Abstract: A multi-pole circuit breaker and method include at least two breaker modules including circuit breakers therein. The circuit breakers include a moveable arm configured to connect and disconnect contacts therein. The at least two modules including armatures connectable to the moveable arms of each of the at least two modules. A center module connects the at least two modules. The center module includes an actuator and a beam connected to the actuator at a mid-portion. The beam connects to each armature of the at least two modules wherein under a trip condition the actuator displaces the beam to simultaneously trip the at least two modules using the armatures.

Abstract: An electrical probe assembly includes a first probe housing pivotally connected to a base structure and receiving a first probe therein. The first probe is configured to interface with a first contact of an electrical component. A second probe housing is pivotally connected to the base structure and receives a second probe therein. The second probe is configured to interface with a second contact of the electrical component wherein the first and second contacts have a spatial relationship therebetween. An adjustment mechanism is connected to the first and second housing and configured to independently adjust an amount of rotation of the each of the housings to accommodate the spatial relationship.

Abstract: A semiconductor workpiece processing apparatus having a first chamber, a transport vehicle, and another chamber. The first chamber is capable of being isolated from an outside atmosphere. The transport vehicle is located in the first chamber and is movably supported from the first chamber for moving linearly relative to the first chamber. The transport vehicle includes a base, and an integral semiconductor workpiece transfer arm movably mounted to the base and capable of multi-access movement relative to the base. The other chamber is communicably connected to the first chamber via a closable opening of the first chamber. The opening is sized to allow the transport vehicle to transit between the first chamber and the other chamber through the opening.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system comprising a processor adapted to determine a profile of a surface responsive to a scan of the surface. The processor can be adapted to identify a predetermined profile from a plurality of predetermined profiles, the identified predetermined profile a closest match of the plurality of predetermined profiles to the profile of the surface. The processor can be adapted to determine a procedure based upon the identified predetermined profile. The processor can be adapted to provide the procedure to a machine.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a switchgear apparatus. More particularly, the invention encompasses a mounting base with are plenum for a switchgear apparatus. The present invention also relates to enclosures for switchgear, panel boards, circuit breakers, and more particularly to an enclosure for low voltage switchgear and switchboard assemblies. The enclosure can be a walk-in type enclosure or a non-walk-in type enclosure. This invention further provides a method and apparatus for channeling plasma (hot arc gasses) that are generated from an arc. The switchgear mounting base with internal arc plenum can be an integral part of an arc resistant switchgear assembly and is preferably located under the switchgear. The switchgear mounting base works in conjunction with a ventilation system in the switchgear apparatus to channel hot arc gasses (plasma) from the lower breaker compartments in the front of the switchgear in the event of an internal arcing fault in one of the breaker compartments.

Abstract: A line terminal for a circuit breaker includes a body forming two opposing legs and a third leg. The opposing legs are configured to form a passage for receiving a stab from a panel board. The two opposing legs are biased toward each other, and each of the opposing legs has a convex surface facing the passageway for engaging and maintaining alignment of the stab. A fixed contact is attached to the third leg. The fixed contact connects to a moveable contact of a circuit breaker. An arc runner is connected to the third leg and at least partially encloses a perimeter of the fixed contact.

Abstract: A system for aligning an end effector with a substrate in a substrate transport apparatus. The system comprises a first sensor connected to the end effector and a controller for moving the substrate transport apparatus. The sensor has a sensing path pointed in an outward direction. The sensing path does not intersect the substrate when the substrate is located on the end effector. The controller for moving the substrate transport apparatus moves the substrate transport apparatus, based at least partially upon input from the sensor, to position the end effector at a predetermined position relative to the substrate to pick up the substrate onto the end effector.

Abstract: An electrical fault detection device for use in a branch of a power circuit that utilizes signals from an AC line current sensor coupled to an electrical distribution line having a primary and neutral lines, a line high-frequency sensor coupled to the electrical distribution line, a differential current sensor coupled to the primary and neutral lines, and a ground fault current sensor coupled to the primary and neutral lines. A signal conditioner receives the signals outputted by AC current line current sensor, the line high frequency sensor, the differential current sensor and the ground fault current sensor and generates a signal indicative of the load current associated with a branch of the power circuit. Output of the signal conditioner is sampled and processed by a processing resource. The processing resource has stored therein data representing a plurality of time-versus-current curves that define a plurality of regions in which tripping may or may not occur.

Abstract: A bypass assembly. The bypass assembly includes a plurality of movable terminals configured to mate with fixed terminals of a power cell of a power supply. At least one of the movable terminals and its corresponding fixed terminal collectively form a contact when the at least one of the movable terminals and the corresponding fixed terminal are mated.

