3383results about "Switch power arrangements" patented technology

A system and method is provided to enable consumers to intelligently manage their consumption of energy. In one embodiment, waveform data is collected for a plurality of appliances which may be found in a residential or commercial setting using a plurality of multi-port outlet monitoring devices. The collected waveform data is processed and analyzed to obtain power consumption profiles that indicate power consumption on a per-appliance and / or per-outlet basis and / or per user basis.

A method and apparatus for converting DC input power to AC output power. The apparatus comprises a conversion module comprising an input capacitor, and a first feedback loop for determining a maximum power point (MPP) and operating the conversion module proximate the MPP. The apparatus additionally comprises a second feedback loop for determining a difference in energy storage and delivery by the input capacitor, producing an error signal indicative of the difference, and coupling the error signal to the first feedback loop to adjust at least one operating parameter of the conversion module to drive toward the MPP.

An AC controller provides programmable switching of AC power flow, together with producing a source of DC power for the AC controller. The AC controller is connected in series with only one side of the AC power source and the AC load, and uses a microcontroller or a Programmable Logic Device (PLD) for the programmable capability. The AC controller can be programmed to provide a light flasher function, a time delay off function, an automatic fade function, a dimming function, a burglar deterrent function, and a time delay dim function. With a multiple-position switch replacing a current wall switch, the operator can easily select many pre-programmed functions.

There is provided a power transmission control device included in a power transmission device in a contactless power transmission system that transmits power from the power transmission device to a power receiving device by electromagnetically coupling a primary coil to a secondary coil to supply the power to a load of the power receiving device. The power transmission control device includes a controller controlling the power transmission control device, a host interface communicating with a power transmission-side host, and a register section accessible from the power transmission-side host via the host interface. The controller shifts into a communication mode that executes communication between the power transmission-side host and a power receiving-side host, when the power transmission-side host writes, via the host interface, a communication request command that requests the communication between the hosts in the register section. Then, the controller transmits the communication request command to the power receiving device.

A high output level is maintained in power supplies having multiple cells in each leg. Failed cells in any leg are bypassed to provide a current path through the respective leg. All of the unfailed cells are utilized while maintaining equal magnitude between phases and a balance phase relationship in the line-to-line output voltage. The invention may be utilized in conjunction with a peak voltage reduction circuit, and a by-pass switch.

An automation device to control a pre-existing light switch is described which attaches to the light switch by internal magnets at locations corresponding to the magnetic screw heads of the light switch. This makes installation a simple process requiring no hand tools or electrical connections be made with the light switch. The automation device can be wired or wirelessly controlled and works with both toggle light switches and rocker light switches. Additional functionalities include various timed and automated operations as well as device and user location determinations.

A noncontact power transmission system having a power transmitting device including a primary coil and a power receiving device including a secondary coil, the primary coil and the secondary coil being electromagnetically coupled to each other and the power transmitting device configured to transmit electric power to the power receiving device, wherein the secondary coil contains a magnetic substance, the power transmitting device has a feeding section for feeding power to the primary coil and a self inductance detection section for detecting a change in the self inductance of the primary coil immediately after starting the feeding to the primary coil, wherein a feeding operation of the feeding section immediately after starting the feeding is determined based on a detection result of the self inductance detection section.

An electronic circuit for use with an exhaustible power source and at least one load such as a light bulb, a radio or motor, includes a microchip with an input that transmits a signal to the microchip when the load is activated or deactivated. The input does not form a serial link between the power source and the load. The power switch, by on / off switching, controls energy flow from the power source to the load. The input to the microchip acts as an activation / deactivation user interface. The microchip allows the user to select a specific load, specific functions for the selected load based on the time duration of activation signals, the time duration between activation signals and the number of activation signals at the input.

A dimmer switch has a user adjustable high-end trim. The dimmer switch includes a bidirectional semiconductor switch, such as a triac, for controlling the amount of power delivered from a source of alternating current power to a lighting load, such as an electric lamp. A user-adjustable timing circuit controls the conduction time of the triac from a minimum time to a maximum time. The maximum possible conduction time of the triac is the high-end trim. The minimum possible conduction time of the triac is the low-end trim. The timing circuit includes a user-accessible switch that allows a user to reduce the high-end trim from a first nominal level to a second reduced level, lower than the first level, without substantially affecting the low-end trim. The switch allows a user to switch a transient voltage suppressor into and out of parallel connection with a resistor that is part of an RC timing circuit for the triac. The dimmer switch advantageously uses less energy and the lifetime of the lamp is extended when the second reduced level of the high-end trim is selected.

