power protection unit controls a general-purpose input/output (GPIO) pin of the motherboard to output a first voltage level when the power-off simulation icon is selected, and shuts off the protection switch to enable the power button according to the first voltage level. The power protection unit controls the GPIO pin to output a second voltage level when the power-on simulation icon is selected, and turns on the protection switch to enable the power button according to the second voltage level.

Abstract: A power monitor controller includes a period setting part that sets predetermined periods, an integrator part that integrates power consumed in an electric device for every predetermined period set by the period setting part to thus obtain first power consumption, and a detector part that detects an abnormality in the electric device when the first power consumption is within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A method of parsing a natural language phrase to retrieve data associated with a power monitoring system. An input receives a natural language phrase including terms, one of which indicates a data manipulation action for manipulating data of the power monitoring system. A parser component parses the phrase to extract the terms and maps those terms to corresponding category items. The parser component constructs a structured query based on the category items and provides the query to a processor component that retrieves the data from a data source specified in the submitted phrase. The processor component also manipulates the data according to the data manipulation action. The output from the processor component is provided to a presentation component that formats the manipulated data for presentation on a video display, and the formatted manipulated data is displayed on the video display.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and sensing device capable of determining a temperature of a liquid and an electrical conductivity of said liquid at said temperature. The sensing device comprises at least one temperature sensor for providing temperature measurement data arranged such that said temperature sensor is physically isolated from said liquid when said sensing device is immersed in said liquid. The device further comprises an electrical conductivity sensor, storage means containing temperature characteristics and a processor. The processor is arranged for instantly measuring an electrical conductivity of a liquid and for evaluating temperature measurement data for determining the temperature of the liquid on the basis of the temperature characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a charge status indicator and a charger. The charger comprises a charging power supply and a charge status indicator, wherein, the charge status indicator comprises a detecting chip for monitoring charge status connected between the primary winding of transformer and ground, and a display module used for displaying the charge status, wherein, said detecting chip for monitoring charge status comprising: a detecting module for detecting the charging state of the charge power supply; a comparing module for determining the current charge status based on the detected charging state. By employing the charger or the charge status indicator for a charger, a primary-side feedback control Flyback SMPS may be employed, just a simple and reliable circuit is needed, and higher efficient can be achieved.

Abstract: Apparatus comprises a module, a magnetometer, and a controller. The module has an operation or output dependent on a location of the apparatus. The magnetometer includes a magnetic sensor arrangement. The controller is arranged to control operation of the module dependent on signals provided at an output of the magnetometer.

Abstract: A controller suitable for identifying an abnormal operational condition in a bathing system is provided. The controller includes a memory unit adapted for storing measurements indicative of electrical currents drawn by the bathing system under normal operating conditions, each measurement being indicative of the electrical current being drawn by a respective bathing unit component in the bathing system. The controller also includes a processing unit for modifying the measurements stored in the memory unit and for detecting an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing system at least in part on the basis of measurements stored on the memory unit. In specific implementations, sensing circuitry adapted for obtaining measurements associated to components, such as relays and fuses, is provided.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to analysis of materials using a capacitive sensor to detect anomalies through comparison of measured capacitances. The capacitive sensor is used in conjunction with a capacitance measurement device, a location device, and a processor in order to generate a capacitance versus location output which may be inspected for the detection and localization of anomalies within the material under test. The components may be carried as payload on an inspection vehicle which may traverse through a pipe interior, allowing evaluation of nonmetallic or plastic pipes when the piping exterior is not accessible. In an embodiment, supporting components are solid-state devices powered by a low voltage on-board power supply, providing for use in environments where voltage levels may be restricted.

Abstract: Embodiments of an electrical outlet arrangement and a system formed with a number of the arrangements and a remote control server are disclosed herewith. The arrangements may be configured to encourage usage of electricity generated using renewable sources and/or to enable non-utility entities (NUE) to provide and be compensated for consuming electricity through the NUE are disclosed herein. In various embodiments, an arrangement may include an electrical outlet and a switch coupled with each other. An electrical outlet may be configured to accept electrical coupling from a load for electricity consumption. A switch may be configured to enable or disable electricity flow to the electrical outlet, in response to control of a local controller and/or the remote control server.

