Abstract: A bearing assembly for a sliding mechanism in which the potential for erosion of bearing surfaces is significantly reduced. The bearing assembly includes a cylindrical bearing that engages the bearing surface of a slide as it slidably moves with respect to the bearing assembly. The bearing assembly is configured such that rotation of the cylindrical bearing is in no way restricted and at no time is an edge or end of the cylindrical bearing engaged with the bearing surface of the slide.

Abstract: A fuse stab connector for electronic modules is described in which a fuse is associated with an electronic module so that the connector for the fuse to a circuit also serves as an electromechanical connector of a module to the fuse, a primary circuit, and primary circuit mechanical structure.

Abstract: A circuit for efficiently time-sharing the output and input configuration of a microprocessor I/O pin. The circuit includes a microprocessor having at least one I/O pin which can be selectively reconfigured for either output or input functions, a pull-up resistor, a dropping resistor and an output device. The pull-up resistor, dropping resistor and output device each have a common electrical connection at a terminal connected to the selected I/O pin. The pull-up resistor also has a terminal connected to the regulated power supply (Vcc) of the circuit. An input device or configuration switch, which is selectable between a first state and a second state, has one terminal connected to the dropping resistor and a second terminal connected to a point of the circuit at ground potential. The selected I/O pin is normally configured as an output pin for controlling the output device.

Abstract: An electrical enclosure having continuous front accessible dedicated wiring compartments. The dedicated wiring compartments provide the installer with easily accessible front wiring compartments. Each dedicated wiring compartment contains wiring for a specific function. The dedicated wiring compartments are configured to provide a continuous front accessible wiring compartment for multiple enclosures installed immediately adjacent one another. Horizontal frame members of the electrical enclosure provide a significant part of each dedicated wiring compartment.

Abstract: A bobbin for an electrical coil having a width that is small with respect to its depth. The bobbin is constructed from two identical halves, each having one generally flat flange and a web portion defining a latching feature, a locking feature and a core window centrally located in the flange. The mating surfaces of the two bobbin halves are defined along the distal ends of the web portions such that each half includes one complete flange and core window. The mating surfaces are also configured such as to prevent the fine coil wire from slipping between the mating surfaces of the two bobbin halves as the coil is being wound. The latching features of one bobbin half slidingly engage the latching features of the other bobbin half such that the two bobbin halves are held together. The locking features of the two bobbin halves also engage to prevent unintentional longitudinal movement between the two bobbin halves prior to winding the coil wire on the bobbin.

Abstract: A method for determining the operational condition of a rotary machine is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of monitoring the machine under a baseline operating condition and collecting baseline vibrational data. A preselected number of baseline parameters are calculated from the baseline vibrational data. Next, a first baseline operational indicator is calculated from the baseline parameters, and the baseline parameters and the first baseline operational indicator are stored in a memory location. The machine is then monitored under a subsequent operating condition, and subsequent vibrational data is collected during the subsequent operating condition. A preselected number of subsequent operating parameters is calculated from the subsequent vibrational data, and a first subsequent operational indicator is calculated from the preselected number of subsequent operating parameters. Finally, the baseline data is compared to the subsequent operating data to determine the condition of the machine.

Abstract: A trip latch in a switch housing having an open position and reset-stop position comprising a force member for providing a force to the trip latch. The trip latch also has a primary trip shaft having a first end rotatably connected at opposed first and second ends in the front and rear frame, and a reductor arm extending therefrom. The trip latch further includes a secondary trip shaft rotatably connected at opposed ends to the front and rear frames of the housing proximate and substantially parallel to the primary trip shaft such that the reductor arm engages a bottom portion of the secondary trip shaft. The secondary trip shaft is shaped such that when the secondary trip shaft is rotated the reductor arm may rotate past the secondary trip shaft, thereby causing the trip latch to open.

Abstract: A surge clamp for use on sectionalized electrical busway distribution system housings. The surge clamp is cut to length from an extruded rawstock. The extruded rawstock is provided with at least one generally flat longitudinal surface for engaging a generally flat surface of the busway housing duct top and duct bottom. The extruded rawstock also defines a passage extending along its longitudinal axis. The passage receives a fastening device such a screw at each end for attaching the surge clamp to the busway housing.

