Abstract: An electrical apparatus (100) line actuator (102), such as a voltage regulator or circuit breaker, has resident therein a personality module, electronically reconfigurable memory device (126) which stores actuator operational information, such as specifications (132), historical and maintenance information. An apparatus controller (106) communicates with the personality module (126) and can change the operational information stored therein. If either or both of the controller (106) and actuator (102) is replaced at a site, the controller (106) of the replacement apparatus configuration (100) can read the operational information stored in the personality module (126) and adapt its operational interaction with the actuator (102) in conformance with the information.

Abstract: A voltage regulator controller having integral expansion ports. The expansion ports are provided by way of an I/O expansion chassis which is electrically coupled to the controller's microprocessor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for identifying in real time an operating condition of an in-service electrical device which draws a power load by monitoring spectral content of the power signature and associating spectral components with device operating conditions. In the preferred embodiment, motor (12) power line current signature is sampled by data conditioning sampler (18). Preprocessor (30) spectrally separates the current signature into plural frequency domain components having respective frequency and magnitude values. Spectral characteristic component selector filter (40) selects for analysis at least one specific spectral component by referencing a base of stored knowledge of operational characteristics of the motor. A neural network (50) associates without supervision the selected detected spectral component with an operating condition of the motor (12). The base of stored knowledge is updated with new operating condition associations which have been made during real-time monitoring.

Abstract: An electrical apparatus (100) line actuator (102), such as a voltage regulator or circuit breaker, has resident therein a personality module, electronically reconfigurable memory device (126) which stores actuator operational information, such as specifications (132), historical and maintenance information. An apparatus controller (106) communicates with the personality module (126) and can change the operational information stored therein. If either or both of the controller (106) and actuator (102) is replaced at a site, the controller (106) of the replacement apparatus configuration (100) can read the operational information stored in the personality module (126) and adapt its operational interaction with the actuator (102) in conformance with the information.

Abstract: A firearm accessory holder which facilitates concealed carry on a belt of a wearer, includes a backing portion, having upper, left and right lateral sides, and a rear face for placement against the wearer; belt slots for threading of a belt therethrough, attached to the backing portion; and a first pouch portion, attached to the backing portion and canted toward the wearer, for retention of a flashlight of the type having a biased actuation switch on one end thereof, the first pouch portion having a limiting portion constructed for defining clearance between the actuation switch and the first pouch portion. The accessory holder may include a second pouch portion for retention of a firearm ammunition magazine.

Abstract: A voltage regulator controller including three types of data logs which are operator selectable and configurable. An operator can enable data logging to occur at specific times and intervals. The voltage regulator controller includes a real time clock/calendar and interval timer to support this function. In a preferred embodiment, the controller includes an event log, a snapshot interval log and a minimum/maximum metered parameter log. Advantageously, the event log can be programmed to monitor configuration changes made from the voltage regulator controller's front panel or from a remote device. The voltage regulator controller also includes a memory card interface which enables the log contents to be uploaded to a removable PCMCIA standard memory card.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plug-in ground fault monitor module for a circuit breaker trip unit configured to operate with a plurality of different plug-in plug-in modules. The ground fault monitor module includes a memory which stores data representative of the its particular function. This memory is readable by the trip unit and enables the trip unit to automatically adapt to communicate monitored ground fault data to the ground fault module. The ground fault module also includes means for setting threshold levels for a ground fault alarm signal. The ground fault alarm signal is generated independently of ground fault alarms in the trip unit based on its internal thresholds. This signal can be used to control an external relay which operates a shunt trip mechanism or an external alarm. The trip unit includes a processor and programming which permits a bi-directional flow of data between the units, such as display data and control data.

