Abstract: Method and surgical instrument for treating prostate tissue including a surgical instrument having a main body, a needle deployment port, a needle, first and second handles and a lockout release mechanism to limit needle extension. Additionally, a kit includes the surgical instrument, together with a cystoscope, and optionally a syringe and reservoir of ethanol. The method includes needle-less injection and visualizing the ethanol injection by delivering both an echogenic agent and ethanol either by needle or needle-less injection or by providing an ultrasonically visible marker near the tip of the ethanol delivery cannula. The method also includes extending the needle transversely of the instrument housing using a link assembly.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for applying a thermal conductive medium (TCM) to the inside of a disposable sheath. A uniform amount of TCM is applied in an automated manner to the conductive portion of a disposable sheath to increase conductivity. Application is by way of a rotating tip having a plurality of nozzles through which TCM is pumped under control of a timing circuit. The duration of TCM application and the rotation of the tip is carefully controlled to insure uniform application of a precise amount of TCM. TCM application is avoided at portions of the sheath where thermal conductivity is not desired and at the tip of the sheath which will be coated by TCM as a result of probe insertion into the sheath. By automating the TCM application process, TCM can be applied in precise amounts and in a uniform manner without accidentally coating areas of the sheath where TCM is not desired. In addition the process can be conducted in far less time than is required to manually apply TCM.

Abstract: A modular energy management circuit breaker (EMCB) system is adapted for installation with existing panelboards. It comprises a bus way that includes a connector that is coupled to an interface module connector. The interface module, which extends across the panelboard, makes connection with the power bus and is connected to the panelboard by snap-in means. A control module is adapted to interengage with another connector in the interface module and to control a plurality of EMCBs. A bus way includes a plurality of connectors adjacent a plurality of circuit breaker positions which are connected to suitable circuits in the control module for controlling the drivers for the EMCBs. A terminal box is formed at the end of the control module and has provision for connecting a plurality of control wires to suitable terminating devices for interfacing external controlling devices to the control module.

Abstract: A processor-based tripping system uses a precise three phase current detection circuit using a minimal number of components. A set of current sensors is situated adjacent the current path to sense respective phases of current therein. The current sensors provide respective current signals therefrom which are fed to a ground fault transformer. The ground fault transformer includes input inductors connected to respective ones of the current sensors such that current flowing through each respective current sensor also flows through one of the input inductors. An output inductor in the ground fault transformer is coupled with the input inductors for adding the current signals from the current sensors and for producing an output current signal in the presence of a ground fault. The output current signal is then rectified to provide a rectified signal corresponding to the output current.

Abstract: A rating plug circuit is used in a processor-based circuit breaker tripping system having a current sensor for sensing current from a current path. The rating plug circuit includes a printed circuit board and a resistor that is connected to the printed circuit board for establishing a designated voltage in the presence of a predetermined amount of sensed current. A connector, having a plurality of conductive contact points, interconnects the printed circuit board with the tripping system, and a plurality of printed circuit paths are included on the printed circuit board to provide a binary code at the contact points. The binary code indicates the value of the resistor and is read by the processor to analyze the current in the current path.

Abstract: An electrical distribution load center consists of a non-conductive enclosure and a circuit breaker bus bar support panel that are interconnected by interlock members that can be snap-fitted to secure the two panels to each other. The support panel also has a latch member so that the bus bars can be mounted onto the panel in a heat-staking, insert-molded or snap-fit arrangement. The support panel also has elements for locking the circuit breakers onto the panels in conducting contact with the bus bars. The enclosure and the support panel are enclosed by a non-metallilc trim panel that has a non-metallic door hinged thereto and which carries a latch for latching the door to the trim panel.

Abstract: A signal distribution and communication arrangement controls the broadcast of different types of signals through speakers located in various zones. The arrangement includes an audio receiver circuit which responds to a music signal from an external music source, and an associated threshold detection circuit which provides a music mute function. Further, a page interface circuit, responds to a page signal generated from a telephone handset, which generates a paging control signal and serves as a power source to the telephone handset; and a doorbell interface circuit responds to any of a plurality of doorbell signal sources at differing locations by generating a doorbell control signal and activating a corresponding door bell tone sequence which identifies the location of the doorbell signal source. Finally, a control circuit, responds to these various circuits by selecting which of the corresponding signals should be broadcast by the speakers.

Abstract: There is provided a distribution system and a wiring format which will not only provide for a common enclosure, which will help to centralize the entrance of services to a facility, but will also organize the services throughout the facility. In particular, the invention includes a signal distribution module that directs input signals to appropriate output signals throughout the facility. The signal distribution module will provide for easy installation and reconfiguration of the signal distribution system.

Abstract: An electric reflector-type lamp having an improved eyelet construction in which there is utilized a uniquely contoured eyelet fitted into specially shaped apertures in the rear of the glass reflector. The eyelets consist of a hollow cylinder of brass with a bulged center portion which is held firmly within each aperture. The end portions of the eyelet are flared to permanently hold the eyelet in position after insertion. The apertures in the rear of the reflector are comprised of a plurality of sections which accommodate the eyelet and promote sturdy construction. A light source capsule is guided into the apertures by the flared ends of the eyelets, after which the leads are soldered to the eyelets. To seal the lamp and for additional strength, an adhesive can be added around the eyelet.

