Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for detecting motion or displacement of an object in a monitored zone. The apparatus is disposed between a load and a power source and comprises a transmitter for providing a pulsed signal within a monitored zone. The pulsed signal interacts with objects in the monitored zone and provides a return signal. A receiver receives echoes from a return signal of the pulsed record signal, and a microcontroller circuit processes the echoes. The processing involves retrieving and comparing phase and amplitude information associated with the echoes.

Abstract: A light assembly with a removable reflector for use in a ceiling, wall, or the like is provided. The reflector has a top surface with a substantially hurricane-shaped mounting aperture defined by a primary diameter and a secondary diameter that intersect each other and in which the primary diameter is greater than the secondary diameter. When the reflector is rotated, the secondary diameter approaches a holding key in the light assembly, which engages the top surface to releasably hold the reflector within the light assembly. A method of releasably installing the reflector is also described.

Abstract: A disconnector assembly is provided for an arrester. A non-conductive housing has first and second opposite ends separated by an internal chamber. A first electrical terminal is connected at the first end. A second electrical terminal is connected at the second end. A capacitor assembly engages and extends between the first and second terminals in the internal chamber. The capacitor assembly includes a capacitor and a resistor electrically connected in series. A sparkgap is electrically parallel the capacitor assembly between the first and second terminals. A cartridge with an explosive charge is positioned in the internal chamber, and the cartridge is electrically parallel to the capacitor assembly and electrically in series with the spark gap.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a dielectric body that has an input end, an opposite output end, and first and second non-insulated conductive members supported by the dielectric body. The first non-insulated conductive member has a first contact end and an opposite first wire connection end. The second non-insulated conductive member has a second contact end and an opposite second wire connection end. Each of the first and second contact ends are proximate the output end of the dielectric body and form a first pair of electrical contacts. Each of the second wire connection ends are proximate the input end of the dielectric body. First and second insulated conductive members are supported by the dielectric body. Each of the first and second insulated conductive members are connected to one of a second pair of electrical contacts, respectively. The first and second pairs of electrical contacts form an array of electrical contacts at the output end of the dielectric body.

Abstract: A group operated overhead switch for high voltage power lines includes a rotatable overtoggle mechanism linked to a control shaft and a plurality of switch phases secured to a crossarm support. The overtoggle mechanism may be rotated to and from a closed position and an open position, either or both of which may be overtoggled, that provides the operator with an affirmative snap when the switch is moved into an overtoggled position. The use of switch assemblies made of rotatable switch phases and a corresponding immobile electrical connector mounted on the same assembly support allows factory manufacture of modular switch assembly components for high quality control, consistent performance, and accurate component alignment. The supported switch assemblies are then mounted under factory controlled conditions on a dimensionally stable support crossarm and linked by group operated linkages with a switch overtoggle mechanism for actuation.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for measuring the impedance of a capacitive sample and thereby determining the leakage impedance and the loss angle. To suppress the effects of ambient power frequency fields coupling onto the test object, measuring frequencies on either side of the line frequency are imposed onto the test object. The voltage and current are captured using a detection system. These signals are digitised and processed using a computer to determine the real and imaginary voltages and currents at the two test frequencies. These components are then analysed to calculate the leakage impedance and phase angle at the two frequencies. By applying a linear interpolation between the two points, the impedance and loss angle at the line frequency can be measured.

Abstract: A ground fault interrupter apparatus is provided that employs a switching device that is operated in two stages. The first stage operates a solenoid in order to close the contacts and preferably provides coupling between the load and the power source. The second stage maintains the coupling, however, drawing less current and power from the internal devices of the apparatus. Accordingly, the fault interrupter meets various standards for the time required to open and close the contacts as well as keeping the dissipated heat from the device within the required range.

Abstract: A fault interrupter having a microcontroller is provided to detect actual faults. The fault interrupter initiates a periodic self-test and provides external notification to the user upon successful or unsuccessful completion of the test. The fault interrupter generates the test signal at a selected time to substantially coincide with the zero-crossing of the AC power source. A manual test can also be performed using a manual test switch provided as a direct input to the microcontroller.

Abstract: An end cap for a lighting fixture including an end wall that has a periphery, an outer surface, and an inner surface opposite the outer surface that is adapted to engage the lighting fixture. A tongue element extends from the outer surface in a first direction along the periphery of the end wall. A groove element is disposed along the periphery of the end wall and is open at the outer surface of the end wall. A suspension element extends from the inner surface of the periphery of the end wall. The suspension element extends in a second direction opposite the first direction of the tongue element. The tongue and groove elements of the end cap are adapted to engage tongue and groove elements of another substantially identical end cap of another lighting fixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical connector for telecommunications applications, including a circuit board and first and second electrical contacts, extending from the circuit board along first and second paths, respectively, the second path crossing the first path. A third electrical contact extends from the circuit board along a third path, and a fourth electrical contact extends from the circuit board along a fourth path, the fourth path crossing the third path. At least four electrical terminals extend from the circuit board and at least four electrically conductive traces on the circuit board electrically couple each of the first, second, third and fourth electrical contacts to a respective electrical terminal.