Abstract: An electrical switch (10) or fused switch for electrical distribution systems has a housing (12, 14); first and second spaced apart straps (16, 18), coupled to the housing; and a pair of opposed blades (22, 24) pivotally coupled to the first strap and straddling both straps. The blades (22, 24) are capable of relative pivotal movement from an open position spaced from the second strap to a closed position in contact therewith. A blade extension (30) is coupled to the blades between the straps. The switch has first and second biasing elements (26, 28), which may be leaf springs, each coupled to a respective blade, each of which biases the respective blade toward the first and second straps at a first bias force level when the respective blade is in the closed position and at a second, lower bias force level when the respective blade is in the open position. A fastener (32) slidably passes through each of the blades, the blade extension and the biasing elements.

Abstract: A stationary contact strap for a circuit breaker, with an electrically conductive body portion having a plurality of discrete apertures arrayed in a pattern which define at least two input portions for splitting transient current input into the contact strap into generally parallel pathways which are also in the same general direction as transient current flow in the circuit breaker movable contact arm; and an output portion electrically coupled to the input portions and the fixed stationary main contact, wherein the output portion is oriented so that transient current flow therethrough is in a direction generally opposite to transient current flow in the movable arm.

Abstract: The present invention provides a circuit breaker trip unit configured to operate with a plurality of different plug-in display units. The display unit includes a memory which stores data representative of the particular display unit, and which allows the trip unit to automatically adapt to communicate with the display modules. The trip unit includes a processor and programming which permits a bi-directional flow of data between the units, such as display data and control data.

Abstract: A housing is provided for a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker has contacts capable of being in an open state or a closed state, of movement between the open and closed states, and of generating a hot gas in consequence of that movement. An electronics module is provided for controlling movement of the contacts from the closed state to the open state. The housing has a first portion housing the contacts and a second portion housing the electronics module. The second portion is formed of a material subject to damage by the hot gas, and the first portion is constructed to protect the second portion from damage by the hot gas. The first portion is ideally formed of a thermosetting material resistant to damage by the hot gas and the second portion is ideally formed of a thermoplastic material, which reduces the cost of manufacturing the housing. A quick-mounting construction for assembling the second portion with the first portion further reduces the cost of assembly.

Abstract: A remote tripping mechanism for use with a spring loaded safety switch. In a preferred embodiment, the mechanism is made up of two cams with a compression type trip spring anchored between them. The two cams are held in the "normal position" (the spring compressed) by a latch. In this position, the switch operates in the same manner as a conventional safety switch. A trip lever connected to a solenoid is positioned such that it is unobtrusive when the switch is turned ON and OFF. When the switch is in the ON position and power is applied to the solenoid, the trip lever unlatches the latch and the two cams separate. The first cam engages and lifts the bail, turning the switch OFF. The cams are reset by turning the handle to the OFF position. This compresses the trip spring and resets the latch.

Abstract: An electrodynamic machine, such as an electric induction motor (10), has a frame (12); at least one bearing housing (16) attached to the frame, including a bearing (18); and a shaft (14) rotatively mounted to the bearing within the frame. A second housing, such as a fan housing (20), defines at least one generally tapered, mating shoulder surface (24). The second housing is attached to the bearing housing along a fixed reference plane with respect to the shaft centerline. The device has at least one fastener (26, 28) defining a generally tapered shoulder surface (40), which abuts the corresponding second housing shoulder surface (24) as the fastener is tightened. At least one of the abutting second housing (24) and fastener (40) shoulder surfaces defines a convex tapered portion and the other of the respective abutting shoulders (24, 40) defines a concave tapered portion, so that tightening the fastener registers the second housing portion along the reference plane.

Abstract: Assemblies for providing the contacts of a circuit breaker with a pivoting motion. Each assembly is adapted to electrically couple the contact to the base of the assembly which is connectable to a terminal of the circuit breaker. Each assembly includes an arm for supporting an electrical contact, a pivot pin for pivotally mounting the arm, a base for supporting the pivot pin, and means for urging the pivot pin into contact with contact surfaces of the base. The arm is pivotable about the longitudinal axis of the pivot pin, and the arm and pivot pin are arranged such that at least two contact locations occur between the arm and the pivot pin.

