Abstract: A power supply apparatus for a vehicle is provided which supplies electric power to a power supply unit and charges electric power from the power supply unit via a power port. The vehicle includes a plurality of power inverter circuits which are connected to a common storage unit in parallel. The plurality of power inverter circuits include an electric power transferring power inverter circuit connected to the power port via an electric power transferring electric path, and are divided into a first category including the electric power transferring power inverter circuit and a second category. The power supply apparatus includes a connection prohibiting unit which realizes a state in which the power inverter circuit included in the first category is electrically connected to the storage unit, and the power inverter circuit included in the second category is disconnected from the storage unit.

Abstract: An electronic detonator control chip (100) includes a communication interface circuit (101), a rectification bridge circuit (102), a charging circuit (103), a charging control circuit (110), a power management circuit (104), a firing control circuit (105), a logic control circuit (106), a non-volatile memory (107), a reset circuit (111), a safe discharging circuit (108), and a clock circuit (202). Wherein, the communication interface circuit (101) includes a data modulation module (210) and a data demodulation module (211) including two data demodulation circuits (212). The logic control circuit (106) further includes a programmable delay module (281), an input/out interface (282), a serial communication interface (283), a prescaler (284), a CPU (285), and so on.

Abstract: According to certain embodiments, a detonation control system includes a controller circuit coupled to a manual switch and a detonation device. The detonation device is configured to activate an explosive. The controller circuit includes a memory operable to store one of a multiple time-to-fire settings representing a time delay from arming the detonation device to activation of the detonation device. The controller circuit is operable to store a first time-to-fire setting in the memory, store another of the multiple time-to-fire settings in the memory upon actuation of the manual switch, and repeat the step of storing another of the multiple time-to-fire settings in the memory for each actuation of the manual switch.

Abstract: A circuit includes a line input for receiving a line power. The circuit further includes a line output for transmitting the line power. The circuit further includes a next-gun-detect output and a next-gun-detect input. The circuit further includes a first detonator connection and a second detonator connection, the second detonator connection being connected to a ground. The line input is coupled to the first detonator connection through a one-polarity-pass component that only allows power of a first polarity to pass. The line input is coupled to the first detonator connection through a detonate-enable switch circuit that is coupled to the next-gun-detect output and the line input. The detonate-enable switch passes power only if (a) the next-gun-detect output is not coupled to the next-gun-detect input and (b) power of a second polarity has previously been applied to the line input while the next-gun-detect output is not coupled to the next-gun-detect input.

Abstract: A precision alignment system for the alignment of modular frames of an electronic sign including a plurality of precision alignment mechanisms which are mounted to the outer panels of the modular frames and an alignment fixture having a plurality of configurable jig towers. The configurable jig towers include moveable components which are used to precisionally align the outer contact surfaces of contact blocks in the precision alignment mechanisms for subsequent intimate contact between other like outer contact surfaces of contact blocks in the precision alignment mechanisms of horizontally and vertically adjacent modular frames.

Abstract: A MEMS fuze having a moveable slider with a microdetonator at an end for positioning adjacent an initiator. A setback activated lock and a spin activated lock prevent movement of the slider until respective axial and centrifugal acceleration levels have been achieved. Once these acceleration levels are achieved, the slider is moved by a V-beam shaped actuator arrangement to position the microdetonator relative to a secondary lead to start an explosive train in a munitions round.

Abstract: A highly reliable fuse for explosives and armaments is achieved by employing a micro mechanical device that operates to disrupt a relatively low impedance bypass circuit coupled in parallel with a relatively high impedance trigger mechanism. The removal of the electrical bypassing is performed as a result of the movement of the micro mechanical device to enable detonation under prescribed conditions. The electrical bypassing is removed by having at least one low impedance electrical bridge that is part of the bypass circuit break when the micro mechanical device is subjected to prescribed trigger activation forces, which are typically large forces, such as are generated during launch or impact. The micro mechanical device may be a micro-electrical mechanical system (MEMS) device and the bridge is at least one spring that is part of the MEMS device and also part of the bypass circuit.

Abstract: A downhole tool includes a device to be activated by electrical energy and a micro-switch that includes conductors and an element between the first and second conductors selected from the group consisting of: a dielectric element capable of being modulated to provide a conductive path in response to receipt of electrical energy; and an element moveable in response to application of an electrical energy. The micro-switch may be formed of microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technology or microelectronics technology.

Abstract: A downhole tool includes a device to be activated by electrical energy and a micro-switch that includes conductors and an element between the first and second conductors selected from the group consisting of: a dielectric element capable of being modulated to provide a conductive path in response to receipt of electrical energy; and an element moveable in response to application of an electrical energy. The micro-switch may be formed of microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technology or microelectronics technology.

