Abstract: A system includes: a pre-charge circuit configured to produce direct current (DC) electrical power; a common DC bus; and a plurality of inverters, each inverter including: a local DC bus; a capacitor network connected to the local DC bus; an electrical network connected to the local DC bus, the electrical network configured to generate an alternating current (AC) drive signal; and a plurality of switching assemblies, each switching assembly being associated with one of the inverters, and each switching assembly configured to control whether the local DC bus and the capacitor network of the associated inverter are electrically connected to the common DC bus or to the pre-charge circuit.

Abstract: A sole assembly is provided including multiple compression units entrapped in a midsole and adjacent an outsole to efficiently distribute forces and to assist in correct foot motion during a gait cycle. The multiple compression units can be linked to one another to assist the foot in moving through an appropriate foot motion during a gait cycle. A heel compression unit can be linked to an arch compression unit, which can be linked to one or more forefoot compression units, which can be linked to a toe compression unit. The linking of the heel compression unit, the arch compression unit, and the forefoot compression unit to one another can resist torsional movement of the units between one another, thereby providing a more stable foot support, while still providing impact-attenuation and force distribution through the sole assembly.

Abstract: A power circuit for a dual voltage range charging station is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for protecting one or more flexible alternating current transmission system (FACTS) devices in a high voltage (HV) power transmission line are disclosed. The system may include a circuit breaker to de-energize the HV power transmission line when a fault current is detected on the HV power transmission line, and to determine whether the fault current has cleared. The system may further include a power supply to harvest energy from the fault current. The system may further include a bypass switch coupled to protect the FACTS devices by providing a controllable conduction path around the FACTS devices when the bypass switch is activated. And the system may further include a fault current harvesting circuit (FHC) and an actuator operating in conjunction to control the bypass switch based on the harvested energy.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an optical driving mechanism, including a frame body, a holding member, a plate coil and a magnet. The holding member is movably disposed in the frame body and configured to hold an optical element. The plate coil is disposed on the holding member. The magnet is disposed on the frame body and corresponds to the plate coil. The plate coil acts with the magnet to generate an electromagnetic force to drive the holding member and the optical element to move along an optical axis of the optical element relative to the frame body.

Abstract: A battery protecting apparatus includes a battery manager and a wake-up switch. The battery manager manages charge and discharge states of a battery pack and wakes up when external power is received. The wake-up switch supplies the external power to the battery manager when an internal temperature of the battery pack is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference temperature. The battery manager performs an emergency protection operation based on detection of the battery pack in a predetermined dangerous state at a time when the ignition switch is turned off and the wake-up switch is turned on.

Abstract: An overcurrent protective system includes a current detector which detects a current flowing in an element which is to be protected by the overcurrent protective system, an overcurrent counting unit which selects an overcurrent sensing level corresponding to the element among a plurality of overcurrent sensing levels which are threshold values becoming standards for determining whether the current detected by the current detector is a normal current or an overcurrent and which determines whether the current is the overcurrent or not by comparing the current with the selected overcurrent sensing level, and a controller which decreases an output voltage of a circuit which is to be protected by the overcurrent protective system and includes the element when the current flowing in the element is determined as the overcurrent.

Abstract: A power distribution system for a vehicle includes a plurality of switching devices arranged in a circuit to selectively control power flow between a plurality of buses operating within a same voltage range. The power distribution system further includes a controller programmed to, in response to the switching devices being in a state to transfer power between the buses and a current flowing through one of the buses exceeding a predetermined current, operate the switching devices to isolate the buses.

Abstract: Wall mountable touch panels are described. In one embodiment, a wall mountable touch panel for controlling a load device includes a touch sensor configured to receive a user touch input and to control the load device based on the user touch input and a power interface configured to receive a low-voltage direct current (DC) power signal for powering the touch sensor. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for circuit breakers with integrated safety, control, monitoring, and protection features. In one aspect, a circuit breaker includes an input and an output, a switch coupled between the input and output, a communications device configured to communicate on a data communications network, and a control system coupled to the switch and the communications device, wherein the control system is configured to perform operations including opening the switch as a consequence of detecting an overcurrent condition in a circuit downstream from the circuit breaker, opening and closing the switch based on one or more instructions received by the communications device from the data communications network, and monitoring the power consumption of the circuit downstream from the circuit breaker.

