Abstract: An air conditioner and a reverse-phase detection method thereof are provided. According to the air conditioner and the reverse-phase detection method thereof, it is possible to perform reverse-phase detection in real time by subtracting the voltage of one of two phases arbitrarily selected from the phases of an input three-phase alternating voltage from the voltage of the other phase and determining whether the input three-phase alternating voltage is reversed based on sign information of a voltage obtained by the subtraction. Thus, it is possible to prevent an air conditioner from malfunctioning due to a reversed input three-phase alternating voltage and to facilitate the management of an air conditioner.

Abstract: A device for automatically assessing the nature of an electrical load includes electrical transducers.

Abstract: The signalling method is implemented in an electronic power system (6) of a multiple-phase alternator. The system (6) is of the type comprising a set of rectifiers (5) capable of rectifying the voltage of phases (Ph1, Ph2, Ph3, Ph4, Ph5, Ph6) produced by the alternator, and a control assembly (2, 3) capable of controlling an excitation current from the alternator, of monitoring the conformity of at least one current characteristic of at least one (Ph) of the voltage of phases (Ph1, Ph2, Ph3, Ph4, Ph5, Ph6) in relation to a nominal characteristic, and of signalling any non conformity. In accordance to the method of the invention, the non conformity of at least one current characteristic of at least one (Ph) of the voltage of phases (Ph1, Ph2, Ph3, Ph4, Ph5, Ph6) is simulated in case of impaired function of at least one of the rectifiers (5).

Abstract: A device and method for detecting ground potential rise (GPR) comprising positioning a first electrode and a second electrode at a distance from each other into the earth. The voltage of the first electrode and second electrode is attenuated by an attenuation factor creating an attenuated voltage. The true RMS voltage of the attenuated voltage is determined creating an attenuated true RMS voltage. The attenuated true RMS voltage is then multiplied by the attenuation factor creating a calculated true RMS voltage. If the calculated true RMS voltage is greater than a first predetermined voltage threshold, a first alarm is enabled at a local location. If user input is received at a remote location acknowledging the first alarm, a first alarm acknowledgment signal is transmitted. The first alarm acknowledgment signal is then received at which time the first alarm is disabled.

Abstract: A measurement base voltage stability monitoring and control scheme having a means for measuring current and voltage phasors at a boundary bus of a load center; and an equivalent network having a fictitious bus with an aggregate load representative of all loads of the load center. The scheme further includes a computing device to calculate a voltage stability margin index based on the aggregate load of the fictitious bus and compare the voltage stability margin index to a pre-set threshold. The computing device causes an action to take place based on the comparison between the voltage stability margin index and the pre-set threshold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a voltage detecting circuit for detecting a voltage range of a power source. The voltage detecting circuit includes a micro controlling unit, a boost circuit and a plurality of divider resistors. The micro controlling unit includes a general input/output port and a controlling input/output port. The boost circuit provides a constant voltage. A judgment voltage is obtained according to the divider resistors, the constant voltage and a voltage of the power source. A digital level signal is issued by the general input/output port according to the judgment voltage. In response to the digital level signal, the micro controlling unit generates a corresponding prompt associated with the voltage status of the power source.

Abstract: A system, device, and method of providing information for a power distribution system is provided. In one embodiment, a method of using a device that receives power from the low voltage power of the power distribution system and experiences a power loss during a local power outage may perform the processes of monitoring a voltage of the low voltage power line, detecting a voltage reduction below a threshold voltage for a predetermined time period, storing information of the voltage reduction in a non-volatile memory prior to the power outage, and transmitting a notification to a remote computer system prior to the outage. The monitoring may comprise making a plurality of measurements of the voltage during a time interval and averaging the plurality of voltage measurements. In addition, the method may include transmitting an alert message upon power up after the outage to indicate a power restoration local to the device.

Abstract: A device and method verifies the electrical output of a microcurrent therapy device. The current and/or voltage of an electrical pulse, being supplied to an electrode adapted to contact tissue, is measured by a control unit. The current and/or voltage is supplied by the control unit according to a predefined waveform. Any difference in the current or voltage of the electrical pulse being supplied with respect to the current or voltage of the predefined waveform is detected.

