Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating an actuator having a coil and a displaceably mounted armature driven by a magnetic field generated by the coil, in a measurement operating mode for ascertaining a time at which the armature reaches its stop position after activation of the actuator. The method includes applying to the coil an actuation voltage signal dimensioned such that the expected armature stop time falls in a time window in which a temporally constant voltage is applied to the coil, detecting an intensity profile of the current flowing through the coil within the time window, and determining the armature stop time, based on an evaluation of the detected current intensity profile. A method for operating such an actuator is also disclosed, wherein information about the stop time is obtained in a measurement operating mode and used in a series operating mode for optimized actuation of the actuator.

Abstract: Apparatus, devices, and methods for providing a voltage reduction capability in a welding power source for safety purposes. The resistive load and the output voltage of the welding power source output are monitored and compared to predefined or preselected threshold values to generate a load condition signal and an output voltage condition signal (e.g., logic signals). The load condition signal and the output voltage condition signal serve as inputs to a voltage reduction device control logic which generates control signals to enable and disable the input and output of the welding power source according to the defined control logic. As a result, an extra measure of safety in preventing electrical shock is provided to users of the welding power source during hazardous operating conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control method for an electromagnetic contactor and an electromagnetic contactor implementing such a method, where the method includes supplying an electromagnet of the contactor with a pulse width modulation supply signal and having a nominal frequency, the method also including varying the period over at least part of the pulses of the modulation so as to reduce the conducted electromagnetic disruptions, the variation of the period being chosen such that the frequency of the supply signal remains comprised in a given frequency band including the nominal frequency.

Abstract: A method for heating medical fluid with different supply voltages comprising: configuring first, second and third switches in electrical communication with first and second power lines, the switches configured such that (i) in a first switch state first and second heater elements are placed in series, solely via a closing of the first switch, for operation with a first supply voltage applied to the first and second power lines, and (ii) in a second switch state the first and second heater elements are placed in parallel, via the second and third switches, for operation with a second supply voltage applied to the first and second power lines, and configuring a control element to automatically set the switches in the first or the second switch state based upon a signal sent to the control element indicative of the first or the second supply voltage.

Abstract: The devices and methods described below provide for a high voltage control circuits using commercial lower voltage, and lower cost, relays. A low voltage control system using commercial switching relays is used to control and switch an isolated low voltage power supply through an isolation layer. The isolated low voltage power supply is used to drive commercial switching relays that control the high voltage power applied to the high voltage load. Adding the isolated low voltage power supply controlled through an isolation layer enables the use of commercial low voltage components to switch high voltage power such as 347VAC without violating Underwriters Laboratories spacing or testing requirements.

Abstract: A low energy electromagnetic relay and method of reducing power consumption in electromagnetic relays. The electromagnetic relay includes an electrical coil having a first end connected to a first contact and a second end connected to first side of a normally closed switch, a second side of the switch connected to a second contact; a resistor connected between the first end of the coil and the second contact; and an armature configured to move to an actuated position and open the first switch when power is applied across the first and the second contacts.

Abstract: A control apparatus for an electromagnetic inductive load is a circuit in which a switching element that is PWM-controlled and the electromagnetic inductive load are connected together in series between a DC power supply and a ground. The control apparatus includes a current sensing unit which senses a regenerative current in an OFF time in a PWM driving operation, a current detecting unit which outputs a current detection signal when a sense current becomes smaller than a target current amount, a PWM signal generating unit which receives a clock signal and the current detection signal, and generates a PWM signal that is at a high or low level during a period from the current detection signal being smaller than the target current amount, to rising or falling of the clock signal, and a driving unit which controls to drive the switching element.

Abstract: A control device for controlling a circuit breaker. The control device includes a central processing unit and is arranged to communicate with an output module arranged to output operational commands to the circuit breaker. The output module includes processing means arranged to execute an operational command at a point of time received from the central processing unit. The invention also encompasses related methods.

