Abstract: A current limiting system in accordance with the present invention comprises an accessory or canopy mount device that is permanently installed between a source of electrical power 1 and a track lighting system 2. The system may be installed integrally with a track lighting system to supply power to a plurality of lighting tracks from a plurality of power sources or circuits, as desired by a user or lighting designer. The system may also be configured to be compatible with a wide variety of track lighting system power tracks and is difficult to remove once properly installed, thereby making it tamper-proof.

Abstract: A blushless direct current (BLDG) motor apparatus includes: a stator which is provided with a plurality of windings corresponding to N phases and wound in parallel independently of each other; a rotor which has a plurality of poles corresponding to the plurality of windings and rotates with respect to the stator by excitation of the windings; a switching unit which is provided in the form of a full H-bridge with respect to each phase, comprises a pair of upper switching devices corresponding to a (+) side of the winding and a pair of lower switching devices corresponding to a (?) side of the winding, and performs a switching operation to supply or not to supply driving power to the winding; a first sensing device which senses the phase of the rotor with respect to the stator to determine whether to turn on or off the upper switching device; a second sensing device which is provided in the latter part than the first sensing device and senses the phase of the rotor with respect to the stator to determine whethe

Abstract: Electrical fuse indicators, systems and methods for detecting when fuses enter an open state involve a wireless identification element, which alerts a communication unit that the fuse has entered an open state. The wireless identification device may include an antenna. The antenna may be in contact with a fuse element, such that opening of the fuse element renders the antenna inoperable. Alternatively the antenna may be connected to the fuse element in such a manner that opening of the fuse element alters the frequency on which the antenna transmits. A logic port may also be used to detect the operational state of a fuse. Use of such indicators is compatible with existing infrastructure.

Abstract: Apparatus for managing a residential wastewater treatment system includes an in situ control unit that monitors an individual system. The control unit provides local control and alarms, and also sends status reports and/or alarms to a remote monitoring center via a telemetry device. The remote monitoring center makes information concerning the individual system available through a website.

Abstract: A USB charger comprises a power input, a microprocessor, a resistor network, and a USB port for charging electronic devices through the USB port. The USB charger defaults to provide 2000 mA when power is applied through the power input. When a device is detected at the USB port, it measures device current drain to determine if it is charging. If the device is charging, then it remains in the 2000 mA charging mode. If no current drain is detected, the power supply switches to 1000 mA. If the electronic device recognizes the proper charging network it will begin charging. When the microprocessor detects current drain, it leaves the charging network as is. If still no current drain is detected, the USB microprocessor will attempt the 500 mA charging current. If there is a current drain, it will leave the charging network as is. If no current drain is detected, then it indicates a fault and a LED flashes to indicate the fault.

Abstract: There is provided a method for measuring a parameter of a power frequency current being carried by a power line. The method that includes (a) transducing a power frequency current flowing through a power line, into a power frequency voltage, via an inductive coupler that couples a communications signal from the power line, (b) separating the power frequency voltage from the communications signal, and (c) determining a value of a parameter of the power frequency current from the power frequency voltage. There is also provided a system and an apparatus for measuring the parameter.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present application includes a vehicle illumination system. The vehicle illumination system comprises an input keypad configured to receive at least one input provided by a user. The vehicle illumination system also comprises a controller configured to receive input commands provided by the input keypad and to sequentially control a state of a plurality of output device drivers corresponding to a respective plurality of vehicle lamps. The vehicle illumination system also comprises mean for reducing or eliminating undesired LED illumination. The vehicle illumination system further comprises overvoltage protection circuitry configured to continuously monitor an electrical signal associated with each of the plurality of output device drivers relative to respective over-current condition thresholds and a summation over-current condition threshold.

Abstract: A multi-functional infrared thermometer having an infrared sensor device, a sensing device and a light-emitting diode (LED) light source is provided, wherein the infrared sensor device and the sensing device are disposed in a shell and used for measuring a temperature and an electric field state of a subject to be tested respectively; a control module is disposed in the shell and includes a power source device and a control circuit board for electrically connecting the control module to the infrared sensor device, the sensing device, and the LED light source, so as to detect the temperature and the electric field state of the subject to be tested and display detection results on a display device, and to provide an illumination.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the status of a system of battery strings is described. The system includes a current sensor for each of the battery strings, and a controller configured to compare the measured current with criteria to determine whether the battery is in a thermal runaway state. Prior to entering the thermal runaway state the battery current characteristics may indicate other less serious states. Warning messages are provided for selected events, and the battery string is disconnected from the remainder of the system when a thermal runaway state is encountered. The system may provide a local indication of status and may also interface with a communications network to provide for remote monitoring.

