Abstract: A voltage isolator connector is described for a printed circuit board. The connector includes an end wall; a first side wall extending from the end wall, and a second side wall extending from the end wall. The first and second side walls form an isolator compartment with the end wall, and the end wall and the first and second side walls are configured for attachment to the printed circuit board.

Abstract: An electricity meter which, in one embodiment, includes a digital signal processor configurable for generating energy measurements for a plurality of meter form types and connections is described. In the one embodiment, the meter includes voltage and current sensor for generating signals representative of current and voltage at a load, and the digital signal processor (DSP) is coupled to the voltage and current sensors. The DSP includes a memory, and a plurality of selectable instruction sets corresponding to respective meter form types are stored in the DSP memory. The form types includes meter ANSI form 9 and meter ANSI form 16 type forms, and the instruction sets include processing steps to be executed to determine line voltages and line currents for respective meter form types. The meter also includes a microcomputer coupled to the DSP for receiving data generated by the DSP.

Abstract: A method for locking contacts in an automatic transfer switch is provided. The automatic transfer switch includes a plurality of pole units including a plurality of contact pairs. The method includes mounting an interior locking device in at least one pole unit and locking at least one contact pair individually with the interior locking device housed in that contact pair's pole unit.

Abstract: A base barrier for an electronic meter assembly including a base assembly having a plurality of wire leads extending therefrom and a revenue guard board for monitoring phases of a meter power supply. The base barrier includes a body configured for mounting to the base assembly and further configured for retaining the revenue guard board thereto. In her aspect, the base barrier includes at least one wire management member therein.

Abstract: Circuits and methods for protecting thyristors in a bridge configuration are provided. A circuit comprises a line reactor in series with the input of the bridge and the input of the diametric cell, two leg reactors each in series with a respective leg and an output of the diametric cell. Two snubber circuits in parallel with the two thyristors that comprise the diametric cell may also be used to protect the thyristors.

Abstract: Roll gap control is provided using a first roll position detector that detects a first position of a first roll, a second roll position detector that detects a first position of a second roll and a third roll position detector that detects a first position of the third roll. A processor determines a second position of the first roll based on the first position of the second roll and the first position of the third roll.

Abstract: The present invention, in one embodiment, is a method for defining meter data calculations in an electronic electric meter. The method includes steps of: storing a set of predefined data calculation instructions in a non-volatile memory of the meter; storing a first set of vectors in a memory of the meter, the vectors pointing to data calculations of the set of predefined data calculation instructions; metering a plurality of electrical quantities of a power source; and controlling calculations performed on the metered electrical quantities in accordance with the data calculation instructions pointed to by the first stored set of vectors.

Abstract: An electricity meter which, in one embodiment, includes a temperature sensing unit for determining a signal representative of the temperature within the meter is described. In the one embodiment, the meter includes a current sensor, a voltage sensor and a processing unit. The current sensor generates an signal representative of a line current and the voltage sensor generates a signal representative of a line voltage. The current and voltage sensor and temperature sensing unit outputs are coupled to the processing unit. The processing unit includes an analog to digital (A/D) converter, a digital signal processor (DSP) and a microcomputer. The digital outputs of the A/D converter are connected to the DSP. The outputs of the DSP are connected to the microcomputer. Temperature characteristics of the meter are stored within the DSP.

Abstract: A method for restricting removal of a electrical lamp in a mounting bracket is provided. The mounting bracket including a first opening, a second opening and a mounting face. The method includes providing an electrical lamp including a lamp length and a plurality of lamp diameters and inserting the electrical lamp at least partly though the mounting bracket. The method further includes positioning the mounting bracket first opening adjacent a first surface such that the first surface is in close proximity to the first opening and securing the mounting face to a structure.

Abstract: An extractor rotatably couples to a connector and includes an extractor body, a first member, a second member, a biasing mechanism, and a cam arm. The first member and the second member both extend perpendicularly away from the extractor body to engage the connector. The cam arm attaches to the extractor body and extends perpendicularly away from the extractor body. A biasing mechanism is attached to the extractor which biases the cam arm. As the cam arm is rotated, the first and second members contact the connector and separate the connector assembly from the electrical device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling flux in an induction motor. During initial start of an induction motor drive the motor flux has to be charged up. The method provides time optimal flux forcing under limited inverter ampere capability. Command stator flux and current are generated and coordinated through a motor flux model. Charging of the motor flux and flux current are accelerated up to nominal operating values in coordinated manner.