Abstract: A switch mechanism module for a switch including a first housing member, a second housing member, and an operating mechanism between the first and second housing members. The first housing member has first and second integral stops depending therefrom, and the second housing member has first and second integral legs depending therefrom. The operating mechanism rotates upon rotation of the handle of the switch causing rotation of the rotor of the switch. Movement of the operating mechanism ceases upon engagement of the operator cam with the stop of the first housing member. The integral legs of the second housing member provide reinforcement for the stops to prevent movement of the stops in the direction of the rotating cam.

Abstract: A snap-in hinge for an enclosure having provisions to prevent binding of the attached cover. The hinge includes at least two legs extending from the ends of a curved portion of the hinge and a blocking means integral with the corresponding hinge slot located in the enclosure. The legs, extending from the ends of the hinge, provide a smooth and continuous bearing surface for the enclosure cover, thereby preventing the enclosure cover from being trapped under an extended portion of the hinge which might be used to prevent over insertion of the hinge into the hinge slot. The blocking means of the corresponding hinge slot engaging parallel edges of the curved portion on the hinge prevents the hinge from being over inserted into the slot and thereby binding on the portion of the enclosure cover captivated by the curved portion of the hinge.

Abstract: The present invention is a linkage assembly for a double throw safety switch. In one embodiment, the linkage assembly includes a frame connected to a first slider plate and a second slider plate. The first and second slider plates are moveably connected to the frame by guides in the form of slots which cooperate with slider supports on the frame. The profile of the slots define a range of movement of the slider plates. A driver arm is used to effect simultaneous movement of the slider plates either toward or away from a central portion of the driver arm. A first follower arm which controls a first single throw switch, and a second follower arm which controls a second single throw switch, are also connected to the frame by a spline coupling. The first follower arm includes a slider support which cooperates with a guide, again a slot, in the first slider plate. Similarly, the second follower arm includes a slider support which cooperates with a guide in the second slider plate.

Abstract: A switch assembly for a circuit having an insulating base, a blade, a blade hinge member that allows for rotation of the blade about a pivot position, a first contact member, identical in construction to the blade hinge member, having opposing sidewalls that electrically engage and disengage the blade in response to pivoting movement of the blade, a rotor member for engaging and rotating the blade, and a second contact member, identical in construction to blade hinge member and the first contact member, for retaining a fuse is provided. The opposing sidewalls of the either the blade hinge member or the first and second contact members, being identical in construction, are adapted to either pivotally support the blade, engage and disengage the blade, or secure the fusible member thereto, depending on their position on the insulating base. Identical spring members are connected to the blade hinge member and contact members for retention force.

Abstract: An indexing ring providing automatic continuity between metallic parts of an operator interface device and a support panel in which the operator interface device is mounted. Continuity between the operator interface device and support panel is automatically provided by a continuity rib integrally formed from the indexing feature of an indexing ring. The indexing ring is installed between the operator interface device and the support panel to ensure the relative position of the operator interface device with the support panel. As the indexing feature of the indexing ring is slidably received within the indexing features of the support panel and operator interface device a generally sharp distal edge of the continuity rib will cut through any corrosion protection, such as paint, which might be covering the support panel. Thus, a metal-to-metal connection providing electrical continuity is automatically established and maintained between the operator interface device, indexing ring and the support panel.

Abstract: A pressure switch device and method of forming the device is disclosed. The switch has a hinge terminal having a fixed end of a blade apparatus pivotally attached thereto, a jaw terminal adapted to receive a free end of the blade apparatus at a receiving portion, the blade apparatus having two blades fastened together and a spacer between the blades. Pairs of cams at either end of the blades rotate to engage protrusions in order to create a pressure lock. The pressure is enhanced by a spring washer. A connecting link attached one of each pair of cams, a drive link attached to the blades and connecting link, and a drive shaft cooperate to open and close the switch such that the switch may be first placed in a closed position, and then locked by further rotation of the drive shaft as the cam protrusions engage. The drive shaft is spring loaded to create torsional force which must be overcome to rotate the drive shaft in either direction.

