Abstract: A system for switching on an electrical device includes a startup circuit for an associated electrical device. The electrical device has a main power circuit comprising first and second paths and a main switch for selectively connecting the electrical device with an associated power source. The startup circuit uses a pulse of electromagnetic energy transmitted wirelessly from an associated remote control device to form a third path, whereby power is supplied from the associated power source for actuating the main switch.

Abstract: A system for controlling a high voltage switch having at least one connect/disconnect arm, the system comprising: actuating means for displacing the at least one connect/disconnect arm; an optical position sensor for determining a position of the at least one connect/disconnect arm; and a control module operatively connected to the actuating means and adapted to dynamically adjust a speed of motion of the at least one connect/disconnect arm as a function of the position of the at least one connect/disconnect arm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a relay controller (500) for controlling an excitation current of a relay (300), wherein the relay controller (500) is designed, upon the energization of the relay (300) by means of a switch (210, 211, 221), to control the excitation current through the excitation winding (310) of the relay (300) in such a way that through the excitation winding (310) 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 (500) is designed, upon the switching-off of the relay by means of the switch (210, 211, 221), to feed a commutation current that flows through the excitation winding (310) to the commutation device (400) through the first terminal (501) and through the second terminal (502) of the relay controller (500).

Abstract: A dual-acting solenoid, consisting of one armature moving between two latching positions against two yokes with two drive windings, is interconnected to bring out three wire terminations: a center and two ends. The electronic drive circuitry is similarly configured for three terminals. Optionally, the drive circuitry includes sensing and computation sufficient to determine the two currents and the two inductive voltages associated with the two windings. A method is shown for using six measured or computed parameters, two inductive voltages, two currents, and two time derivatives of current, to determine the simultaneous position and velocity of the armature. The method involves simultaneous solution of the equations for current and voltage in two time-varying inductors where the two inductances are constrained to correspond to the position of a single armature moving between two fixed magnetic yokes.

Abstract: A microprocessor-based control system is provided that comprises a plurality of latching relays, at least some of which may be connected in parallel. A momentary application of voltage of a first polarity or a second polarity to the coil causes the latching relay contacts to switch and remain in an open or closed state respectively. An individual relay driver circuit is provided for a corresponding latching relay or set of latching relays, and has a first and second switch that respectively apply a voltage or a ground connection to a first end of each coil corresponding to the individual relay driver. The control system includes a common relay driver connected to at least one of the latching relays for each relay drive circuit, and has a first and second switch that respectively apply a voltage or a ground connection to the second end of the latching relay coils connected to the common relay driver circuit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a technique for discerning a status of an armature of a high-speed solenoid at any time during its operational cycle. In high speed solenoids, motion of an armature does not occur until after a finite and indeterminate lapse of time after application of a driving voltage. In the present invention, a pulsed driving voltage is used to drive the solenoid. A resultant current in a coil of the solenoid exhibits discontinuities in its rate of change when the armature moves. Occurrences of the discontinuities are used to produce control signals and coordinate operation of the solenoids and other controllable events. Occurrence of these discontinuities exactly correlates with armature motion. Consequently, time lapse between application of voltage and motion of the armature becomes inconsequential in design of a control system. In other words, control and coordination of operation of high-speed solenoids can be performed without consideration of uncertainties of the time lapse.

Abstract: A solenoid valve drive control apparatus includes a MOSFET connected in series with the drive coil of a solenoid valve, a varistor connected in parallel with the drive coil, and a diode connected in parallel with the drive coil and the MOSFET. Due to the MOSFET being turned OFF, because the varistor immediately becomes conductive when a back EMF is generated in the drive coil, an electric current caused by the back EMF flows through a closed circuit constituted by the drive coil and the varistor.