A driving circuit drives a switching element such that an ON-period of the switching element is shorter when a power receiving device is detected not to be placed than when the power receiving device is placed.

A method and apparatus for converting DC input power to AC output power. The apparatus comprises an input capacitor, a DC-AC inverter, a burst mode controller for causing energy to be stored in the input capacitor during at least one storage period and the energy to be drawn from the input capacitor during at least one burst period, wherein the AC output power is greater than the DC input power during the at least one burst period; a first feedback loop for determining a maximum power point (MPP) and operating the DC-AC inverter proximate the MPP; and a second feedback loop for determining a difference in a first power measurement and a second power measurement, producing an error signal indicative of the difference, and coupling the error signal to the first feedback loop to adjust at least one operating parameter of the DC-AC inverter to drive toward the MPP.

This invention provides a fire-control sprinkler system riser for a residence, including a unitary manifold for porting to system components. The longitudinal manifold has pipe threads on its ends to connect to an inlet water pipe and an outlet sprinkler system; and it has ports all to one side of the manifold for mounting the riser system components in the following order from inlet to outlet: flow switch means; test and drain valve means; pressure gauge means; and relief valve means. On the other side of the manifold are support connections, as for attachment to a beam of the residence. The manifold may be connected facing either way, i.e., left support or right support, and it has indicia on both manifold facing sides for indicating flow direction and port identifications to a user from either side. Dimensions provide high efficiency in use of space, etc.

A wireless foot control system includes a receiver and at least one transmitter. The transmitter includes a medium generator for emitting a communication medium, a power supply and at least one foot pedal. The power supply includes a power source, a capacitor bank having a discharge current capacity sufficient to power the medium generator, and a current limiter. The current limiter connects the power source to the capacitor bank, charging the capacitor bank from the power source over a period of time. The foot pedal selectively energizes the medium generator from the capacitor bank. The receiver includes a medium collector for collecting the emitted medium and an electronic circuit. The electronic circuit includes a converter for converting the collected medium to an input control signal and a microprocessor in communication with the converter, the microprocessor having an operating system for generating an output control signal commensurate with the input control signal.

A load control device for controlling the amount of power delivered to an electrical load from an AC power source provides improved sensory feedback to a user of the load control device. The load control device comprises a touch screen actuator having a touch sensitive front surface responsive to a plurality of point actuations, each characterized by a position and a force. The touch screen actuator has an output operatively coupled to a controller for providing a control signal representative of the position of the point actuation. The load control device further comprises a visual display and an audible sound generator, both responsive to the controller. The controller is operable to cause the visual display to illuminate and the audible sound generator to generate an audible sound in response to the control signal of the touch screen actuator.

The invention discloses a remote control device and a remote control system for a hand-operated changeover switch. The remote control system comprises a hand-operated changeover switch, a wireless controller, and a remote control device, wherein the hand-operated changeover switch is used for switching the opening / closure of a lighting lamp, the wireless controller is used for outputting a remote input signal, the remote control device comprises a shell, a control module and a rotation module, the shell is provided with a receiving space for receiving the hand-operated changeover switch, the control module is arranged on the module and is used for wirelessly receiving the remote input signal and outputting a driving signal according to the remote input signal, and the rotation module is arranged on the shell and is used for receiving the driving signal and controlling the changeover action of the hand-operated changeover switch according to the driving signal. The invention utilizes a peripheral mode to install the remote control system outside the prior hand-operated changeover switch, thereby realizing the remote control function of the switch, avoiding the trouble of replacement construction, and bringing convenience for maintenance; and the remote control device and the remote control system can be widely applied to the retrofit upgrading to the hand-operated changeover switch.

The invention discloses a self-adaptive control mechanism which couples an electromagnetic repulsion system with a permanent magnetism system. The invention adopts an electromagnetic repulsion device spinning disk of circular table structure, relatively to the circular disk spinning disk, which maintains the mechanical strength and output capacity of the spinning disk, simultaneously greatly reduces the increase of kinematic scheme mass of the control mechanism, and greatly enhances the driving load capacity of the control mechanism. The control mechanism of the invention adopts the self-adaptive motion proposal, which avoids the frequent high speed motion of a breaker, reduces the mechanical strength request for the breaker, and prolongs the motion life of the breaker effectively.