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: In one embodiment, an electric field sensor is provided including an elongated conductor; a circuit including an input and an output connected across the elongated conductor wherein said circuit includes a DC to AC signal converter; wherein said elongated conductor is operative to impose a DC signal on said circuit input in response to being exposed to an electric field and broadcast an AC signal converted from said DC signal in response to said electric field being greater than a threshold level.

Abstract: A failsafe oscillator monitor and alarm circuit receives clock pulses from an external oscillator that if a failure thereto occurs, the failsafe oscillator monitor and alarm circuit will notify a digital processor of the external oscillator failure. The failsafe oscillator monitor and alarm circuit is a very low current usage circuit that charges a storage capacitor with clock pulses from the external oscillator when functioning normally and discharges the storage capacitor with a constant current sink if the external oscillator stops functioning. When the voltage charge on the storage capacitor becomes less than a reference voltage an alarm signal is sent to the digital processor for exception or error handling of the failed external oscillator.

Abstract: A monitoring method and a monitoring device for a motor-driven door, wherein a stationary unit and a monitoring device mounted on the movable door communicate bidirectionally with one another, wherein data and/or signals of at least one door safety sensor are relayed to the stationary unit, and wherein a waking device is automatically wakened cyclically or is wakened by a vibration sensor and wakes the control device, which in turn wakes the transmitter/receiver and actively queries the stationary unit assigned individually to it as to whether the monitoring device must remain active or be switched back to a power-saving idle state.

Abstract: A system for detecting stray voltage in a conductive object is disclosed herein. The system includes a pick-up element, electrical circuitry, a housing for enclosing the circuitry, a support for mounting the housing, and an indicator. The pick-up element is separated from the conductive object and capable of detecting an electric field from the conductive object. The support of the housing is such that the pick-up element remains separated from the conductive object. The electrical circuitry determines a voltage level corresponding to the electric field detected by the pick-up element and generates, based on a comparison of the determined voltage level relative to a reference voltage level, an indicator signal representative of whether stray voltage is present in the conductive object. Based on the indicator signal, the indicator indicates to a user of the system whether stray voltage is present in the conductive object.

Abstract: A system, computer program product and method to provide information related to a power distribution system based on information provided by a plurality of network elements electrically connected to a plurality of power lines of the power distribution system at a plurality of locations is provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving a notification from a group of network elements that have detected a voltage signature indicating an imminent power outage, determining location information of the power outage, outputting the location information of the power outage, receiving a live notification from a first network element of the group of network elements indicating a first power restoration at a location of the first network element, determining location information of the first power restoration, and outputting the location information of the first power restoration.

Abstract: Power control circuitry (i) applies an inline power signal from a power source to first and second terminals when a control signal delivered to the power control circuitry has an inline-power-ON value and (ii) shuts off the inline power signal from the power source to the first and second terminals when the control signal delivered to the power control circuitry has an inline-power-OFF value. Detection of an inline power shutoff failure includes obtaining a measurement signal from sensing circuitry while the control signal delivered to the power control circuitry has the inline-power-OFF value, and generating a result signal based on the measurement signal. The result signal indicates whether the power control circuitry is applying the inline power signal from the power source to the first and second terminals while the control signal delivered to the power control circuitry has the inline-power-OFF value due to an inline power shutoff failure.

Abstract: A microcontroller-based electronic device and its operating methods are operable to learn a critical voltage value for a microprocessor control unit residing in the microcontroller-based electronic device. The microprocessor control unit receives power from a battery. An exemplary embodiment detects an operating voltage provided to the microprocessor control unit by a supplemental power reservoir after removal of the battery, stores information corresponding to a value of the operating voltage in a nonvolatile memory, repeats the detecting and the saving information as the operating voltage decays in response to a discharge of the supplemental power reservoir, and determines the actual minimum operating voltage for the microprocessor control unit based on a last one of the stored information corresponding to the value of the operating voltage. A learned critical voltage value is based upon the defined actual minimum operating voltage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a pump control system. One or more embodiments of the invention include a pump controller that can perform a self-calibrating procedure, can provide precise motor speed control, can provide a limp mode before shutting down the motor when system parameters are exceeded and/or fault conditions occur, can detect fault conditions, and can store fault conditions for later retrieval.

