Abstract: A method and device for in-use detecting low cranking strength of a combustion engine battery during engine starting, based on integrating changes in battery voltage specifically during engine starting, from the time the electro-mechanical starting load is initially applied to the battery, and logically analyzing values of the integrated changes in battery voltage during engine starting, for determining whether or not there is an initial stage of developing low cranking strength of the battery.

Abstract: A circuit monitor monitors one or more metered values in an electrical circuit, and includes a system for selecting alarm setpoints based upon learned characteristics of normal operation of metered values. The circuit monitor includes a controller and a memory. The memory includes a test register of alarms selected to be part of a learning process. The controller includes summaries and characterizes the one or more metered values as histogram formatted data corresponding to metered values identified by a test register of alarms selected to be part of a learning process. The controller stores the histogram formatted data in the memory and organizes the stored data into a plurality of memory locations, each covering a fixed range of time duration. The controller selects setpoints which produce a minimum product of metered value multiplied by time duration for Over Alarms or a maximum product of metered value multiplied by time duration for Under Alarms.

Abstract: Each embodiment (10, 110 and 210) includes a magnetic element (12, 112 and 212) producing a magnetic field. In the first embodiment (10) of FIG. 1, the magnetic element (12) comprises a magnetic bit strip disposed extending in a circular arc on a fixed or stationary plate (14). In the second embodiment (110) of FIG. 2, the magnetic element (112) comprises a magnetic bit strip supported on a movable bar or rod (114). In the third embodiment (210) of FIG. 3, the magnetic element (212) comprises a magnetic bit strip disposed in a rectilinear path on a stationary plate (214). An electrical resistor (16, 116 and 216) is included for changing in electrical resistance in response to changes in the magnetic field produced by the magnetic element (12, 112 and 212). The resistor (16, 116 and 216) comprises a giant magnetoresistive sensor.

Abstract: A method for controlling the level of a signal produced by a transceiver of digital data coupled to a power distribution line during a transmission phase is provided. The level of the signal output by the transceiver is regulated by comparing the current level of the output signal with a predetermined minimum threshold and a predetermined maximum threshold, reducing the current level when the maximum threshold is exceeded by reducing the gain, and switching to a voltage mode control of the output signal when the current level of the output signal becomes lower than the minimum threshold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a digital meter for use of the current and voltage, including a front end signal processing device, a press button input device, a central processing unit (CPU), an LCD controller, an LCD, and an alarm device. When the signals detected by the front end signal processing device exceed the digital values of the maximum or minimum limit of the signal of the current and voltage set by the press button input device, the LCD controller may drive the LCD having different colors to light. Thus, the informed person may identify the detecting results of the current and voltage according to the different colors of the LCD.

Abstract: A apparatus for recording information on power surges in an electrical or electronic system is disclosed. The apparatus has a gas discharge tube connected between an input line of the electrical or electronic circuit protected and ground. The gas discharge tube is set to activate at a predetermined voltage. The gas discharge tube has adjacent to it a light sensor that reacts to discharges in the tube and the sensor in conjunction with enabling circuitry generates a signal representative of discharge of the gas discharge tube. The signal produced provides information on the time, magnitude and duration of discharges in the gas discharge tube which are in turn representative of the power surge experienced by the system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a digital meter for use of the current and voltage, including a front end signal processing device, a press button input device, a central processing unit (CPU), an LCD controller, an LCD, and an alarm device. When the signals detected by the front end signal processing device exceed the digital values of the maximum or minimum limit of the signal of the current and voltage set by the press button input device, the LCD controller may drive the LCD having different colors to light. Thus, the informed person may identify the detecting results of the current and voltage according to the different colors of the LCD.