Abstract: A microprocessor-based control system is provided that comprises a plurality of latching relays, at least some of which may be connected in parallel. A momentary application of voltage of a first polarity or a second polarity to the coil causes the latching relay contacts to switch and remain in an open or closed state respectively. An individual relay driver circuit is provided for a corresponding latching relay or set of latching relays, and has a first and second switch that respectively apply a voltage or a ground connection to a first end of each coil corresponding to the individual relay driver. The control system includes a common relay driver connected to at least one of the latching relays for each relay drive circuit, and has a first and second switch that respectively apply a voltage or a ground connection to the second end of the latching relay coils connected to the common relay driver circuit.

Abstract: A controller for a vacuum contactor or the like measures barometric pressure and provides a short impedance characterizing pulse to the coils of the vacuum contactor coils to assess proper operating conditions of the coils and to check for coil or sensor faults.

Abstract: A dialysis machine having a multiple line voltage heater includes first and second heater elements, first and second switching devices connected electrically to the first and second heating elements, first and second power lines, and a control element configured to provide a first switching device state in which power at a first voltage is supplied via the first and second power lines to both first and second heater elements via both first and second switching devices and a second switching device state in which power at a second voltage is supplied via the first and second power lines to the first heater element only via the first switching device.

Abstract: A medical fluid machine having a solenoid control system with temperature compensation includes an electromechanical solenoid including an armature and a coil, a voltage source, a switching device configured to selectively apply power from the voltage source to the solenoid coil, and a control element connected electrically to the switching device and operable to receive at least one signal indicative of a resistance of the coil and using the signal to control the switching device to selectively apply power from the voltage source to the solenoid coil.

Abstract: An electromechanical solenoid control system with reduced hold current includes an electromechanical solenoid including an armature and a coil; a voltage source; a resistor placed in an electrical line between the voltage source and the solenoid coil; a switching device configured to selectively apply power from the voltage source to the solenoid coil; and a control element connected electrically to the switching device, the control element operable to receive a signal from the electrical line and use the signal to control the switching device to selectively apply power from the voltage source to the solenoid coil.

Abstract: A digital programmable driver for a solenoid valve comprises at least one valve driver circuit for opening and closing the valve and a controller capable of sending an output signal to the valve driver circuit. The valve driver circuit comprises a power switch for providing current to the valve in order to open the valve. The output signal sent by the controller directs the power switch of the valve driver circuit to provide current to the valve, thereby causing the valve to open. The controller receives a plurality of parameter values, and responsive to the plurality of parameter values, calculates a rise time, a pull-in duty cycle, a fall time, and a hold duty cycle so as to modify the output signal sent to the valve driver circuit. The plurality of parameter values comprises valve resistance, valve inductance, supply voltage, valve pull-in current, valve hold current, and valve pull-in time.

Abstract: A technique is provided for controlling an operator in a circuit such as a relay circuit. The operator may be a coil in an electromagnetic relay. The coil is energized only when current through a leakage current suppression circuit is sufficient to exceed a predetermined threshold. The leakage current suppression circuit is operative to prevent energization of the operator, or to deenergize the operator, when the current is below the threshold, within a range anticipated for leakage current through the circuit.

Abstract: A control circuit turns a transistor on and off in order to energize a drive coil of a solenoid-operated valve in a rated voltage mode at a duty ratio of 100% during a predetermined first period, which is sufficiently long to move a movable element in the drive coil, from the time when an operation command signal starts being applied to the solenoid-operated valve. The control circuit further repeatedly energizes the drive coil in a power-saving mode at a duty ratio smaller than the duty ratio in the rated-voltage mode, during a predetermined second period following the rated-voltage mode. The drive coil is energized alternately in the rated-voltage mode and in the power-saving mode, until application of the operation command signal to the solenoid-operated valve is terminated.

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: The invention relates to an arrangement for isolating supply current from control devices, which satisfies higher safety standards while, however, being easy to operate. To this end, the inventive arrangement comprises a device for isolating supply current from control devices that are connected to a first voltage source, which is connected to power mains and which serves to provide an operating potential for a servomotor.

