45572 results about "Electrical equipment" patented technology

The invention is a device for application in the sterile area for controlling an electric instrument provided in the non-sterile area, with the sterile area being separated from the non-sterile area substantially by a covering. The invention comprises at least one sensor responsive to the magnetic field which is provided in the non-sterile area and a unit generating a magnetic field is provided in the sterile area. The at least one sensor responsive to the magnetic field and the unit generating a magnetic field are separated from each other at least by the covering. The unit generating the magnetic field is disposed relative to the at least one sensor responsive to a magnetic field so that a variation of the magnetic field in space and / or time, which is induced by the unit generating the magnetic field, is detectable by the at least one sensor responsive to the magnetic field and a sensor signal can be generated. A controller unit is provided that generates a control signal for controlling the electric instrument in response to the sensor signal.

A system includes an electric appliance, which is operated with replaceable and rechargeable batteries, a charging station and two or more battery units. The charging station has two or more receptacles for holding and charging the battery units. A first coupling is provided between a battery unit and the appliance and a second coupling is provided between a battery unit and the charging station such that a battery unit connected to the appliance can be uncoupled from the appliance by one-handed operation and can be coupled to the charging station for charging by one-handed operation. Similarly, a battery unit connected to the charging station can be coupled to the appliance and uncoupled from the charging station by one-handed operation.

Systems and methods for providing energy management utilize wireless wide-area network broadcast signals and a decentralized receiver architecture to allow customers to make informed choices with regard to energy consumption and load shedding for particular appliances. A receiver assembly embedded within an appliance receives a broadcast signal, e.g., an FM subcarrier signal, including tariff data and other electrical grid data. A processor coupled with the receiver controls the appliance in accordance with the received data and in accordance with user-defined preferences. In some embodiments, a transceiver assembly is embedded in one or more appliances in a household. Each transceiver is configured to receive broadcast signals regarding grid data, and to communicate with other appliances and / or a usage meter over a wireless personal area network. Meter data from one or more households may be aggregated and uplinked back to the energy provider or other entities.

A short-range wireless power transmission and reception system and method are provided. Power is transmitted from the electrical utility mains power supply to electrically powered appliances via electromagnetic radiation. The appliances are capable of receiving the transmitted power, converting it into electricity and storing it for subsequent use, as well as using it directly to power the appliances.

Disclosed herein is a geofence service that enables various remote control and automatic operations based a user's current geographic position as determined by the user's mobile device's current geographic location. The geofence service enables the user to define one or more geofences based on specific geographic locations. Such geofences may be applied against several geofence applications for remote and automatic control of devices. In one embodiment, the mobile device's volume or power control settings are adjusted based on the user's location inside or outside a geofence. In one embodiment, temperature setting of a building or house is controlled based on user's proximity to a geofence. In one embodiment, electrical appliances within a home are activated and controlled automatically based on user's current geographic location.

The system periodically measures the battery voltage of the toothbrush and the current in a stator portion of the motor for the appliance. The amplitude of movement of the toothbrush workpiece is determined from the measured stator current. A circuit / control program changes the duty cycle or pulse width of the drive signal from the motor if the battery voltage drops below a first threshold value and a circuit or control program changes the drive frequency of the appliance if the amplitude of the workpiece movement falls below a first threshold value. A circuit / control program terminates the operation of the toothbrush if the voltage drops below a second threshold value or if the amplitude drops below a second threshold value, both of which are less than the respective first thresholds.

An integrated remote controller and a main set-top-box therefor, wherein the integrated remote controller performs communication with the main set-top-box of home network system through WLAN and provides appliance control signals to a corresponding appliances connected to the main set-top-box through wires or wirelessly. Every home networked household appliance can be controlled by one integrated remote controller through intuitive and easy user interface, irrespective of where a user is, whereby the user can easily control any appliance, check a control result in response to a control request right away, and check or control the status of appliances through a regular monitoring function. As a result, user mobility, convenience, and functionality can be maximized.