Abstract: An integrated circuit receives as supply voltages a ground reference voltage, a logic supply voltage and a high voltage. A protection device is associated with at least one gate oxide circuit element. The protection device applies to a supply node of the circuit element either the logic supply voltage under normal conditions of operation of the integrated circuit, or the high voltage under abnormal conditions of operation of the integrated circuit for breaking down the gate oxide.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a disaster lighting system for a railroad passenger car of the type in which emergency lighting is provided for a first predetermined length of time if AC power is lost, including: a first sensor operatively connected to detect loss of AC power to the railroad passenger car and to provide a first output indicative thereof; a second sensor to detect loss of DC power from a central battery in the railroad passenger car or lowering of voltage thereof below a predetermined level and to provide a second output indicative thereof; and a controller operatively connected to receive the first and second outputs and to initiate disaster lighting for a second predetermined length of time if the AC power is lost and if the DC power is lost or voltage of the DC power drops below the predetermined level.

Abstract: Detection of excessive negative offset of a condition responsive sensor such as a pressure responsive full Wheatstone bridge element (10) and circuitry associated therewith is obtained by taking the sensor's output signal, preferably after the signal has been compensated for both gain and offset and comparing (Q1) the signal (Vx) with a reference voltage (VREF1) selected to reflect an unobtainable stimulus input condition and driving the compensated signal to a fault level when the compensated signal exceeds the reference voltage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a visual messaging device for use with a high-speed network and an electrical supply system for the visual messaging device. The visual messaging device includes a network interface circuit that receives the message data from a network and arranges it in memory unit in usable form (packets) for use by a processor at the high network speed. The electrical supply system utilized with the visual messaging device comprises, in part, a power source, located in a remote location relative to a low voltage, high current device, which provides for the transmission of electrical power to the low voltage, high current device, such as a visual display unit, via relatively thin wiring or cabling passing through an enclosure, such as a plenum air space, without the need of placing the wiring or cabling in a conduit.

Abstract: A system and method for sensing current and/or voltage in a utility system including a plurality of power lines. In particular, a central controller is in communication with and enables a phase-to-phase relationship among current and voltage sensing units for a plurality of different power lines.

Abstract: A fire alarm apparatus, for checking line disconnection or occurrence of a fire, regardless of the installation place of a terminal endpoint resistor installed for checking disconnection of a line of fire detectors. When a signal representing a present voltage state of the detectors is input through the line, a control section compares the voltage level of the signal with a reference voltage level, and generates either a line disconnection control signal or a fire control signal. A first alarm section provides indication of disconnection of the line in response to the line disconnection control signal and a second alarm section provides indication of the occurrence of fire in response to the fire control signal. The apparatus can thus monitor a state of the detecting line, the common line and the fire detectors, regardless of the installation place of the terminal endpoint resistor.

Abstract: A process tracking reference voltage generator has been developed for an input/output system. The voltage generator includes a driver component that transmits an output signal to a receiver component. The receiver component generates a reference voltage in relation to the output signal as it varies with changing system operating conditions.

Abstract: A secondary seat belt warning system for a motor vehicle includes at least one control module for activating at least one secondary warning signal. The secondary seat belt warning system also includes a driver seat belt sensor for producing an input signal indicative of a state of a driver seat belt between a buckled and unbuckled condition. The secondary seat belt warning system includes at least one passenger seat belt sensor for producing an input signal indicative of a state of at least one passenger seat belt between a buckled and unbuckled condition. The at least one control module communicates with the driver seat belt sensor and the at least one passenger seat belt sensor for activating the at least one secondary warning signal to alert a corresponding occupant of the motor vehicle if the state of at least one of the driver seat belt and the at least one passenger seat belt is the unbuckled condition.

Abstract: A device capable of reducing an erroneous operation with a simple configuration in which, when two or more conductors M1, M2, M3 (three of them in FIG. 1) are attracted by three or more magnets 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d (four of them in FIG. 1), the conductors M1, M2, M3 are electrically connected between the respective magnets to bring a series circuit 3 into conduction that causes an electric current Is to flow, whereby an electric signal (voltage) Vs(=V) indicating the detection of the conductors M1, M2, M3 is output.

Abstract: A component actuation circuit for an engineered safety features actuation system (ESFAS) includes a plurality of coincidence logic contacts, and a plurality of parallel-connected ESFAS component relays. Each of the coincidence logic contacts closes in response to a command signal. The plurality of parallel-connected ESFAS component relays are connected in series between at least two of the plurality of coincidence logic contacts. Closure of at least two of the coincidence logic contacts energizes the parallel-connected ESFAS component relays, thereby energizing a plurality of ESFAS components.

