Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
307117000 | Light, heat, vibratory or radiant energy | 71 |
20090001819 | ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLY CUT-OFF CIRCUIT AND LIQUID DROPLET DISCHARGE APPARATUS - An electric power supply cut-off circuit comprises an IC which outputs a normal operation signal when the IC is operated normally, a switch which makes connection or disconnection between the IC and a power source, and a switching control circuit which continuously outputs a connection instruction signal during a period in which the normal operation signal is inputted from the IC, wherein the switch connects the IC and the power source when the connection instruction signal is inputted, and the switch cuts off the connection between the IC and the power source when the connection instruction signal is not inputted. Accordingly, it is possible to reliably avoid any excessive increase in the temperature of the IC and the ignition of the IC. | 01-01-2009 |
20090021085 | DESIGN STRUCTURES, METHOD AND SYSTEMS OF POWERING ON INTEGRATED CIRCUIT - Design structures, method and systems of powering on an integrated circuit (IC) are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a region in the IC including functional logic, a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature in the region when the IC is powered up and a heating element therefor; a processing unit including: a comparator for comparing the temperature against a predetermined temperature value, a controller, which in the case that the temperature is below the predetermined temperature value, delays functional operation of the IC and controls heating of the region of the IC, and a monitor for monitoring the temperature in the region; and wherein the controller, in the case that the temperature rises above the predetermined temperature value, ceases the heating and initiates functional operation of the IC. | 01-22-2009 |
20090160267 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TEMPERATURE-BASED LOAD MANAGEMENT METERING IN AN ELECTRIC POWER SYSTEM - A system for load control in an electrical power system is described, wherein one or more temperature-monitoring devices are provided to control power service to relatively high-load devices such as, for example, pool pumps, electric water heaters, electrics ovens etc. When ambient temperatures are relatively high, and thus, electrical power demands from air conditioning systems are relatively high, the temperature-monitoring devices can remove power from the controlled device during the hottest portions of the day. The temperature-monitoring devices can provide power to the controlled devices during the cooler portions of the day. During heat waves or other periods of relatively continuous high heat, the temperature-monitoring devices can schedule power to the controlled devices to reduce overall power demands and to run the controlled devices during the cooler portions of the day when air conditioning electrical loads are reduced. | 06-25-2009 |
20090261660 | PHOTOSENSOR CIRCUITS INCLUDING A SWITCH MODE POWER CONVERTER - Photosensor circuits include a relay coil configured to control application of an alternating current (AC) power source to a load. A pulse width modulator circuit is configured to generate a pulse width modulated signal having a pulse width that varies responsive to an average voltage across the relay coil. A drive transistor controls the average voltage across the relay coil responsive to the pulse width modulated signal. A photo control circuit controls application of the pulse width modulated signal to the drive transistor responsive to a detected light level. A half-wave rectifier provide a power signal to the pulse width modulator circuit and the photo control circuit during one of the halves of the line cycle of the AC power source. The photo control circuit includes a phototransistor. A low pass filter circuit filters the output current of the phototransistor to provide a light level signal voltage. A select transistor couples the pulse width modulated signal to the drive transistor during one of the halves of the line cycle of the AC power source responsive to the light level signal voltage having a selected level. A capacitor coupled between the second terminal of the phototransistor and the neutral bus modulates an amount of positive feedback through the first terminal of the phototransistor proportional to a current flowing through the relay coil to provide hysteresis to control of the relay coil by the photosensor circuit. | 10-22-2009 |
20090278409 | MONOLITHICALLY INTEGRATED LIGHT-ACTIVATED THYRISTOR AND METHOD - A monolithically integrated light-activated thyristor in an n-p-n-p-n-p sequence consists of a four-layered thyristor structure and an embedded back-biased PN junction structure as a turn-off switching diode. The turn-off switching diode is formed through structured doping processes and/or depositions on a single semiconductor wafer so that it is integrated monolithically without any external device or semiconductor materials. The thyristor can be switching on and off optically by two discrete light beams illuminated on separated openings of electrodes on the top surface of a semiconductor body. The carrier injection of the turning on process is achieved by illuminating the bulk of the thyristor with a high level light through the first aperture over the cathode to create high density charge carriers serving as the gate current injection and to electrically short the emitter and drift layer. The switching off of the thyristor is achieved by shorting the base layer and the cathode layer by illuminating the embedded back-biased PN junction of the TURN-OFF switching diode. The patterned doping profile and the interconnect between the emitter and the base region of the light activated thyristor makes possible a monolithic and/or planar integrated fabrication of the semiconductor switching device on a single semiconductor wafer via the standard semiconductor fabrication process. | 11-12-2009 |
20090322159 | LOAD CONDITION CONTROLLED WALL PLATE OUTLET SYSTEM - In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, a method and circuit for reducing power consumption of a wall plate system during idle conditions is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a wall plate system is configured for reducing power during idle mode by disengaging at least one outlet from a power input. A wall plate system may include one or more outlets and one or more wall plate circuits, with power input connected to the outlets through the wall plate circuit(s). The wall plate circuit may include a current measuring system, a control circuit, and a switch. The current measuring system provides, through the switch, an output power signal that is proportional to the load at the outlet. If behavior of the current measuring system indicates that an outlet is drawing substantially no power from the power input, the switch disengages the power input from the outlet. | 12-31-2009 |
