Abstract: A mounting arrangement for a photocell is disclosed which allows detection of ambient lighting. A collar is secured to a mounting surface by an integral flange and a locking collar. The photocell is fixed within a body member slidingly positioned within the collar. An adjustable aperture in the body member allows ambient light to be detected.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a circuit and a method for efficiently controlling the output illumination level in gas discharge lighting arrangements. Load side control is provided by a timed interval controlled impedance, serially coupled between the ballast and the lamp(s). A circulating inductor, coupled in parallel with the controlled impedance, provides a current path between the power source and the lamp(s) at least during that portion of the AC waveform where the controlled impedance is in a substantially non-conducting state.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a circuit and a method for efficiently controlling the output illumination level of a gas discharge lighting arrangement having four or more gas discharge lamps with multiple ballasts. Load side control of each ballast is provided by a timed interval controlled impedance, serially coupled between the particular ballast and its associated lamps. A circulating inductor, coupled in parallel with each controlled impedance, provides a current path between the power source and the lamps at least during that portion of the AC waveform when the controlled impedances are non-conducting. The invention is equally operable at both 120 volt and 277 volt AC levels without major component changes.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a circuit and a method for efficiently controlling the output illumination level in gas discharge lighting arrangements. Load side control is provided by a timed interval controlled impedance, serially coupled between the ballast and the lamp(s). A circulating inductor, coupled in parallel with the controlled impedance, provides a current path between the power source and the lamp(s) at least during that portion of the AC waveform where the controlled impedance is in a substantially non-conducting state.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a circuit and a method for efficiently controlling the output illumination level of a gas discharge lighting arrangement having four or more gas discharge lamps with multiple ballasts. Load side control of each ballast is provided by a timed interval controlled impedance, serially coupled between the particular ballast and its associated lamps. A circulating inductor, coupled in parallel with each controlled impedance, provides a current path between the power source and the lamps at least during that portion of the AC waveform when the controlled impedances are non-conducting. The invention is equally operable at both 120 volt and 277 volt AC levels without major component changes.

Abstract: A circuit is disclosed for controlling operation of a single phase electric motor to obtain maximum efficiency over a complete range of load conditions for the motor. Under conditions of less than full load, single phase motors waste electricity when full AC power is continuously supplied thereto. At less than full load, the torque requirements of a motor are reduced and therefore the flux can be reduced, thus increasing the efficiency. An electrical switch, in electrical series with the motor, is used to control the motor flux by reducing the "on time" of the switch and thereby decreasing the voltage applied to the motor. The ratio of auxiliary winding voltage to main winding voltage is the parameter used in the instant invention to provide a measure of the load condition of the motor and thus operate the electrical switch.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a circuit and method for effectively controlling the output illumination of high intensity discharge lamps. Electronic circuitry monitors the lamp current, lamp voltage and lighting output to result in a maintained lighting level while providing increased efficiency and energy conservation. The use of electronic controls eliminates the complicated magnetic circuitry found to be necessary for previous methods of control.

Abstract: A time delay fuse is disclosed which does not require stored energy devices or separated chamber construction, and is dependent on the mass of the low melting point material and metal connector blocks to absorb heat on short duration overloads. The time delay fuse includes one or more fusible links having a combination of relatively high melting point material and a relatively low melting point mass enabling short circuit protection at a multiple of rated current and sustained overload protection at values above rated current. The number of fuse links used in the fuse is directly related to the intended current rating for the total fuse but may be from one to at least 15 links.

Abstract: A circuit breaker has contacts which are engageable as a result of manual operation of a toggle mechanism causing the circuit breaker to close and open when the toggle is in an erect and collapsed condition, respectively. Subsequent opening of the circuit breaker is accomplished by either manual operation or automatic due to a current responsive latch within the toggle mechanism. As a result of a unique movable contact biasing arrangement, more uniform pressure is obtained between the contacts and a wiping action of the contacts is obtained during closing. The movable contact is mounted on a contact member pivoted at its center on a solid pin mounted in the breaker case through an elongated aperture in the contact member. The elongated aperture allows for a limited degree of movement of the contact member transverse to the pivot pin. It is this limited transverse movement which increases the tolerance range by providing overtravel of the movable contact and wiping action of the contacts.