Abstract: A method for protecting against current overload conditions associated with an electromagnetic lift system comprises receiving current data from a current monitoring device associated with an electromagnetic lift system. The method also includes determining a current level based on the collected current data, and identifying a predetermined overload range corresponding to the current level if the current level exceeds an overload current threshold. The method also includes monitoring a time that the current level is within the predetermined overload range, and providing a command signal to an actuator associated with the electromagnetic lift system if the time that the current level is within the predetermined overload range exceeds a predetermined time limit. The command signal causes the actuator to substantially limit mechanical power provided to a generator associated with the electromagnetic lift system.

Abstract: A device for driving an electromagnet, for operating pumps, including a primary winding and a moving element, power switching electronic means, a control logic unit to control the power switching electronic means and to detect a value of an excitation current. A power supply of the control logic unit provided by a corresponding shunt (PP) of the primary winding, the control logic unit controlling the power switching electronic means depending on the detected value of the excitation current to make the electromagnet operate as an auto-transformer for providing the power supply to the control logic unit and maintaining the function of attracting the moving element substantially unchanged. Further disclosed are the corresponding driven electromagnet and the related method for driving the electromagnet.

Abstract: A method of detecting and attempting to correct a relay tack weld failure of its contacts is presented. This method senses the failure of a relay's contacts to open once it has been commanded to trip. This sensing may directly sense relay conditions, or may indirectly determine the failure by sensing a system parameter that shows the effects of the failure. Once the failure of the relay to open has been determined, the relay is again energized in an attempt to break loose the relay tack weld. If the relay fails to open after this first attempt, the relay may again be repulsed. Preferably a relay check timer is utilized to ensure that the system has stabilized before a repulse is attempted. A relay pulse timer may be used to control the pulse duration during these attempts. The number of attempts may also be limited.

Abstract: A switchgear comprises a switching device, such as a relay, with a switching mechanism. A printed-circuit board that is provided with at least one electronic component is electrically connected to the switching device to form a supplementary electrical circuit, which receives an operating voltage supplied to the switching device.

Abstract: A dual coil half bridge converter adapted to be coupled to a dual coil actuator of a cylinder valve in an internal combustion engine is described. In one example, the converter has a first and second capacitor and a voltage source, where the converter is actuated via switches to individually energizing coils in said dual coil actuator. A voltage regulator is also shown for maintaining midpoint voltage during unequal loading of different actuator coils in the converter.

Abstract: Disclosed is a switch driver circuit is shown where the circuit can control current driven devices and drive devices across a capacitive barrier. A mode control signal determines whether the circuit is in a current mode or a capacitive mode. In current mode, the circuit provides a current output signal at an output of the circuit in response to a subject signal, such as an ON switch control signal for a hook switch application. In capacitive mode, the circuit provides a clocked output signal at the output of the circuit in response to the subject signal, such that the clocked output signal can pass across a capacitive isolation barrier.

Abstract: A controller for a vacuum contactor or the like measures barometric pressure and provides a short impedance characterizing pulse to the coils of the vacuum contactor coils to assess proper operating conditions of the coils and to check for coil or sensor faults.

Abstract: A switching device is provided that includes a switching mechanism unit and a switch drive control circuit. In the switching device, an operating member is maintained in an ON position by the sucking force of a permanent magnet and a yoke, despite the pushing force of a biasing unit, when the permanent magnet is in an ON position. The yoke is magnetized in such a manner as to reduce the magnetic force of the permanent magnet, when a coil wound around the yoke is energized by the switch drive control unit. The operating member and a switching member are moved from the ON position to the OFF position by virtue of the pushing force of the biasing unit, thereby shutting a feed line.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for controlling valves through controlled power escalation towards the actuation threshold of the valve. A power signal is applied to a control input of a valve at a level less than a valve switch threshold at which the valve will be actuated. The power to the control input is then progressively increased. The valve is actuated when the power signal eventually reaches the valve switch threshold, thereby actuating the valve using a power signal commensurate with the actual valve switch threshold of the particular valve and its current operating conditions.