20100237712 | POWER-SAVING HAND-HELD ELECTRONIC DEVICE - The present invention provides a power-saving hand-held electronic device comprising a front side and a back side, wherein each of the front side and the back side is provided with one light sensor, respectively, for controllably switching the hand-held electronic device between an operating mode and a power-saving mode, and when the light sensor on the back side is blocked and the light sensor on the front side is triggered, the electronic device will be ushered into the operating mode or into the power-saving mode otherwise. The electronic device of the present invention can determine whether the device should enter the power-saving mode, and it can effective control an automatic locking function with a view to achieving the synergistic effect of power saving and convenience. | 09-23-2010 |
20100314949 | LOAD CONDITION CONTROLLED POWER STRIP - In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, a method and circuit for reducing power consumption of a power strip is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a power strip is configured for reducing or eliminating power during idle mode by disengaging an outlet from power input. A power strip may include two or more outlets and two or more outlet circuits, with AC power input connected to the outlets through the outlet circuit(s), which may include a current transformer, a control circuit, and a switch. The current transformer secondary winding provides an output power level signal proportional to the outlet load. If behavior of the current transformer secondary winding indicates that the outlet is drawing substantially no power from the AC power input, the switch facilitates disengaging of the current transformer primary from the outlet. | 12-16-2010 |
20110012433 | WIRELESS OCCUPANCY SENSING WITH PORTABLE POWER SWITCHING - A portable switching device may include a wireless receiver to receive a wireless signal from an occupancy sensor, and a power switch to control power to a load in response to the wireless signal. In some embodiments, the wireless signal may include an occupancy signal that indicates the occupied state of a monitored space. In other embodiments, the wireless signal may include a detector signal that requires further processing to determine the occupied state of the space. | 01-20-2011 |
20110012434 | Power system with light-controlled function and the control method thereof - A power system with light-controlled function and the control method thereof, which power system comprising a light sensor module, a first microprocessor, a wireless transmitter, at least one controlled socket, a wireless receiver and a second microprocessor. The light sensor module outputs a first electrical signal according to the brightness of light. The first microprocessor is coupled to the light sensor module and outputs a first control signal according to the first electrical signal. The wireless transmitter is coupled to the first microprocessor and transmits the first control signal to the wireless receiver. The second microprocessor is coupled to the wireless receiver and the aforementioned controlled socket so as to control the state of power supply in the above-said controlled socket according to the first control signal. | 01-20-2011 |
20110025135 | MONOLITHICALLY INTEGRATED LIGHT-ACTIVED THYRISTOR AND METHOD - A monolithically integrated light-activated thyristor, in an n-p-n-p-n-p sequence consists of a four-layered thyristor structure and an embedded back-biased PN junction structure as a turn-off switching diode. The turn-off switching diode is formed through structured doping processes and/or depositions on a single semiconductor wafer so that it is integrated monolithically without any external device or semiconductor materials. The thyristor can be switching on and off optically by two discrete light beams illuminated on separated openings of electrodes on the top surface of a semiconductor body. The carrier injection of the turning on process is achieved by illuminating the bulk of the thyristor with a high level light through the first aperture over the cathode to create high density charge carriers serving as the gate current injection and to electrically short the emitter and drift layer. The switching off of the thyristor is achieved by shorting the base layer and the cathode layer by illuminating the embedded back-biased PN junction of the TURN-OFF switching diode. The patterned doping profile and the interconnect between the emitter and the base region of the light activated thyristor makes possible a monolithic and/or planar integrated fabrication of the semiconductor switching device on a single semiconductor wafer via the standard semiconductor fabrication process. | 02-03-2011 |
20110074225 | REDUCED POWER CONSUMPTION SENSOR DEVICE AND ILLUMINATION SYSTEM COMPRISING SUCH A SENSOR DEVICE - The invention relates to a wireless sensor device configured for sensing motion of an object in an area. The device comprises a motion sensor configured for generating a sensing signal when sensing motion in the area and a signal processor configured for processing the sensing signal. A power supply is provided for providing power to the motion sensor. Furthermore, the wireless sensor device comprises a controller configured for distinguishing, from the sensing signal, large object movements and small object movements of the object in the area. The wireless sensor device is configured to perform one or more power consumption reduction operations upon detection of large object movement. The power consumption reduction operations include temporarily disconnecting the motion sensor from the power supply and decreasing a duty cycle of the signal processor. | 03-31-2011 |
20110095621 | Power Cord with Thermal Control - The present invention relates to a cord for powering a cooling element including a thermally-actuated switch assembly and a method of controlling a cooling element through a power cord including a thermally-actuated switch assembly in an alternating current (AC) circuit. The cord assembly includes a multiple conductor wire for carrying power and a heat reactive element. The heat reactive element is connected in line and integral with one of the conductors of the wire. The heat reactive element functions as a switch to conduct power through the wire in one state and to interrupt power through the wire in a second state. The heat reactive element changes from one state to the other state in response to ambient air temperature. | 04-28-2011 |