Electrical appliance energy consumption control methods and electrical energy consumption systems are described. In one aspect, an electrical appliance energy consumption control method includes providing an electrical appliance coupled with a power distribution system, receiving electrical energy within the appliance from the power distribution system, consuming the received electrical energy using a plurality of loads of the appliance, monitoring electrical energy of the power distribution system, and adjusting an amount of consumption of the received electrical energy via one of the loads of the appliance from an initial level of consumption to an other level of consumption different than the initial level of consumption responsive to the monitoring.

An automated server based system for monitoring, reading, controlling as well as switching gases, liquids and electric power is provided for use in remote Automated Meter Reading (AMR) industry for water, gas and electric power utilities, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA); Security, Safety and Fire Alarm Systems (SSFA) and Home and Industrial Automation (HIA), in connection with appliances and equipment of all kinds.

A method and apparatus for switching AC appliances and lights of residences and other automation systems through SPDT or DPDT relays connected in electrical circuit with SPDT or DPDT switch including a current sensor and / or a status sensor. The operating key of the relay and the key lever of the electric switch can each be used for operating a dedicated appliance or light, a group of appliance and lights and all appliance and / or lights including scenarios setup via the many well known two way, three way or four way light switches, by operating the switch lever or key in multi steps. The SPDT or DPDT relays are operated via RF, IR and fiber optic communicating two way signal for operating the lights and reporting statuses.

A remote maintenance system 100 in which a center server 120 that is located in a service center for performing maintenance of an electrical appliance 102 and a home server 101 that is located in each house and monitors a status of the electrical appliance 102 in the house are connected via a communication network 140, wherein (A) the home server 101 includes an electrical appliance management unit 108 that acquires a status value of the electrical appliance 102, a communication unit 105 that receives from the center server 120 a failure model which is information defining a method of deriving a decision whether the electrical appliance 102 is failed or not from the status value, and a failure deciding unit 106 that decides whether the electrical appliance is failed or not based on the acquired status value and the received failure model using qualitative reasoning, and (B) the center server 120 includes a failure model updating unit 127 that updates a failure model and send the updated failure model to the home server 101 via a communication unit 125.

A device and method of presenting information about goods and services to a targeted audience is disclosed. The disclosed device and method allow collecting associated marketing data. An exemplary handheld device equipped with a tag reader is described. The device and method are well suited for showrooms used by builders of homes, appliance vendors and the like. The marketing information, which is accessible by way of a communications network in an aggregated form, can greatly enhance the shopping experience for consumers, and improve marketing efficiency of builders, retailers and sellers.

A mobile wireless receiver for use with a first electromagnetic resonator coupled to a power supply includes a load associated with electrically powering an appliance, and a second electromagnetic resonator configured to be coupled to the load and moveable relative to the first electromagnetic resonator, wherein the second electromagnetic resonator is configured to be wirelessly coupled to the first electromagnetic resonator to provide resonant, non-radiative wireless power to the second electromagnetic resonator from the first electromagnetic resonator, and wherein the second electromagnetic resonator is configured to be tunable during system operation so as to at least one of tune the power provided to the second electromagnetic resonator and tune the power delivered to the load.

A mobile wireless receiver for use with a first electromagnetic resonator coupled to a power supply and a second electromagnetic resonator coupled to at least one of a power supply and the first electromagnetic resonator. The mobile wireless receiver includes a load associated with electrically powering an appliance, and a third electromagnetic resonator configured to be coupled to the load and movable relative to at least one of the first electromagnetic resonator and the second electromagnetic resonator, wherein the third resonator is configured to be wirelessly coupled to at least one of the first electromagnetic resonator and the second electromagnetic resonator to provide resonant, non-radiative wireless power to the third electromagnetic resonator from at least one of the first electromagnetic resonator and the second electromagnetic resonator.

