Abstract: An induction motor controller that may include three phase paths leading from a power input to a power output, a solid-state switching device interposed between the power input and the power output on each of the three phase paths, a voltage sensor coupled to two of the phase paths between the solid-state switching device and the power output, a current sensor on one of the phase paths, a processor communicatively coupled to the voltage sensor, the current sensor, and the solid state switching device; and a memory coupled to the processor. The processor may be configured to calculate a motor parameter based on a signal from the voltage sensor and a signal from the current sensor and store the calculated motor parameter in memory.

Abstract: A technique is provided or integrating system design, sales, and manufacturing functions. Systems including networked and programmable electrical components, such as motor control centers, and other electrical power control arrangements are designed, and a database is created for the design, including component and system designation data. The database may further include configuration information, settings, and so forth. The database is used as a tool in establishing a sales solicitation proposal from which sales of the system are offered. The same database is then used to program the various components of the system, such as through a temporary network link or via a permanent data network once the system is assembled.

Abstract: A bus system is disclosed for use with switching devices, such as power electronic devices. The system includes generally parallel bus elements that define electrical reference planes, such as for a dc bus. The bus elements are separated from one another by insulative layers, with additional insulative layers being available for separating the system from other circuit components. Portions of the bus elements are extended or exposed to permit connection to the circuit elements, including packaged switching circuits and energy storage or filtering circuits. The bus system may be conformed to a variety of geometric configurations, and substantially reduces parasitic inductance and total loop inductance in the resulting circuitry.

Abstract: In accordance with certain exemplary embodiments, the present technique provides methods and apparatus for providing operating power to a complementary device to an induction device based uninterruptible power source (UPS) via a direct current (dc) bus. In one embodiment, the UPS includes a flywheel that stores kinetic energy during conventional operating conditions, e.g., external power is available. During such operating condition, the external power operates the induction device as an induction motor. However, when external power is lost, i.e., a transient operating condition, power conversion circuitry of the UPS provides ac power to the induction device such that the induction device operates above its synchronous speed and, as such, acts as an induction generator.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system includes a mechanical actuator having a first member configured to engage a contact block to move a contact slide for a first distance between open and closed positions of an electrical contact pair. The mechanical actuator also has a second member configured to engage an auxiliary device to move an actuator for a second distance between first and second positions, wherein the first and second distances are substantially different from one another.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present techniques, a method and system are disclosed for storing write data in electronic memory. The system and method may comprise traversing a contiguous data chain beginning at a target position. The contiguous data chain may be adapted for population with data disposed in data structures comprising a plurality of headers and data elements. Length and lengthnot member values in a header may be checked to determine whether they are in an erased condition. The data structures may be selected if the length and lengthnot members are each in the erased condition. A value may be written to the length member based on an amount of memory required to store the write data in the data element such that the length value corresponds to an allotment of memory for the write data. The write data may be written to the data element within the allotment of memory. Further, upon completion, a value adapted for confirming completion may be written to a signature member in the header.

Abstract: The cold junction temperature of the channels on a multi-channel terminal block are accurately determined for each terminal pair without affixing a thermistor to each terminal. One embodiment provides accurate cold junction measurement of a six channel device (12 terminals) by mounting or directly affixing only three sensors (e.g., thermistors). The present technique decreases cost by reducing the number of sensors to less than the number of channels or terminals, while providing for accurate cold junction measurement at each channel.

Abstract: A technique is provided for applying secondary or backup power to a networked device in the event of a loss or malfunction of network power. In a control and monitoring network. Various devices may receive both power and data signals from a network cable. In the event of loss of network power, or the reduction in network power, the devices can automatically and without interruptions seek power from the secondary power source.

Abstract: In accordance with certain exemplary embodiments, the present technique provides methods and apparatus for providing transient and uninterrupted power to protected loads. As one example, the present invention provides an induction device that operates as an induction motor to energize a kinetic energy storage device, such as a flywheel, during conventional operating conditions. However, in the event of a loss of primary power, the induction device, which is fed ac power at variable frequencies, begins to operate as an induction generator. For example, by varying the frequency of the input ac power such that the synchronous speed of the motor is exceeded by the rotating flywheel, the induction device acts as an induction generator and provides a transient operating power to the downstream loads until an auxiliary power source, such as a diesel generator, is brought on line.

Abstract: A support may receive one or more power electronic circuits. The support may aid in removing heat from the circuits through fluid circulating through the support. The support, in conjunction with other packaging features may form a shield from both external EMI/RFI and from interference generated by operation of the power electronic circuits. Features may be provided to permit and enhance connection of the circuitry to external circuitry, such as improved terminal configurations. Modular units may be assembled that may be coupled to electronic circuitry via plug-in arrangements or through interface with a backplane or similar mounting and interconnecting structures.