20110095622 | WALL-MOUNTED ELECTRICAL DEVICE WITH MODULAR ANTENNA BEZEL FRAME - An electrical device configured to install within a wall mounted electrical box includes an antenna bezel frame, an antenna element, and a radio frequency circuitry component. At least a portion of the antenna bezel frame is configured to protrude through an opening in a faceplate. The antenna element is mounted to the antenna bezel frame such that the antenna element is located a distance forward of a plane that contains a front surface of the faceplate when the field configurable electrical device is installed. The radio frequency circuitry component is in electrical communication with the antenna element and is configured to receive a control signal from the antenna element. | 04-28-2011 |
20110140545 | Remote Activation System - A remote activation system is disclosed that consumes no standby power. The system comprises a remote electromagnetic radiation transmitter able to transmit radiation having sufficient power to enable the closure of a switch. The system also comprises an electrical activation element that is electrically attached to both the on-off circuit of an electrically powered device and a source of power to permit normal operation of the device. The activation element comprises a first electromagnetic radiation power converter able to convert electromagnetic radiation power into electrical power. It also comprises a first electrically operated normally non-conducting switch that is between a source of power for the device and its on-off circuit. The remotely activated device does not draw any power when it is turned off except for optional functions such as clocks that are not related to activation. | 06-16-2011 |
20110156496 | OUTDOOR ELECTRICAL POWER RECEPTACLE AND CONTROL SYSTEM THEREOF - Disclosed is an outdoor electrical power receptacle, comprising a main body, a mounting member, and an extension power cord, wherein an upper end of the mounting member couples to the main body. The extension power cord, couples to each of controllable power outlets disposed on the main body and extended out of the main body for connecting to an external power source. Herein, the main body further includes a power switching module, a wireless transceiver, and a microprocessor. The power switching module couples to each controllable power outlet. The wireless transceiver receives a control signal. The microprocessor coupled to the wireless transceiver and the power switching module, drives the power switching module so as to control each of the controllable power outlets to be conducted in response to the control signal. A control system of the outdoor electrical power receptacle according to the present invention is also provided. | 06-30-2011 |
20110204726 | POWER LINE COMMUNICATION DEVICE - A power line communication device achieving suppression of electric power consumption is provided. Processing performed by a CPU of a PLC adapter includes the steps of sensing that a time to cut off electric power supply has come (S | 08-25-2011 |
20110210623 | SWITCH DEVICE AND POWER SUPPLY CONTROL SYSTEM - The switch device includes a control switch that turns on/off an electrical connection between an apparatus and the power supply, a condition judging circuit that judges conditions of driving the control switch, an electric wave reception circuit that receives an electric wave, and a power supply circuit that generates power from the electric wave received by the electric wave reception circuit. An electric wave transmission device that transmits an electric wave for making the switch device operate is arranged in a space, whereby the electric wave can be received by the electric wave reception device in the specific space. The switch device controls the control switch to be turned off/on when the electric wave is received. Alternatively, when the electric wave is not received, the switch device turns on/off the control switch. | 09-01-2011 |
20110254381 | Environment Activated Automatic Shut-off Switch System and Method - An environment-activated automatic shut-off switch is disclosed. The disclosed embodiments allow power to be removed from a trailer auxiliary power circuit when the environment-activated automatic shut-off switch senses that the trailer is being put into motion. The disclosed embodiments of the environment-activated automatic shut-off switch do not require external control signals, such as those received from a vehicle tractor, in order to effectively control the trailer auxiliary power circuit and to ensure that the trailer ABS circuit has dedicated power while the trailer is in motion. | 10-20-2011 |
20110266889 | COST EFFECTIVE ENERGY SAVING DEVICE - This descriptive document is about a new low cost electrical power saving device that fulfills this objective detecting signals emitted by standard remote control units of electric appliances plugged to the device. | 11-03-2011 |
20110316351 | OVERLOAD PROTECTION OF A VOLTAGE REDUCTION DEVICE - A system for reducing the voltage of an AC electrical supply to a load for the purpose of energy efficiency, comprising a transformer and power converter in circuit between an AC electrical supply and a load, and a bypass switch S to cause the transformer to be taken out of circuit and to connect the electrical supply to the load in the event of a sustained overload of the transformer. The system includes means ( | 12-29-2011 |
20120032527 | THERMOGENERATOR ARRANGEMENT, THERMAL SWITCH, AND METHOD FOR OPERATING AN ELECTRICAL DEVICE - A thermogenerator arrangement is provided. The thermogenerator arrangement comprising an electrically operable device, switching means by means of which the device can be switched from a first, energy-saving state to a second, active state and at least one thermogenerator which generates an electrical signal when there is a temperature change in its environment, which electrical signal is forwarded to the switching means. The switching means are formed such that switching the device from the first state to the second state is effected in dependence on the electrical signal of the thermogenerator. | 02-09-2012 |
20120043828 | UNINTERRUPTIBLE PHOTOSENSING POWER CONTROLLER FOR STREETLIGHT - An uninterruptible photosensing power controller for streetlight has a control box and a photosensing device. The control box has two sets of power cables and a socket. One set of power cables is connected to a utility pole and the other set of power cables is connected to a streetlight. The socket serves for the photosensing device to be plugged therein and fixed thereon. The photosensing device triggers the control box according to a luminance level of ambient light to control to supply a power from the utility pole to the streetlight. Since the photosensing device is directly fixed on the control box, the present invention simplifies the process and reduces the labor in installing a conventional power controller for streetlight. | 02-23-2012 |