Abstract: A bimetallic thermal release element (34) for use in a thermally actuated tripping mechanism, and in particular used in electrical circuit breakers (10) wherein the load current is passed through the bimetallic element has a self-aligning floating latch member (141) configured to engage the release member and to disengage therefrom when the bimetallic element bows a sufficient amount at a given temperature or current. The bimetallic element is preferably an elongated member supported at its ends (128, 130) by side members (28, 42). An increased sensitivity is imparted to the bimetallic element by mounting the side members for rotation to accommodate the bowing.

Abstract: A current interrupter in which a first movable, insulating, gear carries a contact blade. The blade extends out from this movable gear and forms a contact which makes and breaks with a stationary contact upon movement of the gear. A second insulating gear has a set of teeth which engage the teeth on the first gear. The second gear has a cavity into which the extended contact fits. Movement of the first gear in a direction to break the contact, causes the engaged teeth to drive the extended contact into the cavity, thereby insulating the movable contact from the stationary contact. The interlocking gear teeth create a tortuous path for the arc and provide a large over surface distance for dielectric strength.

Abstract: A circuit breaker drawout arrangement includes a drive mechanism for moving a circuit breaker along a pair of rails between a Connect and a Disconnect position by means of a drive tool. A torque limited clutch permits a lower maximum torque when moving the breaker to the Connect position and a greater maximum torque when moving from the Connect position to the Disconnect position. In one embodiment the clutch is formed by a pair of oppositely orientated unidirectional roller clutches in the drive nut and in another by a ball and detent arrangement in the drive nut.

Abstract: A wire protection device and system that can operate in combination with non-metallic and metallic enclosures to help prevent damage to branch wiring during drywall installation. In some instances, the device serves to prevent the branch wires from being dislodged from the enclosure. The wire protection device may also be made to fit into a wire clamping system that is molded integrally with non-metallic enclosure.

Abstract: A circuit breaker (51) includes an arc stack of metal plates (52), each of which is disposed parallel to the movement of the contact arm (12), whereby lug strikes which may pass through the vent holes (32) in the housing (16) to the lug (18) are avoided. The arrangement of the metal plates (52) provides protection from such unintended lug strikes without requiring the use of additional parts (e.g., barriers, insulators, and deflectors). A contact arm (12) is provided that is light in mass, but which is still strong enough to resist bending caused by the contact blow off loop forces which occur during fault conditions. Contact arms (12) which have I-beam construction, as well as hollow cylindrical and hollow polygonal construction are capable of carrying currents found in intermediate range circuit breakers; however, they are lighter in mass than solid contact arms and thereby enable faster contact separation and reduced arcing currents.

Abstract: An electric current responsive actuator has a thermally responsive force generator and an electromagnetically responsive force generator. The force generators are coupled together to produce a resultant force on a movable trip actuator. In the preferred specific embodiment of the invention, a shape-memory alloy element serves as the thermally responsive force generator.

Abstract: An improved low-cost circuit breaker mechanism is provided which dispenses with the complicated and costly conventional use of latch mechanisms for realizing the tripping action. The circuit breaker mechanism essentially comprises an input electrical terminal having an associated contact where current is received, an output electrical terminal where current is delivered out of the breaker, and a conductive deformable section cantilever blade formed of thermostat metal and adapted to establish a conductive current path between the input contact and the output terminal. The cantilever blade is disposed in a normally closed position with a first end affixed to the output terminal and a second free end contacting the input contact, and is adapted to deflect from its normal closed position to an open position for interrupting current flow when the temperature of the cantilever blade increases as a result of the monitored current exceeding a threshold value.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a circuit breaker comprises the steps of preassembling the movable parts of the circuit breaker between a pair of frame members and providing a housing that is configured for supporting the unitary breaker assembly without attachments. Other circuit breaker components, attached to the unitary breaker assembly, are also supported in the housing without attachments. A cover is secured to the housing to complete the circuit breaker. Another version of the invention preassembles the movable parts of the circuit breaker and the stationary contact mechanism and trip coil, with the line and load terminals attached, between a pair of supporting frame members to form an operable circuit breaker module. The module is in turn supported in a housing without attachments. The circuit breaker module may be tested and adjusted prior to final assembly.

Abstract: A racking mechanism for a fused circuit breaker includes a drive assembly that is removable as a unit from the breaker and fuse truck. A modular assembly includes a drive unit having a drive shaft and a travelling nut and yoke for rotating a pair of levering arms for moving the breaker among a plurality of positions in a cubicle. All interlocks are included on the modular drive assembly. An indicator is cam operated by the travelling nut and includes a face having indicia that identifies the direction of rotation of the drive shaft.

Abstract: An equipment protection device for a multi pole circuit breaker includes a trip coil, having a plunger with a tang, in an adapter housing that is attached to the breaker housing for tripping the breaker load contacts by means of the tang. The tang extends through an aperture in the side of the breaker. The trip coil is controlled by a toroid that is in a remote housing, displaced from the breaker housing and which includes a sensing winding on the magnetic core of the toroid. A ground fault carrying conductor is passed through the toroid window and connects the neutral of the breaker panel to an earth ground. A test button on the adapter housing completes a circuit for supplying current to a test winding on the toroid to simulate a ground fault condition. The trip coil has two independent windings that are individually connected to the load contacts of the breaker such that either winding can operate the trip coil.