Abstract: A system and method for continual cable thermal monitoring using cable characteristic considerations in Power over Ethernet (PoE) applications. Cable heating in PoE applications is detected through changes in electrical characteristics of the cable itself. By periodically monitoring the electrical characteristics such as insertion loss or cross talk of the cable, it can be determined whether the cable has exceeded certain thermal operating thresholds.

Abstract: A polyphase source detecting circuit configured for detecting a polyphase source having three sources includes three sampling circuits and an alarm circuit. Each sampling circuit has a control switch. A control terminal of the control switch of each sampling circuit is connected to one of the phase sources of the polyphase source respectively. The alarm circuit has a first transistor, a first LED, and a buzzer. The anode of the first LED is connected to a power supply. The cathode of the first LED is connected to the base of the first transistor and connected to ground via the control switches of the sampling circuits in turn. The collector of the first transistor is connected to the power supply via the buzzer. The emitter of the first transistor grounded.

Abstract: An arrangement for use in a safety notification system includes first, second, third and four outputs configurable for first and second wiring configurations of notification appliance circuits. The arrangement also includes a configurable terminal arrangement having first and second configurations corresponding to the first and second wiring configurations, and an end-of-line resistor. The configurable terminal arrangement in the first configuration couples the end-of-line resistor between the third and fourth outputs. The configurable terminal arrangement in the second configuration decouples the end-of-line resistor from the third and fourth outputs.

Abstract: A galvanic ground isolator adapter protects against galvanic corrosion on a boat when a boat power system is connected to a shore power system. A ground isolation assembly in the ground connection between the two system grounds prevents current from passing between the two system grounds when the voltage difference between the two is low. When the voltage difference exceeds a preset value, the ground connection is established. The adapter is entirely contained within a rigid housing with a male plug at one end and a female socket at the other end. In this form it can be simply connected to a power cord that is normally used in connecting the shore and boat power systems. It may be provided with a locking mechanism that prevents it being removed once it is attached. It may be supplied with a sonic alarm to indicate when current is flowing in the ground connection.

Abstract: A power providing system for transferring power from an inductive power outlet to an inductive power receiver. The power providing system includes a targeting apparatus capable of detecting the location of the inductive power receiver adjacent to said extended surface and driving a primary inductor in the vicinity of the inductive power receiver. Optionally, the inductive power outlet includes a moving primary inductor which may move into alignment with the receiver. Alternatively, the inductive power outlet includes an array of primary inductors and a primary inductor may be selected in the locality of the inductive power receiver.

Abstract: A system and method for continual cable thermal monitoring using cable resistance considerations for Power over Ethernet (PoE) applications. Cable heating in PoE applications is related to the resistance of the cable itself. By periodically monitoring the resistance of the cable, it can be determined whether the cable has exceeded certain operating thresholds. The determined resistance as a proxy for cable heating can then be used in adjusting operational characteristics of PoE channels.

Abstract: A user display for a healthy home or like building structure. In a specific embodiment, the display includes a hardware housing and a display device coupled to the hardware housing. The display includes a plurality of graphical objects corresponding respectively to a plurality of different loads numbered from a through N, where N is an integer greater than 1. As an example, the loads can include, among others, air conditioning, water, heat, electricity, swimming pool, and others. In a specific embodiment, each of the graphical objects is displayed in a common unit of measurement. In a specific embodiment, each of the graphical objects comprises a total demand portion and a fraction of renewable energy portion. Of course, there can be other variations, modifications, and alternatives.

Abstract: A system for indicating a power condition in a conductor includes an indicator constructed to provide notification to a user of a utility power condition, and a sensor non-electrically connected to a utility conductor to control operation of the indicator in response to detection of power in the utility conductor.

