Abstract: This disclosure sets out a soldering wand control system. With a wand having a heated tip, a heater element and a thermostat for measuring tip temperature, an output signal of tip temperature is provided. Using an analog to digital converter, tip temperature is transmitted to a CPU along with a set point temperature. The CPU also connects with a binary switch which is toggled to input an operator generated signal for changing tip temperature. In the preferred form, the binary switch is a reed switch which is physically mounted for easy operation by an operator moved magnet. This enables easy input of a binary signal for changing the circuit and its operation. In one form, the binary switch is a reed switch mounted on a printed circuit board within the cabinet and is magnetically sensitive by virtue of an external magnet which causes operation.

Abstract: An adjustable recessed light fixture comprises a lamp positionable in orientations wherein the light beam is inclined obliquely relative to a vertical axis, and wherein the inclined light beam can be rotated about the vertical axis. A movable stop is provided which enables the lamp to be rotated in a complete 360.degree. range of rotation. A housing which covers the light fixture includes a removable top wall which provides an effective thermal insulation for the housing. A trim ring is installable such that torsion springs of the trim ring are effectively held within a rotatable spin disc of the light fixture. The lamp can be rotated about a horizontal axis in a manner wherein only a minimal portion of a light beam is cut off by a reflector. A bar hanger for hanging a light fixture frame to a ceiling joist includes relatively slidable rails, wherein ends of the rails can be broken off to shorten the bar hanger without having to disconnect the rails from one another.

Abstract: A method of improving fault current measurement accuracy on a power line is disclosed. A first sample is obtained from a first input channel. A current magnitude is calculated from the first sample. The current magnitude is compared to a possible current saturation value. If the current magnitude is less than the possible current saturation value, a second sample from a second input channel is obtained, and the current magnitude is recalculated from the second sample. Lastly, the current magnitude is scaled by a scale factor. Also disclosed is an apparatus for improving fault current measurement accuracy on electronic reclosure control.

Abstract: A fuseblock is compact, and electrically conductive components of the fuseblock do not extend beyond a length of a fuse in the fuseblock. The fuseblock can be assembled easily and quickly without tools, and can be easily configured in different ways using the same components. The fuseblock can be snapped onto a mounting rail using mounting projections that are integral with the fuseblock. The fuseblock can include wire end connectors that each have two or more openings for receiving wire ends. The fuseblock also effectively conceals live electrical contacts from accidental touch when the fuseblock is closed and operational, and also when the fuseblock is opened to replace or inspect the fuse, thereby preventing a person servicing the fuseblock from accidentally receiving an electrical shock.

Abstract: A transformer is disclosed, including a tank housing a transformer core/coil assembly, a dielectric insulating fluid surrounding the core/coil assembly, the fluid comprising a vegetable oil, an antioxidant dissolved in the oil, and a low temperature additive blended into the oil, wherein the fluid defines a headspace above the fluid. The preferred embodiment includes an oxygen absorbing material contained in the tank and in contact with gases in the tank but isolated from contact with the dielectric fluid, the tank including an opening and a sealed plug in the opening, such that the oxygen absorbing material can be replaced through the opening upon removal of the sealed plug, and further includes a gas permeable polymer container sealed against the opening for supporting the oxygen absorbing material and an indicator in gas contact with the headspace and visible from outside the tank for indicating the presence of oxygen in the headspace.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning fine pitch electrical components and for solder paste stenciling includes a template for aligning an electrical component and for aligning a solder stencil. The template has a window with shelves on opposite sides. Tape is adhered to the shelves across the window and is used to secure the template to the desired location on the printed circuit board. The template also includes upright tabs that engage notches in the edges of the stencil for aligning the stencil. A two headed vacuum lifting device is used to lift an aligned component and an aligned stencil from the template. With the template removed from the printed circuit board, the stencil is replaced in the aligned position for solder application. The stencil is removed and the electrical component is placed for soldering.

