Abstract: A method for protecting a printed wiring board (PWB) and the electrical components mounted on the PWB from high temperature, fire, plasma and debris resulting from a catastrophic failure of an at-risk electronic component located on the PWB or in close proximity to the PWB. This protection is provided by a layer of inorganic refractory material applied to a surface of the PWB adjacent the at-risk electrical component. The refractory material is preferably applied to the PWB surface as a pourable liquid. The refractor material must have sufficient viscosity such as to easily flow in and around electronic components located on the PWB and be self-leveling before curing, so as to produce a uniform thickness. The refractory material should also have a small shrinkage factor when cured such that no gaps are created between the PWB and the enclosure and around the electrical terminals of the at-risk components.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved arc fault detection circuit comprising a light detector for generating a light detector signal, a differentiator circuit for receiving a light detector signal and creating a differentiated light detector signal, and a comparator circuit for comparing the differentiated light detector signal and a reference signal and generating a comparator output signal for indicating when the differentiated light detector signal exceeds the reference signal.

Abstract: A bridge is disclosed for providing a connection between a MODBUS Plus network and an Ethernet network. The bridge includes a MODBUS circuit board, an Ethernet circuit board, and a CPU. The MODBUS circuit board is operably coupled to the local area network for receiving a message from an originating node having a five-byte routing path field. The CPU is operably connected to the circuit board for extracting a table location in response to a third byte within the routing path field. The Ethernet circuit board is operably connected to the CPU and the Ethernet network for forwarding the message to an IP destination in response to the table location.

Abstract: An adjustable height spacer for providing rigid support and insulation between the bus bars of an electrical panel. The spacer is adjustable in height to provide various distances between the bus bars. The spacer includes a pair of body members that are axially aligned. A repeating series of teeth of various heights is defined around the margin of each body member at one end. The teeth are configured such that when the toothed ends of two body members having identical tooth patterns are mated, the teeth operatively engage each other to provide a secure coupling when the body member is placed under a compressive force. The height of the body member is varied by rotating one body member with respect to the cooperating body member such that a selected set of teeth within the series is engaged.

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: The present invention provides a current limiting circuit breaker having a current responsive device for opening a pair of contacts or switch upon short circuit conditions. The current responsive device utilizes an insulating object driven by a magnetic force caused by a short circuit current. Upon opening of the contacts with the use of the insulating object, let-through current flows through a secondary contact, positioned on the insulating object, to a positive temperature coefficient resistivity element which limits the current and arcing in the contacts. The PTC elements could be pure metallic materials such as pure tungsten, pure iron, etc. Conductive polymer and ceramic PTC materials could also be used for some specific applications. The present invention also provides a method of electrically connecting a drive plate and a line terminal on the current limiting circuit breaker.

Abstract: A system for producing a simulated ground fault when arcing is present in an electrical circuit includes a sensor which monitors the electrical circuit. An arcing fault detection circuit determines whether an arcing fault is present in response to the sensor and produces a trip signal in response to a determination that an arcing fault is present in the electrical circuit. A ground fault simulator circuit produces a simulated ground fault in response to the trip signal.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cooling system for a transformer. Cooling panels of a radiator are fluidly connected to the transformer. Plates are positioned adjacent to or toward the ends of the cooling panels to form an enclosed flow path thereby increasing the velocity of air therein.

Abstract: A method and system for performing a task in an intrinsically safe environment using an intrinsically safe, integrated module located on the safe side to convey signals to and from a field device on the hazardous side. The integrated module is configurable in order to suit the electrical characteristics and requirements of the field device. Preferably, the integrated module is software configurable, in that the module can be configured by a command signal without using switches. Furthermore, the integrated module is configurable in order to control the field device in performing the task. The integrated module includes an input/output module which is electrically connected to the field device through a Zener barrier or a galvanic isolation barrier, and a power supply to power the field device through a Zener barrier.

Abstract: The present invention provides an armature assembly for adjusting the magnetic calibration of a tripping mechanism in a circuit breaker includes a bracket having a channel defined by a pair of legs and a bight with opposing sides. A first tab and a second tab are fixedly connected to opposing sides of the bight. The first and second tabs are positioned parallel to one another and perpendicular to the opposing sides of the bight. The first and second tabs have a respective first and second hole that are threaded. A first pin rotatably connects to the tripping mechanism within the interior of the circuit breaker. The first pin is affixed across the legs of the channel. An adjustment screw has an elongated body with a top portion on one end and at the opposing end a bottom portion. The adjustment screw has a plurality of screw threads defining an exterior side wall of the elongated body along the bottom portion. The plurality of screw threads configured to releasably engage the threaded fastener component.

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 dry-type power transformer has a lower acoustical noise level by inserting sound absorbing pads at predetermined locations in an air gap formed longitudinally between a low voltage coil and its corresponding leg member of the transformer's iron core. The pads function as baffles to lower the acoustical noise caused by magnetostriction and other forces when the transformer is energized. The pads are arranged in alternate patterns between the top and the bottom of the air gap.

Abstract: The control device comprises two power supply terminals and a local control terminal connected by a local control means to one of the power supply terminals. A control circuit receives on a first input a first full-wave rectified voltage representative of the supply voltage, and on a second input a second half-wave rectified voltage representative of the voltage applied to the local control terminal. To eliminate spurious orders, it compares a quantity G1 representative of at least one non-null sample of the second voltage to a percentage of a quantity G2 representative of associated samples of the first voltage, sampling of the two voltages being almost simultaneous. If G1≧0.8G2, the device considers that a control order has been received and if G1 ≦0.7G2, that no order has been received.

Abstract: An arcing fault protection assembly in an electrical outlet, and a corresponding method determine whether arcing is present in circuits connected to the outlet. The assembly comprises a sensor, a broadband noise circuit, and a controller. The sensor detects a current and develops a corresponding sensor signal. The broadband noise circuit determines the presence of broadband noise in the sensor signal and produces a corresponding output signal. The controller processes the sensor signal and the output signal in a predetermined fashion to determine whether an arcing fault is present. The sensor, broadband noise circuit, and controller are mounted to the outlet receptacle or to an outlet box which houses the receptacle.

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 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: An improved method for creating cooling ducts in cast resin coils uses uniform cross section thermoplastic tooling segments. These segments are wound into windings between predetermined layers or radial sections, oriented parallel to the coil axis. They extend through the height of the coil. After the coil is cast, impregnated, or saturated with resin, and the resin is cured, the segments are withdrawn. The removal of a segment results in a continuous cooling duct. The thermoplastic segments are either solid machined from sheet or extruded with thin outer walls. Extrusion allows for uniform cross section relatively long somewhat flexible segments, which will cause the radius of curvature of the segment to conform to the shape of the coil due to the tension from the conductor and reinforcing material during the winding process. This will have the result of reducing the number of different segment designs required to support production of a variety of different diameter coils.

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.