Abstract: An overcurrent protection circuit connected between a voltage input and a voltage output of an electronic device to protect against excessive current is disclosed. The overcurrent protection circuit includes first to fifth resistors, a relay comprising a coil and a normally closed switch, a pnp transistor, and a break-over element. When a current between the voltage input and the voltage output is greater or equal to a rated current of the electronic device, the npn transistor is turned on, while the coil is powered on to control the switch to be opened, therefore the voltage output cannot output voltage, which can protect against excessive current damaging the electronic device.

Abstract: The disclosed power distribution system regulates the transfer of energy from a source 1 to a load 3. Source Controller 5 on the source side closes Disconnect Device 7 and monitors the transfer of a pulse or “packet” of energy to the load side. A Load Controller 9 on the load side communicates the amount of energy received at the load back to the source controller via Communication Link 11. If it is confirmed that the energy received on the load side corresponds to that sent by the source side, another energy packet is sent. If the energy received does not correspond with that sent by the source side, energy transfer is stopped, indicating a system fault or safety hazard. The energy content of a single packet is kept small, such that if it is not properly delivered, it can not cause damage to equipment or harm personnel.

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: A radial-shaped wireless fence system is provided that contains one or more dogs in a user-defined area without the need for a physical fence or underground wire. The system includes a base unit and at least one collar, and is easy to set up and use. Through improved filtering of consecutive distance measurement values taken between the base unit and the collar, errant measurement values are discounted in terms of their contribution to the current estimate of the dog's distance from the base unit. These filtering techniques, in combination with improved signal strength and antenna diversity in the communication between the base unit and the collar, improve the accuracy and consistency with which the dog's distance from the base unit is tracked so that unwanted corrections are not administered to the dog.

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 portable electronic device has a connector with a first pin and a second pin, and a battery charging circuit having an input coupled to receive current through the second pin to charge a battery of the device. The portable device also has a controller to determine whether the connector is coupled to an external power source (EPS) having a power converter circuit that can provide the current. The controller on that basis drives the first pin to stimulate the power converter circuit to raise voltage on the second pin. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: An electrical circuit tracing apparatus wherein uniquely identifiable electrical signals are injected into deenergized electrical circuits at a circuit breaker panel. Once the apparatus is electrically connected to multiple deenergized branch circuits, a user may connect a circuit analysis box to successive electrical outlets. The circuit analysis box contains a readout that indicates the circuit number (i.e., 1-n, where n is the number of branch circuits simultaneously testable by the apparatus to which the particular electrical outlet is connected). If a particular electrical outlet is accidentally connected to more than one branch circuit, all of the circuits to which the analyzer box is connected are identified.

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

Abstract: A fault interrupter and load break switch includes a trip assembly configured to automatically open a transformer circuit electrically coupled to stationary contacts of the switch upon the occurrence of a fault condition. The fault condition causes a Curie metal element electrically coupled to at least one of the stationary contacts to release a magnetic latch. The release causes a trip rotor of the trip assembly to rotate a rotor assembly. This rotation causes ends of a movable contact of the rotor assembly to electrically disengage the stationary contacts, thereby opening the circuit. The switch also includes a handle for manually opening and closing the electrical circuit in fault and non-fault conditions. Actuation of the handle coupled to the rotor assembly via a spring-loaded rotor causes the movable contact ends to selectively engage or disengage the stationary contacts.

Abstract: Device operation sensing and control apparatus for use in combination with a wireless security panel which communicates with a remote operations center, to facilitate independent at-home living of, for example, semi-autonomous elderly persons. One apparatus embodiment includes a remotely controlled AC power receptacle module controllable by signals from the wireless security panel and into which a device such as a microwave oven is plugged. An AC current sensor is connected to an alarm system transmitter for transmitting a signal when the device is in use. Another apparatus embodiment senses operation of and allows remote control of power to an electric range. First and second timers and associated alarm system transmitters transmit a “RANGE ON” signal to the wireless security panel when the electric range is in use, and a “RANGE ON FOR X TIME” signal when the electric range has been use for a predetermined length of time.