Abstract: A polyphase source detecting circuit configured for detecting a polyphase source having at least two phase sources includes at least two sampling circuit and an alarm circuit. Each sampling circuit has a control switch. A control terminal of the control switch of each sampling circuit is connected to one of the phase sources of the polyphase source respectively. The alarm circuit has a first transistor, a first LED, and a second LED. The anodes of the first and second LEDs are connected to a power supply. The cathode of the first LED is connected to the gate of the first transistor and connected to ground via the control switches of the sampling circuits in turn. The cathode of the second LED is connected to the drain of the first transistor. The source of the first transistor grounded.

Abstract: A cementitious compound provides a brittle undercoat for making a surface-mounted crack sensor on a surface. A low percent elongation and low tensile strength of the cementitious compound have proven valuable in ensuring that cracks in the underlying surface are transmitted through the undercoat so that a trace of conductive ink or paint on the undercoat more reliably detects the crack.

Abstract: The present invention relates a motor controller and a motor control method of controlling a motor having a stator coil and a rotator.

Abstract: A system (400) and method for controlling an operation of an electrical power network (420) is described. The method includes configuring an allowable performance of an electrical power network over a predetermined time period as a probability expression comprising a historical term and a future term having an electrical power network operating condition variable. The method also includes calculating a network performance target value (300) according to the probability expression by using a historical electrical power network operating condition value for the electrical power network operating condition variable. The method further includes using the performance target value for controlling the electrical power network effective to achieve the allowable performance. The system includes a database (406), a processor (404) coupled to the database, and a monitoring and control module (410) coupled to the processor.

Abstract: A system (100) for monitoring a motor (202) includes a potential-detecting module (102), a potential-comparing module (104) and a motor-monitoring module (106). The potential-detecting module is configured for measuring output potential of the motor before operation of the motor, and measuring output potential during operation of the motor so as to determine a first output potential and a second output potential. The potential-comparing module is configured for comparing the first output potential with the second output potential to determine whether the motor is operating normally. The motor-monitoring module is configured for selecting a monitoring type if the motor is operating normally. A method for monitoring a motor is also provided.

Abstract: An emergency shutdown detection device for a gas turbine includes a longish, mechanically severable sensor element (5), in which at least one electric line (1 to 4) is provided, with at least one resistor (R1 to R3) being electrically connected to the electric line such that upon severance of the sensor element (5), the electrically connected resistor is electrically disconnected from the electrical line to alter a resistance value for the electrical line.

Abstract: A system and method for continual cable thermal monitoring using cable characteristic considerations in Power over Ethernet (PoE) applications. Cable heating in PoE applications is detected through changes in electrical characteristics of the cable itself. By periodically monitoring the electrical characteristics such as insertion loss or cross talk of the cable, it can be determined whether the cable has exceeded certain thermal operating thresholds.

Abstract: A heater unit includes power failure management to detect disruptions in the electrical power supply, such as the AC supply, for the unit. The heater unit emits an audible alarm in response to detection of such a disruption, and may shut down the heater(s) and visuals display(s). The heater unit advantageously includes a power storage device, such as a super-capacitor, to temporarily power the electronic circuitry of the heater unit. Operating parameters, such as of a processor of the electronic circuitry, may be stored in a non-volatile memory response to the disruption, and recalled if the disruption terminates before the level of power has gotten too low to sustain reliable operation of the processor.

Abstract: A card protection device and method of protecting data stored on a contactless smartcard are disclosed. The card protection device may include an antenna, a detector circuit, and an alerting circuit. The antenna may include a magnetic loop that is coupled to a tuning circuit responsive to magnetic field emissions in a frequency band associated with contactless smartcard communications. The detector circuit is coupled to the antenna and may include control logic for attenuating the magnetic field emissions based on smartcard operating characteristics. The detector circuit can store energy associated with the magnetic field emissions and the alerting circuit can provide an audible and/or visual alert using the stored energy. Optionally, the card protection device may be integrated with other smartcard communication functions and/or it may share components with a contactless smartcard.

