Abstract: A solenoid actuated mechanical interlock is provided for the draw-out type circuit breaker mechanism of a motor control center. The interlock is formed by the plunger of the solenoid engaging a slot in the bellcrank mechanism of the draw-out unit. Electric circuitry controls operation of the solenoid so that the plunger is controllably extended and retracted to prevent or permit operation of the bell crank under certain conditions.

Abstract: A stationary contact assembly is provided for a circuit breaker which has a base, a line terminal and an arc chute. The stationary contact arm is J-shaped and formed from a single piece of conductive material which has a contact affixed to the short leg of the J and is connected to the line terminal. The short leg of the J has a length sufficient for creating electromagnetic blow open forces in response to current flow of a preselected magnitude. An arc runner is positioned between the legs of the J for drawing out an arc into the arc chute and intensifying the electromagnetic repulsion forces.

Abstract: An improved material flow rail construction of the type employed to transmit containers or articles from one location to another gravity force. The improved material fow rail comprises a substantially U-shaped channel within which a multiplicity of mounting bolts are attached. Individual bearing assemblies are placed on the mounting bolts. By placing the individual bearing assemblies closely adjacent one another in a longitudinal direction with respect to the support channel, the flow rail has the ability to transmit parts having very small "footprint" areas since a large space between rollers is not presented for parts or components thereof to become caught. By providing a loose fit between the bearing inner races and the supporting mounting bolts, the inner race is permitted to rotate slightly with respect to the mounting bolts thereby presenting new wear surfaces as the flow rail is put into use.

Abstract: In a static optical bar code reader, a stationary bar code is disposed in operative relationship to a light sensitive charge coupled device. The photosites of the charge coupled device convert light from the contrasting segments of the bar code to an analog voltage. The analog output of the charge coupled device is applied to a circuit which converts it to a digital signal. The digital signal is transmitted to a suitably programmed microprocessor which preferably decodes the digital signal and recovers the information included in the bar code. The output of the microprocessor may be applied to a display, a host computer or some other utilization device.

Abstract: An actuating magnet is provided for a circuit interrupter. The magnet yoke is assembled from three solid segments of magnetic material to produce a U-shaped core. One or more coils are disposed on the core loop, and the center of the yoke is interrupted by a series of aligned holes.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprises a stationary support which supports a turntable platform for oscillating rotating motion. An arm exercising means in the form of a vertically disposed post is mounted forward of the perimeter of the platform. Responsive to oscillating rotating motion of the platform induced by a hip movement of the person standing on the platform, the post undergoes vertical reciprocating motion. Also, means are shown which, in addition to the motions described, cause the post to be driven in counter-rotation with the platform.

Abstract: A surge suppressing resistor for a disconnect switch is provided which has its interior and exterior surfaces in fluid communication with the atmosphere to achieve a greater cooling effect. A glass epoxy stacking rod is supported between the end flanges of the resistor assembly and is used when two or more resistor bodies are to be joined together to form a unitary resistor assembly. The stacking rod is stressed and compressive forces hold the resistor bodies together as a unit for structural rigidity and electrical contact.

Abstract: A plastic fastener assembly is provided which has a base with an upstanding stab which has a single first tooth formed on one side of the stab and at least one second tooth formed on the opposite side of the stab. A cover defines an opening for receiving the stab. The cover has a control rail adjacent the opening and a flap extending into the opening opposite the central rail. The rail slides along the surface of the first tooth during assembly and urges the first tooth and stab toward the flap until the rail engages the notch of the first tooth. The flap automatically moves from the base during assembly as the first tooth and stab move toward the flap. The flap engages the second tooth when assembled inhibiting separation of the stab and cover.

Abstract: In an apparatus for storing articles, bins have a sensor for detecting the presence of an article in a bin and an optical code reader for reading a bar code on the article. The presence detector and the optical code reader are coupled to a circuit which provides an indication of the identity and location of a coded article. The apparatus is particularly well suited for use in the manufacture of semiconductor devices, when wafer cassette boxes are provided with a suitable bar code. Alternatively, the bins may be disposed upon a remotely guided vehicle, thereby making the apparatus useful in an automated manufacturing process.

Abstract: A golf practice putting device comprises an elongated mat upon which a golf ball is propelled from one end to an opposite elevated end. A cup simulating aperture is provided at such opposite end, and a ball entering the aperture is conveyed to a first receptacle disposed behind the aperture where the ball is retained. Balls propelled beyond the aperture and missing the aperture, reach a trough shaped portion where the balls fall into a second receptacle also disposed behind the aperture and are retained therein. By comparing the quantity of balls in the respective receptacles, a player's score can be determined. Also counting means are disposed to automatically count the balls entering the aperture and received in one of said receptacles.

Abstract: A current limiting circuit breaker is provided which has a stationary contact assembly and a movable contact bridge. A contact carrier is connected to the contact bridge and biases the contact bridge toward the closed position. The downward biasing force on the contact bridge is mechanically reduced in response to a preselected amount of opening movement of the contact bridge.