Abstract: A system, computer program product and method to provide information related to a power distribution system based on information provided by a plurality of network elements electrically connected to a plurality of power lines of the power distribution system at a plurality of locations is provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving a notification from a group of network elements that have detected a voltage signature indicating an imminent power outage, determining location information of the power outage, outputting the location information of the power outage, receiving a live notification from a first network element of the group of network elements indicating a first power restoration at a location of the first network element, determining location information of the first power restoration, and outputting the location information of the first power restoration.

Abstract: A device and method for monitoring the condition of an electrical power transformer in an electrical power grid synchronously measures current and voltage data at both a high voltage side of the transformer and a low-voltage side of the transformer and computes from this measured data corresponding transformer impedance data. These measurements and computations are repeated continuously in real time at a rates up to 30 Hz to provide a sequence of real-time transformer impedance data. An alarm signal is generated if a mean of the sequence of real-time transformer impedance data changes significantly.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring latent faults in power supplies may include a variable voltage source and a logic module that may be coupled to an OR FET circuit. The monitoring system may also include comparators for measuring a voltage drop across a FET and, based upon a value of the voltage drop, may determine a latent fault, such as a short circuit or open circuit across the FET.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an electric field sensor is provided including an elongated conductor; a circuit including an input and an output connected across the elongated conductor wherein said circuit includes a DC to AC signal converter; wherein said elongated conductor is operative to impose a DC signal on said circuit input in response to being exposed to an electric field and broadcast an AC signal converted from said DC signal in response to said electric field being greater than a threshold level.

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: A circuit, a system and/or a method detect a passive electrical connection and/or an active electrical connection between an electrical device and a power supply. An integrity of the electrical connection between the electrical device and the power supply is monitored to determine if the electrical device may have access to power and/or to determine if the electrical device may be secure while on display. A high frequency AC signal is modulated onto a positive power rail between the electrical device and the power supply. Capacitance circuitry of the electrical device may remove the high frequency signal from the positive power rail. An absence of the high frequency signal on the positive power rail indicates that the electrical connection exists between the electrical device and the power supply. A presence of the high frequency signal on the positive power rail indicates that the electrical connection does not exist between the electrical device and the power supply.

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: A microcontroller for controlling an actuator includes a single wire controller configured to receive data and power from a base station through a single wire bus, where the single wire bus is part of a power and signal cable configured to connect the microcontroller to the base station. The microcontroller also includes a peripheral interface controller (PIC) microcontroller configured to transmit data signals to and receive data signals from the single wire controller, where the PIC microcontroller is configured to receive reduced voltage level from a power wire of the power and signal cable, to measure the voltage level and to communicate the measured voltage level to the base station through the single wire bus.

Abstract: Reporting systems, such as fire alarm systems, alarm systems or the like, are usually used for communications equipment in large plants, wherein automatic or manual reports are produced at decentralized locations and are forwarded to a central control system. To this end, the reporting systems comprise a plurality of reporting units connected to one another and to the central control system by way of signal lines and/or power supply lines. In a distributed embodiment, the power supply and signal lines are combined in a two-wire line, wherein the change in current flow and voltage in the two-wire line is monitored and a report is produced in the central control system when changes occur.

