Abstract: The overcurrent protective switch contains a switch lock 8, which, in the switched on position, holds the movable contact pieces 3 in engagement with the fixed contact pieces 2 against the force exerted by at least one switch-off spring. The switch lock 8 comprises a switch splicing plate 10 connected to the movable contact pieces 3 in an articulated mechanism; a toggle lever splicing plate 12 connected to the switch splicing plate 10 at a toggle joint 13; and a pawl lever 15 mounted in a position inside the housing 1, which is supported by a trigger pawl 17 and connected with the toggle lever splicing plate 12 in an articulate mechanism. The joint axles 11, 13, 16 of the switch splicing plate 10 and the toggle lever splicing plate 12, as well as the pivot bearing axle 14 of the pawl lever 15 are in the on state arranged on a slightly curved line, so that a past dead center condition is created.

Abstract: A mounting for a solderable component module (SCM.TM.) interconnect module includes an elongated trench or blind via for receiving an edge of the module. The module may be a circuit board or other electrical device and preferably includes edge finger connectors. The elongated trench preferably includes hemicylinders located about the periphery. The hemicylinders provide plated through conductors for connecting to the finger connectors of the module. The trench is made according to an advantageous method in which the aperture is etched in order to remove barbs or extra copper material caused by milling the aperture. Preferably, the module fits into the trench with an interference or size-on-size fit. The trench may include strain relief areas. Additionally, the mounting can include apertures for receiving legs on the mounted board.

Abstract: A bus structure for interconnecting the modules of an industrial automation controller includes DATA lines and associated control lines that enable interface circuits on each module to send and receive frames of data. An arbitration circuit in each module employs arbitration lines in the bus structure to conduct a two phase competition to determine which module receives the next bus mastership. The arbitration lines include a set of wired-or weight code lines and a single arbitration strobe line. Modules desiring control of the bus structure assert a local weight code onto the weight code lines and determine which module is asserting the numerically greatest local weight code. Arbitration is conducted separately on the bus structure and a winning module is ready to transfer its data frame as soon as the previous winner completes its transfer and relinquishes control of the bus structure.

Abstract: A device and method establishing an electrically conductive path between a pair of contacts in low voltage, low current applications, such as in electronic circuits. The device and method feature a flexible spanner that contacts a pair of fixed contacts with a sweeping movement. The spanner includes a bent portion that flexes when a force is exerted on the spanner such that a contact portion of the spanner sweeps across the surface of the pair of fixed contacts.

Abstract: A bar code reader and the mirror oscillating system thereof are disclosed herein. The bar code reader is of the type which produces a scanning light beam by oscillating one mirror with a electromagnetic oscillator and a raster scanning device. The raster scanning device includes a non-contact sensor which produces a position signal. The position signal is representative of the location of the raster mirror. The position signal is utilized to adjust the motor drive signal which positions the raster scanning device. The position signal allows the motor a low cost sheet metal stepper motor to be positioned more accurately despite performance degradation over the life of the motor.

Abstract: A communication network for an industrial control system permits multiple masters and complex network topologies by transmitting data as packets through paths of nodes on the networks. The packets containing data are preceded by an OPEN message which pre-configured each node with the necessary information to process the stream of succeeding packets in an efficient manner and thus to reduce the necessary overhead in the transmission of each data packet. Each node receiving the OPEN message evaluates its resources and if those resources are insufficient to reliably handle the indicated packets, a message is returned to the originating node indicating that a connection cannot be formed.

Abstract: A method and/or apparatus for altering command voltages when a modulation index is greater than unity in order to maintain the linear relationship between the fundamental component of phase voltage and a sinusoidal command voltage in PWM inverter or converter usage. The method and/or apparatus calculates a command signal magnitude above which a command signal should be clamped to a peak carrier value in order to add volt-sec to an output phase voltage that are lost when the amplitude of the command signal exceeds that of a carrier signal. A modified command signal is provided which maintains said linear relationship.

Abstract: In an electromagnetic switching device, particularly in a contactor, a connecting piece, which is flexible in all directions, is fitted between the armature (9) and the contact bridge carrier (6). An intermediate plate (8) carrying elastic bars (14, 15) is placed between the armature (9) and the contact bridge carrier (6) so that it rests torsion-free against the contact bridge carrier (6). The elastic bars (14, 15) act upon both end regions of a coupling bolt (10) guided through a hole (19) in the armature (9), as well as in a direction perpendicular to it upon both end regions of the armature (9).

Abstract: A co-processor interface allows both a general processor and a relay ladder processor to make repeated calls to each other in the execution of subroutines. A register transfer instruction detected by the relay ladder processor triggers a suspension of the general processor. Return of control to the general processor is accomplished at the same time a register value is provided to the general processor that the general processor uses to reinitialize its program counter. For most single level transfers of control, a single transition instruction between the general processor to the relay ladder processor is sufficient to perform a call.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for alternately displaying status information in an photoelectric detection unit. The apparatus comprising an LCD display capable of displaying numerical information and alternately providing target and background margin information in a periodic fashion which is decoupled from the target or process speed. The method further comprising the steps of first displaying either target or background margin information and second displaying the margin information not displayed in the first step. The apparatus and method further comprising a diagnostic capability or step which identifies when the photoelectric detection unit is operating near the fringe or beyond the range of acceptable operating parameters and providing information as to the cause for any degradation of the operating conditions.