Abstract: A circuit interrupting device for use with an electrical power distribution system including a circuit interrupter having a closed position allowing current to pass through the circuit interrupter and an open position preventing current from passing through the circuit interrupter. An actuator is electrically and mechanically coupled to the circuit interrupter. The actuator moves the circuit interrupter between the closed and open positions upon occurrence of a fault current. First and second terminals are electrically connected to the circuit interrupter and are adapted for electrical connection to the power distribution system, defining a current path between the first terminal, the circuit interrupter, and the second terminal, allowing current of the power distribution system to pass through the current path so that the potential of the circuit interrupter is the same as the potential of the power distribution system.

Abstract: A dual technology motion or occupancy sensor, and a method for using the same, to control a lighting circuit to activate and deactivate lights in a monitored area. The sensor employs an infrared energy sensor, a microwave energy sensor, and a controller. The infrared energy sensor outputs an infrared energy detection signal indicative of detection or non-detection of infrared energy, and the microwave energy sensor outputs a microwave energy detection signal indicative of detection or non-detection of microwave energy. The controller outputs a control signal to control activation and deactivation of the lighting circuit in response to a condition of the infrared energy detection signal and a condition of the microwave energy detection signal.

Abstract: A luminaire having a frame that includes opposite first and second ends with a connecting member extending therebetween. The frame has an opening remote from the connecting member. First and second lamps are supported by the frame adjacent the first and second ends, respectively. A main reflector extends between the first and second ends of the frame and has a reflecting surface directed towards the opening of the frame. First and second reflecting members are disposed adjacent the first and second ends, respectively, of the frame and between the first and second lamps, respectively, and the opening of the frame. Each of the first and second reflecting members includes first and second curved reflectors and a plurality of baffles extending between the first and second curved reflectors. The first and second reflecting members direct light from the first and second lamps, respectively, through the opening in the frame.

Abstract: An arrester includes a housing having an inner bore, and a substantially cylindrical varistor body is received in the inner bore of the housing. The varistor body is formed of at least one varistor element having a lateral outer surface and a length defined between first and second ends of the varistor body, and a first mating element extending outwardly from the outer surface and along substantially the entire length of the body. A substantially rigid first support member is received in the inner bore and is disposed on the outer surface of the body. The first support member has a first mating surface that corresponds to and engages the first mating element of the body, thereby coupling the body and the first support member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cycling power to a HID ballast and amp in order to reduce the possibility of arc tube rupture or non-passive end of life light source failure with a warning indicator indicating impending momentary power outage. The apparatus comprises a lamp, a ballast, and a microcontroller operable to generate a warning indicator after expiration of a pre-selected period of time. The warning indicator indicates termination of power to the lamp for a predetermined period of time, by alternatively dimming and increasing the light output of the lamp. After expiration of the pre-determined period of time, the microcontroller restores the power to the ballast. The above described process is repeated periodically in order to reduce the risk of arc tube rupture.

Abstract: A luminaire comprising an optical assembly that has a mounting interface. A socket holder has a mounting member that is adapted to mount the socket holder to the mounting interface of the optical assembly. First and second proximate surfaces are adapted to support a socket and a light source in first and second orientations, respectively. The socket holder defines a central axis. A longitudinal axis is defined by the socket and the light source in the first orientation is substantially parallel to the central axis of the socket holder and a longitudinal axis of the socket and the light source in the second orientation is angled with respect to the central axis of the socket holder.

Abstract: A circuit interrupting device for use with an electrical power distribution system, comprising a circuit interrupter that includes a primary contact and a movable contact movable relative to the primary contact between a closed position allowing current to pass through the circuit interrupter and an open position separating the contacts and preventing the current from passing through the circuit interrupter. An actuator is coupled to the circuit interrupter. The actuator includes a shaft coupled to the movable contact of the circuit interrupter for substantially simultaneous movement without insulation being disposed between the shaft and the movable contact. The shaft moves the movable contact from the closed position to the open position upon occurrence of a fault current. An electronic control is electrically connected to the actuator and communicating with the actuator to trigger the shaft to move the movable contact of the circuit interrupter from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: An electrical assembly containing one or more electrical devices is provided for mounting on a wall or other support. The assembly includes a housing having a rear wall and a front wall. The front wall is typically a faceplate with openings exposing the electrical devices. A cover is pivotally connected to the housing to enclose the front wall and protect the electrical devices. The rear wall includes a removable panel which can be removed to form an opening. An adapter which functions as a mounting device has a column with an axial passage where the mounting device is coupled to an electrical box. The column is inserted through the opening in the rear wall of the housing for mounting the assembly on the electrical box. In one embodiment, the housing includes a sleeve dimensioned to receive the column of the adapter.

Abstract: An electrical receptacle, including a power source and a contact for making an electrical connection between the power source and a prong of an electrical plug. At least one switch is in series between the contact and the power source, and a smooth member covers at least a portion of the at least one switch. The switch is normally in the closed position and moves in a direction from the closed position to the open position due to a force applied to the smooth member covering at least a portion of the at least one switch by the prong of the electrical plug when the prong of the electrical plug is inserted into the electrical receptacle and contacts the resilient, smooth member.

Abstract: A bracket assembly in which two brackets are attached laterally adjacent one another on a support. A first bracket is adapted to be attached to a support having a face that has a first width. A first leg of the first bracket has a first removable portion and a first non-removable portion. The first leg has a second width that is larger than one half of the first width. A second bracket is adapted to be attached to the support laterally adjacent the first bracket. A second leg of the second bracket has a second removable portion and a second non-removable portion and also has a third width that is larger than one half of the first width.