Abstract: Detection apparatus for sensing the operational state of an electric fence and thus an electric fence charger intended to maintain an electric charge on the fence, the invention and the several embodiments thereof find compatibility with known fence chargers whether pulse or continuous in appropriate supply voltage ranges. The detection apparatus of the invention includes a power supply such as a battery to drive a light source such as a light emitting diode which is caused to flash by circuitry carried by the apparatus, the apparatus being clipped to the fence at any location thereof to connect the circuitry to the electrical load on the fence. The light source operates in the event of a failure of the fence charger to perform properly including conditions ranging from complete failure to voltage drops of a predetermined degree or in the event of an open circuit such as can be caused by a separated fence conductor such as a fence wire.

Abstract: It is an object of this invention to provide a fence sensor which can achieve an excellent detection stability without using a current for generating an electric field nor infrared rays. The fence sensor comprises a detection electrode (8); a reference electrode (9) insulated from the detection electrode (8); a chargeable member (4) insulated from both of the detection electrode (8) and the reference electrode (9); and a detection circuit (20) for detecting a change in the electrostatic capacitance between the detection electrode and the reference electrode that is generated by the presence of an object to be detected within a detection region of the detection electrode. In this fence sensor, the chargeable member is arranged such that at least a part of the chargeable member is situated within the detection region of the detection electrode. Further, the chargeable member is formed from a conductor.

Abstract: The present invention is a visualization luminous device, adapted for electric motors of equipments supplied by the three-phase voltage, allowing to visualize with certainty if it has there or not presence of voltage downstream from the blades of the disconnecting switch or the circuit breakers at the time to put down at energy zero.

Abstract: A method for making a security system more tamper resistant involving the step of monitoring an electric reference characteristic in a detection circuit of a security system and generating random periodic changes to the electrical reference characteristic in order to detect any tampering with the electric reference characteristic in the detection circuit.

Abstract: When a remaining capacity of a battery is displayed by remaining capacity display control means, operation state discrimination function discriminates an operation state of an apparatus and also discriminates whether battery output voltage Vout is greater than discrimination value Vp when the apparatus is in reception indication operation. If the battery output voltage Vout is greater than the discrimination value Vp, remaining capacity of the battery corresponding to the battery output voltage Vout in a standby state immediately before the start of the reception indication operation is displayed on LCD. If the battery output voltage Vout is equal to or smaller than the discrimination value Vp, the remaining capacity of the battery corresponding to the battery output voltage Vout of this time is displayed as it is on the LCD.

Abstract: A paging system for washers and dryers including a transmitter adapted for coupling with a washer and dryer. The transmitter can detect an end of a cycle of the washer and dryer. The transmitter includes a plurality of function buttons. A receiver is provided that is adapted for being worn by the person. The receiver is in communication with the transmitter whereupon the transmitter detecting the end of the cycle, the receiver will be sent a signal. The receiver includes an alarm that is activated upon receiving the signal. The receiver includes a plurality of function buttons.

Abstract: There is provided a ground check system used with an input module and/or sort module of a test handler for checking automatically grounding wires associated with moving parts thereof. The ground check system includes a sensing circuit which is responsive to ESD voltages associated with the grounding wires and to a reference voltage for generating an output voltage. A visual indicator device is mounted on the input module and/or sort module of the test handler and is responsive to the output voltage for alerting an operator of a malfunction in the grounding wires. An output buffer section is also responsive to the output voltage for shutting down the input module and/or sort module when there is a malfunction in the grounding wires.

Abstract: A device is provided which allows a personal computer user to monitor the operational parameters of the central processing unit's cooling fan. This device, called the CPU cooling fan speed monitor, characterizes the normal operating speed range of the CPU fan and the fan speed and provides warnings of improper fan speed. The fan speed monitor is a microcontroller-based device which has two principle modes of operation: the characterization mode; and the monitor mode. In the characterization mode, the fan speed monitor determines the “normal” operating speed range of the cooling fan. In the monitor mode, the fan speed monitor provides audible and visual indication of the operating speed of the CPU cooling fan.

