Abstract: A fault indicator for indicating the occurrence of a fault in an electrical conductor has a housing, a high capacity battery, at least one light emitting diode (LED) visible from the exterior of the fault indicator upon the occurrence of a fault and which may be automatically reset to a non-fault indicating position a predetermined time after the occurrence of the fault, and electronic circuitry for sensing a fault, for actuating the LEDs to indicate a fault and for resetting the LEDs to a non-fault indicating condition a predetermined time after the fault has occurred. The electronic circuitry conserves energy by drawing insubstantial current from the high capacity battery during non-fault conditions. The electronic circuitry may also include in-rush restraint to avoid false tripping of the fault indicator during surges. An inrush restraint circuit has an output signal that is logically combined with a fault indicator signal to disable the fault indicator during inrush conditions.

Abstract: A load status indicator is disclosed wherein a green light-emitting diode of a bi-color light-emitting diode lights up when power is available to but not being used by a monitored device, whereas a red light-emitting diode of the bi-color light-emitting diode lights up when the monitored device is drawing current. The load status indicator utilizes a coil in series with the monitored device, a reed switch controlled by the coil, and field-effect transistors to control which light-emitting diode lights up depending on whether power is available and whether the monitored device is drawing current.

Abstract: A wireless circuit setup is used in a hazardous area where the circuit is intrinsically safe and does not require explosion proof containment. In this setup, an intrinsically safe master barrier (420) is used without the use of a resistor and one or more resistors (R1, R2, R3) are placed in at least one final barrier at the output end prior to the signal exiting the system. The use of resistors (R1, R2, R3) at the final barrier reduces the loss of power and speed. Optionally, in this setup, the antenna can be located remotely from the remaining components of the wireless transceiver. The antenna can also be connected the optional device using the same cable that shows the communication status information, such as transmit/receive status, signal strength, power, etc, in hazardous area.

Abstract: A diaphragm diagnostic system for use in an industrial field device has a diaphragm and a diagnostic feature. The diaphragm is configured to couple the field device to a process fluid and has a plurality of layers. A first layer of the plurality of layers is exposed to process fluid of an industrial process. A diagnostic feature is coupled to the diaphragm to monitor an electrical parameter of the diaphragm and responsively infer an operative state of the diaphragm based on a change in the monitored electrical parameter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for powering one or more remotely-situated devices. In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, energy is added (at a convenient location) to a medium that the remotely-situated devices are associated with (e.g., a medium that the remotely-situated devices are sensing, controlling, alarming, etc). The energy is removed from the medium near to the remotely-situated devices. If required, the energy is converted to a form that is useable by the remotely-situated device. The removed energy is delivered to the remotely-situated devices and is used by them to perform an action that is associated with the medium (e.g., sensing a characteristic of the medium, controlling a characteristic of the medium, providing an alarm responsive to a value of a characteristic of the medium, etc.

Abstract: An auto-learned hierarchy algorithm that learns the hierarchical layout of a power monitoring system. Historical power data from each meter is received and placed into a data table. The main is assumed to be at the top of the hierarchy and is designated as the reference. A check matrix is developed indicating whether a possible connection exists between each meter pair combination. A correlation coefficient matrix (CCM) is calculated based on the data table, and entries in which no connection is possible are zeroed. The column for the reference meter from the CCM is copied to a correlation reference array (CRA), and the meter having the highest correlation with the reference meter in the CRA is marked as connected to the reference meter in a connection table. That meter's power is subtracted from the data table and the procedure is repeated until all meters have been analyzed.

Abstract: In some embodiments a connector is to couple a peripheral, and a detector coupled to the connector is to detect if the peripheral is disconnected from the connector in response to a first reserved pin and a second reserved pin.

