A feeding apparatus configured to be supplied with electric-power from a noncontact power-feeding module and to feed electric-power to a power-feeding object, the feeding apparatus, includes: an electric-current variation detecting block configured to detect variation of power-feeding electric-current supplied from this noncontact power-feeding module; a battery configured to assist supply of electric-power from the noncontact power-feeding module; and a charger configured to perform setting for boosting, based on a request from the electric-current variation detecting block, wherein the battery assists supply of electric-power when the setting for boosting is performed.

A transfer switch selectively couples at least two power sources to a load. The load may be a home, business, or vehicle. A current transformer is coupled to the output of the transfer switch and generates a load measurement signal that is proportional to the current or power output from the transfer switch. A controller receives the load measurement signal and a switch setting describing the operation of the switch. The controller generates data for a status message for display based on the load measurement signal and the switch setting. The status message may describe the power consumption of the load or indicate when an error has occurred.

Circuits and methods for increasing the long-term reliability and performance of phase change material (PCM) switches. To overcome the effects of electromigration damage of the resistive heater(s) of a PCM switch and of the PCM itself, and thus improve long-term performance and reliability, embodiments apply an AC control pulse of equal power to a conventional DC control pulse. An embodiment encompasses a PCM switch, including a PCM region including first and second signal ports configured to be coupled to a signal source; a resistive heater adjacent the PCM region and including first and second heater control signal ports; and a source of AC control pulses coupled to the first and second heater control signal ports, the AC control pulses having a first power profile to transform the PCM region into a low resistance state and a second power profile to transform the PCM region into a high resistance state.

Circuits and methods for increasing the long-term reliability and performance of phase change material (PCM) switches. To overcome the effects of electromigration damage of the resistive heater(s) of a PCM switch and of the PCM itself, and thus improve long-term performance and reliability, embodiments apply an AC control pulse of equal power to a conventional DC control pulse. An embodiment encompasses a PCM switch, including a PCM region including first and second signal ports configured to be coupled to a signal source; a resistive heater adjacent the PCM region and including first and second heater control signal ports; and a source of AC control pulses coupled to the first and second heater control signal ports, the AC control pulses having a first power profile to transform the PCM region into a low resistance state and a second power profile to transform the PCM region into a high resistance state.

A microelectromechanical device is disclosed and described. The microelectromechanical device can include a base having a raised support structure. The microelectromechanical device can also include a biasing electrode supported by the base. The microelectromechanical device can further include a displacement member supported by the raised support structure. The displacement member can have a movable portion extending from the raised support structure and spaced from the biasing electrode by a gap. The movable portion can be movable relative to the base by deflection of the displacement member. The displacement member can also have a piezoelectric material associated with the movable portion. In addition, the microelectromechanical device can include a voltage source electrically coupled to the piezoelectric material and the biasing electrode. The voltage source can apply a biasing voltage to the piezoelectric material and the biasing electrode to cause deflection of the displacement member toward the biasing electrode, thereby reducing the gap between the movable portion and the biasing electrode. Further deflection of the displacement member can cause an increase in voltage across the piezoelectric material and the biasing electrode sufficient to pull the movable portion into contact with the biasing electrode.

A proximity switch assembly and method for detecting activation of a proximity switch assembly is provided. The assembly includes a plurality of proximity switches each having a proximity sensor providing a sense activation field and control circuitry processing the activation field of each proximity switch to sense activation. The control circuitry monitors the signal responsive to the activation field and determines a differential change in generated signal, and further generates an activation output when the differential signal exceeds a threshold. The control circuitry further distinguishes an activation from an exploration of the plurality of switches and may determine activation upon detection of a stable signal.

A solar cell management system for increasing the efficiency and power output of a solar cell and methods for making and using the same. The management system provides an electric field across an individual solar cell, an array of solar cells configured as a panel, or a group of solar panels. The imposed electric field exerts a force on both the electrons and holes created by light incident on the solar cell and accelerates the electron-hole pairs towards the electrodes of the solar cell. Compared to conventional solar cells, these accelerated electron-hole pairs travel a shorter distance from creation (by incident optical radiation) and spend less time within the solar cell material, therefore the electron-hole pairs have a lower likelihood of recombining within the cells' semiconductor's material. This reduction in the electron-hole recombination rate results in an overall increase in the solar cells' efficiency and greater power output.

An automatic hold switch is disclosed. The automatic hold switch provides a means for automatically switching a hold feature on and off. When the hold feature is on, one or more input devices of a portable electronic device are disabled or prevented from providing input signals. When the hold feature is off, one or more input devices of a portable electronic device are enabled or allowed to provide input signals. Because the user no longer has to manually control the hold feature, the number of actions that need to be taken by the user is reduced. In one example, the automatic hold switch is embodied with light sensors that detect when the device is in a dark environment and when the device is in a light environment. A dark environment indicates to the portable electronic device that the user wishes not to input and therefore the hold feature is turned on. A lighted environment indicates to the portable electronic device that the user wishes to input and therefore the hold feature is turned off.

In a method for setting an inrush current of a domestic appliance to a region-specific inrush current, the domestic appliance is switched to a setting mode, in which the inrush current is limited at the domestic appliance to one of a number of region-specific inrush currents that are selectable at the domestic appliance.

The switching device comprises an electronic switch embedded within a downhole tool (100) and an activator for remote switching of the electronic switch. The activator may be a handheld unit that is used at the surface of the wellbore by an operator or may be a wireline run unit. The activator permits wireless and contactless activation of the electronic switch without the need for mechanical switches which could provide a point of failure for the downhole tool. The electronic switch comprises an electronics module and a power source such as one or more batteries wherein in the active configuration, the switch can allow electrical connection between the electronics module and the power source and in the inactive configuration, the switch prevents electrical connection between the electronics module and the power source.