Abstract: An electric household appliance (1) has an electronic control unit (5) powered by a low-voltage power unit (6), and a device (7) for reducing energy consumption of the electric household appliance in standby mode. The device includes: a bistable relay (21) which is switched by a low-voltage enabling signal (S2) to a closed position to turn on the low-voltage power unit (6), or is switched by a disabling signal (S3) to an open position to turn off the low-voltage power unit (6); a low-voltage capacitive power unit (10) designed to generate the low-voltage enabling signal (S2); and a hand-operated control device (11) interposed between the low-voltage capacitive power unit (10) and the bistable relay (21) to supply the low-voltage enabling signal (S2) to the bistable relay.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a battery pack which includes a plurality of battery modules housed in a housing. The battery modules are connected in series to each other via connecting members that connects external terminals of the battery modules to each other. The battery modules are classified into groups, each being comprised of at least two of the battery modules, two terminal ones of which have a potential difference of at most V or less between themselves. A first connecting member connects the external terminals of the battery modules to each other between two adjacent ones of the groups. A second connecting member connects the external terminals of the battery modules to each other within an identical one of the groups. If water penetrates into the housing, the first connecting member is electrically cut off, preferentially relative to the second connecting member.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for circuit breakers with integrated safety, control, monitoring, and protection features. In one aspect, a circuit breaker includes, an input and an output, a switch coupled between the input and the output, a sensor configured to measure the current flowing from the input to the output, and a control system coupled to the sensor and the switch, wherein the control system is configured to perform operations including comparing a rate of change of the current measured by the sensor to a threshold rate of change of current, determining that the rate of change of the current measured by the sensor exceeds the threshold rate of change of current for at least a predetermined period of time, and as a consequence of determining that the rate of change of current exceeds the threshold rate of change, opening the switch, thereby disconnecting the input from the output.

Abstract: A power supply device supplies DC power to a load and includes: a shunt resistor connected in series to a low-potential side of the load; a power supply control device for controlling a power supply state to the load according to an amount of a voltage drop across the shunt resistor; a ground fault detection element connected in series to the low-potential side of the load to cause a voltage drop; and a limiting device for limiting a supply of power by the power supply control device by determining that a ground fault occurs in a case where an amount of a voltage drop, which occurs when a detection current flows through the ground fault detection element, is less than a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Articles of footwear and soles are disclosed. The article of footwear may include an upper; an outer midsole having a base coupled to the upper, and a rim portion extending from the periphery of the base, wherein the rim portion defines a plurality of spaced apart gaps; and an inner midsole disposed interiorly to the rim portion, wherein a portion of the inner midsole is disposed in at least one gap.

Abstract: Power converter circuitry for converting power from a power source of any one of a number of power source types, and in which arcing at relays in the event of a shutdown is avoided. A shunt circuit is provided in inrush and protection circuitry of the power converter, the circuit including a power field-effect transistor and optionally a series-connected relay. The shunt circuit is controlled to divert current from the main relay in the event of a rectifier fault, allowing the main relay to be opened under reduced or zero current. The field-effect transistor of the shunt circuit can then be safely opened, allowing its series relay to be opened under zero current conditions.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for saving power and electricity in a charging device such for external power supplies and battery chargers having a primary circuit and a secondary circuit where a switch is located in the primary circuit and a current sensing device in the secondary circuit to sense when there is a drop in current in the secondary circuit or no current in the secondary circuit because the load or a cell phone is charged and when this occurs the switch in the primary circuit is opened and the primary circuit no longer draws power from the source of power until the switch in the primary circuit is closed by activation of a user of the charging device.