Abstract: A device performs a synchronization between flasher frequencies of flasher devices and a central flashing frequency of a central control device at times when a data transmission device is in the active state. For a synchronization, a correction signal is determined in the central control device from a deviation of a phase of the flasher frequency relative to a phase of the central flashing frequency and transmitted to a flasher control device which modifies the flasher frequency phase in response to the correction signal. Following the modification of the flasher frequency phase the data transmission device is switched back once more into an idle state. This offers the advantage that a synchronization of flasher devices with a central control device can be performed, whereby a data transmission device does not need to be permanently active and can therefore be used in a power-saving way.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating between an appliance and a power line carrier communication system includes at least one power line carrier connection, at least one appliance connection, and processing circuitry for translating between an appliance communication protocol and a power line carrier communication protocol. The method and apparatus allow bidirectional communication between power line carrier and apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a circuit arrangement and a method for load diagnosis of a switch having a first and a second load connecting terminal. A first and a second current source arrangement are provided, which can in each case be connected to one of the load connecting terminals of the switch and which supply, depending on potential conditions at the said load connecting terminals, currents in a first and second current direction or oppositely to the said first and second current direction to the load connecting terminals. Furthermore, an evaluation circuit is provided, which evaluates the currents flowing to the first and second load connecting terminals and provides a load state signal depending on the said currents.

Abstract: A system for determining the location of a disturbance event in a power distribution system. More specifically, the present invention provides a system for determining the direction of a disturbance event at the individual meter location and a system for analyzing this data from multiple meter locations to locate the cause of the event in the power system. The system includes a power feed bus for supplying electrical signals and a circuit monitor coupled to the feed bus. The circuit monitor is responsive to detect the disturbance event by comparing a disturbance event signal with a pre-event signal on a plurality of time scales.

Abstract: A tire/wheel assembly abnormality determining apparatus and a method thereof determines whether there is an abnormality in a tire/wheel assembly in a vehicle provided with the tire/wheel assembly constituted by fixing a tire, that is filled with compressed air, to a wheel. The apparatus includes a tire pressure sensor which directly detects an air pressure in the tire as a tire pressure and which outputs a tire pressure signal indicative of the detected tire pressure; and a determining device which determines whether there is a deformation state abnormality, that is an abnormality regarding a deformation state of the tire, in the tire/wheel assembly, based on frequency characteristics of the output tire pressure signal. Therefore, it is possible to accurately determine whether there is an abnormality in the tire/wheel assembly in the vehicle, regardless of fluctuation of a wheel speed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring and controlling a backup power source and one or more critical loads powered thereby is disclosed. The apparatus is constructed in the form of an electrical distribution panel that includes electronic systems for monitoring the current to the critical loads. In the event of an overcurrent condition on one or more critical load circuits, the system is able to disable power flow to the offending circuit so as to protect the remaining critical load circuits and the backup power source. The system is also provided with a means for communicating status information about the system to a remote user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new application for an inductive coupler (12) used proximate a power transmission line (14). The magnetic field based power measurement method and system discussed herein in unique and differs from the prior technology by using near-real time intervals and periods that occur systemically in parallel with electrical systems rather than an accumulated period with little or no active capacity or proactive features. The inductive coupler (12) described herewith is used to collect, measure, and/or extract electromagnetic changes.

Abstract: An electronic fence transmitter for self-adjusting the receiving distance is comprised of a fence wire buried in a yard, a voltage detector that is connected in series to the fence wire and a comparator for comparing the detected voltage of the voltage detector with a reference voltage. A voltage applied to the fence wire is automatically adjusted according to a signal inputted from the comparator and increasing gradually until a value of the detected voltage is larger than the value of the reference voltage. Accordingly, a distance for receiving the signal from the fence wire is set as constant without regard to an installation length or area of fence wire.

Abstract: An indicator system having light emitting diode (LED) indicators and an open-circuit detecting circuit. In the open-circuit detecting circuit, a voltage at a point between a constant current source and the first resistor is applied to a base of a transistor. The second resistor is connected in parallel between the base and an emitter of the transistor. The third and the fourth resistors are connected in series between the constant current source and a collector of the transistor. The fifth resistor is connected between the emitter of the transistor and the first resistor. The threshold determining circuit determines a voltage at a point between the third and the fourth resistors as a threshold voltage. With this configuration, the threshold voltage can be adjusted according to the resistance of the first resistor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting a connection to a data transmission network functions by detecting the network signal energy on a network cable while avoiding the problems of excessive power consumption and generation of excessive electrical noise. By monitoring the receive network lines and determining if there is electrical energy on the cable in the form particular to the type of network supported by the network adaptor card, the host computing device can power-down the transceiver associated with the network adaptor card until an active network connection is detected.