20120056495 | CURRENT SENSING LOAD DEMAND APPARATUS AND METHODS - An apparatus supplies AC power to a load. The apparatus includes a set output terminals, a primary circuit, and a load sensing circuit. The primary circuit is electrically coupled to a source of AC power and to the output terminals for selectively providing power at a low voltage at the output terminals or electronically coupling the source of AC power directly to the output terminals. The load sensing circuit coupled to the primary circuit and the source of AC power for determining a resistance associated with the load at initial application of the load and controlling the primary circuit to electronically couple the source of AC power directly to the output terminals if a proper load is detected. | 03-08-2012 |
20120104869 | OUTDOOR EXTENSION LINE SOCKET ENABLING ROMOTE CONTROLLED TIMING POWER SUPPLY - An outdoor extension line socket enabling remote controlled timing power supply is disclosed, comprising a socket body and a remote controller body, in which the bottom of the socket body is formed as a tapered body for sticking the socket body into the ground. The socket body consists of a socket, a display, a time adjustment button, an extension line plug and a socket power control circuit. In addition, the remote controller body consists of a time adjustment wheel, two switch control buttons and a remote control circuit. As the socket body being stuck on the outdoor ground, it is possible to provide electric power required for operations of an outdoor electronic device, and the power supply time of the socket body can be adjusted in accordance with the settings done by the remote controller body so as to designate the operation time of the outdoor electronic device. | 05-03-2012 |
20120112560 | THERMAL CONTROL POWER DEVICE - A thermal control power device has a thermal control circuit which includes a power module for getting and dealing with an AC input voltage, a control module, and a switch module having an electromagnetic relay and a driving circuit. The control module includes a microcontroller having a plurality of specific temperature value of constant temperatures therein, a power unit regulating an output voltage of the power module and providing a work voltage for the microcontroller, a temperature setting switch making choice of one of the constant temperatures, and a thermal detector detecting an environment temperature under which an external electric appliance works. The microcontroller compares the environment temperature with the constant temperature and then sends out corresponding control signals. The driving circuit controls switch states of the electromagnetic relay according to the control signals so as to further automatically control the electric appliance on-off. | 05-10-2012 |
20120119589 | LINE ACCOMMODATING APPARATUS AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL METHOD - When the interior temperature inside a line accommodating apparatus ( | 05-17-2012 |
20120126634 | LIGHT-CONTROLLED POWER APPARATUS - A light-controlled power apparatus includes an insulating housing, a plurality of conductive terminals and a light-controlled circuit. The conductive terminals are disposed in the insulating housing and partially stretch out of the insulating housing for connecting with an AC power supply. The light-controlled circuit is disposed in the insulating housing and includes a power module, a control module and a switch module having a relay and a driving circuit. The power module is connected with the conductive terminals for getting and dealing with an AC input voltage to output an output voltage. The control module includes a light-detecting unit for detecting environment illumination intensity and then sending out a corresponding first signal, a light-detecting power unit for regulating the output voltage and then providing a work voltage for the light-detecting unit, and a switch control circuit unit capable of getting a second signal reflecting standard illumination intensity. | 05-24-2012 |
20120248895 | SIGNAL PROCESSING CIRCUIT, VIBRATION DETECTION CIRCUIT, AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE - In a signal processing circuit for an acceleration switch, it has been difficult to realize a circuit in which, when a system is powered off, almost no current is consumed, and, when vibration is applied, a sensor is activated to start detecting acceleration. In a signal processing circuit, one terminal of an acceleration switch is connected to a main determination section, another terminal of the acceleration switch is connected to one of a power supply control section and a power supply, and the main determination section determines occurrence of vibration applied to the acceleration switch. Based on a result of the determination, the power supply control section controls supply of power to one of a main control section or a sensor. | 10-04-2012 |
20120293015 | Process device with light change triggered display - A field device comprises a transducer, a photodetector, a display, and a display controller. The transducer controls or monitors process variable, and the display shows information relating to the process variable. The photodetector detects a light level. The display controller is capable of switching the display on and off in response to changes in the light level detected by the photodetector. | 11-22-2012 |
20120293016 | PROTECTIVE DEVICE FOR GALVANIC CELLS - A protective device for galvanic cells ( | 11-22-2012 |
20120313455 | INSTANTANEOUS SOLAR ARRAY RECOMBINING TECHNOLOGY - An automatically re-configurable solar array apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a solar array electrically connected to an inverter through a power switch controlled by a microprocessor. The solar array comprises a combination of solar panel strings wired in parallel. Each solar panel string comprises a plurality of solar panels wired in series. An output electrical parameter level of the combination of solar panel strings is capable of producing output power from the inverter. The output electrical parameter level of the combination of solar panel strings is equal to about a predetermined electrical parameter level under sunny conditions. The solar array is pre-wired to permit microprocessor-controlled switching to reconfigure the array into solar panel strings of varying lengths. The electrical parameter level is at least one of a voltage level, a current level, and a power level. | 12-13-2012 |
20130113302 | Solar Panel as Infrared Signal Receiver and Processor - This invention is to control and monitor a solar module by optical communication using solar cells in the solar module as a receiver of the incoming optical signal. The optical communication is by way of solar cells in a solar module as sensors and/or receivers, and busbars of the solar module as conduits to transfer the incoming signal to a control circuitry. Such control includes, but is not limited to, on/off control of power output from a solar module, and such monitoring includes, but is not limited to, reading, data keeping and displaying current operating performance status of the solar module. With this invention, solar modules can be turned off and on without physically disconnecting and reconnecting wires. Such control and monitoring enables more efficient and accurate operation and maintenance of a solar power system of any size. | 05-09-2013 |