Abstract: An identification system for a light radiation source (103) having a control circuit (107) for communicating with an identification circuit (108) associated with the light radiation source, wherein the identification circuit is arranged for storing data relating to the light radiation source. During operation, the control circuit communicates with the identification circuit via a signal path comprising at least a portion of a first electric wire (112) provided for energizing the light radiation source such that it is used as a first transmitting antenna for communicating with the identification circuit. The operation of the light radiation source is controlled in dependence on the data retrieved from the identification circuit. Depending on the result of the identification, operation of the light radiation source can be authorized or prevented, thus blocking the use of an incorrect radiation source for a given application.

Abstract: A panel meter including an energy test pulse device that enables the panel meter to be used for revenue applications and eliminates the need for two separate meters, one for panel indication, and the other for energy and revenue applications. The electrical panel meter including at least one sensor configured for measuring an electrical parameter; at least one analog-to-digital converter coupled to the at least one sensor for converting the measured electrical parameter to a digital signal; a display for continuously displaying at least one electrical parameter; a processor configured to receive the digital signal and calculate an amount of energy consumed; and a test pulse circuit configured to receive the calculated amount and generate a plurality of pulses equal to the calculated amount, wherein each of the plurality of pulses is equal to a predetermined amount of energy.

Abstract: An apparatus detects DC magnetic field, AC magnetic and electrical fields, and high frequency/microwave radiation, and alarms when the field strength is beyond the safety threshold. The threshold was set up based on pacemaker and other implantable device manufacturer's specifications and left enough safety margins to give early warning before the sources actually start interfering with the implanted devices.

Abstract: A communications system for use in transmitting data in a railroad system is provided. The communications system includes a track circuit having a plurality of rails configured to transmit an electrical signal thereon, a first processor communicatively coupled to the track circuit via a first locomotive on said track circuit, and a trackside communications station operable to output cab signaling data, wherein the trackside communications station includes a second processor communicatively coupled to the track circuit. The first processor is programmed to compare a received data signal to a pre-stored database, and generate a response based on the comparison. The second processor is programmed to generate a corrected signal using the generated response.

Abstract: A method of classification of power requirements in a power over Ethernet system, the method comprising: providing a first classification voltage for a first classification cycle time, the provided first classification voltage being within a classification voltage range defined by a lower classification voltage limit and upper classification voltage limit; measuring a first current flow responsive to the provided first classification voltage; subsequent to the first classification cycle time, providing a voltage outside of the classification voltage range for a classification indexing time; subsequent to the classification indexing time, providing a second classification voltage for a second classification cycle time, the provided second classification voltage being within the classification voltage range; measuring a second current flow responsive to the provided second classification voltage; determining a classification responsive to the measured first current flow and the measured second current flow; and

Abstract: The embodiments described herein present methods and apparatus for an energy-saving status indicator. A method includes receiving a configuration of a first power consumption state for a status indicator light in a network device. The method then activates the first power consumption state using the configuration. After detecting a condition, the method activates a second power consumption state for the status indicator light. The transition from the first power state to the second power state may be from a low power state to a normal operating state or from a normal operating state to a low power state in various embodiments. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: A detecting system for detecting the connection of two connectors includes a number of first and second linking lines. The detecting system includes a number of first detection switches, a number of pull-down resistors, a number of second detection switches, a number of pull-up resistors, and a detection module. Each first linking line is grounded via each first detection switch and each pull-down resistor in series. The terminals of the pull-down resistors connected to the first detection switches are defined as first detecting ends. Each second linking line is electrically coupled to a high potential via each second detection switch and each pull-up resistors in series. The detection module with a threshold value preset is configured for comparing the voltage value at the first detecting ends with the threshold value, and outputting a result to determine whether the first linking lines are electrically connected to the second linking lines respectively.