Abstract: This sensor circuit and method for defending against tampering with an integrated circuit die uses metal wire loops to protect the circuitry. In addition, these metal wire loops have several via pairs along its length. One of the vias of the via pair goes to a NAND gate which detects a break in a section of a metal wire loop. A second via of the via pair is used to periodically discharge a metal wire loop to remove residual charge, in preparation for charging the metal wire loop and detecting any uncharged section. A given integrated circuit can have one or more metal wire loops on top of the circuitry to be protected. Each metal wire loop has one or more NAND gates. These outputs of the NAND gates can be fed into OR gates to produce an overall signal which activates an alarm or other security action such as erasure of electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM).

Abstract: In a method, computer program and system for determining an operational limit of a power transmission line, time-stamped current phasor information and voltage phasor information for a first end and a second end of the line are determined, an ohmic resistance of the line is computed from the phasor information, and an average line temperature is computed from the ohmic resistance. This allows to determine the average line temperature without dedicated temperature sensors. The average line temperature represents the actual average temperature and is largely independent of assumptions regarding line parameters.

Abstract: Thermostatic Controller and Circuit Tester is a new trouble shooting device, designed to improve the air conditioning technicians fault diagnostic capabilities. The device comes equipped with two independent circuits and its own built in flashlight. The first circuit is the controller, which is outfitted with test leads with alligator clips controlled by four push on-push off switches. When attached to the thermostat wires or the air handlers connector block, it allows the air conditioning system to be manually overridden, so as to determine and locate defects in the system. The next circuit, with detachable test leads and probes, performs line voltage and continuity tests.

Abstract: A universal vehicle electric power distribution module employs reconfigurable inputs and outputs enabling use of the same hardware across vehicle lines. The module is scalable for ease of expansion and is capable of handling both low current and high current load management on the same module.

Abstract: A fused disconnect switch assembly includes a pull out fuse assembly and a switch housing assembly. The fuse assembly includes a line side conducting portion, a load side conducting portion, and a fuse element therebetween. The switch housing assembly includes a fuse receptacle for receiving the fuse, a first contact assembly coupled to the line side conducting portion of the fuse and a second contact assembly coupled to the load side conducting portion of the fuse when the fuse is inserted into the receptacle. An open fuse indication device is in communication with conducting portions of the fuse, and an alarm terminal output extends from the switch assembly housing and is in communication with the open fuse indication device. The open fuse indication device provides local fuse state indication and the alarm terminal output facilitates remote fuse state indication when coupled to external circuitry.

Abstract: A system and method for providing hot-swap status indication in a computer system having redundant power supplies. In one embodiment a system comprises an electrical subsystem that is powered by a first power supply and second power supply. The system further comprises a hot-swap indicator configured to provide a first user indication to indicate whether the first power supply is hot-swappable depending on whether the first power supply is operating at greater than a predetermined power capacity usage, such as fifty percent. The system may also include a second hot-swap indicator for the second power supply.

Abstract: A beacon circuit enabling study of active elements in an integrated circuit is disclosed. The beacon circuit may be integral to a DUT to be tested. The DUT is stimulated by a conventional ATE, so that its active devices are operating. The signal from the active device is sent to the beacon circuit which, in response to the signal, emits light having intensity that is proportional to the value of the signal. In one example, the beacon circuit is constructed as a voltage to current converter having its input connected to the node of interest and its output connected to a current to light converter. In one example, the current to light converter is implemented as a current mirror circuit. One beneficial implementation disclosed is the use of the beacon circuit for the study of voltage supply disturbances.

Abstract: An optoelectronic sensor and a method for producing a positive or a negative object detection signal in dependence on the presence or non-presence of an object in a foreground region or in a background region of a region monitored by the sensor. Transmitted light is transmitted in the direction of the monitored region during an operating phase. A plurality of received signals are produced in dependence on the reflected and the received transmitted light which are associated with the foreground region or with the background region. A difference of the received signals is compared with a differential threshold to produce the positive or the negative object detection signal, wherein a switching hysteresis is formed for a change between the positive and the negative object detection signal. The association of the received signals with the foreground region and the background region is changed in dependence on a change in the object detection signal to form the switching hysteresis.