20130134800 | POWER SUPPLY APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A power supply apparatus, which includes a load, an outside power source to supply the load with a power voltage and a switch electrically connected between the load and the outside power source, including a temperature detector unit configured to detect a temperature of the load, a no-power contact point unit provided with a relay, which is electrically connected between the load and the switch, and configured to activate a contact point of the relay before the power voltage is applied to the load, and a control unit configured to turn on the switch according to a power supply command that is input from an outside and configured to control an on/off of the switch according to the temperature of the load detected. | 05-30-2013 |
20130140911 | DIODELESS TERRESTRIAL PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR POWER ARRAY - A method and device are disclosed for diodeless terrestrial photovoltaic solar power arrays. In one or more embodiments, the method and device involve a solar power array device without blocking diodes and/or without bypass diodes. The method comprises providing a solar module, a solar array tracker, a power bus, a controller, and an inverter. In one or more embodiments, the method further comprises providing a circuit breaker and/or a bi-position switch. When the controller senses that the solar module power is below a threshold level, the controller commands the solar tracker to vary the solar module's pointing until the solar module is operating at its maximum power point for the solar module's level of illumination. In some embodiments, when the controller senses that the solar module power is less than a minimum bypass threshold level, the controller commands a bi-position switch to bypass current around the solar module. | 06-06-2013 |
20130187482 | ELECTRONIC RELAY, ELECTRONIC SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SWITCHING A POWER CURRENT - The invention relates to an electronic relay with
| 07-25-2013 |
20130200725 | Automated Load Control System and Method - A system for controlling electrical loads in a house, apartment, office or any living environment, comprising the following units: Smart load control unit (LCU), Remote control unit (RCU), Sensors unit (SU), Computer interface unit (CIU), Infrared control unit (IRU) and Keypad unit (KU). Each LCU is so devised as to replace a wall switch or other electrical load power control device and comprises means for controlling an electric power delivered to the load responsive to a user's commands. Each RCU comprises means for activating LCU units, and each SU comprises sensor means. Each unit further includes means for connecting by wireless to the other units to exchange data or commands therebetween. | 08-08-2013 |
20130313916 | SYSTEM FOR PROTECTING CIRCUITRY IN HIGH-TEMPERATURE ENVIRONMENTS - An electrical device for performing a particular function includes a system circuit for performing the function, and a dedicated power supply for providing power to the circuit. Both the system circuit and the power supply are hermetically sealed within a housing. The device within the housing is intended to be sterilized using high temperature, reaching a sterilization temperature. According to the invention, the device includes a thermal switch which is electrically connected between the system circuit and the power supply. With the present invention, the electrical components of a device are automatically protected from thermal damage during sterilization. | 11-28-2013 |
20140008998 | METHOD FOR OPERATING AN INVERTER OF AN ELECTRICAL REFRIGERANT COMPRESSOR MAKING USE OF DC LINK ELECTROLYTE CAPACITORS - A method of operating an inverter including the steps of detecting the temperature of the at least one electrolytic capacitor; selecting at least one of a plurality of switching patterns based on the temperature of the at least one electrolytic capacitor; and generating a ripple current across the at least one electrolytic capacitor by operating the inverter from the at least one of the plurality of switching patterns for preheating of the at least one electrolytic capacitor. | 01-09-2014 |
20140035392 | Solar Panel as Infrared Signal Receiver and Processor - This invention is to control and monitor a solar module by optical communication using solar cells in the solar module as a receiver of the incoming optical signal. The optical communication is by way of solar cells in a solar module as sensors and/or receivers, and busbars of the solar module as conduits to transfer the incoming signal to a control circuitry. Such control includes, but is not limited to, on/off control of power output from a solar module, and such monitoring includes, but is not limited to, reading, data keeping and displaying current operating performance status of the solar module. With this invention, solar modules can be turned off and on without physically disconnecting and reconnecting wires. Such control and monitoring enables more efficient and accurate operation and maintenance of a solar power system of any size. | 02-06-2014 |
20140049120 | TRIGGER DEVICE FOR MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICE - A mobile computing device includes a processor and a trigger device operatively attached to the mobile computing device and configured to generate a mechanical vibration pattern for selectively actuating the mobile computing device. A trigger interface, illustratively an accelerometer, is configured to convert the mechanical vibration pattern into an electrical signal pattern. The processor is configured to actuate a mobile computing function depending on the mechanical vibration pattern generated by the trigger device. A table of properties stored in memory correlates the mechanical vibration generated by the trigger device with a specific mobile computing function. The trigger device may include a plurality of trigger parts; and the mechanical vibration pattern generated by the trigger device may include multiple bits of data generated by the plurality of trigger parts. The mobile computing device may be in a candy bar, clam shell, or other form factor and may include a removable handle. | 02-20-2014 |
