Abstract: The invention relates to a directional magnetic field generator with a magnetic circuit comprising: a first vertical-axis pole end (37) arranged above a horizontal plane; and at least two second pole ends (28A to 28D) symmetrically arranged on said horizontal plane, the generator further comprising coils arranged such that each magnetic circuit portion connecting two pole ends passes inside at least one coil, these coils being suitable for being connected to circuits for circulating currents of adjustable intensity in selected directions therein.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and an electrolyte solution. The positive electrode and/or the negative electrode includes a penetrating portion that penetrates the electrodes in the thickness direction. Further, an electrochemical capacitor includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and an electrolyte solution. In a plane of projection in which a region carrying a negative electrode active material of the negative electrode is projected onto a region carrying a positive electrode active material of the positive electrode along a opposed direction, the ratio of an area carrying the positive electrode active material to an area carrying the negative electrode active material is less than 1.

Abstract: The present invention is disclosed by that the power source device is operatively controlled by the switching device to supply AC power to excite the driving coil thereby producing larger electromagnetic effect to obtain actuating force, and after actuation, the power source device being operatively controlled by the switching device is switched to provide DC power output of lower voltage to the driving coil thereby passing smaller current to maintain excitation while required operating characteristics of the electromagnetic actuating device are still ensured.

Abstract: Current transformer relays having dual functions as current transformers and electromechanical switches are described. The current transformer relay includes a relay coil and a conducting loop concentric with the relay coil. Additional functions are thus provided in addition to the main relay switching function or functions. The concentric nature of the relay coil and the conducting loop create a current transformer between these elements. The additional functions include the ability to measure an alternating current (AC) current conducted by the conducting loop, the ability to detect and interpret an information signal imposed on power lines connected to the conducting loop, the ability to induce or impose an information signal on the conducting loop for transmission to power lies connected to the conducting loop, and the ability to measure a differential current between currents carried by the conducting loop and a second concentric conducting loop.

Abstract: An electromechanical/solid-state AC relay has an electromechanical winding coil that moves an armature to force mechanical contacts to open or close. Electrical arcing across the mechanical contacts that occur as the contacts are opening or closing can damage and severely reduce the lifetime of the relay. Contact arcing is prevented by pulsing a triac on for a short period of time just before and after the mechanical contacts make or break contact. The triac limits the voltage difference across the mechanical contacts to less than one volt to prevent arcing. The triac is turned off after the mechanical contacts finish moving, reducing the heating and average power through the triac. A zero-sampling circuit that detects when the AC input voltage switches across 0 volts and activates a control integrated circuit to switch on the triac during zero-crossings to minimize power surges.

Abstract: A method for adding and connecting a remotely operated SPDT relay to an electric power circuit of an AC appliance connected to a manually actuated electrical SPDT switch for integrating said AC appliance into an home automation network, each said relay and said SPDT switch includes a pole terminal and dual traveler terminals and said relay is similar to a shape and a size of an AC switch fit for installation into a standard electrical box.

Abstract: An electromechanical/solid-state AC relay has an electromechanical winding coil that moves an armature to force mechanical contacts to open or close. Electrical arcing across the mechanical contacts that occur as the contacts are opening or closing can damage and severely reduce the lifetime of the relay. Contact arcing is prevented by pulsing a triac on for a short period of time just before and after the mechanical contacts make or break contact. The triac limits the voltage difference across the mechanical contacts to less than one volt to prevent arcing. The triac is turned off after the mechanical contacts finish moving, reducing the heating and average power through the triac. A zero-sampling circuit that detects when the AC input voltage switches across 0 volts and activates a control integrated circuit to switch on the triac during zero-crossings to minimize power surges.

Abstract: A control arrangement and method is provided for detecting and responding to disturbances in electrical power systems. In a preferred arrangement, an integration is initiated that is based on a comparison of actual voltage of a source and a reference voltage. When the integration exceeds a predetermined value, the source is considered unreliable. Also in a preferred arrangement, a determination is made as to whether or not the disturbance is a downstream fault condition. For example, this is useful for applications where a transfer is made from a first source to a second source when predetermined disturbances are detected. In this manner, the transfer of the load to a second source is avoided which would continue the supply of the downstream fault. Additionally, the arrangement distinguishes between various degrees of disturbances to permit appropriate response based on the severity and type of disturbance. For example, a first immediate response, i.e.

Abstract: An electromagnetic switch for opening and closing a set of contacts has a microprocessor which monitors coil current to determine the state of the contacts. The switch relies on the phenomenon that the inductance of the switch coil changes significantly between the open position of the contacts when the switch armature carrying the moveable contact is spaced by an air gap from the core of the electromagnet, and the closed position in which the armature abuts the core. For an AC energized coil, which is self-limiting in that the increase in inductance from closing of the contacts reduces the current to the holding value automatically, a coil current of less than about one/half of the nominal open contact value is an indication that the contacts are closed.

Abstract: A fluorescent light control circuit usable with a transformer relay for providing electric current pulses of alternating polarity in response to successive operations of a two position electromechanical switch, the circuit including first and second controllable current paths operable to conduct current in opposite directions only, the active path being operable to conduct current only momentarily following repositioning of the switch.

Abstract: A control circuit for a transformer relay which will automatically momentarily control the transformer relay to a selected state upon energization of the control circuit. The control circuit has an energy storage element and a current director coupled in series and adapted to be coupled with the secondary winding of the transformer relay. A device for discharge is coupled across the energy storage element. The energy storage element and current director will momentarily allow a unidirectional flow of current in the secondary winding of the transformer relay upon application of energy to the control circuit. When energy is not applied to the control circuit the device for discharge will allow the energy storage element to discharge and be available for another operation of the control circuit.

Abstract: A control system adapted to control a plurality of transformer relays. An electrical isolation network is coupled to each of a plurality of transformer relays, having a pair of common control lines and providing electrical isolation for each of the plurality of transformer relays. A switch is coupled to the electrical isolation network and is coupled in parallel to the plurality of transformer relays providing selection of state of all of the plurality of transformer relays. The electrical isolation network may also provide control, as e.g. unidirectional current flow, for selecting a state of each of the plurality of transformer relays. In a preferred embodiment the electrical isolation network includes an array of diodes.

Abstract: An electromagnetic device having a gap area for conducting operating flux has a source of counter flux proximate the gap for confining operating flux to the gap area.