Abstract: AC pre-charging techniques are provided for pre-charging the DC bus on a motor drive. AC pre-charging techniques involve pre-charge circuitry including a manual switch, an automatic switch, and pre-charge control circuitry to switch the automatic switch between pre-charge and pre-charge bypass modes in response to an initialized pre-charge operation, input voltage sags, etc. In some embodiments, the pre-charge operation may be initialized by switching the manual switch closed. In some embodiments, the pre-charge operation may also be initialized by a detected voltage sag on the DC bus. The pre-charge circuitry may also be configured to disconnect a motor drive from the AC power supply under certain fault conditions.

Abstract: A generator protection device is provided. The generator protection device includes a safety factor estimation module configured to estimate a safety factor as a function of a terminal voltage (VS) of a source-end generator, and a swing center voltage (SCV) between the source-end generator and a receiving-end generator. The system further includes a comparison module configured to compare the estimated safety factor with a defined safety threshold limit, and a decision module configured to trigger an alarm or a generator circuit breaker trip action or both, based on the comparison between the estimated safety factor and the defined safety threshold limit.

Abstract: Centralized coordination of setting and adjusting trip settings of electronic circuit breakers in an electrical distribution system by monitoring short circuit current availability (SCCA) and adjusting trip settings based on received SCCA estimates from SCCA monitoring devices installed at main, feeder, and branch nodes of the distribution system. The SCCA monitoring devices are capable of automatically estimating the SCCA in the circuit or node at which the SCCA device is installed and transmitting SCCA estimates to a controller, which uses the SCCA estimates to coordinate adjustments to trip settings for the various circuit breakers. Depending on the node position of the circuit breaker and the corresponding SCCA at that node, the controller adjusts in real-time the short-circuit trip settings for the circuit breakers so that they are below the SCCA value. Optional user-inputted settings can affect the trip setting adjustments, such as transient loading conditions that can influence the SCCA estimates.

Abstract: A device for connection 3 of a battery 2 to an electric or hybrid motor vehicle, comprising at least one input 3a capable of being connected to a first terminal 2a of the battery and at least one output 3b capable of being connected to a first terminal of an electrical circuit of the vehicle. The device 3 also comprises: a device for measuring the voltage 7 between the first terminal 2a of the battery and a reference potential 15, and a control unit 14 capable of receiving the voltage values measured by the voltage-measuring device 7, capable of determining an insulation resistance between the first terminal 2a of the battery and the reference potential 15, and capable of connecting or keeping connected the first terminal 2a of the battery and the first terminal of the electrical circuit if said insulation resistance is greater than a determined threshold.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for mechanically breaking a circuit in a battery charging device when the charger is determined to be in a standby or idle mode of operation, after which the circuit must be manually reset in order to further use the device.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a safety circuit for use in textile heating devices, such as heating pads, heating blankets, and the like. The safety circuit provides a system for checking/verifying the integrity of the controller, which can shut off power to the textile heating device if the controller has lost integrity.

Abstract: Device for electrically protecting an electric vehicle. To protect high voltage batteries of electric vehicles in the event of floods, a disconnecting device 6 for electrically disconnecting a vehicle battery 2 from an electric distribution system 8 within the vehicle and a detection device 4 for determining wetness are provided such that the detection device 4 activates the disconnecting device 6 if wetness 12 is detected, so that the vehicle battery 2 is electrically disconnected from the electric distribution system 8.

Abstract: An electrical protection circuit comprises a circuit board, an induction coil, a self-exciting coil, a control chip, a silicon controlled rectifier, a rectifier diode, a resistor, a filtration capacitor, a trip coil with iron core, a group of main circuit switches, and a reset button. An analog electric single-pole double-throw switch linked with the reset button comprises a traveling contact lever, a first static contact jaw, and a second static contact jaw. When the reset button is in a tripped or reset state, the traveling contact lever is connected with the second static contact jaw and the switch is in a closed state. When the reset button is pressed down, the traveling contact lever disconnects from the second static contact jaw, contacts the first static contact jaw, then disconnects from the first static contact jaw and returns to the closed state with the second static contact jaw.