Abstract: A carousel used in a restocking system is comprised of a drive track. A plurality of bins are arranged into rows, with the rows being driven by said drive track. A drive mechanism, e.g. an electric motor, drives the drive track. A sensor is provided to sense the position of the rows of bins. A processor is responsive to the sensor and data representative of a plurality of picks for more than one order for controlling the drive mechanism. By combining picks from different orders into a batch, the time spent driving the rows and time between picks is minimized. The carousel may be divided into a plurality of columns, each with its own drive track, drive mechanism, and sensor, to enable several rows to be brought into a pick position simultaneously. Various methods and forms of restocking packages are also disclosed.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, which can comprise a wafer that defines an opening. The wafer can be adapted to be operatively installed between a mechanical portion of a circuit breaker and an electronic portion of the circuit breaker. When installed, the wafer can be adapted to receive a protrusion of the mechanical portion of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing an AFCI device.

Abstract: A circuit breaker and method include main contacts configured to connect in an on position and be separated in an off position. A handle is coupled to one of the main contacts to adjust the contacts between the on position, the off position, a trip position and an over on position. Secondary contacts are configured to provide power when connected using the handle in the over on position, even when the main contacts are separated. A stop mechanism configured to maintain separation between the main contacts to enable testing using the secondary contacts to power a test circuit such that if a test passes, the stop mechanism is released to permit resetting of the main contacts.

Abstract: A multipole switching device for selectively switching electrical power from an electrical power source to a load circuit comprises a first control device comprising a housing, an electromechanical actuator in the housing including a movable plunger, and an electrical switch in the housing operated by the plunger. A second control device comprises a housing mountable adjacent the first control device, an electromechanical actuator in the housing including a movable plunger, and an electrical switch in the housing operated by the plunger. A tie linkage mechanically ties the first control device plunger to the second control device plunger.

Abstract: A power distribution apparatus for distributing electrical power includes circuit breaker modules and remote operated devices mounted separately in a panel. The devices may be relays, circuit breakers, meters, dimmers or other devices for controlling a circuit. An I/O controller board is connected to the remote operated devices and controls those devices through a data rail. A control module may interface with the I/O controller board and may also interface with other I/O controller boards and with one or more networks. A serial communications line connects the I/O interface board with a number of remote operated devices. A separate select line runs from each remote operated device to the I/O controller board. To operate a particular device, the I/O controller board asserts the select line of that device, causing the device to listen for messages on the serial line. The relay executes commands contained in a message only of the select line for that device is asserted.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for creating applications for one or more types of programmable logic controllers (PLCs). A open development kit (ODK) is provided that permits dynamic link libraries to be created and interfaced to a user application software and also to the interface layers of the various types of PLCs. The types of PLCs may include soft PLCs, slot PLCs, and hard PLCs and interface via slots of a personal computer platform. The ODK provides generic interfacing to the various types of PLCs and establishes the necessary operating environment structure to implement processing in either a non-real time and a real time mode. A single application package may then control and manage the various types of PLCs. Communication paths are provided from the PLCs to the ODK subsystem to the user application so that the application software is essentially indifferent to type of PLC involved.

Abstract: A locking fastener for a guitar strap which receives the end pin of a guitar includes a base plate and a locking plate which is reciprocatingly slidable on the base plate. The base plate has a pin receiving keyhole formed through its thickness which is defined by a widened opening and a narrowed opening. The base plate also has a central slot formed through its thickness and openings or detents which are spaced apart from one another. The locking plate has a front edge which is recessed to define an open pocket, at least one protrusion which is selectively received in the openings or detents to secure the locking plate in a desired position with respect to the base plate, and a knob post or handle which extends through the central slot of the base plate and which is graspable by a user.

Abstract: A linearly actuated switch assembly is adjustably disposed in a housing stem bore of a robotic crash protector device. An actuation plate is disposed over the central bore of the contact surface. As the piston moves toward the housing base in response to a crash force or torque applied to the actuator, the actuation plate moves in an axial direction, and contacts and actuates the switch. The actuation plate is biased towards the contact surface by an actuation spring disposed between the actuation plate and a spring plate that is rigidly affixed to the housing stem. This arrangement allows the actuation plate to “float” with respect to the fixed spring plate. In particular, the actuation plate may assume the orientation of the piston, which may be canted from its default orientation—normal to the device central axis—by uneven application of force by the actuator.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a rotary handle. More particularly, the invention encompasses an improved support bracket for a deliberate action rotary handle. The invention further includes an improved support bracket to support an extended drive-plate deliberate action rotary handle, such that to turn on a component, such as, a circuit breaker, requires a deliberate manual action by the user. If a deliberate action is not taken by a user but the handle is accidentally pushed then the handle does not engage with a drive shaft and the handle moves to an outer edge of a drive plate thus preventing the engagement of the handle with the other components to turn on the component.

Abstract: The invention provides a meter socket assembly for a watt-hour meter with removable and changeable meter jaws. The meter socket assembly comprises a meter base, at least one meter jaw assembly with two optional 5th terminal provisions. The assemblies are snapped on to the meter base and locked into the meter base. Any meter jaw assembly in the meter socket device is able to be removed or changed by simply loosening a connection nut and then releasing the meter jaw assembly by pressing a cross locking tab. The meter base, mounted to enclosure of a meter socket device or a meter socket module, is also changeable. The meter socket device is suitable for a meter socket with line and load busing connections, especially modular metering devices.