20140054976 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS WITHIN AN ENCLOSED SPACE - A system for controlling a power input to a load includes a gate action monitor configured to transmit a door activation signal corresponding to an opening or closing of an access way to an enclosed space, a double signal sensor configured to transmit an occupancy signal corresponding to a detected occupancy of the enclosed space and a temperature signal corresponding to a detected temperature of the enclosed space, and a controlled load switch configured to detect one or more of the door activation signal, occupancy signal and temperature signal, and enable or disable the power input to the load. | 02-27-2014 |
20140062220 | NON-CONTACT SELECTION SWITCH - The present invention relates to a non-contact switch which is used for an elevator or general automatic doors, and comprises: buttons B including a push button or an optical sensor button for selecting an elevator movement or opening an automatic door; a pair of long sensor blocks | 03-06-2014 |
20140070629 | POWER CORD - A power cord includes a plug having blades and a thermal sensor configured to detect a temperature, and a cut-off means configured to stop electric power from being supplied to the load connection portion from the blades when a temperature detected with the thermal sensor is higher than a prescribed temperature. The plug includes a core which retains the blades and the thermal sensor, and an enclosure which is formed by molding synthetic resin to cover an outside of the core. A part of the thermal sensor protrudes from the core to be buried in the enclosure. | 03-13-2014 |
20140084707 | POWER SUPPLY CONTROL DEVICE WITH USER IDENTIFYING FUNCTION AND CONTROL METHOD - A method for controlling connection or disconnection between a load and a power source via a power supply control device with user identifying function is provided. The method includes sensing an encoded signal transmitted by a second antenna of a handset device by a first antenna; decoding the encoded signal by a decoding unit when the decoder outputs a different voltage; and controlling a switching unit to connect the power source to or disconnect the power source from the load, and when the decoding unit successfully decodes the encoded signal. The power supply control device is also provided. | 03-27-2014 |
20140175904 | WIRELESS SWITCHING CIRCUIT - A wireless switching circuit includes a charging capacitor, a voltage converter, an infrared sensor unit, a single chip microcomputer (SCM), a zero trigger circuit, and a thyristor. The charging capacitor is used to store and supply power. The voltage converter is used to convert alternating current (AC) voltage into direct current (DC) voltage to charge the charging capacitor. The infrared sensor unit is used to output control signals according to sensed infrared signals. The SCM outputs a trigger signal according to the control signals from the infrared sensor unit. Input ends of the zero trigger circuit are connected to the SCM to receive the trigger signal. An anode and a cathode of the thyristor is connected to a power supply line for the socket. A control end of the thyristor is connected to an output end of the zero trigger circuit. | 06-26-2014 |
20140197698 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH AUTOMATIC MODE SWITCHING - An electronic device for predicting or anticipating a user's operational desires. The electronic device is ready to perform the anticipated function without input from the user by using sensors to sense environmental attributes. The sensors can include an ambient light sensor, a force sensor, a temperature sensor, an ambient noise sensor, and a motion sensor. The electronic device also includes a control mechanism for switching between modes for the device. | 07-17-2014 |
20140203664 | POWER SWITCH - A switch assembly includes a switch cover and a switch base. The switch cover fixedly couples to the switch base with engagement protrusions integrally defined in the switch cover and corresponding apertures defined within the switch base without fasteners or requiring tools. From a disassembled configuration, the cover couples to the switch base by aligning cover protrusions with corresponding base apertures, pressing the cover against the base, sliding the cover in a first engagement direction, and locking the cover protrusions into the apertures by applying a threshold level of engagement force in an engagement direction. From an assembled configuration, the cover de-couples from the switch base by applying a threshold level of disengagement force in disengagement direction oppositely oriented with respect to the engagement direction, thereby unlocking the cover protrusions from the base apertures. | 07-24-2014 |
20140239741 | Thermal Model - A method for controlling the temperature of a first semiconductor device on an inverter module of a drive configured to drive an electrical machine is disclosed. The method comprises calculating at least one harmonic component of at least one power loss of at least the first semiconductor device; using the at least one harmonic component of the at least one power loss of the at least the first semiconductor device to calculate a temperature of the first semiconductor device; and if the calculated temperature of the first semiconductor device does not meet a predetermined temperature condition, issuing a command to control the operation of the drive such that the temperature of the first semiconductor device is changed to meet the predetermined temperature condition. | 08-28-2014 |
20140265634 | WIRELESS CONNECTOR NODE AND SYSTEM - A connectorized wireless node used to distribute power and control devices in a system. The connectorized wireless node includes a housing, power control circuitry and wireless control circuitry. The power control circuitry is provided in the housing and distributes power to the devices. The wireless control circuitry is provided in the housing and receives wireless signals which contain control information. The wireless control circuitry cooperates with the power control circuitry to control the devices within a system. | 09-18-2014 |
20140265635 | ELECTRICAL ARC DETECTION IN ELECTRICAL SWITCHING DEVICES - An electrical arc detector for switchgear includes a fiber-optic cable configured to receive light emitted from switchgear at a first end and transport the light to a second end. The detector further includes a sensor arranged adjacent the second end of the fiber-optic cable configured to sense the light and generate an electrical signal, and analog-to-digital converter configured to convert the electrical signal to a digital signal, and a processor configured to monitor the digital signal and at least one of transmit information related to the digital signal, store information related to the digital signal, and take action based on the digital signal. | 09-18-2014 |
