Abstract: A microfuse (10) with a ceramic chip (12), thick film pads (14), fusible wire (16), attached to pads (14) without solder or flux, in an insulating enclosure or fuse tube (40). Ferrules (42) are attached to metallized areas (14) with solder (44). Performance and manufacturing of fuse (10) is improved by utilizing a wire bonding technique to improve the quality of the manufacturing process and increase the reliability of the fuse, and to reduce manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A space saving multipole fuse block 20 wherein side poles 32 are tilted outward approximately 30.degree. from center pole 30. In control panels for electrical equipment it is necessary to save space by minimizing the base area of components. Tilting side poles 32 to put the bottom of fuse clips 24 on side poles 32 under the fuse clip 24 of center pole 30 and also using fuse clips 24 with a U-shaped base results in further space saving.

Abstract: A rail mounting apparatus 10 comprising a spring clamp holder (20) and spring clamp (30). Rail mounting assembly (10) is attached to the bottom of a fuse block (52) and is used to clamp the fuse block (52) to a rail (50) such as a DIN rail in an electrical panel. Arms (36) on spring clamp (30) rests against tang (26) of spring clamp holder (20) so that arms (36) flex against tang (26) and rail clamps (32) and (28) grip the rail (50) mounted in the electric fuse panel.

Abstract: Track lighting apparatus is disclosed which includes a track section, plug box and plug connector designed to incorporate two lighting circuits independently controllable within the same track section. The track section includes a neutral bus and a grounding bus on one lateral side and two independent voltage busses on its other lateral side. The head of the plug box inserted in a bottom slot running the longitudinal length of the track section, may be rotated into position in only one direction, thereby preventing inadvertent connection of neutral and grounding contacts to voltage busses and vice versa. The plug box head has a voltage contact which may be mechanically moved between two positions for alternative connection to either of the voltage busses of the track when the plug head is connected to the track.

Abstract: A snap action switch is provided with an operating member in the form of an operating lever and a one piece actuating lever with a compression spring interposed therebetween.

Abstract: A distribution line switchgear control which is particularly suitable for use with recloser switchgear which requires small amounts of power from the control for operation. The control is most usefully powered for continued operation by small amounts of line current provided through a power source current transformer and includes multiple capacitors which are arranged in a cascaded control power supply having a plurality of isolated stages. The line current is precisely monitored through sensing current transformers by the control which causes the recloser to trip, reclose and lockout, as is appropriate to protect the distribution line and distribution electricity. Inhibit circuits prevent the control from issuing a trip signal, unless sufficient energy exists in a trip portion of the cascaded power supply. A variety of volatile timers and counters enable the control to cause the recloser to trip, reclose and lockout.

Abstract: A braking device controls retraction of the tape blade of a retractable blade tape measure. The tape measure includes a tape measure case and a coiled tape blade inside the case. A motor mechanism retracts the tape blade into the case. A braking device contacts the coiled tape blade inside the case before the end of the tape blade strikes the case. The braking device reduces or stops retraction of the tape blade before the end of the tape blade strikes the case.

Abstract: A switch apparatus comprising a switch mechanism including a first contact, and a second contact movable into and out of engagement with the first contact for respectively closing and opening the switch mechanism, an operating rod assembly connected to the second contact for moving the second contact into and out of engagement with the first contact in response to movement of the operating rod assembly, the operating rod assembly including an operating rod having an outer surface, a first end adapted to be connected to a prime mover, and an opposite second end, and a conductive member connected to the second end of the operating rod and to the second contact, the conductive member having a construction for reducing the magnitude of electrical stress adjacent the outer surface and for positioning electrical stress away from the outer surface, and a pressure vessel for enclosing the switch mechanism and the operating rod assembly and surrounding the switch mechanism and the assembly with dielectric gas.

Abstract: A locking device for a circuit breaker or electrical switch handle includes a support member having an opening conforming to the shape of the switch handle housing or escutcheon and a pair of spaced apart upstanding flanges projecting from the opening. A lock pin extends through openings in the respective flanges and through an aperture in the switch handle to prevent movement of the handle relative to the support member. An arm connected to one end of the pin may be secured to one of the flanges by the shackle of a padlock or the like to prevent removal of the pin from the support member and from the switch handle.

Abstract: A line current to time interpolator circuit senses the magnitude of current in a power distribution line and develops and AC voltage indicative of the current magnitude. The AC voltage is phase shifted multiple times to produce a number of phase shifted replica AC voltages, and the replica voltages are applied to a multiple input absolute value amplifier to develop a DC voltage indicative of the current magnitude. The DC voltage is applied to a ladder voltage comparator which controls the overall resistance of a discharge path coupled to a charged capacitor. The ladder comparator varies the discharge path resistance in inverse relationship to the DC voltage level to vary the discharge time constant of the capacitor. By controlling operation of a circuit interrupter in accordance with the charge level of the capacitor, the interpolator circuit provides a desired inverse time-current response characteristic.