Abstract: A driver circuit and a diagnostic method are provided. The driver circuit includes a first voltage driver, a second voltage driver, and a microprocessor. The microprocessor generates a first pulse width modulated signal to induce the first voltage driver to output a second pulse width modulated signal to energize a contactor coil. The microprocessor sets a first diagnostic flag equal to a first value if a first filtered voltage value is greater than a first threshold value. The microprocessor sets a second diagnostic flag equal to a second value if a first filtered current value is less than a threshold value. The microprocessor stops generating the first pulse width modulated signal to de-energize the contactor coil if the first and second diagnostic flags are set equal to the first and second values, respectively.

Abstract: A contact resistance value detected by a detection means (a resistance detection part) is compared with a predetermined threshold value. A determining means (an abnormality determining part) determines that there is a failure when the contact resistance value exceeds the predetermined threshold value, and then an abnormality detection signal is outputted from an output means (an output part). Therefore, it is possible to detect a failure in a contact, such as oxidization generated on a surface of a contact or contact pressure reduction generated between contacts, based on the contact resistance value of a contact part.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for controlling energy consumption in a system having a battery and including a controller and one or more solenoids. In accordance with the disclosure, the controller provides a controlling mechanism, such as a control algorithm, that will provide the necessary power to operate the one or more solenoids throughout the range of battery voltage in a manner that optimizes the voltage discharge from the battery and simultaneously maximizes battery life. Further power conservation measures are implemented by using a controller and an associated control algorithm to operate a solenoid throughout the range of battery voltage in a manner that places the discharge of the battery in reduced power consumption operating modes as the capacity of the battery is reduced.

Abstract: A magnetization apparatus includes a power supply unit, an energy storage element and a voltage clamp unit. The power supply unit generates at least one exciting signal to excite at least a coil of a magnetic field generating apparatus. The voltage clamp unit has a clamping voltage. The voltage level of the clamp voltage is higher than the voltage level of the exciting signal, and lower than the rated voltage of the energy storage element. When the exciting signal turns to a low voltage level, the voltage clamp unit controls the voltage level of the energy storage element to be less than or equal to the voltage level of the clamp voltage. This configuration with the voltage clamp unit can extend the lifetime of the energy storage element and reduce the energy loss to enhance the efficiency.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided in one example embodiment and includes a locking member configured to be coupled to a case that contacts an electronic component, the locking member being part of a security protocol having a secure mode and a disabled mode. The secure mode restricts access to the electronic component and the disabled mode provides access to the electronic component. A signal receiver is configured to be coupled to the locking member to electronically control the locking member in order to switch between the modes. In more specific embodiments, the signal receiver receives instructions for switching the modes from a remote device configured to be coupled to a network. The remote device receives a password from an end user seeking to switch to one of the modes and the remote device switches between the modes if the password is authenticated.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic magnetic contactor, the contactor including: an operation power supply unit inputting an operation power; an electronic switch driving unit receiving a power from the operation power supply unit to drive a power supply of a load; a switching unit switched by a pulse signal to drive the electronic switch driving unit; an operation state determination unit determining whether the electronic magnetic contactor is in an opened state or in a closed state; an input voltage sensing unit sensing an amplitude of an input voltage supplied from the operation power supply unit; and an input signal generation unit generating an input signal for determining whether the electronic magnetic contactor is inputted based on determined state by the operation state determination unit and the sensed amplitude by the input voltage sensing unit.

Abstract: A feed control device includes a contact device, an output detector, a contact weld sensor, and an alarm device. The output detector is configured to detect the presence of power feeding into the side of an electrically-powered car from an external power supply. The contact weld sensor is configured to sense that the contact device is welded based on a detection result of the output detector if detecting the presence of power feeding from the external power supply to a feed line for the contact device when a state signal representing charge permission is not entered. The alarm device is configured, if the contact weld sensor senses that the contact device is welded, to indicate the occurrence of weld to the outside.

Abstract: A solenoid current monitoring circuit of a solenoid actuator includes a solenoid drive board configured to receive a control signal, a sensing resistor configured to detect a current signal of a solenoid coil of the actuator resulting from the control signal, and a differentiator configured to differentiate the current signal. The solenoid current monitoring circuit detects the movement of the solenoid actuator based on a change in the differentiated current signal caused by a change in inductance of the solenoid coil.