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: An in-vehicle emergency call apparatus capable of performing an emergency call operation when electric power supply from a vehicle battery is cut is provided. The in-vehicle emergency call apparatus includes a first electric power supply line system causing an electric power supply unit to supply electric power to an emergency notification detection unit and an control unit. A second electric power supply line system is provided that causes the electric power supply unit to supply the electric power to the radio-communication unit. The second electric power supply line system is provided independently of the first electric power supply line system. A first capacitor coupled with the first electric power supply line system is capable of being configured to have a small capacitance.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for detecting voltage changes, comprising supply terminals configured to apply a first potential and a second potential, a first oscillator and a second oscillator, which are operated with the first potential and the second potential, a voltage dependence of the frequency of the first oscillator differing from a voltage dependence of the frequency of the second oscillator, a first evaluation circuit configured to evaluate the frequency of the first oscillator and a second evaluation circuit configured to evaluate the frequency of the second oscillator, and a comparison circuit configured to compare a value based on the evaluated frequencies of the first oscillator and of the second oscillator with a predetermined threshold value, and to output a voltage change signal indicating an impermissible voltage change between the first potential and the second potential depending on the result of the comparison.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for detecting a discontinuity or irregularity in a neutral return line of an electrical power distribution network including the neutral return line, an active line and an earth return. The apparatus includes means for measuring a voltage change associated with a deliberate switching of a known impedance in the electrical network wherein the voltage change is due to a discontinuity or impedance irregularity in the neutral return line and means for implementing an algorithm for identifying the discontinuity or impedance irregularity in presence of allowable variations in nominal supply voltage to the electrical network including voltage changes resulting from network operations that mimic or hide a discontinuity or impedance irregularity in the neutral return line. The apparatus also includes means for comparing a result of the measuring with a reference to provide an indication of the discontinuity or impedance irregularity.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for monitoring voltage at individual utility meters in a distribution system together with voltage levels at a substation associated with the distribution system. Voltage measurements are made over a predetermined time interval and compared to plural sets of threshold values.

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 system and the method are provided for supplying power to a remote device. In one embodiment, the method involves regulating voltage for at least one device remote from a power source. The regulating includes monitoring a current response of the remote device and adjusting a voltage of the power source until the current response reaches an operating range of the remote device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device supplying an electrical signal for which a characteristic, for example, the voltage is adjustable. The device has a connector at one end of a cable to supply this signal to another electrical device. This connector comprises a transmission means of a light signal for which a visible characteristic depends upon the electrical signal produced. One improvement consists in the light signal coming from a source of white light that is colour modulated by filters. These filters are mechanically integrated into a mobile part belonging to the adjustment means of the signal supplied. The invention also relates to a system comprising the device supplying the signal and the device to be connected, the latter device features a mark identifying the light signal compatible with the electrical signal to receive.

Abstract: The present invention provides a remote alarm panel display for monitoring wrist-strap cords used by an operator to install components during the manufacturing of hard disk drives in order to provide grounding to the operator as the operator handles electrically sensitive components and also to provide mobility to the operator within the assembly floor. In one embodiment, the remote alarm panel display comprises a plurality of alarm indicators which are activated when a corresponding wrist strap is disconnected from a wrist strap monitoring device connected to the remote alarm panel display. In one embodiment the alarm indicators are light emitting diodes.

Abstract: There is provided an electronic control unit including: input terminals connected to output terminals of a magneto generator driven by an engine; DC output terminals; a control power supply circuit that converts an AC voltage input between the input terminals into a DC voltage equal to a set value; and a microprocessor that controls electrical components of the engine, wherein the electronic control unit further includes an interruption signal generation circuit that compares an output voltage of the control power supply circuit with a certain abnormality determination voltage and generates an interruption signal when the output voltage of the control power supply circuit becomes the abnormality determination voltage or less, and an abnormality state storage unit for storing that an abnormality occurs in a power supply portion when the interruption signal is generated.

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: The change in voltage or current of the antenna is measured by the time to reach a particular voltage level. Using either charging and/or discharging, the times to reach two or more different levels of the total charge are measured. By providing sensor electronics with each sensor or antenna, a more versatile system may be provided. The sensors and associated electronics communicate using a bus or other communication path to a processor. The processor determines an occupant state based on the received sensor information. Different numbers of sensors may be used with the same system.

Abstract: A device and method for monitoring the condition of an electrical power transformer in an electrical power grid synchronously measures current and voltage data at both a high voltage side of the transformer and a low-voltage side of the transformer and computes from this measured data corresponding transformer impedance data. These measurements and computations are repeated continuously in real time at a rates up to 30 Hz to provide a sequence of real-time transformer impedance data. An alarm signal is generated if a mean of the sequence of real-time transformer impedance data changes significantly.

Abstract: An air conditioner and a reverse-phase detection method thereof are provided. According to the air conditioner and the reverse-phase detection method thereof, it is possible to perform reverse-phase detection in real time by subtracting the voltage of one of two phases arbitrarily selected from the phases of an input three-phase alternating voltage from the voltage of the other phase and determining whether the input three-phase alternating voltage is reversed based on sign information of a voltage obtained by the subtraction. Thus, it is possible to prevent an air conditioner from malfunctioning due to a reversed input three-phase alternating voltage and to facilitate the management of an air conditioner.