Abstract: A fractional amp fuse (10) with a thin film fusible element (16) connecting thick film pads (14) supported by a polished insulating substrate (12). The fuse subassembly has leads (24) attached by resistance welding and is encapsulated in a ceramic insulating material (18). The entire fuse is enclosed in a plastic-like material (20).

Abstract: An internal combustion engine (10) incorporating a rotary intake-exhaust valve (30). Intake exhaust valve (30) rotates between intake passage (36) and exhaust passage (34) such that intake-exhaust port (28) is aligned with intake passage (34) during the intake cycle and aligned with exhaust passage (34) during the exhaust cycle. Use of a rotary valve eliminates vibration normally found when reciprocating intake valve and exhaust valve are used and also provides weight saving due to simplified manufacturing processes, fewer parts and a higher strength engine wall due to elimination of one opening port into the engine. Valve (30) is operated by electro-mechanical means (40) so that the point in the power cycle at which air is admitted and exhausted may be varied. Means (40) may also be used to vary the length of time the exhaust port or intake port is open.

Abstract: In a high voltage circuit interrupter (30) or recloser, an auxiliary undervoltage lockout mechanism (300) provides a backup lockout means to deenergize circuit contactor closing solenoid (78). Auxiliary undervoltage lockout device (300) provides a backup means to lock out recloser (30) after a period of time longer than the normal functioning time of the recloser to prevent damage to closing solenoid (78) in the event of low voltage or other unexpected conditions on the power line.

Abstract: A rejection fuseholder (10) for Class CC fuses (30) having a leaf spring (22) to hold fuse (30) in contact with rejection contact assembly (14). Spacer (16) prevents fuses other than Class CC fuses from making electrical contact with rejection contact assembly (14). Assembly contact (14) is concave in shape and of a diameter greater than rejection nipple on fuse (30) so that electrical contact is made all around the circumference of rejection nipple of fuse (30) and centers fuse (30) in the contact.

Abstract: A method of bonding capacitor bushings (48) to tinned metal tank top covers (44) and tin plated terminal caps (42). A thick film ink is applied in two coats, the first coat (60) being high in binder and low in silver content and the second coat (62) being high in silver and low in binder, and fired. After burnishing, the bushing is soldered to the metal parts in a conventional manner.

Abstract: Apparatus for opening and closing a switch, which apparatus comprises a lever mounted on a frame for pivotal movement between a first position and a second position, a first spring biasing the lever from the second position to the first position, a cam and follower for effecting pivotal movement of the lever from the first position to the second position against the influence of the first spring, a step on the cam for permitting movement of the lever from the second position to the first position under the influence of the first spring after the lever has moved from the first position to the second position, a member adapted to be connected to the switch and movable between a switch opening position and a switch closing position, which member is movable to the switch closing position in response to movement of the lever from the second position to the first position, a second spring displaceable between extended and contracted conditions, which second spring is extended to the extended condition in response t

Abstract: An interrupter (10) having an outer housing (62) adapted to contain an arc-extinguishing fluid, a fixed tubular electrical current carrying member (40) disposed at one end; a movable tubular current carrying member (30) disposed in an end-to-end relationship with the fixed electrical current member (40); a prime mover for stroking the movable current carrying member (30) between an open position and a closed position; a piston means (16), carried by the movable electrical current carrying member, for supplying pressurized fluid between two current carrying members when the interrupter is opened; an insulated plenum means (22), carried by the piston means (16) and disposed around the contacting ends of the two current carrying members, for confining the flow of pressurized arc-extinguishing fluid into the gap formed between the two current carrying members when the interrupter is opened so as to direct ionized fluid and arc by-products away from the interior surfaces of the outer enclosure and to shield the op

Abstract: A subminiature fuse is disclosed comprising two terminals, a substrate, a fusible conductor, and a unitary housing. The unitary housing is sealed and provides increased mechanical strength, thus reducing the risk of a catastrophic failure of the fuse. The upper portion of the fuse terminals are shaped into finger like projections adaptable to mechanically fastening the fusible conductor and the substrate thereto thus facilitating the manufacturing process. In one embodiment the fusible conductor and adjacent portions of the terminals and substrate are coated with a ceramic coating or adhesive. The housing is sealed by utrasonic welding or preferably in an insert molded plastic enclosure which is substantially devoid of air.