Abstract: A method and/or apparatus to be used with a triangle comparison PWM controller for receiving three original reference signals and providing three modified reference signals that extend the linear relationship between the original reference sign and output voltages and reduce switching losses. A variable factor can be altered to change the form of the modified reference signals to provide various modified reference signals each of which has certain advantages. Advantageously, among other producible reference signals, one producible modified reference signal is shaped such that a resulting output voltage is identical to an output voltage that would be generated using space vector PWM controller.

Abstract: A transformer including a core; a concentric inner primary tube passing through the core and running up and over at least a portion of the core, the concentric inner primary tube defining a longitudinal axis within the core; and a concentric outer secondary tube passing through the core and running up and over the concentric inner primary tube, the concentric outer secondary tube defining a longitudinal axis within the core and being spaced apart from the concentric inner primary tube, the longitudinal axis of the concentric inner primary tube and the longitudinal axis of the concentric outer secondary tube being aligned with one another so as to be coaxial. The concentric outer secondary tube substantially encloses the concentric inner primary tube so as to provide a low impedance shield.

Abstract: A monitor for measuring physical parameters of a slurry, utilizing microwave propagation within a waveguide, either in conduit or a storage facility. Switching circuitry and specially constructed waveguides are provided, which operate in combination to provide rapid, accurate measurement of such parameters as flow rate, and concentration of the slurry.

Abstract: A fixture is provided for facilitating the fabrication of a motor controller of the type including a power substrate module and a control circuit board mounted to and electrically coupled to the power substrate module via a plurality of conductors. The fixture is preferably a ring-like structure made of epoxy-fiberglass laminate. Apertures for engaging and holding the conductors are provided in the fixture at locations corresponding to conducting pads on the power substrate module. For fabrication, the power substrate module and the fixture are preformed and solder is disposed on the conducting pads of the module. During fabrication, the conductors are inserted into the apertures in the fixture and the fixture and conductors are positioned over the preformed power substrate module to bring the conductors into contact with the conducting pads. The fixture and power substrate module are then passed through a reflow oven to melt the solder and complete the connection of the conductors to the module.

Abstract: A cylindrical microwave cavity 12 has a pinched center 28, 30. Two apertures 28, 30, one in the center. of each face of the cylinder 10, provide access for a gas/powder mixture 124 having a dielectric coefficient depending on its density or some other measurement of interest. The faces 20, 22 of the cylinder 10 are much farther apart at the unpinched periphery, which comprises most of the volume of the cavity. The wider spacing allows an antenna 34 to be placed in the cavity 12, and provides a high Q-factor to maximize the sensitivity of the cavity 12. At the same time, certain resonance modes are greatly affected by a change in the dielectric coefficient of the gas/powder mixture 124 in the pinched portion 28, 30. The density of the powder or any other convenient variable may thus be servoed to any desired value. The powder 124 may be blown through the cavity 10, encased in tube 120 affixed to the cavity 12.

Abstract: A support and coupling arrangement for a proximity switch includes a support for mounting the switch enclosure in a desired orientation and permitting selective angular orientation of angled pin connectors coupled to the switch. The support includes a bore through which conductors to the switch circuitry pass and a first abutment surface. For interfacing the switch with pin connectors, a connector receptacle is provided in the bore. The receptacle includes a second abutment surface configured to cooperate with the first abutment surface to selectively prevent rotation of the receptacle in the bore. To select the angular orientation of the receptacle, and thereby of the connector, the receptacle is slid within the bore to disengage the abutment surfaces and the receptacle is rotated to the desired orientation. The receptacle is then slid axially to engage the abutment surfaces. Coupling the connector on the support secures or locks the receptacle and the connector in the selected orientation.

Abstract: A selector switch includes a knob, a bezel and a retaining clip. The retaining clip is mounted on the knob and secures the knob to the bezel. The retaining clip is C-shaped and has a tab centrally disposed on the retaining clip. When the tab is pressed by a tool, the retaining clip contracts and the knob may be detached from the bezel. The tab can be accessed through a slot between the bezel and the knob by a screwdriver. The knob, bezel and retaining clip can be made of plastic.

Abstract: Improved redundant relay control circuits are set forth which prevent a load from being energized when any relay coil or contact or stop or start switch contact fails. A first circuit embodiment sets forth a plurality of branches with a cross-monitoring interconnection between a start branch and one of the two other circuit branches. The interconnection prevents a load from being energized when a start switch welds. Second and third circuit embodiments are configured such that the redundant control relay circuit remains inoperative until a fault is cleared although the main power across the circuit is temporarily removed. A fourth circuit embodiment operates independent of relay contact timing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus used with a motor controller for determining transient inductance and rotor resistance upon commissioning of the motor. The estimator drives a single phase of the motor with an excitation current at an operating frequency, determines the d-q axis stator synchronous feedback voltages, divides the excitation current by 2 to produce a positive current signal, multiplies the operating frequency by the positive current signal to produce a current frequency signal and then divides the q-axis voltage feedback by the current frequency signal to produce the transient inductance estimate, divides the d-axis voltage feedback signal by the positive current signal and subtracts stator resistance estimate therefrom to obtain a rotor resistance estimate.

Abstract: The arrangement of resistors is intended for the switching of capacitive loads in an eletromagnetic switching device with main contacts (3) and auxiliary contacts (4). One of the terminals (7) of the auxiliary contacts (4) and one of the terminals (6) of the main contacts of the same phase are located above each other on the same side of the switching device. The auxiliary contacts (4) close before the main contacts (3) and open after same. A rigid resistor (8) is connected between the terminals (6) and (7) of each phase. The rigid resistor (8) facilitates upgrading of existing electromagnetic switching devices (1) with resistors (8) that are required for switching of capacitive loads.