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: A pump failure alarm device includes two digital-analog converting circuits (100, 110), a voltage sampling circuit (120), a controlling circuit (130), an I/O controller (U11), and an alarm circuit (140). The digital-analog converting circuits receive digital pulse signals from two pumps (200, 210), and respectively output a DC voltage signal at an output terminal when the pumps run normally. The voltage sampling circuit with two input terminals respectively coupled to the output terminals of the two digital-analog converting circuits, and outputs a first voltage signal when the two pumps run normally and outputs a second voltage signal when either or both of the pumps stop running. The controlling circuit receives the voltage signals from the voltage sampling circuit, and outputs a first control signal when it receives the first voltage signal and outputs a second control signal when it receives the second voltage signal.

Abstract: Improved methods to detect when a human body contacts a predetermined portion of a machine are disclosed. The methods distinguish contact with a person from contact with other materials. The methods are particularly applicable in woodworking equipment such as table saws to distinguish contact between a person and the blade of the saw from contact between the blade and wet or green wood.

Abstract: A device suitable for wireless communication with a network entity. The device comprises a functional unit configured to monitor an operational state of the device and, in response to detecting that the device is in a de-powered operational state, to inform the network entity of an ability of the device to wirelessly communicate with the network entity during a future time interval while the device remains in a de-powered operational state. A second functional unit capable of wireless communication with the network entity may also be provided and may be selectably powered from either a main power source or an alternate power source such that the second functional unit is powered from the alternate power source during the future time interval and becomes unpowered from the alternate power source after the future time interval. Thus, de-powered devices can be located and communicated with more easily.

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.

Abstract: A voltage indicating device comprises a test port disposed in a casing that allows the test port to operate during extreme conditions, such as corrosive or explosive environments. The indicating device is coupled to a housing enclosing an electrical apparatus and is connected to a power source of the electrical apparatus. The test port is accessible outside the housing and allows a user to determine voltage or current presence prior to opening the housing, thus preventing electrocution.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a chlorinator mounted inline in a water purification system having a housing having an inlet end and an outlet end and an upper compartment having an electronics section with a controller unit contained within the electronics section and in electrical communication with a power source and an at least one electrolytic plate. The system having a heat sink member in thermal communication with the controller, wherein the flow of the water in the water purification system cools the heat sink member and the controller unit.

Abstract: To provide a wireless sensor system, in which an abnormal power supply in the power supply section can be ascertained, for avoiding a malfunction of the system and accomplishing a stable power supply with reduction of the consumption of a power being transmitted, the wireless sensor system includes wireless sensor units and a sensor signal receiving unit. The wireless sensor units include a sensor section for detecting a detection object, a sensor signal transmitting section for transmitting by wireless a sensor signal from the sensor section, and a power supply section having a power receiving section for receiving a driving power transmitted by wireless. In this system, a power supply monitoring section is provided for monitoring the voltage of the power supply section. The sensor signal receiving unit includes a monitor dependent power control section for regulating the power to be transmitted, depending on a monitored result of the power monitoring section.

Abstract: An adjustment device and method for an automobile seat or steering column. The adjustment device has an adjustment mechanism including an electric actuator, such as an electric motor, with plug-in connections. A control unit with a signal generator applies an adjustment voltage to the connections during an adjustment process, and may also, either simultaneously with or without the adjustment voltage, apply an alternating signal voltage to produce at least one of a tangible motion or an audible motion.

Abstract: A high voltage proximity warning system, precise, easy to use, easy to install, rugged and weatherproof, has a control panel which is located in the cab of an excavator, other heavy equipment or vehicle, such that it is readily accessible to the operator during equipment operation and is connected to one or more strategically located sensor antenna(s). The control panel is designed to be used with or without gloves, in a position where it is readily visible. It is electrically connected to the equipment's power source. At least one high voltage proximity sensor is mountable to the vehicle and is in wired or wireless communication with the control panel.