Abstract: A data analysis program operable for displaying at least one representation of a buried pipeline in a geographical area and associated on-pipe current values at various locations along the pipeline. The data analysis program is storable in a memory device and executable by a processor to generate a display on a display device. The data analysis program includes instructions for displaying a digital map representing at least a portion of the buried pipeline extending across the geographical area being surveyed. The program further includes instructions for displaying a current plot of current values associated with the various locations in the geographical area, and instructions for displaying a table having a plurality of fields including the leakage current values and associated geographical coordinates where the current values were measured in the geographical area being surveyed.

Abstract: A method of testing power converter current sensors is disclosed. The method may include receiving a current sensor test request and receiving measured currents from current measurements from the at least one current sensor, based on the test request. The method may further include comparing the measured current of the sensor with a stored profile and determining whether a fault exists in each current sensor being tested. The method may also include providing a user with a test report.

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

Abstract: When an external device connects to a connecting port of a host, a current detection circuit of the external device detects if the current provided by the host is less than the working current needed by the external device. If the current provided by the host is insufficient to initialize and operate the external device, a controller of the external device then stop powering the main component of the external device so that the main component will not damage due to constantly start/stop and can be protected. Meanwhile, an indicator of the external device notifies the insufficiency of current provision by vibrating, beeping, or displaying an indicating signal. Illusion of failure of the external device may be effectively avoided.

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

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 faulted circuit indicator device for mounting on an overhead conductor cable for electrical power distribution systems to detect an abnormally high electric current therein includes a housing having an enclosure formed therein and current sensing circuitry for detecting the presence of the abnormally high electric current in the cable. An indication unit is responsive to the current sensing circuitry to produce a visual indication in the presence of the abnormally high electrical current. A clamping mechanism formed of a yoke and a pair of opposed pressure plates is disposed above the housing for securely mounting the cable therein to detect the abnormally high electric current. Compression springs are provided for resiliently urging the pair of opposed pressure plates upwardly for automatically trapping the cable in a fixed central position between the yoke and the pair of opposed pressure plates.

Abstract: A circuit for preventing overcharging a battery cell is disclosed. The circuit comprises a voltage detector for monitoring a voltage across a battery cell. The voltage detector is configured to determine when the voltage across the battery cell is greater than a first threshold voltage. The circuit further comprises an electronic switch responsive to the voltage detector and is configured to shunt current around the battery cell when the voltage detector has determined the battery cell voltage is greater than the first threshold voltage.

Abstract: A diagnostic device for a washing appliance, and associated apparatus and method are provided. A control unit is in communication with at least one operational component of the washing appliance and with at least one control switch device. The control unit is responsive to the at least one control switch device to control the at least one operational component. The control unit is further configured to monitor the at least one operational component so as to identify a failure thereof, and to provide an indicia of the failure. A panel member is associated with the control unit, and includes an indicia of the at least one operational component. The at least one operational component indicia is configured to cooperate with the corresponding failure indicia so as to provide a perceptible identification of the at least one operational component experiencing the failure.

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

Abstract: 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 current limiting system in accordance with the present invention comprises an accessory or canopy mount device that is permanently installed between a source of electrical power 1 and a track lighting system 2. The system may be installed integrally with a track lighting system to supply power to a plurality of lighting tracks from a plurality of power sources or circuits, as desired by a user or lighting designer. The system may also be configured to be compatible with a wide variety of track lighting system power tracks and is difficult to remove once properly installed, thereby making it tamper-proof.

Abstract: An overcurrent protection circuit connected between a voltage input and a voltage output of an electronic device to protect against excessive current is disclosed. The overcurrent protection circuit includes first to fifth resistors, a relay comprising a coil and a normally closed switch, a pnp transistor, and a break-over element. When a current between the voltage input and the voltage output is greater or equal to a rated current of the electronic device, the npn transistor is turned on, while the coil is powered on to control the switch to be opened, therefore the voltage output cannot output voltage, which can protect against excessive current damaging the electronic device.

Abstract: The sensitivity and accuracy of a status indicator for sensing a current in an electrical circuit is improved by shifting the reference level of the transformer output to maximize the input signal to a precision voltage detector and by reducing the hysteresis of the status indicator by balancing the burden of the current transformer during the positive and negative alternations of the AC signal and by driving secondary loads with a voltage to current converter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of visually representing the variation over time of a difference between a real value of a parameter and an optimum value thereof using at least three activatable light signals, said method comprising: a first transition step (105) that is performed if the current range of values is contiguous with a prior range of values, in which step, after a first delay has elapsed, the signal associated with the prior range of values is deactivated and the light signal associated with the current range of values is activated; and a second transition step (107) that is performed if the current range of values is not contiguous with the prior range of values, during which step, after a second delay has elapsed, the light signal associated with the prior range of values is deactivated and the light signal associated with an intermediate range of values corresponding to a range of values contiguous with the prior range of values, is activated, and then after a third delay has elapsed, the

Abstract: A method of outputting to a user an indication of the usage of a utility, the method comprising: obtaining data indicating, for each of a plurality of appliances, a respective current level of usage of the utility by that appliance; for each of a plurality of appliance categories, using the obtained data to calculate a respective current total level of usage of the utility by appliances belonging to that appliance category; and outputting an indication of the calculated current total level of usage of the utility for at least one of the plurality of appliance categories.