Abstract: A circuit breaker has contacts engageable as a result of manual operation of a toggle mechanism causing the circuit breaker to close and open when the toggle is in an erect and collapsed condition, respectively. A push-off spring is used to bias a moveable contact away from a stationary contact to accelerate movement of the moveable contact during opening of the circuit breaker. Minimal manual effort is required to close the circuit breaker while providing greatly increased pressure for accelerating opening of the circuit breaker through use of a unique push-off spring which provides a first, lower, degree of resistance to closing of the contacts during the initial operation of the circuit breaker while providing a second, higher, degree of resistance to closing of the contacts after the initial operation. Manual closing of the circuit breaker is unimpeded by the second, higher, degree of resistance after the initial operation of the breaker.

Abstract: A high-power, solid-state switching circuit includes in a preferred embodiment a first switching device susceptible to damage from excessive peak power dissipation at times of turn-on and turn-off in switching high currents from a relatively high-voltage supply, the first switching device having its main current path connected in parallel with the main current path of a second switching device that is substantially less susceptible to such damage from excessive peak power dissipation, but which has a substantially higher impedance in its main current path than the first device when turned on, the devices complementing one another via the operation of said switching circuit for turning on the second device before the first device, thereby substantially lowering the voltage across the main current path of the first device, allowing the latter to be turned on and turned off with substantially reduced peak power dissipation via the snubbing effect of the second device, and the first device relative to the second

Abstract: A circuit breaker for interrupting current through plural electrical circuits has a separate current responsive circuit path for each electrical circuit. Each path includes a manually operable latching mechanism capable of engaging and disengaging a pair of electrical contacts on demand and further includes a circuit responsive releaseable latch mechanism for automatically disengaging the pair of contacts. A common manually activated handle is connected to each of the latching mechanisms to enable manual and automatic operation of the breaker for simultaneous engagement or disengagement of the paired electrical contacts. The connection of the common handle to the several latching mechanisms encompasses a trip bar arranged for both pivotal movement about an axis parallel to the axis of the handle and sliding movement relative to guides within a common insulating case of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a magnetically coupled drive circuit for coupling isolated power switching transistors to low power dissipative control circuitry. Drive energy stored in the magnetic transformer is controllably varied between preselected minimum "turn-on" and dissipative maximum levels to concurrently insure turn-on/turn-off capability and minimize quiescent, steady state dissipation.

Abstract: The disclosed circuit breaker includes a movable contact which enters the space between stationary contact jaws, the movable contact acting through a spring to bias a jaw-closing toggle toward erect condition, so that contacts on the contact jaws firmly grip the movable contact.

Abstract: The present invention relates to circuit breakers of a particular class, namely, the type in which a toggle is manually erected to drive a "heart" as a unit for closing the circuit breaker. The "heart" includes a contact arm, an actuator, and overcurrent releasable latch means which collectively form a normally latched unit. Under excess-current conditions, the latch means releases the actuator, and contact arm then opens the circuit.The latch means includes a conventional bimetal fixed at one end to the contact arm. The bimetal carries a pivoted latch lever, and is surrounded by a core-and-armature unit adjacent its secured end, for operating the latch lever in response to high overcurrents. High magnetic trip sensitivity is achieved in a construction wherein the whole electromagnet moves with the contact arm, without resort to a current-carrying coil for the electromagnet.

Abstract: Rotary positioning of an antenna is provided from a remote control apparatus using a first reversible motor at the antenna and a second reversible motor at the control. A rotary switch at the control is coupled mechanically and electrically to the control motor such that movement of the rotary switch energizes both the antenna and control motors, which have substantially identical speed characteristics. When the antenna has attained the desired position, the system de-energizes itself. Mechanical resistance to movement of the antenna is simulated by a feedback motor mechanically coupled to the control motor and electrically connected in series with the antenna motor. The system contemplates use of direct current motors and a two wire connection between the antenna and the remote control apparatus.

Abstract: A disposal chute for waste paper, cardboard, and other packing materials is disclosed which is intended to temporarily connect a container to a building. The disposal chute is permanently positioned adjacent to the building. A slip joint construction connects the chute to the building in such a manner as to completely enclose the mating surfaces while allowing relative movement between the chute and the building. The mating surface at the building is designed so that the relative movement does not adversely affect the brick and mortar construction of the building surrounding the opening for the chute. A container, which may be removed and replaced relatively often, is positioned adjacent to the chute to be in communication with the building. The placing and removing of the container results in the relative movement between the chute and the building.