Abstract: Methods and apparatus for establishing communications between electrical and electronic devices utilizing existing power signal distribution networks are disclosed. In such methods and apparatus the transmitting and receiving components of such devices are coupled between line and ground. Such coupling is achieved utilizing a coupler, a first frequency reactive device, such as a drain coil or inductor, connected in series with neutral and a second frequency reactive device, such as a capacitor connected between neutral ground. For use with existing electronic equipment, an adaptor for coupling the communications signal to a power signal distribution network is also disclosed.

Abstract: An automotive secondary disconnect mechanism for a removable circuit device is disclosed. According to a preferred embodiment, the disconnect mechanism comprises a guide bar, a slide block mounted on the guide bar and means for locking the slide block in place on the guide bar, for releasing the slide block from its locked position, for enabling the slide block to move relative to the guide bar, for latching the removable element to the slide block, and for preventing the removable element from engaging the slide block all as the removable element is moved among first, second and third positions.

Abstract: A method for generating a computer model for use in system component design as well as overall system evaluation is disclosed. The method includes the steps of generating an equation model of the system component, modifying the equation model by integrating according to the trapezoidal rule, wherein an integrated model is formed having a plurality of parameter values. Certain of such parameter values define historical parameter values accounting for historical parameter information. the parameter values are arranged in matrix form and reordered. The reorder matrix equation is reduced by eliminating certain of the parameter values, thereby forming a reduced model. When the reduced model is incorporated is a system model it is necessary to modify the system model to account to the component model current parameter information. Such information is used by the component model to update the historical information.

Abstract: An improved arc-resistant switchgear enclosure is disclosed. The disclosed arc-resistant switchgear enclosure provides a cost effective structure to collect and channel the pressure and hot exhaust gases from lower compartments and safely vent these gases through the switchgear enclosure. In preferred embodiments, an internal arc chamber is formed by assembling modules and creating a void within the center of the switchgear enclosure. As multiple compartments or modules for a switchgear enclosure are connected, an arc chamber is created within the enclosure. Upon initiation of an arc fault within a particular compartment, a relief flap or cover for that particular compartment opens to channel the pressure and the gases into the internal arc chamber or directly through the top of the enclosure. Pressure and gases are vented into the internal arc chamber and flow horizontally through the arc chamber until a path to the top of the switchgear enclosure is reached.

Abstract: A transformer core-coil frame attachment and ground. The core-coil is mounted on a metal frame with flanges extending along the bottom of the frame. Nonconductive support members in the form of channels are mounted on the flanges of the cross member to support the coil to relieve stresses and reduce the no-load electrical losses. The nonconductive support members have a profile shaped for ease in receiving and retaining the support members on the flanges of the cross member. The frame has an opening in the bottom for receiving a mounting boss protruding above the tank bottom of the transformer to locate the core-coil within the tank and resist movement of the core-coil within the tank in a horizontal plane. A compressible grounding structure is attached to the bottom of the core which allows for variation between the core and frame.

Abstract: Disclosed is a low current binary input subsystem for providing a binary input signal to a data acquisition system. The binary input subsystem monitors the open/close state of a field contact and provides galvanic isolation of noisy field contacts, high noise immunity, a steady state current of approximately 1.2 milliamps resulting in power dissipation of approximately 0.25 watts for a 125 VDC input, and a momentary high current pulse of approximately 150 milliamps for a duration of approximately 4 milliseconds during field contact closure to aid in cleaning of oxides from the field contact.

Abstract: A system for implementing accurate V/Hz value measurement and trip time determination for generator/transformer overexcitation protection independent of the conventional frequency tracking and phasor estimation based on Discrete Fourier Transformation (DFT) techniques. A sampled sinusoidal voltage signal is passed through a digital integrator and the magnitude of the digital integrator's output is measured as representative of the V/Hz ratio. The digital integrator is implemented in software using a difference equation in a generator protection unit. The technique may be used with either a fixed or a variable sampling frequency. When the sampling frequency is variable, the filter coefficients of the digital integrator are recalculated on-line each time the sampling frequency is changed, and a new value for the peak magnitude of the output of the digital integrator is calculated using the recalculated filter coefficients.

Abstract: A one-terminal process for locating a fault associated with a transmission system is disclosed. The process is based on the principle fault sequence can be determined by a distribution factor in positive faults may be any defect among phases or ground. The process begins by one end of a transmission line. If the data is oscillographic data, measured data is in phasor form, or after phasors have been calculated determined. Thereafter, a decision is made whether the pre-fault data data is sound, an equation is selected to calculate the fault location decision is made whether the phase is a three-phase fault. Then, a employed to compensate for the fault through a resistance by measuring part of the apparent line impedance. If the fault is not a three-phase formula is not employed and the appropriate equation is selected for the fault location parameter. Accurate fault location techniques for also disclose.

Abstract: A gas-insulated switch for a distribution transformer and its associated electrical connections are located within a tank containing insulating and cooling oil for the transformer.

Abstract: A numerical comparator is disclosed. The numerical comparator employs numerical techniques based upon the behavior of the cylinder unit to compare phasors in real time. In one application of this invention, the torque signal generated by the numerical comparator, M.sub.k+1, is employed to determine whether a fault has occurred in a transmission line. Another application involves employing the output M.sub.k+1 to determine the direction of power flow in the transmission line. In yet another application, the output M.sub.k+1 is used to determine whether a voltage or current has exceeded a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The movable nozzle of a puffer circuit interrupter has a coaxial cylindrical shield connected to its downstream end and the main movable contacts connected to its upstream end. The shield is electrically connected to the stationary contact terminal. The movable contact ring and coaxial shield at the upstream end of the nozzle define a well shielded open gap when the interrupter gap opens.