Abstract: The Fire Sentry is a unique Fire Prevention Device. This Device will disengage the Electrical Power to the Cooking Appliance in which it is connected to. This Device will detect Black Smoke from a Stove or other Cooking appliance before it has the chance to combust and create a Fire. Once the Black Smoke has been removed from the Fire Sentry's Sensors the unit can be reset and normal cooking/heating can be resumed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a circuit interrupting device, preferably a ground fault circuit interrupter, which provides a quick and reliable connection/disconnection of electrical continuity through a combined use of a reset spring and a quick trip spring; an innovative circuit interrupting assembly containing a pair of input flexible metal pieces, a pair of user accessible load flexible metal pieces, and two pairs of fixed contacts on the load terminals; an automatic end-of-life testing mechanism by way of a simulated leakage current metal piece assembly; a reverse wiring protection by way of a reset start switch; an electrical surge protection through a power discharge mechanism; and a periodical end-of-life testing using a timer chip.

Abstract: Device for electrically protecting an electric vehicle.

Abstract: An electrical low voltage building installation, wherein excess current protection devices are provided for conductor branch offs with cross-section reductions, wherein at least one distributor conductor is provided at which conductor branch offs for branch conductors with a reduced cross-section compared to the distributor conductor are arranged in the building in a distributed manner, wherein the associated excess current protection devices are arranged accordingly distributed at the conductor branch offs or subsequent to the conductor branch offs in the branch conductors, wherein the excess current protection devices that are arranged in a distributed manner are configured to be switched on again through remote control after triggering, and wherein the excess current protection devices do not require a remote control function for interrupting their respective conductor branch off or branch conductor, but perform the interrupting locally, this means upon their own determination of an excess current.

Abstract: An electrical power system includes one or more protective devices in a plurality of electrical distribution panels. Each protective device has a power switch connectable between an electrical power source for the system and an electrical load and an operating-mode control switch whose state determines the power switch's operating mode. A computer is remotely-located relative to the electrical distribution panels. Each of the protective devices is operable such that: if the operating-mode control switch is in a first state, the power switch opens and closes according to instructions stored within the protective device; and if the operating-mode control switch is in a second state, the power switch is controllable based on instructions from the remotely-located computer.

Abstract: A non-volatile status indicator switch is provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to an aircraft electrical system including a fault detection circuit coupled to a relay, and a fault indicator circuit coupled to the fault detection circuit and to a control input of the relay, wherein the fault indicator circuit includes a nonvolatile memory element, wherein the fault detection circuit is configured to detect a fault and to provide a signal indicative of the fault to the fault indicator circuit, and wherein the fault indicator circuit is configured to respond to the signal indicative of the fault by providing a predetermined control signal to the relay and by storing information indicative of the detection of the fault in the nonvolatile memory element.

Abstract: A robotic assembly comprises: a mobile vehicle including mechanical components configured to operate the mobile vehicle in a manual mode of operation; a main power circuit for distributing a power signal to the electromechanical components and to external modules; an automation module connected to the mechanical components and operable to control and operate the mechanical components, and a power circuit configured to distribute power to the mechanical components and the external modules; a safety control module connected to the main power circuit, the automation module, and the mechanical components; a mode selector connected to the main power circuit; and emergency stop switches configured to prevent a flow of current to substantially all of the mechanical components and external modules in response to actuation of the emergency stop buttons.

Abstract: A system for detecting and preventing an electrical fire in a domestic electricity distribution system comprising an intake fuse box, a main distribution panel comprised in a main panel housing, a subdistribution panel comprised in a subpanel housing, a main power circuit connecting the intake fuse box to the main distribution panel, and a sub power circuit connecting the main distribution panel to the subdistribution panel. First, second and third gas, smoke and heat detectors are arranged in respective ones of said intake fuse box, said main panel housing, and said subpanel housing, and being adapted to provide respective first, second and third low level outputs if subjected to a gas, smoke or heat exceeding a first threshold and to provide respective first, second and third high level outputs if subjected to a gas, smoke or heat exceeding a second threshold.

