Abstract: A current collector is used with an elongated, generally closed rail having a slot extending the length thereof and plural power conducting strips disposed within and extending the length of the rail, with the current collector providing power to a mobile machine. The current collector includes a wagon disposed within the rail and having plural sliding contact brushes each engaging a respective power conducting strip within the rail. An electrical connector and cable leads are connected to the wagon for coupling the sliding contact brushes to the mobile machine for powering the mobile machine. The wagon moves on first and second wheel assemblies which are detachably connected to respective forward and aft portions of the wagon and which travel over inner portions of the closed rail.

Abstract: Conductor system for warehouse cranes or transporters servicing warehouse shelving. Each shelving unit contains a conductor with conductive elements which have been mounted in a vertical plane. At least one warehouse crane or transporter and an assembly carrier is coupled respectively to a warehouse crane or transporter and a collector trolley is connected by means of opposite and preferably shaped leaf springs to an assembly plate attached to the assembly carrier of the warehouse crane or transporter. Each collector trolley contains carbon brushes and wheels. One end of the leaf springs is attached to the assembly plate and the other end of the leaf springs is attached to a mounting plate carrying the carbon brushes. The leaf springs press the wheels of the collector trolley onto the conductor and the carbon brushes of each collector trolley onto the conductor's conductive elements. Collector trolley suitable for use in such conductor systems.

Abstract: An elongated housing in the general shape of an inverted “U” having a lengthwise slot in a lower portion which includes six inner elongated conductor strips. Disposed within the housing and extending through the lower slot is a trolley with four sets of three conductive contact brushes each in linear alignment, with each set of three conductive contact brushes engaging one of four input power conductor strips. The trolley includes two additional brushes each in contact with a respective control conductor strip in the housing. The trolley is coupled to and controls the operation of a mobile machine such as used in automatic storage/retrieval systems. Springs urge the conductive contact brushes into intimate contact with a conductor strip, while support wheels on the trolley engage a lower, inner portion of the elongated housing for distributing the load and providing smooth passage over expansion joints or through transfer guides.

Abstract: A portable fluorescent string lamp has a base which includes a threaded nut at each end. An electrical cord extends through each nut. A mounting bracket has a back and two legs spaced to receive the fixture. Each of the legs is releasably secured to the base of the fixture by tightening the coupling nut against it. The back of the bracket is designed to receive a pair of magnetic couplers for removably mounting the fixture to a structure such as a machine.

Abstract: A wide area lamp for use in hazardous locations includes a metal halide lamp excited by a ballast. The lamp is mounted within an explosion-proof transparent globe and metal lamp guard secured to a metal vault. The vault is divided into two compartments. One compartment houses a ballast for the lamp. That compartment is filled with a potting compound to eliminate any arcing in the high voltage excitation circuit. The other compartment is enclosed, but accessible for making necessary electrical connectors to a power feed cord.

Abstract: A shielded, molded electrical connector includes a conductive sleeve surrounding an insert body housing the connector elements. A metal coupling member is received on the sleeve and in electrical continuity with the sleeve. An outer sheath formed of moldable thermoplastic material with wire strands embedded throughout forms a conductive shield from the sleeve to a braided shield (in the case of a cord set) or to a conductive shield on an insert body housing complementary connector elements (in the case of a splitter).

Abstract: A fluorescent tube lighting fixture includes a tubular main frame member which also acts as a conduit for routing wires between the ballast and the lamp holders. A frame extension the form of a Tee is threaded onto one end of the main frame member; and another portion of the Tee receives an adapter which secures the end cap to the fixture. Wire is routed through the adapter, and through the Tee into the main tubular frame member, all of which portions cooperate to act as a protective conduit for the power cord, with a single opening in the end cap. By removing a single compression nut, the end cap and lamp guard can be moved to gain access to the interior of the lamp for maintenance.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp for use in special applications includes an electrodeless envelope of glass or other light transmissive material carrying fluorescent material within the envelope. An RF energy source and coupler are embedded in epoxy as an integral power unit, thereby isolating the power unit from the hazardous environment. The power unit and the envelope are shaped in complementary form such that the coupler and envelope are in energy-transfer relation to excite the lamp, but the envelope may be removed from the power unit to re-lamp the fixture.

Abstract: A portable electric lamp suitable for use in hazardous locations includes a fixture which is purged continuously with air during operation. Pressurized air is introduced at an input end of the fixture, through a plenum which establishes a generally laminar flow of air through the fixture during purging. To insure that the fixture is satisfactorily purged before power is applied to the lamps, differential pressure is measured over a precision orifice at the discharge end of the lamp, and total flow is determined. During the start-up cycle, pressure within the fixture must exceed a predetermined minimum threshold; but following start-up, the operating pressure may drop lower than the initial minimum pressure, as long as a positive pressure is maintained within the fixture.

