Abstract:
Systems and devices are described herein for reducing a phantom load. The system may include a device for connection to a power source and a transformer or machine, wherein the device is configured to disconnect the transformer or machine from the power source under a predetermined load condition. The device may include a contactor, a current detector, a timer, and a controller. Portions of the current detector, timer, or controller may be implemented in a microcontroller.
Abstract:
An electronic time switch control circuit includes a power supply, an oscillation period control module, an oscillator, and a switch control module. The power supply supplies power to the oscillation period module, the oscillator, and the switch control module. The oscillation period module supplies periodic signals to the oscillator. The oscillator alternately outputs two kinds of control signals to the switch control module according to the periodic signals. The switch control module receives the two kinds of control signals, and correspondingly controls an electronic product to be turned on and off repeatedly.
Abstract:
Magnetically latching and releasing a voice coil actuator for controlling electrical switchgear. The voice coil actuator includes a voice coil magnet disposed on a common longitudinal axis with respect to a voice coil assembly. A coil of the voice coil assembly exerts a magnetic force on the voice coil assembly, thrusting the voice coil assembly towards the voice coil magnet. At least one pair of latching members mounted to the voice coil assembly creates a permanent magnet circuit between the latching members and the voice coil magnet. The permanent magnet circuit maintains the position of the voice coil assembly relative to the voice coil magnet, even when power to the coil is removed. This latch can be released by applying a current in the coil or by applying an external, physical force to a member coupled to the voice coil assembly.
Abstract:
The continuity of a series-wired, lamp circuit is restored after interruption caused by failure of a lamp filament by providing a control relay that is wired in parallel with each lamp. A power resistor having a resistive load substantially the same as that of a lamp filament is arranged in series with the relay contacts, which are normally open. The failure of a lamp filament causes a high voltage to be impressed across the coil of the relay, causing it to pick up and its contacts to close, thus substituting the resistor for the lamp filament and restoring continuity to the circuit.
Abstract:
A program timer for use with commercial or consumer appliances provides a single user knob interface that allows the desired selection of a programmed cycle and a push-to-start function. To preclude inadvertent program operation and enhance the life of the program timer, a snap-action switch is utilized to provide the push-to-start functionality. As such, actuation of the start switch provides a positional hysteresis that prevents teasing of the switch. The rapid snap-action opening and closing of the switch contacts precludes or minimizes the arc sustained between the contacts so as to greatly increase the life of the start switch. In one embodiment an actuation wheel larger in diameter than the program cam stack of the timer is utilized to pivot a lever to actuate the snap-action switch.
Abstract:
A power level controller and method for an AC electrical appliance that can be implemented in the plug of the appliance, controlling power in response to switch closures on the appliance and/or remotely located switches, or alternatively, may be implemented as a module into which an existing appliance is inserted, thereby providing a retrofit solution for appliance control. By using multifunction switches having steering diodes, multiple commands can be transmitted to the controller, all without the need for additional control wires, since all commands are superimposed on the two conductors that deliver power to the appliance. In addition, the independent control of two polarity sensitivity loads may be implemented. With implementations using integrated circuits, the internal electrostatic discharge diodes within the integrated circuit may be used for the power supply to yield a very low parts count system.
Abstract:
A time switch includes a circuit board equipped with a time switch circuit operated by a commercial power source, a battery board to which a back-up battery for supplying a back-up power to the circuit board in case of an interruption of a power supply from the commercial power source is mounted, and a casing in which the circuit board and the battery board are mounted. The battery board is a member separated from the circuit board, or integrally formed with the circuit board by way of an easy-to-break portion having a relatively weak mechanical strength. Thus, the battery board can be detached from the circuit board so that the back-up battery is disposed apart from the circuit board.
Abstract:
A low voltage power inverter utilizes reed switches to control a number of display tubes. The reed switches are controlled by magnetic coils or permanent magnets. The magnetic coils receive a control signal from a control circuit. The control circuit is powered by a capacitor coupled around a power lead and a capacitor coupled around a return lead. The permanent magnet is coupled to a mechanical actuator.
Abstract:
A conducting housing for use in a coaxial cable distribution system is of larger length than width and defines an RF signal path therein. A part of the RF signal path is the inner conductor of inner and outer approximately coextensive conductors. The inner conductor except near its ends has only air separating it from the outer conductor. The outer conductor will usually be of a U-shape lying, in section, on three sides of the central conductor. The outer conductor may be structally combined with an insulating plate supporting the remainder of the RF circuit.
Abstract:
A capacity responsive keyboard which eliminates the necessity for metal films on the touch surface includes an insulated substrate having a plurality of electrically conductive plate members mounted thereon and a dielectric member positioned over the plate members. A piece of compressible, electrically-conductive foam is compressed between each plate member and the dielectric member to eliminate air from the electrical path between the dielectric member and the plate members. A grid of conductor segments separates the plate members defining a guard band to reduce interference between the switches. The guard band is connected with one power supply line of a switching circuit which produces outputs in response to capacity changes caused by a user touching the dielectric member.