Abstract: A surge arrester protection system includes a surge arrester, a first mechanism fixed on a first end of the surge arrester for directing arcs around the surge arrester and a second mechanism fixed on a second end of the surge arrester for directing arcs around the surge arrester. The first and second mechanisms each include a plurality of slots extending substantially radially therein. Additionally, a cap which covers a lower end of the arrester is used to catch material dripping from the surge arrester and a cap covering an upper end of the arrester is used to protect the arrester from animals and the elements.

Abstract: A transient voltage protection device is described wherein a gap between a ground conductor and another conductor is formed using a diamond dicing saw. Substrate material selection includes specific ceramic materials having a density of less than 3.8 gm/cm.sup.3 designed to optimize performance and manufacturability. An overlay layer can be provided to minimize burring of the conductors during formation of the gap.

Abstract: A coupler for connecting a first element to a second element includes a first connector piece securable to the first element; a second connector piece for attaching to the first connector piece; and a flexible breakaway device mounted on the second element for releasably securing the second connector piece to the second element. A method of connecting and disconnecting a first element and a second element includes the steps of providing a first connector piece on the first element; attaching a breakaway device to the second element; attaching a second connector piece to the breakaway device that is attached to the second element; securing the first connector to the second connector; releasing the second connector piece from the second element by deflecting a portion of the breakaway device when a separation force is applied between the first and second elements.

Abstract: A wiper blade includes a metal carrier, a metal yoke, and a plastic joint part. The metal yoke is attached to the metal carrier in a way the permits the yoke to pivot about a pivot axis. The joint part is interposed between the metal carrier and the metal yoke, and is stationary with respect to the carrier. Both the carrier and the yoke have a substantially U-shaped cross-section at the location at which the joint part is interposed between them, and the yoke is positioned substantially within said carrier. At least one leg of the U-shaped cross-section of the yoke includes a protrusion formed as part of the yoke at the location of the pivot axis. The protrusion pivotally engages in the joint part. The carrier has at least one hole provided coaxially with the pivot axis. A cylindrical portion of the joint part is provided through the hole, and the protrusion of the yoke extends into the cylindrical portion. A method of manufacturing a wiper blade is also disclosed.

Abstract: A meter extender surge suppression system that fits between a utility meter and a meter box is provided to protect downstream equipment from surges on the electric power lines. The system includes an operation indicator light that reliably informs the operator whether the surge arresters are fully operational in all ambient light conditions. The invention includes a two-piece housing. All circuit components are mounted on portion of the housing to simplify manufacture and testing.

Abstract: A delay mechanism for retarding relative movement between two members has particular application in a hinge assembly for a dropout fuseholder. In one embodiment, a pin member rotatably connecting two adjacent members is disposed through a sleeve which has a cavity filled with viscous material, such as silicon putty. Protrusions extending from the shaft of the pin engage the putty and retard the relative rotational movement of the two members. In another embodiment, a friction member, such as a washer or annular seal, is disposed between the adjacent rotatable members. The friction member has facing surfaces contacting the opposing surfaces of the rotatable members such that the frictional forces between the friction member and the rotatable members retard rotation. In still another embodiment, the hinge assembly of a dropout fuseholder includes a latch member which rotates away from the fuseholder once dropout is initiated.

Abstract: A fuse housing assembly having a fuse holder housing for receiving a fuse holder. The fuse housing is mountable to a transformer tank that holds a dielectric liquid. When the fuse holder and fuse are inserted into the fuse housing that is mounted to the transformer tank, the fuse is located under the dielectric oil. The fuse holder assembly includes a vent tube that communicates a gas above the level of the dielectric liquid in the transformer to the interior of the fuse holder housing. When an operator removes the fuse holder to replace an exhausted fuse, a seal formed between the fuse holder and the fuse holder assembly is broken, and pressurized gas within the transformer tank will vent through the vent tube, through the interior of the fuse holder housing, and out an open end of the fuse holder housing to atmosphere, rather than causing the dielectric liquid to flow out of the fuse holder housing.