Abstract: A paging system for washers and dryers including a transmitter adapted for coupling with a washer and dryer. The transmitter can detect an end of a cycle of the washer and dryer. The transmitter includes a plurality of function buttons. A receiver is provided that is adapted for being worn by the person. The receiver is in communication with the transmitter whereupon the transmitter detecting the end of the cycle, the receiver will be sent a signal. The receiver includes an alarm that is activated upon receiving the signal. The receiver includes a plurality of function buttons.

Abstract: A method or system consistent with this invention for detecting if a thyristor failed open in an alternating current input phase of a load comprises measuring an instantaneous power delivered to the load during a cycle of the input; determining a peak power delivered to the load during the cycle of the input; calculating an average power delivered to the load during the cycle of the input; and determining if the thyristor failed open by comparing the magnitudes of the peak power and the average power.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying electrical measurement of distributor of motor vehicle comprises a circuit module mounted on distributor. Circuit module comprises at least one display unit, a circuit board, and a plurality of flexible pins wherein pins are electrically connected between circuit module and distributor such that circuit board may be electrically activated by the power supplied by distributor through the pins. A transparent cover is provided to enable user to see the electrical measurement on display unit. With this, a multimeter for detecting malfunction of a certain electrical component is eliminated.

Abstract: The medical equipment warning device is employed in combination with a power operated medical treatment machine such as a sleep apnea treatment machine. The warning device includes a DC relay with contacts that are open when the relay is connected to an AC source. A signal generator is connected to a battery by the DC relay when the AC source is interrupted and contacts close the DC circuit. The signal generator produces an audible, visual or physical signal that warns a person that the AC power source has failed. Restoration of the AC power source activates the DC relay and opens the DC circuit thereby deactivating the signal generator.

Abstract: A response-adjustable temperature sensor (306, Rext), particularly for a transponder (102, 200, 400) capable of measuring one or more parameters (e.g., temperature, pressure) and transmitting a data stream (FIGS. 3C, 4B) to an external reader/interrogator (106). The transponder typically operates in a passive mode, deriving its power (Vxx, Vcc, Vdd) from an RF interrogation signal received by an antenna system (210, 410), but can also operate in a battery-powered active mode. The transponder includes memory (238, 438) for storing measurements, calibration data, programmable trim settings (436b), transponder ID and the like.

Abstract: A portable unit, preferably adapted for plugging into a common wall outlet, has circuitry for monitoring the voltage and/or current provided through an electrical outlet. In addition to the monitoring circuitry, the unit preferably includes a microprocessor for digitally processing the power waveform as well as analytical quantities related to the waveform. Further, the unit preferably has a storage area for storing samples of the input waveform as well as a log of related analytical quantities for downloading to a computer, local area network, or other destination, for collection and analysis. Preferably, the unit is provided with a local visual display and an alarm indicator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of to indicate an over-current condition in a switching circuit. The method includes monitoring a monitor voltage from the switching circuit, charging an energy storage device in response to the monitor voltage and a reference voltage, and generating an indication signal in response to the charging of the storage device. The method can be used to detect over-current conditions during high-speed switching and when transient load conditions and supply line noise are present.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying electrical measurement of distributor of motor vehicle comprises a distributor and a circuit module including at least one display unit and a circuit board in distributor under input and output terminals and electrically connected thereto by contacting. Display unit is electrically connected to circuit board and located on a side of distributor for ease of reading. Thus current representing an electrical measurement of distributor may be shown on display unit.

Abstract: A wearable electric field detector has a housing mountable on a user's person and including a sensing circuit responsive to an electric field to generate a signal which varies in proportion to the strength of the sensed field, and an alarm circuit coupled to the sensing circuit for producing an intermittent audible alarm signal, which has a repetition rate varying in proportion to the strength of the field, and a visible alarm signal. A mute circuit is manually activatable for selectively muting the audible alarm and then automatically reenabling it after a predetermined time period. The detector includes a manually-actuatable test circuit. There is no on-off switch, the detector being disabled by being disposed in a shielded carrying case.