Abstract: A method for detecting actuation of an armature associated with a solenoid includes providing a voltage potential to a solenoid coil associated with the solenoid. The method also includes measuring a current flowing through the solenoid coil. The method further includes switching the voltage potential off when the measured current reaches a predetermined maximum value. The method also includes switching the voltage potential on when the measured current reaches a predetermined minimum value. The method further includes measuring a time period between pulses associated with the switching on and off of the voltage potential. The method also includes comparing the measured time period between pulses with predetermined data indicative of an inductance growth level associated with the coil. The method further includes determining, based on the comparison, a pull-in time of an armature associated with the solenoid.

Abstract: Circuit with a switch-off device for the operation of light sources The invention relates to a circuit with a switch-off device for the operation of light sources (Lp), have the following features: a self-commutated half-bridge inverter having a series circuit of an upper electronic switch and a lower electronic switch (T1, T2), which are joined at a half-bridge midpoint (M) and are connected between a supply voltage (+) and a ground potential, a start capacitor (C3) which is joined via a trigger element (DIAC) to a control electrode of the lower electronic switch (T2), and a switch-off device having an input (E) and an output, which are configured and connected so that they discharge the start capacitor (C3) if a switch-off signal is applied to the input (E). The switch-off device contains a time delay.

Abstract: A solenoid type switch has at least two driving coils. The driving coils turn off a switch with a current for example an overcurrent that flows in the switch. The driving coils are magnetized or demagnetized by a driving circuit so as to turn on or off the switch. The driving circuit magnetizes or demagnetizes the driving coils in accordance with a control signal supplied from a controlling circuit. Thus, the switch can be turned off with the current that flows in the driving coils.

Abstract: Micro-Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) based fluid sensors adapted to measure physical properties of oilfield reservoir fluids under downhole conditions. Certain embodiments of the invention may be characterized as a MEMS based reservoir fluid sensor adapted for downhole conditions having a planar member machined from a substrate material, an electrical conductor formed at least partly on the planar member; and a gauge formed on the planar member and adapted to measure a physical effect on the planar member, the physical effect being indicative of a property of a fluid in contact with the planar member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for controlling a clutch associated with a solenoid using a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal, which keeps the current through the coil constant over a wide temperature range and fluctuations in line voltage. The system may include a voltage source, a switch (such as a FET), a current sensor, and a processor. The system controls the clutch by sampling the voltage source, sampling the current measured by the current sensor, and computing a duty cycle, which is then used to generate a PWM control signal.

Abstract: A first switching unit and a second switching unit are connected in series to an electric power load. A voltage supply unit, which is connected between the first switching unit and the second switching unit, supplies a voltage to the second switching unit. A determining unit determines an occurrence of a malfunction in at least one of the first switching unit and the second switching unit.

Abstract: A process control apparatus including an actuator configured to effect changes in an industrial process, a power supply, a plurality of current switches coupled between the actuator and the power supply and a controller coupled to the plurality of current switches. The controller is configured to selectively close one or more of the plurality of current switches so as to provide a selectable level of current from the power supply to the actuator. In variations, a plurality of discharge switches are coupled to the actuator and the controller is configured to selectively close the discharge switches so as to provide a selectable level of charge to discharge from the actuator.

Abstract: An actuator assembly includes a first part (2), a second part (3), the second part (3) including a guide (5,6) for guiding motion of the first part (2) relative to the second part (3), and means (10,11; 16-18; 20-22; 24-27) for generating a driving force between the first part (2) and the second part (3) along the guide(s) (5,6) in response to a driving current. The actuator assembly includes means (5,6,10; 16,18; 21,22; 24,25,27) for providing a force transverse to the guide (5,6), acting to hold at least one surface part of the first part against a surface of the guide (5,6).

Abstract: An electric circuit arrangement for controlling a solenoid-operated fluid valve.

