Abstract:
A utility meter includes a meter housing that supports at least one current coil, a temperature sensor, and a processing circuit coupled to both. The current coil can be coupled to receive heat energy from a meter socket. The temperature sensor disposed generates a sensor signal based on a temperature within the meter housing. The processing circuit obtains the sensor signal and generates meter temperature information based at least in part thereon. The processing circuit also obtains a first predetermined threshold based on at least one of time of day information and date information. The processing circuit also determines whether an abnormal condition exists by comparing the meter temperature information to a value based on the first predetermined threshold, and generates an output signal to a memory, display or communication circuit responsive to determining that the abnormal condition exists.
Abstract:
Neurostimulation assemblies, systems, and methods make possible the providing of short-term therapy or diagnostic testing by providing electrical connections between muscles and/or nerves inside the body and stimulus generators and/or recording instruments mounted on the surface of the skin or carried outside the body. The assembly affords maximum patient mobility and comfort through differentiated components having minimal profiles and connected by way of detachable and adjustable connections.
Abstract:
A battery pack, a method for detecting the battery pack, a charging assembly, and an electric tool are provided for detecting voltage and disconnection of the battery cells. The battery pack may have an output voltage of at least 56V and may include a plurality of series connection units. A voltage detecting module may be utilized for detecting voltage in the battery pack. A battery control module configured to control voltage detecting module may also be employed. The method may involve determining whether the series connection units are disconnected based on rates of voltage change or internal-resistance of the series connection units.
Abstract:
An input/output module is provided for a bus system having a socket, the five contact cups of which each may comprise an electrical contact, and a measuring device for detecting a connector of a four-wire data cable. The measuring device can be configured to detect, when a connector is inserted into the socket, whether the connector comprises four or five electrical contact pins which are each plugged into one of the contact cups and are electrically connected to the respective electrical contact of the contact cups. The measuring device may be configured to close a first and a second switching device only when five electrical contact pins are detected in order to apply a respective supply voltage from two DC voltage supplies to the corresponding plugged contact pins of the connector plugged into the socket via the respective electrical contacts of the contact cups.
Abstract:
An audio plug detection structure is disclosed, which is adapted for an audio jack corresponding to an audio plug and includes a first and second connection points, a time-varying signal generation circuit, and a comparison circuit. The time-varying signal generation and comparison circuits are connected to the first connection point. When the audio plug is inserted into the audio jack, the first connection point is connected to a first pole of the audio plug and the second connection point is connected to a second pole different from the first pole of the audio plug. Therefore, the time-varying signal generation circuit, the first connection point, an inner impedance circuit of the audio plug and the second connection plug form a loop. The comparison circuit outputs a determination signal indicating the audio plug is inserted by detecting a change of a time-varying signal generated by the time-varying signal generation circuit.
Abstract:
A method of detecting a cable connected to a first device includes generating a second signal within the first device, and outputting the second signal onto an input-only pin of a cable connector on the first device, wherein the input-only pin is assigned to receive a first signal from a driver on a second device when a cable is connected from the second device to the cable connector, and wherein the second signal has a frequency that is at least four times greater than the frequency of the first signal. The method further comprises determining that a cable is not connected to the cable connector in response to detecting the second signal on a wire coupled to the input-only pin, and determining that the cable is connected to the cable connector in response to detecting a signal other than the second signal.
Abstract:
A method for detecting electrical disconnections of a chip during testing under environmental conditions includes providing n monitor connections on a chip from which a voltage or current can be sensed during testing of the chip under environmental conditions, where n is an integer of at least one. M sensing connections are provided on the chip, where m>n. An electrical circuit for electrically connects the n monitor connections with the m sensing connections. The electrical circuit has a characteristic that changes when one or more of the m sensing connections is disconnected from its corresponding contact on the printed circuit board or chip socket. The electrical circuit is monitored via the n monitor connections during the testing. It is determined based on changes in the characteristic, whether one or more of the m sensing connections is disconnected from the printed circuit board or chip socket.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a method for charging a battery comprising rechargeable cells. According to the invention, to perform the ith charge of the battery, where i≧2, connection of the charging terminals to the charger is detected triggering connection of the cells to their bypass circuit during a pre-emptive bypass time (TPji). Next, for each cell, during a second phase (Cji), the bypass circuit is disconnected from the cell until the voltage of the cell reaches a preset voltage, the pre-emptive bypass time (TPji) for the ith charge having been calculated as a function of the total connection time, during at least one preceding charge, of the bypass circuit associated with this cell, until all the cells have reached the preset voltage. At least one length of time allowing the first time (TPji) for the ith charge and/or said total connection time to be determined was memorised in a memory of the battery during this at least one preceding charge.
Abstract:
An electrical joint monitoring device including a mounting assembly and a wireless transponder unit. The mounting assembly includes a first conductive contact structured to electrically connect to a first conductive member of an electrical joint and a second conductive contact structured to electrically connect to a second conductive member of the electrical joint. The wireless transponder unit includes a control unit electrically connected to the first and second conductive contacts and an antenna electrically connected to the control unit. The wireless transponder unit is configured to sense a voltage difference between the first and second conductive contacts, to generate information based on the voltage difference, and to output the information to a wireless reader unit via the antenna.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for adjusting circuit operation in response to physical orientation of an integrated circuit (IC) coupled to a host site via direct soldering or a socket. The IC can be installed in a correct orientation or rotated and installed in an incorrect orientation. The IC may have a square, substantially symmetric footprint and the incorrect orientation may correspond to 90 or 180 degree rotation of the IC from the correct orientation. The orientations may be discerned by sensing electrical characteristics of the installed IC. For example, the IC may ground a detection line when installed in the correct orientation, while the detection line may be floating when the IC is installed in an incorrect orientation. The IC may be switchably connected to other components such as a power supply only when it is detected as being installed in the correct orientation.