Autonomous personal service robot to monitor its owner for symptoms of distress and provide assistance. The system may include sensors to detect situations before they affect people such as smoke, heat, temperature and carbon monoxide sensors. The system can provide security for the home. The PRA may comprise features such as a medicine dispenser and blood pressure cuff. Features such as broadband internet, MP3 player, reading lights and eye glass tracker provide butler type capabilities that enable the system to appeal to markets beyond the elderly and infirmed. The system may also include an X10 transmitter / receiver to automatically control various household lights and appliances. Equipping the system with a robot arm enables the robot to fetch items, turn on and off wall switches and open the refrigerator.

The invention relates to a fast coupling structure of waterproof cable connector, mainly comprising a male connecting joint and a female connecting joint, both are positioned on the cable end for connection of electric power source or signals on an electric apparatus; the invention enables both of the male and the female connecting joints to have the fast coupling function and the waterproof effects; therefore, a user is able to easily and quickly connect or disassemble the coupling structure.

An intelligent network demand control system provides a system and method for controlling demand in an energy delivery system. The intelligent network demand control system employs a transceiver network with a plurality transceivers coupled to meters and appliances residing at a plurality of customer premises. Control room operators instruct a customer premises (CP) energy management controller to implement a reduction in system demand. A demand reduction control signal is relayed out to a predefined group of transceivers to bring their respective controlled generators on line. The predefined transceivers, identified by their identification codes, are specified in the demand reduction control signal. When the transceivers bring the generators on line in response to a broadcasted demand reduction control signal, the actual demand reduction is metered and relayed back to the CP energy management controller. The total demand reduction is aggregated into a single number and then communicated to the operators.

In one embodiment, a device for coupling communications signals onto a medium-voltage power line includes a first connector, a second connector and one or more components. The first connector is adapted to couple to a low-voltage communications line. The second connector is adapted to couple to a surge arrester. The one or more components are operable to substantially match the impedances between the surge arrester and the low-voltage communications line.

The invention discloses a power supply insertion device used for electrical equipment. The power supply insertion device includes an insertion frame (1) formed by a movable execution frame body (12) and a fixed frame body (11), a insertion assembly (2) is arranged in the insertion frame (1), a fixed block (121) is arranged at the bottom of the left side of the movable execution frame body (12), the right side of the movable execution frame body (12) and the fixed frame body (11) are fixedly connected, a first screw (112) is arranged between the fixed block (121) and the fixed frame body (11), a movable block (113) is arranged on the first screw (112) and is in threaded fit connection with the first screw, one side of the first screw (112), which is away from the fixed block (121), is provided with a first motor (111), and the first motor (111) is embedded in the fixed frame body (11) and is fixedly connected with the fixed frame body (11). The power supply insertion device used for electrical equipment is stable in operation, prevents looseness, and has high jointing reliability and stability.

An electrochemical device for moving particles covered with a protein is provided. The device includes at least two electrodes that are in contact with a liquid containing the protein-covered particles and a circuit that generates a potential difference in a range that does not cause electrolysis of the liquid between the electrodes. The particles are moved by electrophoresis in the direction of the arrangement of the electrodes. The invention provided herein has numerous applications, including use in a microorganism concentration condensing device, a blood component induction device, and / or a blood component induction method, and / or an electric appliance that decreases the concentration of microorganisms present on the surface of a heat exchanger.

The disclosed invention is generally in the field of control of appliances in the home, and in their networking and connectivity also with audio systems and internet sources and the integration of these elements in a connected manner. Preferred apparatus generally employs a video projection system and one or more TV cameras. Embodiments of the invention may be used to enhance the social interaction and enjoyment of persons in the kitchen and reduce the work of food preparation. The invention may be used in many rooms of the house, and contribute to the well being of seniors and others living therein.

A voice control system is adapted for controlling an electrical appliance, and includes a host and a portable voice control device. The portable voice control device is capable of wireless communication with the host, and includes an audio pick-up unit for receiving a voice input. One of the host and the portable voice control device includes a voice recognition control module that is configured to recognize a control command from the voice input. The host controls operation of the electrical appliance according to the control command, and transmits an appliance status message to the portable voice control device. The portable voice control device further includes an output unit for outputting the appliance status message.