Abstract: An inline indicating interconnect having a female multi-pin socket connection at a first end and a multi-pin male/male connection and a second, opposed end includes a circuit electrically coupled to and disposed intermediate to the female and male connector ends. The circuit includes at least one light emitting diode (LED) for emitting light when a given electrical condition is satisfied. A generally cylindrical interconnect body comprised of a light-transmissive, moldable material is connected at its respective ends to the female and male connections and overmolded about the circuit components and leads attached thereto so as to encapsulate, seal and provide support for the circuit components and leads while permitting viewing of the emitted light about the entire 360.degree. circumference of the interconnect body. The inline indicating interconnect is particularly adapted for installation in existing cable connections and junctions to provide a visual indication of electrical operation or circuit status.

Abstract: A portable electric lamp suitable for use in hazardous locations has the fixture purged with breathable air a predetermined time before power is coupled to energize the lamps. The fixture is continuously purged during operation. If the internal pressure falls below a predetermined minimum level, or exceeds a predetermined maximum during operation, power to the lamps is shut off, and the complete start cycle, including the time delay, must be undertaken before the lamps can be re-started. All leads and components are either potted or operated at an intrinsically safe power level.

Abstract: An improved female connector element for a pin and socket electrical connector includes at least four flexible fingers or "cantilever beams" forming a cylindrical socket for the pin of a male connector. A cylindrical sleeve surrounds the fingers and extends beyond their free ends to form an inwardly extending annular guide lip which defines the inlet opening for the pin. The lip both guides the pin properly into the socket and limits the size of the pin that may be inserted, thereby reducing potential damage to the fingers while providing a reliable, durable connector.

Abstract: An electrical connector (10) adapted for connection to a complementary connector includes an insert (16) having a plurality of connecting elements disposed within a cylindrical molded body (14) from which a multi-conductor cord (12) extends. A coupling nut (22) is disposed about the insert (16) and has inner threads (22a) for engaging and drawing the complementary connector into secure engagement with a first surface (26a) of an annular flange (26) disposed about the periphery of the insert. In one embodiment, the coupling nut (22) includes an annular, inner flange (34) having a plurality of spaced, symmetrical detents (36) forming teeth. A washer (24) includes asymmetrical projections or teeth on one surface which engage the annular flange of the insert when coupling nut (22) is tightened. The washer (24) further includes second symmetrical projections (50) on a second, opposed surface to form a driving engagement with corresponding teeth on the coupling nut.

Abstract: An electrical coupling (10) adapted for connection to a complementary connector includes an elastomeric insert (16) having a plurality of inner cylindrical conductive contacts forming a socket and disposed within a cylindrical molded body (14) from which a multi-conductor cord (12) extends. The electrical coupling (10) further includes a coupling nut (22) disposed about the insert (16) and having inner threads (22a) for engaging and drawing the complementary connector into secure engagement with a first surface (26a) of an annular flange (26) disposed about the periphery of the insert. In one embodiment, the coupling nut (22) includes an annular, inner flange having a plurality of spaced, symmetrical detents (36). A washer (24) disposed intermediate a second, opposed surface (26b) of the insert's peripheral flange (26) and the coupling nut's inner flange (34) includes first projections on a first surface thereof which engage the annular flange's second surface when the coupling nut (22) is tightened.

Abstract: An improved portable handlamp has a fluorescent lamp mounted in a lens assembly. A flexible elastomer handle mounted to the base of the lens assembly provides a cavity for receiving a ballast in an interference fit. The ballast is connected to the lamp holder by a bracket which also serve to mount the actuating switch in a manner such that these components form a frame permitting the user to grasp the handle and maneuver the handlamp.

Abstract: A grounding cable reel for grounding a vehicle of the type used to service electrical power lines includes a reel assembly incorporating a conductive slip ring capable of conducting very large, short term ground fault loads, i.e., on the order of 20,000 amps. A first cable connected at one end to the vehicle's frame is coupled at its second end to a copper rod which extends through a hollow shaft which supports the reel such as for mounting to the vehicle. The copper rod is coupled to a conductive inner hub of the slip ring which is mounted to an end of the hollow support shaft. Rotationally coupled to the inner hub is an outer conductive swivel to which a first end of a second cable is coupled, while the second end of the second cable may be coupled to a grounding post or other grounded object. The second cable is disposed about the reel which is coupled to the outer swivel and rotates therewith.

Abstract: A quick-disconnect connector assembly for connecting a control device or a sensor to a load includes a power/load indicating circuit having a source of red light for indicating that power is available and a source of green light for indicating that power is being applied to a load, the indicating circuit being encapsulated within a molded connector head which is formed of a translucent material so that light emitted by the red and green light sources causes the connector head to glow over substantially its entire extent.

Abstract: A tool balancer for manufacturing/assembly work has a swing arm mounted to an upright standard or column. A bracket mounts an articulating arm to the distal end of the swing arm. A tool holder is mounted to the distal end of the articulating arm. An adjusting saddle received on the articulating arm has a tooth which couples to one of a series of adjusting apertures on the articulating arm. Tension springs are connected between the bracket and the adjusting saddle to bias the articulating arm upward to offset the weight of a tool and to maintain the adjusting saddle in locking engagement with the articulating arm at the desired adjustment.