Abstract: The invention relates to a relay controller for controlling an excitation current of a relay, wherein the relay controller is designed, upon the energization of the relay by means of a switch, to control the excitation current through the excitation winding of the relay in such a way that through the excitation winding there flows firstly a pull-in current and, after a pull-in time has elapsed, through the excitation winding there flows a holding current that is lower than the pull-in current, and wherein the relay controller is designed, upon the switching-off of the relay by means of the switch, to feed a commutation current that flows through the excitation winding to the commutation device through the first terminal and through the second terminal of the relay controller.

Abstract: Power consumption of a relay that switches electric connection between a power supply and a load of a vehicle is suppressed. When receiving a disconnection instruction signal from a control circuit, a disconnection circuit transmits a disconnection signal to a coil of a keep relay, and brings a movable contact into contact with a contact to electrically disconnect the power supply from the load. When receiving a connection instruction signal from the control circuit, a connection circuit transmits a connection signal to a coil of the keep relay, and brings the movable contact into contact with a contact to electrically connect the power supply to the load. An automatic stopping circuit stops the connection signal output from the connection circuit using a voltage or a current supplied from the keep relay to the load. For example, the present invention can be applied to a power-supply control device for the vehicle.

Abstract: A relay drive circuit electrically connects to an alternating current power source for driving a relay includes a zero crossing test circuit, a logic control circuit, and a switch. The zero crossing test circuit is electrically connected to the alternating current power source and is for obtaining zero crossing regions of the alternating current power source and outputting a corresponding zero crossing detect signal. The logic control circuit is electrically connected to the zero crossing circuit and is capable of receiving the zero crossing detect signal and a corresponding switch control signal. The switch is electrically connected to the logic control circuit and the relay and is switched on or off in the zero crossing regions under the control of an output signal from the logic control circuit to corresponding control and power the relay on or off.

Abstract: A DC receptacle has, in a housing, a pair of connection sockets with which a pair of connection terminals of a plug used in a DC electrical equipment is adapted to be detachably electrically connected. The DC receptacle includes a circuit opening/closing unit configured to open or close a power line; and a connection verification unit for verifying the connection of the plug to the receptacle. The circuit opening/closing unit opens or closes the power line depending on the connection state between the plug and the receptacle detected by the connection verification unit.

Abstract: A power supply for a voltage or current-releasing switching device having at least one coil for one of a voltage and current release includes a device which activates a switch means in a pulse-width modulated manner, the device configured for setting the current flowing in the coil, wherein inductance of the coil functions as an impedor of a clocked power supply which, via a rectifier diode and a storage capacitor, provides a first supply voltage that is predefinable via a comparison value. A voltage regulation device provides at least one second supply voltage. A measurement-resistor-free regulation device is provided for setting the current through the coil.

Abstract: A reagent injector control system includes a pulse width modulation (PWM) control module and an injector driver module. The PWM control module monitors current through a reagent injector during an injection control cycle, generates a PWM signal based on an amount of reagent to be injected during the injection control cycle, and at least one of selectively increases and selectively decreases a duty cycle of a PWM signal during the injection control cycle based on the current. The injector driver module selectively enables and disables the current based on the PWM signal. The reagent injector opens and injects a reagent into an exhaust system based on the current. The exhaust system receives exhaust output from an engine. The reagent reacts with nitrogen oxides (NOx).

Abstract: According to aspects described herein, there is disclosed a method of and system for indicating a fault associated with a fluid valve moveable between an open and a closed operative position. The method and system compare a valve state indicator to a valve last command, wherein the valve state indicator represents a detected operative position of the valve and the valve last command being an operative command sent to the fluid valve. The method and system also initiate a fault indication after a predetermined time delay relative to the valve last command being sent and when the valve state indicator does not match the valve last command. After the time delay a fault indication can be initiated immediately upon receipt of a different valve state indicator.

Abstract: A method of increasing speed of an electro-mechanical relay provides an electro-mechanical relay having a coil and at least one contact. A first resistor and a second resistor are each in series with the coil, with the second resistor being in parallel with a first switch. A voltage is provided to the first switch, with the first switch being ON, thereby shorting out the second resistor and providing a first current through the first resistor and to the coil, to move the contact to a closed position. After a certain amount of time, the first switch is turned OFF so that a second current is provided through the first and second resistors and to the coil, maintaining the contact in the closed position.