The portable solar energy system stores electrical energy generated by a solar panel, which is made of an array of photovoltaic cells, in a dc storage battery, and upon demand converts the dc voltage of the battery to an ac output suitable for supplying conventional electrical appliances. The battery is a sealed lead-acid type and may be an Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) battery. The system includes an energy storage and converting unit, which houses the battery and a dc-to-ac inverter. The inverter converts the stored energy of the battery, supplied at a low dc voltage, into the ac voltage and current required for supplying conventional appliances. A charge controller manages the flow of current from the solar panel to optimize the state of charge of the battery and to maximize the useful life of the battery. Additional circuitry monitors the discharge level of the battery to limit deep discharging.

A universal cable and system are provided that includes a universal cable and miniature quick connectors with interchangeable ends. The system allows for easy construction of various desired cable configurations that may include USB and Firewire® computer architecture, and other electrical communication wiring schemes. As a result, electrical connection between computers, computer peripherals, and other electrical equipment is quickly accomplished without a need for many cables and connectors, and their associated added costs. Universal cabling methods for using the system and cables are also provided.

An electric power monitoring system includes a source monitor for measuring momentary power output of an electric source supplying electric power to a power distribution system having at least one electric load. The momentary power output is compared with a reference load capability for the electric source to determine the ability of the electric source to support additional load, and load capability data is transmitted based on the load capability. At least one load control receives the transmitted load capability data and controls the supply of power to the at least one corresponding electric load based on the load capability data.

This invention has an object to a planar coil, a contactless electric power transmission device using the same. This planar coil is configured to suppress an eddy current developed between adjacent turns of wire for minimizing adverse effects on ambient electrical appliances resulting from heat generation. The planar coil 1 in the present invention is formed of spiral shaped wire 7 coated with thinned insulative film, in which adjacent turns of the wire 7 are spaced in radial direction at such a predetermined interval to suppress an eddy current. This planar coil 1 is preferably employed as a power transmission coil or power receiving coil.

A communication device, for connecting one or more electrical appliances to a remote service centre, comprises a control unit (AMC), means (PLG) for connecting the device (HG) to an alternating voltage electric mains network (Vac) and means (SK) for supplying the alternating mains voltage (Vac) to a power supply line of an electric appliance. The device (HG) further comprises first communication means (CSA), prearranged for receiving information possibly generated by the electric appliance and transmitted through the power supply line thereof, second communication means (ZB), prearranged for establishing a connection with a local area network (HN1) and third communication means (GGM), prearranged for establishing a connection with a further communication network, different from the local network (HN1), to which the remote service centre is connected. The control unit (AMC) is prearranged for acquiring by means of the first communication means (CSA), first information possibly generated by the electric appliance and transmitted through the power supply line thereof and / or second information regarding electric energy consumptions associated to the operation of is the electric appliance, acquiring, by means of the second communication means (ZB), third information possibly available on the local network (HN1), and transmitting to the remote centre (RMC), by means of the third communication means (GGM), at least one of the first, second and third information.

The remote monitoring and controlling of controllable devices is provided by sending control information to and receiving status information from information appliances over a network. A user is able to monitor the information appliances from a remote location, and control the information appliances from the remote location. The remote monitoring and control can be facilitated by graphical user interfaces. The information appliance can be a home lighting system, a home alarm system, a home entertainment system, a water gardening system, a home heating system, a home cooling system, and a television system having recording capabilities.

An electrical safety outlet for accepting a plug to provide power to electrical appliances including a power supply and an intelligent circuitry for controlling the power supply to the electrical outlet; the intelligent circuitry includes circuits for determining temperature condition in the outlet, mechanical plug insertion into the outlet, load presence on the outlet, and current capacity conditions.