20140265636 | ELECTRONIC SYSTEM FOR AN ELECTRICAL APPARATUS AND RELATED METHOD - An electronic system is disclosed for an associated electrical apparatus, the system having at least a binary input adapted to receive one or more candidate signals; at least an electronic active load having one or more electronic active devices and operatively connected to the binary input; and a controller operatively associated to the binary input and to the active load. The controller can detect application of a candidate signal to the binary input and electrically drive the active load upon such detection; and after absorption of a predetermined amount of energy, validate the candidate signal if its residual content of energy exceeds a predetermined threshold. | 09-18-2014 |
20140306550 | TWO LEAD ELECTRONIC SWITCH SYSTEM ADAPTED TO REPLACE A MECHANICAL SWITCH SYSTEM - Systems and methods are disclosed for a two lead electronic switch adapted to replace a mechanical switch. In one embodiment, a device is provided that includes a sensor and an electronic circuit having a voltage limiting circuit. The electronic circuit is configured to deactivate/activate the voltage limiting circuit to operate the electronic circuit in a first/second state in response to determining that an output of the sensor is less/more than a threshold voltage. The circuit includes first and second terminals configured to receive a switch voltage used to provide power for the device. The device sets the switch voltage to a first voltage level operative to power the electronic circuit and the sensor while the electronic circuit is operating in the first state and to a second voltage level operative to power the electronic circuit and the sensor while the electronic circuit is operating in the second state. | 10-16-2014 |
20140327326 | LIGHT CONTROLLED TIMING DEVICE AND METHOD - A dual mode light operated timing device includes a light sensor for generating a light sensor signal when light is detected; a first input device for generating a first programming signal; a second input device for generating a second programming signal; a switch for connecting and disconnecting power from a power supply to an electronic device; and a processor for receiving the light sensor signal and when light is detected by the light sensor operating the timing device in a daytime mode by controlling the switch based on the first programming signal, and when light is not detected by the light sensor operating the timing device in a nighttime mode by controlling the switch based on the second programming signal. | 11-06-2014 |
20140368059 | TRANSFORMER, ELECTRONIC APPARATUS, AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING TRANSFORMER - A transformer includes a core, a coil wound around the core, and a heat sink coupled to the coil. An electronic apparatus includes: a transformer that includes a core, a coil wound around the core, and a heat sink coupled to the coil; a temperature sensor that measures a temperature of the heat sink; and a controller that controls power to be supplied to the coil based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor. | 12-18-2014 |
20150028693 | PHOTOCONTROL FOR LUMINAIRE CONSUMES VERY LOW POWER - A photocontrol includes a switch that consumes very low power when the switch is turned ON and when it is turned OFF. The photocontrol can provide low-power digital control signals to high-impedance inputs of control devices that control the delivery of power to load devices, such as LED drivers that control the delivery of power to arrays of LEDs. The photocontrol also can provide power signals to control devices that control the delivery of power to light sources, such as electronic transformers that control the delivery of power to fluorescent lamps. The photocontrol may include a comparator that causes the photocontrol to have switching hysteresis. | 01-29-2015 |
20150035384 | LOAD BALANCING IN DISCRETE DEVICES - In a general aspect, an apparatus can include a temperature measurement circuit configured to produce a first signal indicating a first operating temperature of a first semiconductor device and a temperature comparison circuit operationally coupled with the temperature measurement circuit. The temperature comparison circuit can be configured to compare the first signal with a second signal indicating a second operating temperature of at least a second semiconductor device and produce a comparison signal indicating whether the indicated first operating temperature is higher, lower or equal to the indicated second operating temperature. The apparatus can also include an adjustment circuit configured to adjust operation of the first semiconductor device based on the comparison signal. | 02-05-2015 |
20150042178 | STANDBY ELECTRIC POWER CUTOFF APPARATUS FOR ELECTRONIC PRODUCT - A standby electric power cutoff apparatus for an electronic product is disclosed. A power supply/cutoff unit ( | 02-12-2015 |
20150115740 | Power Supply Relay Controller and Electric Power Steering Apparatus - To provide a power supply relay controller and an electric power steering apparatus capable of appropriately preventing contact failure of relays. When abnormal conduction between relay contacts occurs, a power supply relay circuit is opened and closed while a predetermined potential difference is applied between the relay contacts. At this time, an operation for turning on the relay contacts is performed while the charge of an electrolytic capacitor by a precharge circuit is limited. In this way, an ice layer between the relay contacts is removed by thermal energy of an arc that is generated between the contacts by a potential difference between the relay contacts. | 04-30-2015 |
20150123494 | ELECTRICAL CORD REEL WITH CONTROL SYSTEM TO LIMIT OVERHEATING - In an electrical cord reel, a rotatable member can rotate about a winding axis to spool and unspool a linear material. An input power connector can couple to an electrical power source. An output power connector on the rotatable member can couple to an electrical cord at least partially wound about the rotatable member. A switch is adjustable to allow or prevent electrical current flow from the input power connector to the output power connector. One or more temperature sensors detect temperature inside a housing enclosing the rotatable member, output power connector, and a fan. A control system activates the fan if the detected temperature rises from a level below a fan-activation threshold to a level above the fan-activation threshold but below a power shut-off threshold. The control system moves the switch to an open position if the detected temperature is greater than or equal to the power shut-off threshold. | 05-07-2015 |