Abstract: A system includes a divider network, a memory and a circuit. The divider network is adapted to be coupled to fuel cells of a fuel cell stack and provide pairs of signals. Each pair of signals is associated with a different fuel cell and indicates a terminal voltage of the associated cell and another voltage common to the pair of signals. The memory stores indications of different common mode gains, and each common mode gain indication is associated with a different one of the pairs of signals. The circuit is coupled to the memory and adapted to generate an indication of the terminal voltage from each pair based on the associated common mode gain indication.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic apparatus whose power is supplied by a battery (11) having a memory (32) which contains electrically erasable data (32a) and a supply voltage detection device (37) for detecting a variation of the supply voltage (Vbat). The invention notably has for its object to provide a detection device (37) which is capable of instantaneously detecting various voltage levels to cut off the power supply (Vbat) without the contents of the memory (32) being changed and capable of indicating the charging level of a battery (11) or an overload. The invention may be used in portable telephones and other electronic equipment whose power is supplied by a power supply battery.

Abstract: A high voltage sensor that is adapted to be connected to a terminal. The terminal is disposed in a housing having an outer surface and having a chute extending inwardly from the outer surface to a distal position inside of the housing. The high voltage sensor includes a sensor body that is adapted to be inserted into the chute and has a distal end and a proximal end. A contact is mounted on the distal end of the sensor body. An indicator circuit is substantially enclosed in the sensor body and includes an indicator lamp. The indicator circuit is electrically connected to the contact and the terminal is in electrical contact with the contact upon insertion of the sensor body into the chute of the housing.

Abstract: A system for displaying dynamic on-line operating conditions of an interconnected power transmission network including components to monitor the interconnected power transmission network by measuring and correlating voltage magnitude and phase existing at selected station busses of the interconnected power transmission network and to display isovoltage and isophase contour lines on a map representative of the interconnected power transmission network geographic area thereby showing existing operating conditions of the interconnected power transmission network wherein the location and nature of any disturbances occurring on the interconnected power transmission network is indicated on the map by a change in the positions of the isovoltage and isophase contour lines relative to the normal network operating isovoltage and isophase contour lines such that upon detection of an abnormal operating condition a system operator may initiate action within the interconnected power transmission network to correct for the

Abstract: A reset circuit that incorporates a battery monitor and watchdog timer in an integrated circuit is disclosed. A battery monitor having an output indicative of a charge state of a battery and a watchdog timer having an output indicative of an operational state of software being executed by the integrated circuit are connected to reset logic having a reset signal output, wherein the reset logic generates a reset signal on the reset signal output if either the battery monitor output or the watchdog timer output is active.

Abstract: A secondary seat belt warning system for alerting a vehicle occupant when a seat belt is unbuckled. The secondary seat belt warning system includes an ignition switch for generating a signal indicating an ignition in an on position, a seat belt sensor for generating a signal indicating that the seat belt is unbuckled, and a seat belt indicator for producing an audible and visible indicator to the vehicle occupant. The secondary seat belt warning system also includes a control module to activate the seat belt indicator in response to the input from the ignition switch and seat belt sensor. The secondary seat belt warning system further includes a vehicle speed sensor to activate the secondary seat belt warning system when the control module receives a signal above a predetermined threshold from the speed sensor indicative of the vehicle speed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a system and an apparatus for monitoring the electrical condition of an automotive battery [2] in use. The main purpose of this invention is to monitor and indicate automotive battery conditions, namely liquid electrolyte level and level of battery plate deterioration using the concept of ripple voltage. The present invention utilises ripple voltage present in battery supply line [4] as reference to deduce the condition of the said battery [2]. The method comprises the steps of first measuring the ripple voltage present in battery supply line [4] when engine is running, comparing the ripple voltage to a range of acceptable values determined by how bad the deterioration of battery is before issuing a signal or by nominal setting that best fit automotive vehicles and lastly providing indication when the ripple voltage exceeds the range of pre-set values.