Abstract: A current control output (CCO) system for transmission solenoids includes a current determination module, a current compensation module, and a current control module. The current determination module determines a desired current for the solenoids based on a desired pressure. The current compensation module generates a compensated current by adjusting the desired current based on a system pressure and a temperature of oil in the transmission. The current control module performs current-based control of and applies hysteresis to the solenoids based on the compensated current.

Abstract: A switching device has an electromagnetic switching element and a controller, the switching element including two coils on one core which act on a shared armature. In order to implement an operation of the armature to be activatable as rapidly and simply as possible with low power consumption, the controller is designed to have a switch in the current path of the coil in each case to activate each coil.

Abstract: An apparatus and system are disclosed for protecting a power distribution unit from an electrical fault. A fuse interrupts a flow of electrical current in response to the electrical current rising above a current rating of the fuse. A current sensor measures the amplitude of the electrical current and outputs a current amplitude signal. A relay interrupts the flow of electrical current in response to an OFF signal. A fault module receives the current amplitude signal and sends the OFF signal to the relay in response to the amplitude of the electrical current exceeding a threshold value. The relay, the fuse, and the threshold value are selected so that a switching time of the relay is less than an opening time of the fuse for an amplitude of the electrical current between the threshold value and a maximum fault current value, so that the relay prevents the fuse from opening.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an irrigation controller, method and software program product for generating wire tracker signal transmission across a control wire. The irrigation controller includes a valve actuation control module selectively coupled to each of a plurality of control wires and generating a valve actuation control signal thereon. The valve actuation control signal is a continuous control voltage over a plurality of control signal periods for selectively energizing the selected irrigation valve. Also integrated in the irrigation controller is a wire tracker transmitter module for selectively coupling to each of a plurality of control wires and generating a transmission signal that can be received at a mobile receiver.

Abstract: A control system for the ignition of a gas burner that includes an electromagnetic valve having a first coil and a second coil, the activation of the first and second coils controlling the flow of gas through the electromagnetic valve. An incandescent element which is designed to be heated until it reaches the gas combustion temperature of the gas delivered to the burner is disposed electrically in series with the first coil, the incandescent element and first coil forming a first branch that is electrically parallel to the second coil.

Abstract: Disclosed is driving circuit for AC contactor for driving a AC contactor, including a first switch connected in series with a winding of the AC contactor, a first diode reversely connected in parallel with the winding of the AC contactor for providing a discharging path for the winding, a DC startup holding unit having an output terminal connected in series with the first switch and a detection terminal connected to a first contact switch of the AC contactor. The DC startup holding unit is configured to selectively convert a DC driving voltage into a first DC voltage or a second DC voltage. When the AC contactor is not magnetized, the DC startup holding unit outputs the first DC voltage. When the AC contactor is magnetized, the DC startup holding unit outputs the second DC voltage.

Abstract: An input circuit includes an interface structured to output a logic signal from an alternating current signal of a pair of elongated conductors. A load is switchable to the elongated conductors. A processor outputs a control signal to switch the load to the elongated conductors asynchronously with respect to the alternating current signal for a first predetermined time, inputs the logic signal, determines if the input logic signal is active a plurality of times during the first predetermined time and responsively sets a first state of the alternating current signal, and, otherwise, sets an opposite second state of the alternating current signal, and delays for a second predetermined time, which is longer than the first predetermined time, for the opposite second state before repeating the output, and, otherwise, delays for a third predetermined time, which is longer than the second predetermined time, for the first state before repeating the output.

Abstract: A relay connection with at least two relays (K1, K2) connected in series or in parallel to a supply voltage (UV). In order to achieve a defined relay cut-out sequence should there be a dip in the supply voltage and consequently to increase safety, it is provided that the relays (K1, K2) have different minimum holding voltages (UHalt,min1; UHalt,min2) and/or inductive resistances (Rsp1; Rsp2).