Abstract: A blade driving apparatus for cameras includes a base plate having an aperture for a photographing optical path; a cover plate having the aperture for the photographing optical path, provided with a blade chamber between the base plate and the cover plate; at least one blade rotatably mounted to the base plate in the blade chamber; and at least one electromagnetic driving source driving the blade. The electromagnetic driving source includes a rotor magnetized to have a plurality of magnetic poles at preset angles on its peripheral surface and having a driving pin for driving pin for driving the blade by its rotation, a yoke having a plurality of magnetic pole sections opposite to the peripheral surface of the rotor, and a coil wound through the yoke. At least, the rotor and the yoke are interposed between the base plate and the cover plate so that, at least, the rotor is rotatably mounted to the base plate.

Abstract: There is provided a remote control wiring mechanism, which makes it easy to construct a system by facilitating a connection work and treatment of members constructing the system. A main unit includes signal terminals connected to signal lines and power supply terminals to supply power for driving a relay. A relay unit having a relay is detachably connected to a relay socket of the main unit and is integrally coupled to the main unit. When a transmission signal including on-off information of a switch is received through the signal lines, the on-off state of the switch is reflected in the switching of the relay.

Abstract: A method is provide for controlling an inductive load device (ILD). The method includes providing a voltage potential across ILD and disabling a flow of current through the ILD resulting from the voltage potential across the ILD when a voltage across a sensing device rises to substantially equal an upper threshold value. The rate at which the voltage across the sensing device rises is a function of resistive and inductive characteristics of the ILD. The method additionally includes enabling the flow of current through the ILD resulting from the voltage potential across the ILD when the voltage across the sensing device decays to substantially equal a lower threshold value. The rate at which the voltage across the sensing device decays is a function of the resistive and inductive characteristics of the ILD.

Abstract: An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) includes a power conversion circuit and a relay. The relay is configured to couple and decouple a power source to and from an input of the power conversion circuit. The control circuit is operative to apply a coil current to the relay to sense the coil current and to detect an operational failure of the relay from the sensed coil current. Related methods of operating such UPSs are also provided.

Abstract: 1. Drive circuit for an actuator and method for driving an actuator. 2.1. The invention relates to a drive circuit for an actuator, said drive circuit having a control unit with means for generating drive signals. 2.2. The invention provides at least one energy store and a charging unit, the charging unit having means for charging the at least one energy store using the drive signals. 2.3. Use for actuators in the automotive sector, for example.

Abstract: A current inductive timer socket comprises: a principle relay circuit including an output relay and a voltage input terminal, a reed relay circuit including a capacitor, a plurality of diodes, a reed relay and a resistance, a counter circuit including a DC rectifier, seven series-connected counters, and a time select switch, a holding circuit including a neon light, a photodiode, an operational amplifier, a transistor, a diode and a resistance, a time switch circuit including three time switches, and three series-connected exciting transistors, and an inductive and amplification circuit including a transformer parallel-connected to a rated resistor, a set of two-stage operational amplifiers, a resistance, and a capacitor.

Abstract: A servomechanism includes a controller which dynamically estimates the resistance of the solenoid coil in an electrohydraulic valve as part of determining a level of electric voltage to apply to open the valve. The servomechanism receives a current setpoint designating a desired electric current level and senses the actual level of current flowing through the coil. A proportional term is derived from the current setpoint and the actual level of current. Creation of a derivative term is based on the difference between the current setpoint and the actual level of current. A feedforward term is produced by estimating the resistance of the electrohydraulic valve and limiting the feedforward term to a predefined range of acceptable values. The proportional term, derivative term, and the feedforward term are summed to define a desired voltage level, and a PWM signal for driving the electrohydraulic valve is generated based on the desired voltage level.

Abstract: A bi-directional dual coil half bridge converter adapted to be coupled to a dual coil actuator of a cylinder valve in an internal combustion engine is described. In one example, the converter has a first and second capacitor and a voltage source, where the converter is actuated via switches to individually energizing coils in said dual coil actuator. A voltage regulator is also shown for maintaining midpoint voltage during unequal loading of different actuator coils in the converter.