Abstract: A device is provided for the prevention of damage due to the continued supply of a utility to an appliance, the device comprising: 1) a detector which detects circumstances of present or impending emergency and responds by sending a detector signal to 2) a receiver which receives a signal from the detector and in response emits a receiver signal; 3) a transmitter which receives the receiver signal and in response signals a 4) restrictor to attenuate or quench a utility supply to an appliance.

Abstract: The invention provides an animal asphyxiation device comprising a housing (10) for containing an animal and a gas distribution means (28) arranged inside the housing to allow even distribution of gas throughout the housing.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter device having a circuit module that automatically monitor the operation of the device and contains a master control system that periodically sends out an impulse that simulates an electric shock signal, a monitoring system that has an interlocking magnifier and comparator, and a signaling system to indicate the normal or faulty operation of the device.

Abstract: A non-volatile status indicator switch is provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to an aircraft electrical system including a fault detection circuit coupled to a relay, and a fault indicator circuit coupled to the fault detection circuit and to a control input of the relay, wherein the fault indicator circuit includes a nonvolatile memory element, wherein the fault detection circuit is configured to detect a fault and to provide a signal indicative of the fault to the fault indicator circuit, and wherein the fault indicator circuit is configured to respond to the signal indicative of the fault by providing a predetermined control signal to the relay and by storing information indicative of the detection of the fault in the nonvolatile memory element.

Abstract: A system (10) is provided for communicating with a residential electronic circuit breaker (18, 20, 22, 24). The system (10) comprises a residential electrical wiring system (16) including a power line (28) and neutral line (32), a residential electronic circuit breaker (18) electrically connected to the residential electrical wiring system (16) and a programmer (34) configured to be selectively connected to the residential electrical wiring system (16) to communicate with the circuit breaker (18).

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a new pushbutton incorporated into new circuit configurations of an improved intelligent electronic device (“IED”), for use in power substation control systems. The new pushbutton is non-mechanical and configured to control a breaker, or other type of substation equipment, after an IED associated with the circuit breaker, or other type of substation equipment, fails to operate. In an embodiment, the new pushbutton may be a low-energy, membrane-type pushbutton. During normal operation, a microprocessor within the IED operates a solid-state device to control the operation of substation equipment. When the IED fails, manually depressing the new pushbutton bypasses the IED microprocessor and manually controls the substation equipment associated with the failed IED.

Abstract: An electronic controller that is adapted to cooperate with a decorative wall plate is provided. In one illustrative embodiment, the electronic controller may be adapted to be mounted in a junction box, with a user interface having a shape and size to fit within one or more apertures in a wall plate. The wall plate may be secured relative to the electronic controller and/or junction box such that the user interface extends at least partially through the one or more aperture in the wall plate.

Abstract: A trip bar is provided for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker includes a housing, an operating mechanism, and a number of accessories installable within the housing. At least one of the accessories has an actuator, such as a stem. The trip bar includes an elongated pivot member having a first end pivotably coupled to the operating mechanism, a second end disposed opposite and distal from the first end, and at least one protrusion extending outwardly from the elongated pivot member between the first and second ends. Such protrusion is actuatable by the stem to pivot the elongated pivot member. A deflecting mechanism, such as a cam surface, is disposed at or about the second end of the elongated pivot member. When such one of the accessories is being installed within the housing, the stem deflects the cam surface to facilitate insertion.

Abstract: A manual trip control method and arrangement is provided to manually trip a plurality of circuit interrupters. Specifically, where the circuit interrupters include magnetic-actuator-driven vacuum interrupters including permanent magnets that hold the contacts of the circuit interrupter in the closed position via a plunger, a first of the circuit interrupters is manually tripped via movement of the plunger. To operate the remaining circuit interrupters to trip open, the voltage generated in the magnetic actuator of the first circuit interrupter is coupled to the magnetic actuators of the remaining circuit interrupters for tripping thereof.