Abstract: A switch module used for position sensing may be operated in a number of modes for compatibility with a number of legacy position sensing products. A dry switch circuit can be configured to provide a direct output, emulating dry reed, high-side or low-side switched configurations. Alternatively, the dry switch circuit can be connected to an input of a NAMUR circuit to provide the known current output for that standard. In another configuration the dry switch can be selectively coupled to one of two NAMUR circuits allowing the switch module to provide a low-to-high current NAMUR output or a high-to-low current NAMUR output.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic magnetic contactor, the contactor including: an operation power supply unit inputting an operation power; an electronic switch driving unit receiving a power from the operation power supply unit to drive a power supply of a load; a switching unit switched by a pulse signal to drive the electronic switch driving unit; an operation state determination unit determining whether the electronic magnetic contactor is in an opened state or in a closed state; an input voltage sensing unit sensing an amplitude of an input voltage supplied from the operation power supply unit; and an input signal generation unit generating an input signal for determining whether the electronic magnetic contactor is inputted based on determined state by the operation state determination unit and the sensed amplitude by the input voltage sensing unit.

Abstract: A plurality of reference signals output from a controller which computes an operation amount of an electric actuator is subjected to the logical operation, and the power supply to a drive circuit for the electric actuator is shut off based on an output by the logical operation.

Abstract: The invention is a condition monitor for a switchgear device in an electrical power distribution system. The switchgear device is arranged with an electrically powered actuator for operating a moveable part of the switchgear device, for example, operating the opening and/or closing of a circuit breaker. The switchgear device has a control unit with means to receive state information from the actuator, and panel means to present information via an HMI. The HMI may be accessed remotely. In other aspects of the invention a method, a human-machine interface and a computer program for carrying out the method are described.

Abstract: A female connector for supplying electric power from a power supply to an electric device includes two power supply terminals to supply the electric power, two relays connected to the two power supply terminals, respectively, to control supply of the electric power, and two control electrodes configured to control opening and, closing of the two relays, wherein the two relays are driven by the power supply, and the two control electrodes are electrically coupled to each other through a control terminal of a male connector upon mating between the female connector and the male connector, the electrical coupling of the two control electrodes causing the two relays to be closed to supply the electric power to the two power supply terminals.

Abstract: A circuit is disclosed for conditioning a current flowing through a coil in an electromagnetic switching device. In at least one embodiment the circuit includes an amplifier including a first amplifier terminal to receive the current flowing through the coil as an input, a second amplifier terminal to receive a second input signal and a third amplifier terminal for outputting an output signal; a diode including a first diode terminal connected to the third amplifier terminal to receive the output signal of the amplifier and a second diode terminal to provide an output, wherein the second diode terminal is connected to the second amplifier terminal to provide the output of the diode as the second input signal to the second amplifier terminal; and a filter circuit connected to the second diode terminal to filter the output of the diode.

Abstract: An apparatus to aid in the removal of refrigerant from direct expansion air-conditioning systems is herein disclosed. The apparatus enables the manual activation of solenoid valves or check valves typically provided on direct expansion air-conditioning systems. A solenoid valve must be energized to allow complete access to the refrigerant in order to allow complete evacuation of the system. The apparatus is connected to a power source and a plurality of switches enables selection of 120V operation or 24V operation. The apparatus further comprises transformers, fuses, and the like to provide complete protection to the user. Final connection to the solenoid valve is made through the use of a long power lead supplied with alligator clips. The apparatus is housed in a convenient enclosure allowing for easy storage and transportation.

Abstract: A method of controlling a circuit breaker that has a movable contact and an actuator for moving the movable contact between an open position and a closed position. With the movable contact in the open position, a voltage is applied to the actuator to cause the movable contact to move towards the closed position. The voltage is applied for a limited time period ending before the movable contact reaches the closed position. At the end of the limited time period, the voltage is adjusted to reduce the acceleration exerted on the contact. The voltage is subsequently increased just before, after, or substantially at the same time as the contact reaches its closed position.

Abstract: A relay failure detecting device able to detect reliably a fault in a relay circuit that provides alternating current power to a load through a relay that is a double-pole switch. Individual common terminals of first and second relays are connected individually to a pair of outputs terminals of an alternating current power supply, individual normally-open terminals of the first and second relays are connected to a pair of power supply input terminals, and a dummy load that is driven by the alternating current power supply through a diode between the individual normally-closed terminals of the first and second relays is provided. A fault in the first and second relays is evaluated from the state of operation of the dummy load when the first and second relays are not driven.