Abstract: A system and method for splicing reeled media using operational feedback. According to certain embodiments, the method of operating a media production system involves sensing speed parameters of first and second reeled media, tracking an unwinding parameter of the first reeled media, and positionally tracking a leading end position of the second reeled media. The method also involves controlling splicing between the first and second reeled media based at least partially on the speed parameters, the unwinding parameter, and the leading end position.

Abstract: A technique for separating the stator leads of an electric motor during the manufacturing process. The technique comprises a system having a lead gathering assembly, a lead separator, and a drive mechanism. The lead gathering assembly is adapted to gather together a plurality of stator windings extending from a stator. The lead separator having a plurality of teeth adapted to separate a stator winding from the plurality of stator windings gathered together by the lead gathering assembly. The drive mechanism is adapted to drive the lead separator into the plurality of stator windings. The lead separator has teeth to separate each of the stator windings gathered together by the lead gathering assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for determining the power line parameters of a system. Specifically, there is provided a method comprising perturbing a voltage waveform through a first connection, measuring a characteristic of the perturbation through a second connection, and calculating a line impedance based on the characteristic of the perturbation.

Abstract: A technique for generating a physical representation of networked components makes use of data stored within the individual components, which may be polled by a monitoring station. The data includes identification of the respective component, and data representative of a physical disposition of the component in the system. Based upon the data, the monitoring station builds a physical representation of the system, including approximately accurate physical representations of the individual components with identifying labels, facilitating monitoring and servicing of the components.

Abstract: A network is configured to apply power and data signals to networked devices for operation of the devices. A backup power supply module is coupled to the source of network power and to a secondary power source. The secondary power source may have an adjustable voltage level or a level fixed with relation to the network power voltage level. In the event of a loss or insufficiency of network power, power from the secondary source is automatically applied to the connected device or devices. The device may be programmed for certain failure modes and the secondary power source provides the power needed for operation in the event of loss of network power.

Abstract: A thermal support may receive one or more power electronic circuits. The support may aid in removing heat from the circuits through fluid circulating through the support, which may be controlled in a closed-loop manner. Interfacing between circuits, circuit mounting structure, and the support provide for greatly enhanced cooling. The support may form a shield from both external EMI/RFI and from interference generated by operation of the power electronic circuits. Features may be provided to permit and enhance connection of the circuitry to external circuitry, such as improved terminal configurations. Modular units may be assembled that may be coupled to electronic circuitry via plug-in arrangements or through interface with a backplane or similar mounting and interconnecting structures.

Abstract: A terminal structure for power electronics circuits reduces the need for a DC bus and thereby the incidence of parasitic inductance. The structure is secured to a support that may receive one or more power electronic circuits. The support may aid in removing heat from the circuits through fluid circulating through the support. The support may form a shield from both external EMI/RFI and from interference generated by operation of the power electronic circuits. Features may be provided to permit and enhance connection of the circuitry to external circuitry, such as by direct contact between the terminal assembly and AC and DC circuit components. Modular units may be assembled that may be coupled to electronic circuitry via plug-in arrangements or through interface with a backplane or similar mounting and interconnecting structures.

Abstract: A system and method for establishing estimated values of electrical parameters of a motor. The electrical parameters may be established from motor databases, measured input electrical data, measured output data, and various estimations to account for unknown motor parameters. Compensations also may be provided for stator resistance, cable resistance, and other motor parameters. Based on the foregoing data, the system and method also may be used to estimate motor operating parameters, such as torque, efficiency, output power, output speed, and other performance criteria of the motor. The system and method also may establish energy and monetary comparison data between the motor and at least one alternative motor.

Abstract: A technique for controlling a switching circuit includes one or more sensing circuits that generate signals based upon the presence of an actuating object and upon a randomly applied strobe signal. The generated signals are sampled and are used as a for determining the state of an output signal. The sensing circuit may generate the signals based upon capacitive coupling with the actuating object. The randomization of the sampling enhances immunity to periodic noise. Where more than one sensing circuit is included, the output of the circuits may be considered together for determining the state of the output signal, such as based upon predetermined ranges of signal levels. Signals of the sensing circuit may be sampled in the absence of the strobe to provide an indication of the relative noise level. If the noise level is determined to be elevated, the output signal may not change states.

Abstract: An electric vehicle drive includes a thermal support may receive one or more power electronic circuits. The support may aid in removing heat from the circuits through fluid circulating through the support. Power electronic circuits are thermally matched, such as between component layers and between the circuits and the support. The support may form a shield from both external EMI/RFI and from interference generated by operation of the power electronic circuits. Features may be provided to permit and enhance connection of the circuitry to external circuitry, such as improved terminal configurations. Modular units may be assembled that may be coupled to electronic circuitry via plug-in arrangements or through interface with a backplane or similar mounting and interconnecting structures.