Abstract: A method of securing a flexible temperature sensing element to a duct spacer element of the type which is commonly used in an electrical transformer includes steps of forming a groove in a surface of duct spacer element; and securing a flexible temperature sensing element within the groove so that the flexible temperature sensing element does not protrude from the groove beyond the surface in which the groove is formed. In this way, the duct spacer element and sensing element may be assembled into an electrical apparatus such as a transformer without imparting destructive mechanical forces to the sensing element.

Abstract: A metal piercing staple for piercing, securing and making electrical contact between a pair of wires in the form of a substantially U-shaped piece of metal having sharp ends and a plurality of metal piercing teeth depending from the U-shaped piece of metal between the sharp ends.

Abstract: An intelligent circuit breaker or switching device system comprises three separate microprocessor-based units, including a condition monitoring unit (CMU) 40, a breaker control unit (BCU) 50, and a synchronous control unit (SCU) 60. The CMU 40 provides detailed diagnostic information by monitoring key quantities associated with circuit breaker or switching device reliability. On-line analysis performed by the CMU provides information facilitating the performance of maintenance as needed and the identification of impending failures. The BCU 50 is a programmable system having self-diagnostic and remote communications. The BCU replaces the conventional electromechanical control circuits typically employed to control a circuit breaker or switching device. The SCU 60 provides synchronous switching control for both closing and opening the circuit interrupters. The control processes carried out by the SCU reduce system switching transients and interrupter wear.

Abstract: An intelligent circuit breaker or switching device system comprises three separate microprocessor-based units, including a condition monitoring unit (CMU) 40, a breaker control unit (BCU) 50, and a synchronous control unit (SCU) 60. The CMU 40 provides detailed diagnostic information by monitoring key quantities associated with circuit breaker or switching device reliability. On-line analysis performed by the CMU provides information facilitating the performance of maintenance as needed and the identification of impending failures. The BCU 50 is a programmable system having self-diagnostic and remote communications. The BCU replaces the conventional electromechanical control circuits typically employed to control a circuit breaker or switching device. The SCU 60 provides synchronous switching control for both closing and opening the circuit interrupters. The control processes carried out by the SCU reduce system switching transients and interrupter wear.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for metering electrical energy are disclosed in an electronic meter. Such meter includes a first processor for determining electrical energy from voltage and current signals and for generating an energy signal representative of the electrical energy determination and a second processor for receiving the energy signal and for generating an indication signal representative of said energy signal. An option connector is connected to the first and second processors, whereby the energy signal is provided to the option connector and a communication connection is provided between the option connector and the second processor. It is preferred for the option connector to be provided power signals such used by the meter in order to power any electronic components which may be connected to the option connector. It is also preferred to provide the option connector with certain operation signals such as a power fail signal, a master reset signal, an end of demand signal, and a KYZ signal.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a laminate comprising at least two sheets of magnetic material is disclosed. The laminate may be used to form a stacked transformer core. The method increases the productivity of the core-stacking process, decreases the core loss destruction factor, decreases total core loss, decreases acoustic noise generated by the electrical device employing the laminate, and does all of this in a manner which is commercially practical. The method comprises applying an adhesive, preferably a hot melt adhesive, in a pattern of thin beads onto one side of a first lamina or sheet of magnetic material, the pattern comprising a plurality of lines, the lines being substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to a direction of grain orientation or rolling direction of the lamina. A second lamina is then stacked onto the one side of the first lamina, and then a compressive force is applied to specified areas of the laminate.

Abstract: A dynamic mechanically-switched damping (DMSD) system is described which utilizes one or more mechanical switches and appropriate controls to switch series or shunt reactive impedances in order to provide power oscillation damping in power systems. The DMSD system provides a controller which can be configured based on the number of mechanical switches in the DMSD system, the type of reactive impedances interfaced to the power system by each switch and the magnitude of each of the reactive impedance. The DMSD system monitors parameters of the power system and the controller generates a modulation signal based on the monitored parameters. The modulation signal is processed to identify a reactive impedance of the available DMSD system reactive impedances required to damp power oscillations. Appropriate switches are selected for supplying the required reactive impedance.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for supplying power for use in metering electrical energy over a wide range of voltages with a single meter are disclosed. The wide ranging meter includes a processing unit for processing divided input voltage and a current component in order to determine electrical energy metering values. The processing unit is operable in response to supply voltages. A power supply, receives an undivided voltage component and generates supply voltages over the wide dynamic range. It is especially preferred for the power supply to include a transformer having first, second and third windings, wherein the undivided voltage component is provided to the first winding and wherein the second winding defines the output of the power supply. A switching member is connected to the first winding for permitting and preventing the flow of current in response to a control signal. A control member generates the control signal in response to the output of the power supply.

Abstract: A method of making a repairable transformer having an amorphous metal core. The three uncut legs of an annealed wound amorphous metal core are covered with an adhesive material while leaving the cut leg and both adjoining radii covered, but not bonded. The core joint is opened and coils are placed over the legs that adjoin the cut leg. The core joint is closed and the edges of the joint and both adjoining radii are covered with an inner layer of porous material which is secured by an outer wrap of electrical grade steel. The resulting transformer can be easily repaired by unwrapping away the porous material that covers the cut leg and the adjoining radii, opening the core joint, replacing a defective coil or core, reclosing the core joint, and rewrapping the porous material and reclosing the outer layer of electrical grade steel.