Abstract: A solenoid device including a plunger, a solenoid configured to cause a displacement of the plunger, and a driving control unit configured to control driving of the solenoid. The driving control unit supplies current pulses to the solenoid and changes a pulse interval of the current pulses.

Abstract: A control system is disclosed. The control system may have an armature, windings associated with the armature, and at least one power supply. The control system may also have a controller in communication with the windings and the at least one power supply. The controller may be configured to direct a first current waveform having a first polarity into the windings during a first period of time to move the armature in a desired manner, and to direct a second current waveform having a second polarity into the windings during a second period of time to move the armature in the desired manner.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electro-magnetic contactor and an electro-magnetic contactor monitoring system. The present disclosure may sense and display the status of input power that supplies electric energy to a power input end of the electro-magnetic contactor in real time, and when a failure occurs to generate a low voltage or over voltage, it may be sensed in real time to notify it to a user or the like, thereby allowing the user to monitor the status from a remote location. According to the present disclosure, it may be possible to prevent a load from being damaged by a fire due to a phenomenon of chattering in the electro-magnetic contactor, and eradicating a phenomenon that a coil of the contactor is damaged by a fire due to the over voltage, and minimizing losses that can be caused in a factory management system.

Abstract: A clutch actuator for an electromechanical clutch having a solenoid actuating coil initially provides power to the solenoid at a high rate by using a high duty cycle pulse with a modulated controller. When the initial engagement of the clutch elements is sensed by a decrease in current, the duty cycle of the pulse width modulator is reduced and thereafter increased in a controlled fashion to accomplish a soft start.

Abstract: A switching device comprising control means for controlling the switching operations of the device, the control means receiving the sensing signals generated by a sensor means; the control means are arranged so that, during execution of a switching operation, the control means send a first control signal to a power supply means to start with the supply of excitation current from a first instant onwards; determine, on the base of the information provided by the sensing signals, a second instant, at which the power supply means have to stop with the supply of excitation current, the second instant occurring before the movable plunger has reached the stop position during the movement from the start position towards the stop position; send a second control signal to the power supply means to stop with supply of excitation current from the second instant and until a movable plunger reaches the stop position.

Abstract: An engine starting apparatus is provided which can start an engine without inducing malfunctions of various electronic components. The engine starting apparatus comprises a pinion adapted to be brought into meshing engagement with a ring gear linked to an engine, a magnet switch supplied with current from a battery to move the pinion in the direction of the ring gear, a starter motor supplied with the current to rotate the pinion, a control unit for instructing the starter motor to start the engine, and a starter control unit for controlling, on the basis of the instruction, a first semiconductor switch subject to PWM control, wherein the starter motor and the magnet switch are stored in a first housing, the starter control unit is stored in a second housing, and the first housing is integral with the second housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least one process variable. The apparatus includes at least one relay, at least one voltage source, and at least one voltage increasing unit. The relay, the voltage source and the voltage increasing unit as embodied, are matched to one another, and are connected with one another in such a manner that, when the voltage source supplies the relay with voltage for pull-in of the relay, the voltage increasing unit causes such an increase of the voltage applied to the relay, that the applied voltage corresponds at least to the pull-in voltage of the relay.

Abstract: A system and a method for controlling a set of bi-stable solenoids for locking applications which eliminates the direct connection of the power supply and solenoid by introducing a capacitor and a switch between the power supply and solenoid, thus eliminating the need of a dedicated h-bridge for every solenoid, and reducing the control lines required for each solenoid such that after the initial control lines, every subsequent solenoid requires only one control line to select the appropriate solenoid.

Abstract: Electrically assisted safing of a solenoid linear actuator to provide shock tolerance is provided for a solenoid actuator, the actuator having an armature and at least one electromagnetic inductive coil. A controller, receiving an output from a motion sensor, adjusts an electrical power input to the electromagnetic inductive coil. When the output of the motion sensor indicates onset of an environmental transient exceeding a predetermined threshold of intensity, the controller adjusts the electrical power input such that an electromagnetic field generated by the coil is sufficient to restrain the armature in a desired position during the environmental transient.