Abstract: Detection apparatus for sensing the operational state of an electric fence and thus an electric fence charger intended to maintain an electric charge on the fence, the invention and the several embodiments thereof find compatibility with known fence chargers whether pulse or continuous in appropriate supply voltage ranges. The detection apparatus of the invention includes a power supply such as a battery to drive a light source such as a light emitting diode which is caused to flash by circuitry carried by the apparatus, the apparatus being clipped to the fence at any location thereof to connect the circuitry to the electrical load on the fence. The light source operates in the event of a failure of the fence charger to perform properly including conditions ranging from complete failure to voltage drops of a predetermined degree or in the event of an open circuit such as can be caused by a separated fence conductor such as a fence wire.

Abstract: A power surge detection device is disclosed to investigate if there is any power surge occurring to a main processor in a computer system. When the width or frequency of power surges detected jeopardize the normal operation of the computer system, an alerting signal, for example, an interrupt signal or a power management signal, is sent to the main processor to intervene in the normal operation of the computer system so as to avoid the power instability period.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting a current imbalance and a voltage imbalance in multiphase electrical energy provided to an energy meter. A phase single value is measured for each phase, a normalized phase value for each phase is determined, and a normalized phase value is compared to a first threshold, and the normalized phase value ratio is compared to a second threshold. It is determined that an imbalance exists when the high normalized phase value is greater than the first threshold and the normalized phase value ratio is less than the second threshold.

Abstract: A method for determining the remaining operating life of a fluorescent lamp, when the fluorescent lamp is connected to a starter and the fluorescent lamp comprises cathodes. The method is characterized by phases determining the amount of remaining active material in the cathode and producing an alarm signal depending on the amount of remaining active material in the cathode.

Abstract: In an emergency call system with the battery switching function, an auxiliary battery is arranged in a vehicle, and an arithmetic calculation control unit always monitors a battery voltage (+B) of a main battery arranged in the vehicle, an ACC voltage supplied during a driving operation of an engine and a voltage of the auxiliary battery. In a first case where the battery voltage (+B) and the ACC voltage are equal to or more than 8 V during the driving operation of the engine in case of no emergency, the arithmetic calculation control unit switches to the battery voltage (+B) and the ACC voltage to make an emergency call system be operated. Also, in a second case where the battery voltage (+B) is equal to or more than 8 V during the operation stopping of the engine in case of no emergency, the arithmetic calculation control unit switches to the only battery voltage (+B) to make the emergency call system be operated.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention is a controller for use in an interconnection system having a primary connector and a variable number of secondary connectors. The primary connector includes a first detection contact and a second detection contact. The controller includes a first detection port connected to the first detection contact and a second detection port connected to the second detection contact. The controller also includes a processor for monitoring a first signal at the first detection port and a second signal at the second detection port and determining a number of secondary connectors in response to the first signal and the second signal.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a LED array, in which faults of all the diodes can be instantaneously detected, even when an optical printer is operating, and various kinds of faults of the LEDs can be discriminated. In the LED array comprising plural LEDs arranged along a lone, each LED is provided with a comparator, which compares a terminal voltage of the LED with a variable reference voltage. The kind of fault of the LED can be discriminated on the basis of a relation between the reference voltage applied to the comparator and an output voltage thereof.

Abstract: Methods and systems consistent with this invention detect a failed short thyristor in a solid-state controller for delivering power to a load during reduced-voltage operation. Methods and systems consistent with this invention detect a voltage across the thyristor, and indicate a failed short thyristor when the absolute value of the voltage across the thyristor remains below a threshold value during a predetermined period of time. Methods and systems consistent with this invention detect a failed open thyristor in a solid-state controller during full-voltage operation. Methods and systems consistent with this invention detect a voltage across the thyristor, and indicate a failed open thyristor when the absolute value of the voltage across the thyristor exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A circuit for detecting whether or not an AC voltage mains is providing an AC voltage above a predetermined point including a full wave bridge and voltage divider, a voltage detection circuit including a pair of transistors and a zener diode, an optical coupler including a light emitting diode (LED) and photo transistor, a comparator circuit for determining whether or not the AC voltage source has been below a predetermined voltage for a predetermined length of time including a comparator circuit such as a comparator or a FET.