Abstract: A relaxation oscillator for a transponder capable of measuring one or more parameters (e.g., temperature, pressure) in an object and transmitting a data stream to an external reader/interrogator. The transponder typically operates in a passive mode, deriving its power from an RF interrogation signal received by an antenna system, but c=also operate in a battery-powered active mode. The transponder includes memory for storing measurements, calibration data programmable trim settings, transponder ID and the like. Measurement readings comprise counting oscillations of a measurement signal during a fixed time window. The measurement signal is generated by a relaxation oscillator driven by the alternating charging and discharging of measurement capacitors. wherein the capacitor charging rate is a function of current, and of capacitance. By using a mirror measurement current lo discharge the measurement capacitors, the discharge rate is made approximately equal to the charge rate.

Abstract: A metal detecting device for the detection of a metal object concealed in shoe or on a leg of a subject, including: a housing with a platform having an upper surface with indication areas thereon for the correct positioning of each of a subject's feet, left-foot and right-foot electromagnetic coils under the indication areas connected to a power supply via an oscillator and a switch, an electromagnetic shield divider between the left-foot and right-foot electromagnetic coils, a detection system for the detection of the placement of the subjects feet on the indication area, a processing unit for processing signals from the electromagnetic coils and detection system, and a display connected to the processing unit for displaying a warning signal if metal is detected.

Abstract: An intrusion detection system provides the function of an “active” ranging sensor cable system utilized for identification of the location of the intruder, with that of a “passive” cable detection system, in an integrated cable configuration. This dual function is provided with a single conventional sensing cable optimized for both “active” and “passive” sensing, or in combination with other parallel sensing cables for a “passive” cable component. The “active” cable component includes a coaxial sensor cable having a loosely disposed conductor. A signal is injected into the sensor cable such that a reflection is altered when an intrusion disturbs the cable. Based on the timing of the reflection, a processor, or a reflectometer, identifies the location of the disturbance. The “passive” cable component can be sensitized to detect intrusion via some other sensing phenomenology, such as the triboelectric effect, for triboelectric effect sensing.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for indicating events at various locations in a power distribution system.

Abstract: Discloses is a method and a corresponding apparatus for monitoring operation of electrical household appliances (such as a freezer). The method includes checking the temperature inside the freezer on a periodical basis and comparing with a de-frosting temperature. A critical condition is detected and recorded when the temperature inside the freezer stays over the de-frosting temperature for a period longer than a threshold value. In this way, when a user returns home after several days of absence, he or she is informed whether the food has been de-frozen and then frozen again because of a outage in the power supply network.

Abstract: A reach type forklift truck includes a rotation sensor interposed between a load wheel and a load wheel shaft on which the load wheel is provided. A signal line for transmitting a detected signal of the rotation sensor is inserted in a guide groove formed in the load wheel shaft that extends along an axial direction thereof. The signal line is led out from a reach rail side of the load wheel.

Abstract: An electronic control unit (ECU) is mounted to a non-conductive material housing for installation in a vehicle. In order to diagnose whether or not the ECU is properly installed within the vehicle, a conductive member is placed within the housing. The conductive member includes a pair of pins that are insert molded into the housing such that one end of each pin is electrically connected to the ECU and an opposite end of each pin is exposed at a mounting surface presented by the housing. A fastener is used to mount the housing to the vehicle and includes an enlarged head portion that contacts the exposed ends of the pins, forming an electrical circuit. The ECU monitors the resistance or voltage between the two pins to determine if the ECU is properly mounted. A closed circuit indicates proper mounting and an open circuit indicates improper mounting.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes at least one partial discharge (PD) sensor. The PD sensor is configured to monitor a component of an aircraft wiring system and to acquire a monitoring signal. A method embodiment for monitoring an aircraft wiring system includes acquiring a number of monitoring signals for a number of components of the aircraft wiring system using a number of partial discharge PD sensors. The method further includes conveying the monitoring signals from at least one of the PD sensors to a data acquisition system.

Abstract: A device representing a simple means of multiplying the functionality of wiring in point to point control circuits such that fault tolerant, fault reporting circuits can be constructed with less wire. The circuit can employ the wiring on a continuous basis by the use of AC and a series arrangement that may combine sensors and command loads on the same single wire loop. A bi-directional current detector with switchable impedance over each polarity can form the device. The detector may be equipped with an electrically isolated man-machine interface that communicates with light to achieve input-output functions. Command functions may be issued by changing the current level within the circuit over each polarity of current flow to series mounted remote loads that are polarized with diodes. The whole circuit can be in triplicate for high reliability and fault tolerance and use a common return wire.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring grounding of personnel and equipment in electrostatic discharge (ESD) sensitive areas. The device generates a low voltage alternating current control signal (60) which is applied to personnel (50) and equipment (350) being monitored. The device further includes signal conditioning (66) and detection means (70) to distinguish static charges from the control signal and transmit an alarm (72) upon detection of such static charge. The method encompasses the use of an alternating current control signal to detect static charge.