20150311892 | ELECTRONIC CONTROL DEVICE - Provided is an electronic control device capable of preventing all of semiconductor relays from being forcibly controlled to be opened by a self-protection shutoff function. An electronic control device controls semiconductor relays provided in a load control unit, which correspond to loads mounted in an automobile. The electronic control device includes a temperature measuring means which measures the ambient temperature of the semiconductor relays. The electronic control device also includes an operation restricting means which, when the temperature measured by the temperature measuring means is higher than or equal to an operation restriction temperature threshold set within an ambient temperature range in which the self-protection shutoff function is not performed in the semiconductor relays, performs control for opening semiconductor relays that correspond to some loads among the loads. | 10-29-2015 |
20150318723 | BATTERY SLEEP MODE MANAGEMENT METHOD AND SYSTEM - A method for managing a battery module includes receiving data relating to one or more operational parameters of the battery module. The method also includes determining whether a first operational parameter of the one or more operational parameters violates a first threshold. Additionally, the method includes transitioning the battery module from an operational mode to a sleep mode in response to a determination that the first operational parameter violates the first threshold. | 11-05-2015 |
20150326216 | Thermal Voltage Margin Recovery - A method and apparatus for thermal voltage margin recovery is disclosed. In one embodiment, an integrated circuit (IC) includes first and second temperature sensors at first and second locations of the IC, respectively. The IC further includes a power management circuit coupled to receive temperature readings from the first and second temperature sensors. Based on received temperature readings, the power management circuit may determine a voltage offset value. The power management circuit may then reduce the operating voltage of the IC by the voltage offset value. | 11-12-2015 |
20150338899 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE - An electronic device includes: an operation section, a reception section, a human body detection sensor, and a mode switching section. The mode switching section switches the electronic device between a normal operation mode permitting a normal operation and a sleep mode in a power saving state based on presence or absence of a detection signal from the human body detection sensor. Then the mode switching section stops in a case where a state in which the reception section receives an operation made by use of the operation section continues for a predefined period of time the switching between the normal operation mode and the sleep mode based on the presence or absence of the detection signal. | 11-26-2015 |
20150372430 | Bypassable Light Responsive Power Cord Device - A bypassable light responsive power cord device activates electrically powered items responsive to a light sensor which may be bypassed allowing the device to act as a conventional power cord. The device includes an electrical cord, a plug coupled to a first end of the electrical cord, and an electrical outlet electrically coupled to a second end of the electrical cord. A light sensor is coupled to the electrical cord and a sensor switch is coupled to the light sensor. The sensor switch is electrically coupled between the first end of the electrical cord and the second end of the electrical cord such that the sensor switch is open when light is detected by the light sensor. A bypass switch is electrically coupled to the electrical cord in parallel to the sensor switch to circumvent the sensor switch and deliver electrical current to the electrical outlet. | 12-24-2015 |
20160043693 | JUNCTION BOX FOR SOLAR CELL MODULE AND METHOD FOR DRIVING SAME - The present invention relates to a junction box for a solar cell module which receives a command of a manager from the outside, controls the solar cell module, displays an operating state of the solar cell module, and implements an anti-theft function, a fire prevention function, etc. of the solar cell module, and a method for driving the same. The junction box for a solar cell module according to the present invention comprises: a relay installed between a solar cell module and a combiner for connecting the solar cell module and the combiner for blocking the connection therebetween according to a control signal transmitted from the outside; an RF communication module for signal-processing a data signal transmitted from the outside and extracting solar cell module information and a command of a manager; and a microprocessor for controlling an operation of the relay so that the relay connects the solar cell module and the combiner or blocks the connection therebetween according to the command of the manager extracted from the RF communication module. | 02-11-2016 |
20160047163 | PHOTOSENSITIVE ELEMENT ASSEMBLY - A sensor assembly comprises a housing having a major face and a side edge. The side edge is formed of a material that is capable of conducting light. A photosensitive element is positioned within the housing and facing the major face of the housing. A reflector is positioned within the housing. The reflector is shaped to direct light entering through the side edge onto the photosensitive element. | 02-18-2016 |
20160065004 | Systems and Methods for Remotely Controlling a Wall Socket - A system permits wirelessly controlling the duty cycle of alternating current at a wall electrical outlet ( | 03-03-2016 |
20160091911 | SEMICONDUCTOR APPARATUS - A semiconductor apparatus includes a control block that generates a first control signal, a second control signal, and a heating enable signal in response to an enable signal and a heating control signal, a temperature measurement block that generates a temperature code corresponding to temperature in response to the first and second control signals, a heater that generates heat while the heating enable signal is being enabled, a code latch block that stores the temperature code in response to the first and second control signals, and outputs a first code and a second code, a control code generation circuit that generates a signal by performing an operation on the first and second codes, and generates a control code by comparing the signal with a preset code, and a reference voltage generation circuit configured to change a voltage level of a reference voltage in response to the control code. | 03-31-2016 |
20160124449 | Electrical Power Transmission Line Length Measurement and Average Temperature Estimation - A system and method for measuring length of an electrical power transmission line, and for estimating the average temperature of the line over the measured length. A signal is applied to the line and reflected from a reflection point to obtain a present measure of the line's length. A modified catenary equation uses the length measurement and other variables to estimate average temperature. This temperature measurement can then be used to determine how much power the line is presently capable of safely carrying. | 05-05-2016 |
20180026436 | POWER SUPPLY CONTROL APPARATUS | 01-25-2018 |