Abstract: A humidity detection and power cut-off device for electronic equipment is provided. The device is connected between a battery (10) and a motherboard (40) of the electronic equipment and includes an auto protection device (20) and a moisture-triggered device (30). The auto protection device is connected between the battery and the power management module and is used to establish or cut off the connection between the battery and the power management module. The moisture-triggered device is used to detect the immediate ambient humidity and controls the auto protection device. If the moisture-triggered circuit detects that the immediate ambient humidity exceeds a predetermined critical humidity value, the moisture-triggered device outputs a trigger signal to the auto protection device. The trigger signal controls the auto protection circuit to cut off a connection between the battery and the power management module, thus to achieve waterproofing protecting for the electronic equipment.

Abstract: A starting method of an electronic apparatus wherein power supplies of a plurality of the electronic apparatuses are started in order, the starting method includes the steps of resetting the electronic apparatuses when each of the electronic apparatuses is started; and canceling the resets of the electronic apparatuses at the substantially same time after a power supply started last among power supplies of the plural electronic apparatuses is started.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a shell, a movable press strip, a metal strip, a C-shaped plate spring, and three conductors. A first and a second conductor are inserted through the bottom of the shell, respectively have an upper end extending up in the shell, with a first contact point on its upper end of the first conductor, with an upper end of the second conductor connected with a metal strip, which has one end facing under a first press member of the press strip and an elastic contact strip with one end provided with a second contact point facing under the first contact point. A C-shaped plate spring has two lower ends connected with the metal strip, and a curved-up portion facing a second press member. The contact strip may disfigure by high heat caused by excessive current, curling upward to force the first contact point snap off the second contact point to cut off the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A circuit breaker that functions like a double pole double throw (DPDT) switch is used to isolate the commercial power grid from an external power source. When in the “on” position the circuit breaker serves as a main power input circuit breaker allowing power from the commercial power grid to feed into existing wiring. In the “off” position the commercial power grid is disconnected and isolated from the existing wiring. Instead, the switch mechanism is connected to an external power source such as a generator. The generator can be safely operated without risking power backfeed into the commercial power grid.

Abstract: A computer system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention may have either a local or a remote low-voltage power button. The arrangement is freely reconfigurable by the end user. A socket or plug is accessible from the exterior of the enclosure of a main unit. On the inside of the enclosure, the socket or plug is coupled to circuitry for sensing activity in a power button. The socket or plug is adapted to removably mate with a corresponding socket or plug on either a low-voltage power button or a low-voltage power button extender assembly. The low-voltage power button may comprise simply a switch integrated with a socket or plug. The low-voltage power button extender assembly may comprise a switch coupled to a socket or plug by means of a flexible cable.

Abstract: A fault trip indicator for use with a circuit breaker connected to protect an electrical line comprises a current transformer coupled to the electrical line to produce a current signal which varies as a function of the current level in the electrical line. A threshold detector is coupled to the current transformer to produce a load signal when the threshold detector detects that the current signal exceeds a threshold value. A monitoring circuit is coupled to the protective circuit in the circuit breaker and the threshold detector to provide an indication of the occurrence of the protective circuit opening the circuit breaker while the threshold detector is producing the load signal. A fault trip indicator using passive circuitry, a battery powered threshold detector and binary load signals are also disclosed.

Abstract: Resettable circuit interrupting devices, such as ALCI and IDCI devices, that include reset lockout portion are provided.

Abstract: A multi-channel power shut-down circuit that includes a plurality of channel disabler circuits formed on a common substrate where each of the channel disabler circuits includes a first combinational logic and a second combinational logic having an input coupled to an output of the first combinational logic and having a channel disable output, and a channel overcurrent detector coupled to an input of the first combinational logic. A thermal warning detector is also formed on the common substrate and coupled to the inputs of the first combinational logic of the plurality of channel disabler circuits. A thermal shutdown detector formed on the common substrate and coupled to the inputs of the second combinational logic of the plurality of channel disabler circuits.