Abstract: A fail-safe electrical control system in the form of a sensor loop (24) is provided. The sensor loop (24) includes any number of sensor units (22) coupled in series. Each sensor unit (22) includes a local power source (26), a local sensor (14), and a local indicator controller (30). The local power source (26), local sensor (14), and local indicator controller (30) are coupled in series within the sensor unit (22) and the sensor loop (24) to form a closed circuit (40) that does not require a central controller or the performance of loop configuration activities. The local power sources (26) distributed throughout the sensor loop (24) within the sensor units (22) are all isolated from the earth. In one preferred embodiment, the sensor loop (24) controls the movement of solar collectors (12) into wind stow positions when high wind (16) conditions occur.

Abstract: A detection circuit is configured to detect the presence of a power source by comparing two input voltages (VIN1, VIN2). An example detection circuit is arranged, such that the first input voltage (VIN1) may operate above the process limit for transistor breakdown, while the second input voltage (VIN2) should be maintained below the transistor breakdown voltage. The detection circuit includes a built-in offset voltage (VOS) for hysteresis such that the detection signal is activated when VIN1>VIN2+VOS. The detection circuit is useful for providing an enable signal in a battery charger application. It is envisioned that the detection circuit is also useful in other applications where detection of a power source is required, and where detection of one voltage relative to another may be desired.

Abstract: A transformer management system and method involves using sensors to sense physical quantities associated with the operation of a transformer. Processing circuitry uses the sensed physical quantities to calculate values from mathematical models for representing behavior of the transformer. These calculated values are compared to threshold values and an output is generated based on the result of the comparison.

Abstract: A personal electrical injury protection system is provided which can be worn by electricians, construction workers, or other individuals working around or with low-voltage lines (i.e. generally less than about 600 volts). The personal electrical injury protection system has both a proximity warning component which provides a warning of potential electrical hazards upon close approach to the low-voltage power line and an electrical contact protection component which turns off the power upon actual electrical contact with the power line. The present personal electrical protection system relies on a radio frequency transmitter attached to the worker or person to be protected and a radio receiver/controller connected to the power line. The radio frequency transmitter has a low frequency generator which is used for electrical-contact protection and a high frequency generator which is used for proximity warning.

Abstract: A fault diagnosis circuit of the present invention includes: LED indicating units 3a, 3b, and so forth; current detecting circuits R1 and Q1 for detecting a flowing current by flowing a short-time pulse of a current through the LED indicating units 3a, 3b, and so forth based on pulses generated by a pulse generating circuit 7; comparing circuits 8 and 9 for comparing a current value detected by the current detecting circuits R1 and Q1 with their respective threshold values to judge a disconnection and a short-circuit; and retaining circuits 10 and 11 for generating a signal and retaining the signal when the current value is judged as being smaller and larger than the respective threshold values as a result of comparisons by the corresponding comparing circuits 8 and 9. Thus, it is possible to indicate a fault in an LED indicating light to the outside while making the turning ON of an LED unperceivable.

Abstract: A fault indicator for monitoring an electrical conductor has a housing, an indicator flag or a light emitting diode (LED) that becomes visible from the exterior of the fault indicator upon the occurrence of a fault, and electronic circuitry for sensing a fault, for actuating the indicator flag or LED to a fault indicating condition and for resetting the indicator flag or LED to a non-fault indicating condition a predetermined time after the fault has occurred. An overload indicator provides an overload indication, such as a fast flash rate, for a predetermined time when an overload threshold is exceeded, and provides a different overload indication, such as a slow flash rate, for a predetermined time when the line current in the monitored conductor falls below the threshold.

