Abstract:
A circuit breaker for automatically interrupting the flow of an electric current from a power supply to a load such as a microcomputer before the load malfunctions so as to avoid an unexpected accident such as a fire. The circuit breaker includes a wire subject to erosion upon exposure to an acid atmosphere which will separate prior to the malfunction of the load to interrupt the flow of current to the load. Alternatively, the circuit breaker could include a mass of powdery material which expands upon exposure to an acid atmosphere to operate a switch to interrupt the flow of current.
Abstract:
A humidity sensor as well as a humidity detection circuit are disclosed, the former employing a humidity sensitive material the electric resistance of which varies in response to the variance of humidity in an atmosphere and the latter employing such humidity sensitive material. The humidity sensor comprises a base plate made of aluminum or the like with a humidity sensitive material formed on the base plate so as to form a film of a high molecular polymer unit which contains a reactive cationic monomer unit, is capable of detecting humidity over a wide range shows little variance in nature in a high humidity atmosphere of organic gas, and has a long life. The humidity detection circuit comprises an oscillation circuit, a pair of electrodes which are connected by means of the humidity sensor and to one of which is supplied the output of the oscillation circuit as an input, and an amplifier circuit which is connected to the other one of the pair of electrodes. The humidity detection circuit is advantageous in that it can be used for a long period of time without varying the characteristics thereof.
Abstract:
A solid state electronic controller for humidification devices employs an electronic humidity sensor to create an electronic signal proportional to the humidity in the space to be controlled, and massages or processes this proportional signal to create a cyclic series of time-proportioned control signals to cause the operation of the humidification devices in each cycle for a period proportional to the difference between the sensed humidity and the desired humidity.
Abstract:
A humidity-biased temperature responsive switch for controlling an automobile air conditioning compressor which closes at a warmer ambient temperature when the humidity is low than when the humidity is greater. The switch includes a sensor element having a metal strip and a hygroscopic plastic strip laminated together so that the different thermal coefficients of expansion will cause the free end of a cantilever-mounted sensor to move a contact. Absorption of water from the ambient air causes the plastic to swell and elongate and resultantly moves the contact into a closed position at a lower temperature than when the humidity is low.
Abstract:
A moisture responsive actuator is employed for controlling the operation of a fluid operated sprinkling or irrigating system or the like. The moisture responsive actuator is provided with hygroscopic material which expands in response to contact with rain water to depress a switch to deactivate the sprinkling system, the hygroscopic material contracting upon a drying thereof to release said switch whereupon the sprinkling system is activated.
Abstract:
A device responsive to changes in humidity is provided in which at least one strand of polypyrrolidone fiber is disposed between a stanchion and spring means, changes in the humidity being detected by means responsive to contraction and expansion of the polypyrrolidone strand.
Abstract:
A defogging glass plate includes an electric heating element, such as being made of conductive films or electric resistance strips for electrically heating the glass plate, and a sensor having a pair of electrodes which are arranged in parallel with a suitable gap and which are fitted on the surface of the glass plate, for automatically controlling the application of heat to the glass plate depending on the cloudiness or visibility thereof.
Abstract:
THE CONTROL DEVICE DISCLOSED HAS A DECORATIVE ENCLOSURE SUITABLE FOR WALL MOUNTING. THE FACE PLATE OF THE BOX-LIKE ENCLOSURE IS SEPARABLE FROM THE SIDE WALLS BUT IS RECEIVED INTO THE WALLS SO AS TO PRESENT THE APPEARANCE OF A UNITARY STRUCTURE. THE FACE PLATE IS REMOVABLE TO GIVE ACCESS TO THE INTERIOR OF THE BOX TO SECURE IT TO THE WALL OF A ROOM BY USING SUITABLE FASTENING MEANS AND ALSO TO PERMIT WIRING THE CONTROL DEVICE. THE FACE PLATE CARRIES THE CONTROL DEVICE PER SE AMD THE FACE CAN BE MOUNTED ALONE ON THE SURFACE OF A DUCT WITTH THE CONTROL DEVICE INCLUDING A SENSING MEANS INSIDE THE DUCT.
Abstract:
An electrical control device designed to produce a variable electrical signal proportional to the degree of change of an environmental parameter over a preselected band width. A pair of electrical contacts in a normally spaced apart relation are connected in series between a signal source and the element to be controlled so that the signal is allowed to be transmitted to the element upon the closing of the contacts. This invention operates by using a high frequency interruption of a signal current by means of a pair of opening and closing contacts. One contact is positioned relative to the other by means of an environmental sensing device responding to changes in a particular environmental parameter. The second contact is mechanically coupled to the current responsive device for effecting movement of the second contact away from the first contact when energized to provide a continuous interruption of the signal, where the ratio of the current responsive device''s on-time to off-time is proportional to the degree of change of the environmental parameter within the preselected band width.