To provide a power supply apparatus that can supply a large current and a small current to a load circuit in a switchable manner, with a minimum circuit scale and an efficient use of electronic devices and elements contained in conventionally used power supply apparatuses. The power supply apparatus 1 includes a power source 5 that supplies power to a load circuit 4 via one of a first path 2 and a second path 3, a switching unit 6 that switches between the first path 2 and the second path 3, a first switch 7 that controls a supply period that provides a reference for a first level of power supplied via the first path 2, a driver 10 including an open / close switch 8 that controls timing of opening and closing of the first switch 7, and a second switch 9 that controls a supply period that provides a reference for a second level of power supplied via the second path 3, wherein the first level of power is higher than the second level of power, the first path 2 runs through outside of the driver 10 while the second path 3 runs through inside of the driver, and the open / close switch 8 and the second switch 9 are a common element.

The utility model relates to an automatic change-over switch electric appliance, comprising a housing; wherein, a load wiring terminal, a first power end and a second power end are arranged on the housing; an automatic change-over apparatus, which comprises a first movable contactor operated with the first terminal, a second movable contactor operated with the second terminal, is arranged inside the housing; the first movable contactor and the second movable contactor are electrically connected with the load wiring terminal; the automatic change-over apparatus also comprises a mounting plate and the first movable contact transmission, mechanism and the second movable contactor transmission mechanism positioned on the mounting plate. The utility model provides an automatic change-over electric appliance, which has the advantages of simple structure, precise inverting, stable and reliable the apparatus motion, and excellent security.

The invention provides a circuit-breaker spring actuating mechanism which comprises a frame, an energy storage component, a closing component and an opening component, wherein the energy storage component comprises an energy storage driving device, a big gear, an energy storage shaft, two energy storage crank arms, two closing springs, an energy storage clutching block and an energy storage maintaining latch; the closing component comprises a closing driving device, a closing electromagnet bent plate and a closing driving crank arm; and the opening component comprises an opening driving device and an opening electromagnet bent plate. The internal space of the actuating mechanism is fully utilized, the assembling positions of parts are accurate, functional units are distributed in an orderand centralized way, the completeness of functions and the reliability of transmission links are ensured, and the integration of the actuating mechanism is realized. Meanwhile, the balance of stressing and the rationality of structure during the actuating process of the circuit breaker are fully considered, the designed circuit-breaker spring actuating mechanism has compact structure and small size, different specifications of circuit-breaker frames can be assembly easily, and great convenience is brought for large-scale production and product generalization.

A controllable electrical receptacle is disclosed. The electrical receptacle includes a housing having a pair of sockets suitable for receiving electrical plugs. The receptacle includes an antenna disposed beneath a cover portion of the receptacle. The antenna is configured to receive wireless signals from an occupancy sensor or other controller and to control power to the sockets based on the received signals. The antenna is also configured to transmit wireless signals. The antenna may be routed around the sockets to minimize interference caused by metal components of the receptacle. The antenna may be sandwiched between a pair of non-metal layers of the housing to avoid direct exposure to the environment while maintaining a desired performance. In one embodiment the antenna is a wire member received within a routing groove formed in a portion of the housing. The routing groove includes features for retaining the wire member in the groove.

A hot swappable system is described. It included software controlled hot swapping operations which provided a graceful booting or power-down of the system. In the even of force insertion or extraction of the system blades, a set of hardware features (such as using different pin lengths in the connectors and dampening resistor) prevents these types of operations from damaging the system hardware or affecting the operation states of other blades within the system.

A programmable switch lever control timer device that fits over a standard wall switch with the switch lever engaged by a cam on the device. Rotational motion of the cam provided by a geared DC motor moves the switch lever arm to one of its two end-of-travel positions of operation. Programming and control means are provided by a microprocessor and motor driver circuitry. The programming and control means provides power from a battery source to the geared DC motor in accordance with a user selectable 24-hour program. Proper and accurate alignment of the switch lever and cam during installation is provided by a key-holed alignment plate that is attached to a standard wall switch cover plate prior to installing the device housing. The housing of the device attaches to the alignment plate allowing the housing to properly fit over the switch lever. All of the operating parts including a self-contained battery power source are within the device housing that fits over the standard wall switch cover plate.

A switching circuit includes a microchip which, in response to a signal from a signal switch, controls the operation of a power switch which, when closed, connects a load to a battery. The microchip can monitor the status of the battery and control the power switch to ensure optimum operation of the load and optimum usage of the energy in the battery. The microchip can control the connection of the load to the battery in different ways according to the manner of operation of the signal switch.