Abstract: A method and a system for estimating electricity consumption of electric appliances and an abnormality alarm system, enabling estimation of individual electricity consumption of electric appliances in operation in a building or the like by a non-intrusive method, and comprising a measuring sensor (11), data extracting means (12), and estimating means (13) such as an LMC. The estimating means (13) learns based on a training set in advance, and is able to estimate individual electricity consumption of electric appliances in operation. Fundamental and higher harmonics of total load current and their phase differences from voltage are obtained by the data extracting means (12) from measurement data VA, VB, IA, IB detected by an instrument transformer (111) and an instrument current transformer (112) provided in the vicinity of a service entrance 6 of a feeder 4 to a user 2. They are inputted to the estimating means (13) as inputs, thereby estimating individual electricity consumption of the electric appliances.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new application for an inductive coupler (12) used proximate a power transmission line (14). The magnetic field based power measurement method and system discussed herein in unique and differs from the prior technology by using near-real time intervals and periods that occur systemically in parallel with electrical systems rather than an accumulated period with little or no active capacity or proactive features. The inductive coupler (12) described herewith is used to collect, measure, and/or extract electromagnetic changes.

Abstract: A solid state crossing controller for a railroad crossing signal system with two independent outputs for controlling illumination of lamps in the signal system share a common neutral or return wire, with sensing of a common neutral or return line shared by the two independent outputs to determine any loss of the neutral line. When a failure has been detected in the neutral line, the controller modifies the voltages for the lamps in the signaling system for better illumination of the lamps during the failure condition, such as to the highest voltage available from a battery in the system. Upon detection of the failure in the neutral line, the controller may provide a call or message that there is a failure in the system that is in need of repair. If the failure in the neutral line is intermittent, the controller will resume normal operation after that train, has cleared the crossing. However, a call or message that a failure has occurred in the neutral line is provided.

Abstract: This method of checking at least one operating parameter of an energizer supplying an electric fence with high-voltage shock pulses consists, on the one hand, in producing a measurement signal having a value representing the operating parameter to be checked and controlling the production of the shock pulses as a function of the measurement signal in such a way that a time interval between the shock pulses is a function of the value of the measurement signal, and, on the other hand, in performing the following steps in any zone along the electric fence, remotely from the energizer: picking up the shock pulses; evaluating the time interval between the picked up pulses; and operating an indicator so as to provide an indication about the operating parameters, as a function of the evaluated time interval.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for sensing an electromagnetic field. A Global Positioning System (GPS) is disposed in a housing, and the GPS acquires global positioning system information describing a location of the apparatus. An electromagnetic sensor is also disposed in the housing and senses the electromagnetic field. An alarm couples to the electromagnetic sensor, the alarm produces an indication of at least one of i) the sensed electromagnetic field and ii) the location of the apparatus.

Abstract: A flap to be identified is caused to move over the whole of its angular range of travel. The number of motor steps is counted during this movement, and the number of steps counted is compared with at least one pre-recorded information item corresponding to a particular flap or type of flap. The method is applicable to the checking of the correct fitting of actuator housings in an air-conditioning installation, or to the allocation of addresses to actuators connected to an information bus.

Abstract: Thermostatic Controller and Circuit Tester is a new trouble shooting device, designed to improve the air conditioning technicians fault diagnostic capabilities. The device comes equipped with two independent circuits and its own built in flashlight. The first circuit is the controller, which is outfitted with test leads with alligator clips controlled by four push on-push off switches. When attached to the thermostat wires or the air handlers connector block, it allows the air conditioning system to be manually overridden, so as to determine and locate defects in the system. The next circuit, with detachable test leads and probes, performs line voltage and continuity tests.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting a connection to a data transmission network functions by detecting the network signal energy on a network cable while avoiding the problems of excessive power consumption and generation of excessive electrical noise. By monitoring the receive network lines and determining if there is electrical energy on the cable in the form particular to the type of network supported by the network adaptor card, the host computing device can power-down the transceiver associated with the network adaptor card until an active network connection is detected.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining an approximate mass of a fabric load in an automatic clothes dryer wherein the dryer utilizes a motor including a centrifugal switch which closes upon the motor achieving a predetermined speed at a start of the motor. A timer device is provided which is capable of timing intervals of time measured in milliseconds. A current detecting mechanism is arranged in a current supply line for the dryer motor and is arranged to start the timer upon detecting a start of the dryer motor. A voltage measuring mechanism is arranged at a power supply for the motor to provide a voltage measurement. An arrangement is provided to detect the closure of the centrifugal switch of the motor and is arranged to stop the timer upon detecting the closure of the centrifugal switch to provide a start time. A calculating device is provided for receiving the start time and the voltage measurement and for providing a calculated mass of the fabric load in the dryer.