Abstract: A device to mitigate hydrogen explosions in a vacuum furnace includes at least one igniter, an ignition transformer, and an electrical switch. The at least one igniter includes a set of high-voltage electrodes and is connected to the ignition transformer by high-voltage wires. The electrical switch activates the ignition transformer to provide power to the at least one igniter forming a continuous electrical arc between the electrodes. The at least one igniter is located inside the vacuum furnace at an opening where air may enter the vacuum furnace, which may contain a hydrogen and steam gas mixture under accident conditions. The device consumes hydrogen by controlled combustion as flammable mixtures are formed.

Abstract: A simple and less expensive high voltage pulse generating circuit including a low voltage direct current voltage source having one output terminal connected to another output terminal via a series circuit of a first switch with a low withstand voltage, an inductance storing inductive energy and a second switch with a high withstand voltage, and a branch circuit including a free-wheel diode connected between the other output terminal of the direct current voltage source and a common connection point between the first switch and the inductance. After storing inductive energy in the inductance by turning “on” the first and second switches, these first and second switches are turn “off” to commutate the energy stored in the inductance into a capacitive load connected across the second switch to charge the load abruptly and generate a high voltage pulse having a very narrow width without using a complicated and expensive magnetic compression circuit.

Abstract: A method and a device for quick neutralization of a created electrostatic field formed by a multitude of basically charged particles comprising a medication powder (180) deposited onto a defined target area (160) of a substrate member (140) in the course of a dose forming process. A charge generator emits charges, which are directed towards the target area of the substrate member such that the electric field created by the accumulated charges from the deposited particles is neutralized by the added charges. Various elements may be used to generate neutralizing charges, but an ion source (195) is most efficient in achieving neutralization of the dose charge and the substrate. The source may be applied so that the dose (180) and the target area (160) are exposed to the emitted charges during the entire or part of the dose forming process.

Abstract: A power circuit breaker has a housing, a fuse element placed in the housing, and a temperature sensitive fuse attached to the fuse element. The fuse element has tab terminals extending from both ends, which are received by trunk terminals connected to an external circuit. The temperature sensitive fuse has a blowout temperature lower than that of the fuse element. The power circuit breaker also has transistors connected to the temperature sensitive fuse. An igniter is placed below the fuse element in the housing, and one of the transistors is connected to the igniter. The temperature sensitive fuse blows out when an excessive current flows through the fuse element, and one of the transistors connected to the igniter is turned on upon the blowout of the temperature sensitive fuse. A gas is jet from the igniter upon turning on the transistor, whereby the tab terminals of the fuse element are disconnected from the trunk terminals.

Abstract: A switch for use in various applications, including downhole applications, includes a first conductor and a second conductor and an insulator electrically isolating the first and second conductors. A device responsive to an applied voltage generates a plasma to perforate through the insulator to create an electrically conductive path between the first and second conductors. In another arrangement, a switch includes conductors and at least one element separating the conductors. The at least one element is adapted to electrically isolate the conductors in one state and to change characteristics in response to an applied voltage to provide an electrically conductive path between the conductors. Other types of switches may include electromechanical or mechanical elements.

Abstract: An input protection device is presented for improving I/O electrostatic discharge ESD tolerance. The present invention protects a selected device by providing a sufficient potential difference between the substrate and the source of the device in question to protect it against an electrostatic discharge. In one embodiment of the invention, a resistor is placed between the substrate and the internal V.sub.SS connection. All V.sub.SS to substrate contacts have to be removed for internal V.sub.SS busses to be maintained at a predetermined resistance between the substrate and V.sub.SS. In other embodiments of the invention, an active device is placed between the substrate and the internal V.sub.SS connection. As with the first described embodiment, all V.sub.SS to substrate contacts have to be removed for internal V.sub.SS busses to be maintained at a predetermined resistance between the substrate and V.sub.SS. The active device presents a high impedance when not powered on and is very conductive when powered on.

Abstract: An intervalometer for use with airborne rocket launchers having a switch assembly with a multiplicity of switch positions relating to the rockets. A solenoid assembly moves the switch assembly sequentially through switch positions for distributing firing current to the rockets. An electronic timing circuit energizes the solenoid assembly for a fixed time duration independent of variations in and characteristics of the solenoid assembly. At the termination of that fixed timed duration (1) a firing current pulse is applied to an individual rocket and (2) an additional fixed time duration independent of the solenoid assembly is initiated by the timing circuit. At the termination of the additional time duration, the timing circuit again energizes the solenoid assembly and the sequence continues. In this way there is achieved a time between leading edges of sequential firing pulses which are consistent, accurate and independent of solenoid assembly characteristics.