Abstract: A microprocessor based trip unit for a circuit breaker is disclosed. The instantaneous current magnitudes in each phase and in the neutral of the circuit being protected are simultaneously and sequentially sampled by respective sample and hold circuits. The measured values are then applied to a respective analog-to-digital converter and the digitized values are sequentially applied to a microprocessor. The microprocessor calculates true RMS current and sums the signals of all phases and neutral to determine presence and magnitude of a ground fault current. To permit use of an 8-bit microprocessor, while maintaining high resolution of measured current over a large range, novel automatic scale adjustment is provided. The memory of prior thermal history of the circuit breaker is provided electronically by a capacitor circuit which is discharged at a rate representative of the rate of cooling of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A magnetic structure is provided for calibrating a circuit breaker. The magnetic structure includes an E-shaped core which has an adjustable center post for varying the magnetic force between the core and armature by changing the gap between the center post and the armature. Variations in the field for a given current allow the tripping current for the circuit breaker to be precisely calibrated.

Abstract: A current transformer is provided for the electronic trip unit of a molded case circuit breaker. The current transformer has a core with a winding encoiled about the core and a bus spiraled about the core. The spiral bus establishes a current path from one end of the bus to the other which will conduct current through the core in a spiral fashion. The spiral bus design effectively rotates the bus 90 degrees achieving a narrow transformer design which fits into the electronic trip unit without increasing the width of the trip unit.

Abstract: A stationary contact assembly is provided for a current limiting circuit breaker. The contact assembly includes a curved input arm which has a contact fastened thereon and a generally straight output arm which also has a contact fastened thereon and which has an opening for receiving the contact end of the input arm. The contacts are encapsulated in an insulating material which separates the contact arms from each other. A magnetic element is also embedded in the encapsulation material between the input and output contact arms. As current flows through the contact arms, a field is developed about the magnetic element which draws in an armature which reduces the opening force of the contacts.

Abstract: A system for operating electrical equipment such as circuit breakers from a remote point is disclosed. A flexible push-pull type cable connects a linkage coupled to a pivoted handle and to a remote slider mechanism. The slider serves as a slave operator to effect reciprocation of a handle or similar operator element.

Abstract: A voltage regulator using electronic control of two static switch circuits to permit tap changing without arcing at the switched electrical contacts, without interrupting the load current, and without inducing sizable circulating currents. As a mechanical drive connects a new tap to the auxiliary winding, current through the new winding is blocked by an auxiliary static switch. The drive next opens the main switch delivering current to the load. The opening of the main switch immediately allows the main static switch circuit to "turn on" to prevent arcing and load interruption until the next current zero. The main static switch control senses no current passing through the main switch and ceases gating, and therefore conduction, of the main static switch. Since neither the main static switch nor the auxiliary static switch is conducting current from the auxiliary winding, the load voltage begins dropping and the voltage across the auxiliary static switch begins rising.

Abstract: A modem for a single frequency, modulated RF carrier local data network for a distributed data processing system and a method for line acquisition and contention resolution. The protocol established for line acquisition and contention resolution is implemented by a modem controller. The controller causes the receiver section to listen for foreign carriers to determine when the line is busy. When the client device of the modem desires to send a data packet to another unit, the modem controller causes the receiver to listen for a certain pre-burst period and then causes the transmitter to send a burst of RF carrier out on the line and simultaneously causes the receiver to listen to the line for interference beating, i.e. changes in amplitude on the line which indicates another unit is requesting the line. To insure beat patterns, the frequency of the burst carrier is swept over a range during the burst. If a contention is found, a resolution thereof is made utilizing a random delay and retry protocol.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separately weighing, by means of a common scale, contributions of material from multiple streams, such materials typically being printed papers, such as from a printing press. Material that is to be weighed, which is typically waste material, is loaded into receptacles or the like for temporary storage thereof and is subsequently and sequentially released into a storage bin or the like associated with the common scale. An increase in measured weight associated with each respective material release or discharge is then determined. From each weight increment associated with one of the multiple streams, is added to provide a total count corresponding to weight and associated with each, one of the individual streams of the multiple streams of material. In this way, separate count totals are maintained and continuously updated for a plurality of different corresponding deliveries but using a common scale and associated storage bin or container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separately weighing, by means of a common scale, contributions of material for multiple streams, such material typically being printed papers, such as from a printing press. Material that is to be weighed, which is typically waste material, is delivered by workers or operators along multiple respective routes to the common scale bin. Means are provided which are worker initiated, to provide enabling signals respectively associated with the multiple routes along with means responsive to these enabling signals while providing a plurality of separate counts corresponding to weight for each respective route. Delivery of material along each route may be detected by, for example, a floor mat switch, a actuated push button, or by photo detector means.