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 current switch is automatically calibrated when a flow of electric current is initiated in a power cable.

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

Abstract: An electrical ground terminal block assembly and arrangement to make ground fault situation accessible comprise a ground terminal housing to hold the wire linking elements and a characterized ground fault indicating device. The ground terminal block based on the invention is comprised with signalling means to indicate ground fault. Fault current is detected by the ground fault indicating device through upper linking element detection device of said ground terminal block.

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: An apparatus is provided for detecting the presence of an obstruction with respect to a height-adjustable bed. The apparatus includes sensors coupled to the bed. At least one of the sensors has an output signal which is variable in response to changes in a weight applied to the support surface. The apparatus also includes a controller having inputs configured to receive the output signals from the sensor or sensors. The controller is configured to monitor the output signals, and to provide an indication of the presence of an obstruction with respect to a change in position of the bed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for wireless device power management is provided. The method comprises providing a charge to an intermediate power cell by electrically connecting the intermediate power cell to a power source, disconnecting the intermediate power cell from the power source, and electrically connecting the wireless device to the intermediate power cell. Such electrical connecting enables power cell recharging within the wireless device.

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

Abstract: A time synchronization method in a wireless sensor network, has an upper node that provides back-off scheduling to lower nodes in the wireless sensor network of a hierarchical structure. Each of the lower nodes synchronizes time according to the back-off scheduling based on its local clock. The time synchronous method also allows the number of packets required for synchronization in the wireless sensor network to sharply decrease, and the life time of the network to increase. Additionally, the time synchronous method provides a response packet from a lower node in response to a synchronization packet from an upper node, which is used as a synchronization start packet for secondary lower nodes, so that synchronization in the entire network is rapidly processed.

Abstract: A current protection apparatus (200) and current protection method (1000) that may include programmable current protection characteristics has been disclosed. A current protection apparatus (200) may include a power distribution unit (230) with power distribution outlets (PDO-1 to PDO-8), each having a corresponding circuit breaker unit (CB1 to CB8). Each circuit breaker unit (CB1 to CB8) may operate in response to a processing unit (236) that can sample current values flowing between a respective power distribution outlet (PDO-1 to PDO-8) and a load device (LD1 to LD8). Processing unit 236 may operate under control of software stored on a memory (238) to control a switching circuit (320). Current protection characteristics for each circuit breaker unit may be independently programmed and/or altered by a user, for example by way of a computer (250).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a current detection and precaution alarm device consisting of a current sensing device, a current voltage converter, an alarm device, a selection adjusting button and an illumination device, and primarily used in a current loop of an electric power system for detecting a current signal of the current loop without changing any original power circuit of the electric power system or preparing an operating power supply. If the detected current quantity exceeds a default setting, sound and light alarm signals will be generated to remind users to reduce the power consumption and prevent a possible risk or a sudden power failure caused by a current overload, so as to improve the practical value and electric safety of a product.

Abstract: A power meter for monitoring current in a power cable annunciates an alarm if the current transgresses one or more alarm current limits. False alarms are avoided by delaying the activation of the alarm for a delay interval following determination that current is flowing in the monitored conductor.

Abstract: An exemplary surge current alarm circuit includes a detecting circuit to detect a surge current and convert the surge current into a digital signal with a pulse width corresponding to a duration of an over value part of the surge current when the surge current is over a limitative current value; a processing circuit connected to the detecting circuit to receive the digital signal and generate an alarm signal when the pulse width of the digital signal is over a limitative time; and an alarm circuit connected to the processing circuit to give an alarm upon receiving the alarm signal from the processing circuit.

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

Abstract: A method for monitoring a function of a safety unit, in particular of a bilge blower of a boat with a combustion engine, connected via a manually operated switch to a voltage supply. The current flowing through the safety unit is measured and an acoustic alarm is triggered, if a sensor voltage derived from the measured current falls below a reference voltage.