Abstract: A sensor system is disclosed. The system comprises a sensor for sensing an input between a first, minimum sensor input value and a second, maximum sensor input value. The sensor generates a sensor output signal relative to the sensor input value. The sensor is subject to offset and gain errors. The system further includes a microprocessor having first and second output signals and a signal conditioner coupled between the sensor and the microprocessor. The signal conditioner generates a first signal conditioner signal when the sensor input value equals the minimum sensor input value and generates a maximum signal conditioner signal when the sensor input value equals the maximum sensor input value. The signal conditioner includes circuitry for minimizing the sensor offset error and circuitry for minimizing the sensor gain error.

Abstract: A magnetic core assembly and method of assembling a magnetic core assembly. The core assembly includes laminated magnetic core tightly clamped together by a pair of unitized flanged clamps. Each unitized flanged clamp has a generally flat surface and a peripheral flange. The generally flat surface defines at least one opening for receiving a coil and a number of holes adjacent the opening for receiving assembly hardware. The core is assembled by placing a first one of the two unitized flanged clamps, flange down on a generally horizontal work surface. Alignment pins are placed in one or more of the assembly hardware apertures adjacent the coil opening. The segments of the first core lamination are slidably placed on the alignment pins such that they lie on the flat surface of the first unitized flange clamp. The segments of each remaining core lamination are slidably placed on the alignment pins until the required number of laminations have been installed.

Abstract: A linkage assembly for a double throw safety switch including a frame connected to a first slider plate and a second slider plate. The first and second slider plates are moveably connected to the frame by guides in the form of slots which cooperate with slider supports on the frame. The profile of the slots define a range of movement of the slider plates. A driver arm is used to effect simultaneous movement of the slider plates either toward or away from a central portion of the driver arm. A first follower arm which controls a first single throw switch, and a second follower arm which controls a second single throw switch, are also connected to the frame by a spline coupling. The first follower arm includes a slider support which cooperates with a guide, again a slot, in the first slider plate. Similarly, the second follower arm includes a slider support which cooperates with a guide in the second slider plate.

Abstract: A protective containment apparatus for preventing damage to expensive components of an assembly due to the failure of an electronic component in a nearby potted circuit which is known to fail catastrophically. The containment apparatus can employ a resilient material 38 placed around the at-risk electronic component 34 prior to potting the circuit. The resilient material 38 absorbs the expanding gases and fragmented parts of the at-risk component 34 which are expelled during the catastrophic failure. The cushioning effect of the resilient material 38 prevents the fragments and parts of the potting material from becoming projectiles that can damage any nearby components of the assembly. The containment apparatus can also employ a restrictive material 42 placed around the at-risk component 34 prior to potting the circuit.

Abstract: A weatherproof enclosure 10 with a side hinged cover 36 having a screwless cover latching means 52, which is not defeated by the pressure of expanding internal gases, is disclosed. The enclosure 10 includes a rain channel 76 located immediately adjacent a front edge of the box top 28. The rain channel 76 is generally J-shaped in cross-section and extends across the front of the box 14 and slightly beyond the two side walls 18 and 22 of the box 14 such that any liquid being received within the rain channel 76 will be directed over the side walls 18 and 22 of the box 14. The rain channel 76 cooperates with a downwardly extending flange 40 along the front edge of the box top 28 and an inwardly extending flange 60 along the top of the side hinged cover 36 to prevent the ingress of liquid at the top of the cover 36. Inwardly facing flanges 68 and 72 along the sides of the hinged cover 36 overlap the side walls 18 and 22 of the box 14 to prevent the ingress of liquid along each side of the cover 36.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for electrically connecting electrical conductors of two adjacent sections of a multi-phase electrical distribution system. The connecting device includes a generally cylindrical body enclosing two ground connectors, two outside insulators and two inside insulators intermediate the outside insulators. Each of the outside and inside insulators includes an equal number of semi-circular shaped electrical connectors which are arranged such that each electrical connector on one of the outside insulators has a corresponding electrical connector on one of the inside insulators thus forming a pocket. Each pocket receives one electrical conductor from each of the two adjacent sections of the electrical distribution system.