Abstract: A method of providing assistance for locating a radio-frequency identification (RFID) device is provided. The RFID device preferably comprises a power source having a power level and a feedback device. The method comprises determining the power level of the power source is below a first predetermined power level, and transmitting a first signal that indicates the power level of the power source is below the first predetermined power level. Thereafter, the method comprises receiving a second signal that instructs the RFID device to activate the feedback device, and operating the feedback device in response to receiving the second signal.

Abstract: A device and method for monitoring the material health of a structure, providing a miniaturized MEMS Kelvin probe within a housing, wherein the Kelvin probe comprises a conductive plate formed of a stable metal and positioned substantially parallel to the structure; a piezoelectric vibrator for vibrating the conductive plate; and an electrical circuit connected to the conductive plate and the structure, wherein the conductive plate and the structure form a capacitor. The device is contained in one small, lightweight package that can be placed at one or more locations of interest. The sensor can be left in-place for continuous monitoring or for active testing at desired intervals, or be brought to the aircraft at desired intervals.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a tap change operation monitoring apparatus for an on-load tap changer which can employ relatively simple and low-cost torque sensing means by mitigating an accuracy requirement with regard to detecting a starting time of tap change operation, acquire torque waveform data concerning tap change operation of a diverter switch in an accurate and reliable fashion, and discriminate an abnormal state of the tap change operation with high accuracy.

Abstract: A cable fault detection component (168) receives input data indicative of a fault in an electrical power system. The component (168) analyzes the input data to determine if the fault is indicative of a temporary or self-clearing cable fault and generates corresponding output data (276). In one implementation, the cable fault detection component (168) is implemented as a software module which operates on a computer (105) of a substation intelligence system (104).

Abstract: Disclosed is an image processing apparatus including: an image processor which processes and displays an image signal; a communication unit which transmits a power consumption of the image processing apparatus to a power control server, and receives a message notifying necessary power saving function from the power control server; and a controller which controls the image processor to display a power load warning message and performs a power saving function in response to the power load warning message if the message notifying the necessary power saving function is received. With this, while operation rate of the power plant having high costs is lowered, low carbon emission of the plant may be achieved and a user of the image processing apparatus may reduce power consumption by performing a power saving function.

Abstract: Systems and methods for selecting a video transmission event to be blacked out and storing a data record with instructions to color code an element within a graphical user interface based on the blackout are disclosed.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, a method for sensing a body is disclosed. The method includes measuring an impedance of a body occupying a seat over a plurality of frequencies and comparing the measured impedance of the body with a predefined body model. The method also includes determining whether the predefined body model corresponds to the measured impedance of the body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for on-line measurement and forecasting of a species concentration while a reaction is taking place, based on the measurement of the electrical conductivity of the reacting volume, and using such measurement to evaluate a first mathematical function relating such value to the concentration of the species in the reacting volume. The evaluation of the first mathematical function requires as inputs: electrical conductivity trajectory, time elapsed, and other significant process variables; it generates as outputs the estimated actual species concentration and at least one forecasted concentration value.

Abstract: Tampering with an assembly that includes an integrated circuit is detected by measuring a change in at least one property of a conductive molding formed over at least a portion of the integrated circuit. For example, the conductive molding can be a mixture of resin with conductive powder and/or fibers. The molding can be formed as a continuous region or as strips of conductive material. Conductive contacts are positioned to provide and receive current through portions of the conductive material. For example, the property of the molding can be an impedance of a portion of the conductive molding. A significant change in the impedance measured through one or more conductive contacts indicates tampering with the assembly.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting a broken wire in a communication cable coupling a powered device to power sourcing equipment. Powered Devices (PDs) may be powered by power sourcing equipment via communication cables as in power over Ethernet systems. A current share technique is employed at the Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) side or the PD side of the Ethernet cable to force currents in twisted pairs of the communication cable to be equal. In one embodiment, first and second power supplies within a PSE are coupled to first and second powered device controllers (PDCs). A characteristic within the system that is indicative of first and second PDC input voltages is measured and the two measured characteristics are compared. If the two measured characteristics are not substantially the same, such indicates the presence of a broken wire.