Abstract: A terminal including a connector plate having raised surfaces which provide the terminal with the required thickness is described. The terminal also includes a slot extending from the connector plate leading edge to facilitate pushing a locking type or quick connect type connector thereover.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for non-contact testing of a rotating shaft includes first and second proximity sensors coupled to an automated shaft testing system. Output signals from the proximity sensors are compared to empirically determined threshold values to determine the presence or absence of a shaft coupling characteristic, the speed of the rotating shaft, and the direction of rotation of the shaft when the shaft is oriented proximally to the sensors.

Abstract: A system and method for improving transient speed response of electric motors includes a comparator that determines a difference between a current reference and an adjusted current reference generated by the electric motor drive system, and an integrator the receives and integrates the difference between the current reference and the adjusted current reference over time to yield total accumulated lost current-seconds, and outputs at least a portion of the integrated difference between the current reference and the adjusted current reference as current-seconds to be added to the current reference. The present invention keeps track of the total accumulated loss-seconds due to current rate limitations, and restores the total accumulated lost current-seconds to the system when current becomes available.

Abstract: A disk analog display for a solid state electricity meter includes a series of segments that illuminate sequentially to indicate the direction of current flowing through the meter and the rate at which energy is being consumed by the load. The sequential illumination provides notice to a technician that the meter is completing the measurement of one energy consumption unit so that the measurement by the meter of one energy consumption unit can be accurately timed. In one embodiment, there are three segments that illuminate sequentially to indicate that the meter is completing measurement of one energy consumption unit. The segments then simultaneously blank to indicate that the meter has completed the measurement of one energy consumption unit.

Abstract: A system for measuring electromagnetic emissions from electronic devices includes an semi-anechoic chamber, a computer, an EMI receiver, and a multi-device controller. The chamber houses devices being tested and test equipment for automated emissions scanning. The computer receives emissions data from test equipment housed within and outside the chamber and operates a multi-device controller which controls the test equipment. The method includes wide-band measurements of emissions, narrow-band measurements of emissions chosen from the wide-band measurement, determining a maximum quasi-peak value for optimal cable and wiring position, and communicating results to a word-processing program to report measured values against testing limits.

Abstract: An input/output (I/O) port designed for electrical interconnection with multiple similar ports includes an input read circuit, an output drive circuit, and a circuit to control the port for input or output mode by electrically disconnecting the output drive circuit from the port. Also included is a back drive current protection circuit placed in series in between an external I/O line and the input read and output drive circuits which blocks backdrive currents from other active processors when the processor that includes the protection circuit is in a powered down state while still allowing full input/output functionality in a powered up state.

Abstract: The invention provides a load measurement in a crane hoist system. A parameter adaptation process uses a model of the system in order to measure the lifted load. A controller monitors hoist speed and hoist torque feedbacks that are input into the model and processed using a filter, as well as a previously determined load value. The model adapts automatically to determine the weight of the lifted load.

Abstract: A temperature responsive switch includes a housing, an actuator arm for movement in response to temperature conditions, a movable contact, and an adjustable contact connected to a defrost terminal for completing a defrost circuit on demand without requiring a separate switch. The movable contact engages and disengages the defrost contact to cycle a defroster on and off in response to temperature changes in an evaporator tube, and also engages a stationary contact to complete a compressor circuit and cycle a compressor on and off in response to changes in an evaporator tube.

Abstract: A temperature responsive switch includes a housing, an actuator arm for movement in response to temperature conditions, a movable contact, and an adjustable contact connected to a auxiliary terminal for completing an auxiliary circuit. The movable contact engages and disengages the auxiliary contact to cycle a first element on and off in response to exceedingly large temperature swings a specified location, and also engages a stationary contact to complete a main circuit and cycle a different electrical element on and off in response to relatively modest changes in temperature changes at the same specified location.