Abstract: In a panelboard (30) of the type having a main circuit breaker (34) or other circuit protection device and at least one busbar (46, 48, 50) for transmitting electrical power to branch circuit breakers (36) connected thereto, a connector installation kit (78) for connecting a load terminal of a main circuit breaker (34) to a busbar (46, 48, 50) including a self-supporting, insulator housing (160) having at least one recess (166, 168, 170) defined therein; and at least one phase connector (172, 174, 176) having a first portion connected to a load terminal of a main circuit breaker (34) and a second portion connected to the busbar (46, 48, 50).

Abstract: A panelboard (30) for distribution of electrical power from a feed line to branch power lines having at least one neutral/bus support assembly (44), with at least one insulating member (100) having a locating pin (52, 54, 56) projecting therefrom. The assembly (44) has a conductive neutral tie strap (70) attached to the insulating member (100) for conduction of neutral phase current. The strap (70) provides attachment points (124) for a neutral lug (39), and for structural support of the neutral/bus support assembly (44) in conjunction with the insulating member (100). At least one neutral rail (68) is connected to the neutral tie strap (70). The panelboard (30) has at least one busbar (46, 48, 50) disposed over the neutral/bus support assembly (44), defining a hole (151) therein for capture therein of a locating pin (52, 54, 56). The busbars (46, 48, 50) are adapted for transferring electrical power from a feed line to a line end of a branch circuit breaker (36) which is connectable to the busbar.

Abstract: A steerable and rackable electrical apparatus system including a wheeled rackable electrical apparatus (10). The system allows steerable movement of an unracked apparatus (10) that has been removed from a switchgear cabinet. The system includes a device (20) with a lifting bracket (22) selectively attachable and detachable from the electrical apparatus (10); and a steerable, wheeled, self-supporting lifting device (30) for lifting a portion of the electrical apparatus (10) to a lifted position and for supporting weight of the lifted apparatus (10) without operator lifting effort. The lifting device (30) may be screw jack with a castered wheel (38) that is coupled to the lifting bracket (22).

Abstract: A distribution switchboard cubicle has upper and lower ring channels; left and right corner posts attached to the ring channels for forming a support skeleton for a front face of the cubicle; and left and right intermediate posts attached to the ring channels for forming in conjunction with a corresponding corner post and the ring channels a support skeleton for left and right sides of the cubicle. First and second vertically aligned, selectively reconfigurable cubicle sections are defined within the cubicle. The first cubicle section includes at least one generally horizontally oriented mounting member for connecting each pair of corner and intermediate posts on the left and right sides of the cubicle. Left and right breaker mounting angles are connected to each respective horizontally oriented mounting member for mounting a first electrical apparatus thereto.

Abstract: A racking mechanism (30) for switchgear cubicle (20) draw-out units (24) including a base (39); and a drive screw assembly (44) attached to the base (39) including a screw block (36) translated by rotation of the screw. The screw block (36) is adapted for selective coupling to a draw-out unit (24). Drive surfaces (72) are constructed on the drive screw assembly (44). A biased racking shield (52) which surrounds at least a portion of the drive surfaces (72) in a first position is translatable to a second position by exerting counter-biasing force against the racking shield, in order to expose a portion of the drive surfaces (72). A crank assembly (76) having a socket portion (80) is engageable with the drive surfaces (72) when the racking shield (52) is translated to its second position, in order to rotate the drive screw (44).

Abstract: A lay-in lug (10) with a lug body (12) having a pair of generally parallel, opposed breaker stabs (14, 16) that are engageable in line contacts (44, 46) of a main circuit breaker (48) and securement flanges (20, 22) for attachment of the lug body to an electrical power distribution device. The lug (10) also has a lug cap (30) attachable to the lug body (12) for capture of an electrical cable (42). The lug cap (30) and lug body (12) are preferably formed by extrusion.