Abstract: In a direct-current voltage-driven magnetic contactor, a main contact is in an open circuit condition in an attraction period of an initial period of excitation by an operating coil, and in a closed circuit condition in a subsequent holding period, and a drive circuit includes a direct-current power supply voltage detecting circuit that gives a start signal when an applied voltage of a exciting direct-current power supply exceeds a predetermined value, a first drive circuit that makes a starting semiconductor switching element perform an ON operation on receiving the start signal, and a second drive circuit that makes a current limiting semiconductor switching element perform a switching operation when a terminal voltage of a charging capacitor reaches the predetermined value.

Abstract: A material processing machine such as a wood chipping machine, a press, a cane cutting machine or other machine comprising an operating region having at least one processing element and an access region through which material passes to the operating region, has at least one active sensor that may be worn by a user of the machine, for example, around their wrist, and at least one detector mounted in the access region of the machine for detecting the presence of the active sensor in the access region. Control circuitry responsive to the at least one detector provides control signals for stopping operation of the machine, preventing start-up of the machine and/or otherwise preventing injury to the machine user.

Abstract: A potential of an end of the coil is inputted to a plate-OFF detecting portion which detects OFF-tendency in which a plate of a relay is about to get apart from a head of a core of the relay. When the OFF-tendency is detected, a coil current for supplying a coil of the relay is set to a first current value with which a plate of an electromagnetic relay is drawn and a movable contact of the relay comes in contact with a fixed contact of the relay. When an external disturbance ends, the coil current is returned to a second current value, which is smaller than the first current value, so that the movable contact and the fixed contact are kept in contact with each other.

Abstract: A method of controlling an operation of an induction actuated container cover includes the steps of (a) normally retaining a cover panel of the container cover in a closed position; (b) detecting a target movement of a user by a sensor; (c) generating a first actuating signal to an actuation unit when the sensor detects the target movement of the user; (d) generating an actuation output from the actuation unit to the cover panel of the container cover, wherein the actuation output contains a decelerating and torque enhancing force which moves the cover panel of the container cover at an opened position; (e) pivotally actuating the cover panel of the container cover at the opened position via the actuation output to expose a storage cavity, and (f) generating a second actuating signal to pivotally actuate the cover panel of the container cover back to the closed position.

Abstract: An electrical distribution system for selectively connecting an electrical power source to load devices comprises a panelboard having a plurality of load circuit positions. A remote operated relay is mountable in the panelboard in an adjacent pair of the load circuit positions comprising a multipole switching device, and a switch control for controlling the switching device, the switch control comprising a control circuit for operating the switching device responsive to control commands and a communication circuit for receiving control commands. An input/output (I/O) controller is mounted in the panelboard for controlling operation of the remote operated relay, the I/O controller comprising a programmed controller for generating the control commands for commanding operation of the remote operated relay, the control system including a communication circuit for communication with the remote operated relay communication circuit.

Abstract: An electronic control that monitors the switching means used to operate transducers to detect conditions that can cause improper transducer operation. In the application the unenergized state of the transducer is always safe. Should a switch in the transducer circuitry be in an erroneous state, the control uses another switch to prevent improper operation of the transducer without requiring the involvement of the operator. Monitoring enables the control to prevent transducer operation before failures allow hazardous operation. Any switching means, activated by the control, an override, or both may be monitored as long as its intended state is known to the control. The control can also open the transducer circuitry when an externally controlled switch in the transducer circuitry changes state at a destructive rate.

Abstract: An apparatus in an electronic control system allows two or three wire operation. A power supply can supply power to the enclosed circuitry in both two and three wire installations. Two separate zero cross detectors are used such that timing information can be collected in both two and three wire installations. Both zero cross detectors are monitored and are used to automatically configure the electronic control. Over voltage circuitry senses an over voltage condition across a MOSFET which is in the off state and turns the MOSFET on so that it desirably will not reach the avalanche region. Over current circuitry senses when the current through the MOSFETs has exceeded a predetermined current threshold and then turns the MOSFETs off so they do not exceed the MOSFETs' safe operating area (SOA) curve. Latching circuitry is employed to keep the protection circuitry in effect even after a fault condition has cleared.