Abstract: A vacuum-type electrical switching apparatus (10) for high voltage electrical power. A vacuum pressure condition in a vacuum pressure space (21) surrounding electrical contact points (18) is monitored and movement of the contact points between open and closed positions is automatically prevented when the pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold in order to avoid destructive arcing between the points. A sensor (32) provides a vacuum signal (34) responsive to the vacuum pressure condition. A controller (36) automatically inhibits movements of the contact points when the vacuum signal indicates that the vacuum has degraded. A contactor (38) may be placed in series with power supply (28) and a solenoid (24) used to move the contact points, with the contactor being automatically opened by the controller in response to the degraded vacuum condition.

Abstract: A portable information processor includes a computer main body and a digitizer connected by a flexible hinge defined in a cover. The hinge allows the computer main body and the digitizer to assume different superposed states by means of a flexible separable portion of the cover. In the superposed state of the computer main body and the digitizer, arbitrariness in folding back the separable portion causes runout between the computer main body and the digitizer. In spite of this runout, the superposed state can be accurately detected by means of an optical sensor, including an infrared radiator and an infrared-ray detector, disposed in the computer main body. A flexible reflection member is fixed to a predetermined surface of the separable portion of the leather cover, while assuring a predetermined area. If the computer main body and the digitizer assume a superposed state, light emitted from the infrared radiator is reflected by the flexible reflection member and is incident on the infrared-ray detector.

Abstract: A retainer provides locking and compliance between components. In a first implementation, the retainer includes a non-compliant member and a compliant member. The non-compliant member is configured to expand in a first direction. The compliant member attaches to the non-compliant member and is configured to deflect forces applied to the non-compliant member in the first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction. In a second implementation, the retainer includes a rail and a group of wedge segments configured to attach to the rail and expand in a first direction. At least one of the wedge segments includes an integrated spring element.

Abstract: A system and method for conducting heat from electrical devices mounted on a circuit board is disclosed. A heat sink for conducting the heat is provided that includes a pair of substantially parallel vertical legs and a horizontal member coupled between the pair of substantially parallel vertical legs to form a “U” shape. The horizontal member includes an outer surface and an inner surface both having a layer of thermal interface material. The heat sink is surface mountable to a heat sink mounting pad on a surface of a printed circuit board. The heat sink mounting pad is adjacent to and thermally coupled to a heat transfer pad of an electronic device. The heat sink is thermally coupled to the electronic device.

Abstract: An illumination device employs electroluminescent lamps which may be used alone or may cooperate with mask layers to define one or more rows of illuminated indicia which may be easily replaced to provide other types and colors of indicia. A circuit including a photocell automatically energizes the device so as to operate above or below a threshold level of visual illumination depending on the intensity of surrounding light shining on the device. The circuit can be either hardwired to a structure, connected to a standard power cord or have an integral plug for connection to a conventional outlet. One or more interconnectable housings may be provided. The locations of the interconnectable housings may be varied relative to each other to create a unique visual impact when illuminating indicia.

Abstract: A contactless signaling device for operating a horn or bell is disclosed. The signaling device has an electro-magnetic coil which drives an armature. A light source is positioned opposite a light sensor and a shutter portion of the armature moves between the source and the sensor periodically blocking the light flow. The light sensor is in electrical communication with the electro-magnetic coil. A spring connected to the armature moves the shutter portion when current is not supplied to the coil thereby supplying the desired pulsing as the armature striker engages a horn diaphragm or bell gong.

Abstract: A safety device for an electrical apparatus comprising an enclosure filled with gas under pressure, the safety device comprising first means for detecting the appearance of an arc inside the enclosure, and second means controlled by the first means to establish a path for the gas through the enclosure when the first means has detected an arc for a given length of time.

Abstract: A touch sensitive light emitting diode comprising a diode (10) encapsulated in a plastics dome (11) and externally operable touch sensitive switching means positioned within the dome, the switching means including an output (18) to external electronics and the diode providing visual indication of the state of the switching means. The switching means may be a resistive touch switch, a voltage detection touch switch, a capacitance detection touch switch, or a proximity detection touch switch. The switching means may also be in the form of a stress/strain sensitive element (130) or a light sensitive element (71) positioned within the dome (11) to detect an object or finger-tip in proximity to the dome. The light emitting diode may also include an integrated circuit (69) positioned within the dome (11).

Abstract: An arc detector includes a luminous diode 22 for irradiating the space within a vessel 1 containing an electrical device such as a bus bar 5 and filled with insulating gas such as SF.sub.6. A shielded photo-diode 24 receives light reflected back from a fine powder 12 produced when an arc occurs, and drives an indicator 8.

Abstract: An electromagnetically operated fuel feed pump has an electronic control which comprises a phototransistor circuit with a delay element and a threshold switch. With this control a wear-free operation of the control is possible in a space-saving arrangement.

Abstract: An electromechanical device such as a camera diaphragm control device includes a compensation means which compensates for a time lag from generation of a stop signal to actual stoppage of a movable member such as a diaphragm or a diaphragm drive member. The amount of compensation is varied in accordance with determination of the amount of the movement of the movable member from an initial end position to a position where the movable member is to be stopped. In the case of automatic diaphragm control, the amount to be determined may be the steps from the full open position to a position corresponding to a diaphragm aperture to be determined.

Abstract: A trouble detecting unit in an optical security device intentionally produces a state which is equivalent to a state in which the security system is out of order so as to check whether an emergency stop signal is produced or not and judges that the security system is in order if the emergency stop signal is produced and that the security system is out of order if the emergency stop signal is not produced. This checking is made while the security system need not be in operation. In a press, for example, the checking is made while the press is being lifted from a bottom dead center. A state which is equivalent to the one in which the security system is out of order is produced by intercepting, one by one, signals to light emitting elements or signals from light receiving elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical-fiber switch. The switch is used in switching between at least two optical signals which are capable of being modulated with a broadband RF signal including digital signals. The switch is comprised of at least two optical-fiber cables for feeding the at least two optical signals to at least two fixed positions. An optical-fiber output cable is provided having one end which is movable between at least two positions which are directly adjacent said two fixed positions. A drive unit is provided for moving the optical-fiber output cable between the at least two positions, whereby the optical signals are selectively fed to the optical-fiber output cable.

Abstract: An electromagnetic pumping device for liquids particularly for feeding liquid fuel in combustion devices, comprises a housing having a pumping chamber with an inlet to the pumping chamber and a discharge from the pumping chamber and with a pumping diaphragm in the chamber having a magnetic armature with a piston rod portion which is actuated by a power circuit having a photoelectric switch therein which is turned on and off by the movement of an aperture in the rod portion of the switch past the photoelectric cell so that the armature and the pumping diaphragm are moved in accordance therewith to pump the liquid.