Abstract: A digital protection and control (P & C) device for a power distribution network, which comprises a computerized control unit comprising a microprocessor. The P & C device, according to the present invention, further comprises an external computerized palmtop computerized device, including a human-machine interface (HMI), which comprises a software communication platform. This software communication platform is aimed at exchanging, by means of a predefined communication channel, data/information related to the software configuration of the HMI and data/information related to the operating status of the P & C device.

Abstract: A digital multifunction relay, for controlling one or more protection devices of an power distribution network from fault events, which comprises a digital signal processor for executing a set of processing activities for regulating the operating state of said protection devices. The digital signal processor comprises a first computerized means for calculating the run-time computational load related to said digital signal processor and a second computerized means for reducing said run-time computational load, if said run-time computational load exceeds a predefined threshold.

Abstract: A series-compensating power flow transformer implements power flow control in a transmission line of an n-phase power transmission system, where each phase of the power transmission system has a transmission voltage. The transformer has n primary windings, where each primary winding is on a core and receives the transmission voltage of a respective one of the phases of the power transmission system. The transformer also has n secondary windings on the core of each primary winding for a total of n2 secondary windings. Each secondary winding has a voltage induced thereon by the corresponding primary winding, and one secondary winding from each core is assigned to each phase. For each phase, the secondary windings assigned to the phase are coupled in series for summing the induced voltages formed thereon, where the summed voltage is a compensating voltage for the phase.

Abstract: A power flow transformer implements power flow control in a transmission line of an n-phase power transmission system, where each phase of the power transmission system has a transmission voltage. The transformer has n secondary windings, where each secondary winding is on a core. The transformer also has n primary windings on the core of each secondary winding for a total of n2 primary windings, where one primary winding from each core is assigned to each phase. For each phase, the primary windings assigned to the phase are coupled in series, and the in-series primary windings receive the transmission voltage of the respective phase of the power transmission system. For each core, each primary winding thereon induces a voltage in the secondary thereon. The induced voltages are summed by the secondary to result in a summed induced voltage. Such summed induced voltage is a compensating voltage for a respective phase.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for arc welding a stud to a workpiece without the use of a ferrule are disclosed. Apparatus according to the invention include a stud arc welding gun having a spacer at a distal end thereof, and a chuck adapted to receive a stud having a diameter of more than about ⅜ inch. A stud feeding device is coupled to the gun for automatically loading studs into the gun. The stud feeding device can include a bowl feeder and a stud feeding conduit via which studs are transferred from the bowl feeder to the stud gun. A gun positioning device, such as an arm of a robot, is coupled to the gun, and automatically positions the gun such that the spacer is against a receiving surface of the workpiece. A controller coupled to the stud gun initiates a stud arc welding process to arc weld the stud to the workpiece.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for attaching a device to an inside wall of an enclosure. The device is removably attached to a positioner. Where the device includes a metal substance, it may be attached to the positioner by a magnet affixed to the positioner, for example. A first motor-operated moving device moves the enclosure such that the device abuts an inside wall of the enclosure. A second motor-operated moving device, for example a robot, then attaches the device to the inside wall of the enclosure. Where the enclosure and the device are composed of metal, the two may be welded together. In this instance, the first motor-operated moving device may be a non-robotic, motor-operated moving device that provides a ground path for the weld.

Abstract: A shunt compensating power flow transformer implements power flow control in a transmission line of an n-phase power transmission system, where each phase of the power transmission system has a transmission voltage. The transformer has n primary windings, where each primary winding is on a core and receives the transmission voltage of a respective one of the phases of the power transmission system. The transformer also has n secondary windings on the core of each primary winding for a total of n2 secondary windings, where each secondary winding has a voltage induced thereon by the corresponding primary winding. One secondary winding from each core is assigned to each phase. For each phase, the secondary windings assigned to the phase are coupled in series for summing the induced voltages formed thereon.

Abstract: Lifting tools for safe, 105 degree, off-center rotation of large, heavy objects are disclosed. A lifting tool includes a bar that can be positioned generally parallel to a centerline of the object, and first and second clamps that are rotatably or slidably coupled to first and second ends of the bar, respectively. The clamps are adapted to secure the tool to edges of the object. The tool also includes a pivot arm that is rotatably coupled to the bar, which allows the object to be lifted, rotated up to 90 degrees, moved, and then set down. The pivot arm includes first and second chain sprockets disposed along a length thereof. A second pair of chain sprockets is coupled to the second chain sprocket via a common shaft. A pair of chain segments are attached to the pivot arm, and engage each of the second pair of chain sprockets.

Abstract: An apparatus allows the automated feeding and transporting of parts having open internal geometries using pressurized gas. The apparatus comprises a tip with a plurality of holes, one or more part rests, and a conduit to deliver a stream of pressurized gas. A part with open internal geometry is inserted atop of or through the tip. A stream of pressurized gas enters the interior cavity of the tip in a first direction. The holes extend from the interior surface of the tip to the exterior surface of the tip at an angle. This angle is sufficient to redirect the incoming flow of gas to a second direction having a vector component that is substantially opposite to the first direction. The stream of pressurized gas exits the holes of the tip and is subsequently directed to the internal surface of the part to be transported and/or feed. This stream of pressurized gas forces the part against the part rest thereby allowing the part to be transported and fed onto the workpiece.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system that creates a hole with an embossed base in a planar sheet. The system comprises an embossing punch that forms a raised area in the planar sheet, a hole punch coupled to the embossing punch that forms a hole in the planar sheet, and a surface for holding the planar sheet. The surface has an aperture that permits the hole punch and the embossing punch to pass through the surface and contact the planar sheet.

Abstract: A power system is provided in which a grid supplies electrical power to a load and in which backup power is provided from one of a generator and a dc storage device. The power system includes a standalone inverter having an input and an output. The output of the standalone inverter is connected to the load. The power system includes a grid parallel inverter having an input and an output. The output of the grid parallel inverter is connected to the grid. A dc bus is electrically connected to the input of the standalone inverter and to the input of the grid parallel inverter.

Abstract: Apparatus and method to facilitate the insertion, alignment, and bending of metal sheets in a press brake machine is described herein. Automated insertion of properly aligned sheets into a bending machine can be accomplished using a press brake that includes at least two press brake fingers that act independently with respect to one another to determine whether the sheet has been received by the respective finger. The fingers are electrically coupled (via the sheet itself, for example) to a processor that communicates with a robot. As the robot inserts the metal sheet into the press brake, it adjusts the alignment of the sheet until the sheet contacts the back planes of both press brake fingers. An electrical connection is formed when the metal sheet is received by the fingers (which are maintained at a nominal potential of 24V). When electrical connections are formed with both fingers, the processor tells the robot that the sheet is aligned and bending of the sheet can begin.

Abstract: Apparatus and method to facilitate the insertion, alignment, and bending of metal sheets in a press brake machine is described herein. Automated insertion of properly aligned sheets into a bending machine can be accomplished using a press brake that includes at least two press brake fingers that act independently with respect to one another to determine whether the sheet has been received by the respective finger. The fingers are electrically coupled (via the sheet itself, for example) to a processor that communicates with. a robot. As the robot inserts the metal sheet into the press brake, it adjusts the alignment of the sheet until the sheet contacts the back planes of both press brake fingers. An electrical connection is formed when the metal sheet is received by the fingers (which are maintained at a nominal potential of 24V). When electrical connections are formed with both fingers, the processor tells the robot that the sheet is aligned and bending of the sheet can begin.