Abstract: An optical waveguide bend element is configured to change a direction of travel of light from a first direction to a second direction. The bend element includes a block of material. The block has an input face configured to receive light travelling in the first direction and an output face configured to transmit light travelling in the second direction. The second direction is substantially different from the first direction. The block also has a convex surface defined between the input face and the output face. The convex surface is configured to keep the light within the bend element through total internal reflection.

Abstract: A slide lock for a power return measuring tape includes an elongated lock member slidably mounted in a casing. The lock member has a resilient locking tongue and follower pins extending laterally from lock member. The follower pins engage guide in the casing, which includes a guiding surface formed by a ridge in each side wall to engage the pins, the guiding surface defining a descending path to guide the tongue from a position above a measuring tape in the housing to a position in contact with the measuring tape. A lock surface is formed at a lower end of the guiding surface with a protrusion at a junction between the guiding surface and the lock surface. Movement of the pins over the protrusion to the lock surface forces the tongue in contact with the measuring blade and causes the tongue to bend to apply a clamping force to the measuring blade.

Abstract: A current responsive latching apparatus may be employed in a dropout fuseholder or other electrical component for retaining the component in a current-carrying position and disconnecting and isolating the electrical component upon the occurrence of an overcurrent of a predetermined magnitude. The apparatus includes a current path through the component, including a current-carrying stud or conductor, a portion of which extends outside the component for releasably engaging a support member. A latching apparatus, which may include an actuating member of memory allow or a bimetallic material, engages the conductor to retain the support member in a supporting position beneath the electrical component. The apparatus may further include a heater element in the current path to ensure that the actuation member is heated to the temperature necessary to cause it to change shape and release the conductor upon the presence of an overcurrent.

Abstract: A single, integrated circuit combining both a restrike ignitor and a digital timer cutout which generates high voltage pulses for starting and restarting high intensity discharge lamps, including high pressure sodium lamps, without generating an excessive amount of heat.

Abstract: A one-piece compound lock for a power return measuring tape includes an elongated lock member slidably mounted in a casing that engages both the tape blade and the tape drum to resist unwanted movement of the blade. The lock member has a resilient locking tongue and is slidably engaged in grooves in the casing to guide movement of the tongue between an unlocked and a locked position. Drum locking tabs extend laterally from lock member. In the locked position, the locking tongue applies locking pressure to the tape blade and the drum locking tabs engage the tape drum to resist rotation.

Abstract: A distributed lighting system has a light source and a set of optical conduits. Input ends of the set of optical conduits may be placed in close proximity to the light source to increase the efficiency with which light is transmitted from the light source to the optical conduits. The efficiency also may be increased by placing a light collector between the light source and the input ends of the optical conduits.

Abstract: A sheathed element for a heater plug for diesel engines includes a hollow metal sheath that is open at one end, has a closed opposite end, and defines a cavity. A heating element is positioned in the cavity and the cavity is filled with insulating powder. An elastomeric seal is positioned in the open end of the sheath. The seal has an annular projection that projects from a surface of the seal and establishes a sealing contact with a respective seat of the sheath so that, when the seal is inserted into the seat, the projection removes particles present on an internal wall of the seat.

Abstract: An electronic circuit, and corresponding method, for controlling the closing velocity of electrical switchgear, includes an actuator and a current detection circuit that detects whether an optimum amount of current is flowing through the actuator. When the optimum amount of current is detected, a current optimizing resistor is inserted into the path of the current flowing through the actuator, thus limiting the current flowing through the actuator to the optimum amount. This, in turn, limits the closing velocity of the electrical switchgear and minimizes contact bounce.

Abstract: An improved transformer cabinet includes a cabinet door in which the lower portion of the door is replaced with a durable, corrosion resistant material. It is preferred that the replacement portion comprise a strip approximately three inches wide attached to the lower edge of a transformer cabinet door.

Abstract: The lighting system according to the present invention is based on a modular lighting component or fixture which is designed to accommodate a single T8 (1" diameter) fluorescent tube. The T8 fluorescent tube which is smaller than the widely used T12 fluorescent tube is more efficient and lower powered than the more common T12 lamp. The modular system of fixtures each contain only one lamp and allow the end user to couple the correct quantity of fixtures to meet both the lighting requirements and the power density limitations of any application. The modular system of fixtures along with a system for coupling the fixtures allows extreme flexibility of layout designs for a variety of applications. The individual lighting fixture includes a lamp housing in which the single T8 light source is mounted, electrical connections for the light source, side reflectors and a plurality of cross vanes or louvers extending transversely below the light source.

Abstract: A subminiature circuit protector includes a substrate carrying a metal fuse element hermetically sealed in a glass sleeve cartridge. The fuse element may comprise a film deposited on the substrate, or, alternatively a metal strip or wire. Leads extend from opposing ends of the sleeve for connection in a circuit, and a gas is sealed in the sleeve to provide a suitable environment to improve operating lifetime and interrupting capability. A method for making a circuit protector includes placing a substrate carrying a fuse element in a glass sleeve and placing leads in contact with the fuse element. The assembly is heated in the presence of a gas below atmospheric pressure to a temperature sufficient to soften the glass. The pressure is then increased to cause the ends of the glass sleeve to form a hermetic seal about the leads.

Abstract: A fuse element having a substantially planar strip formed of an electrically conductive metal having a central portion and opposite end portions. The central portion is provided with a plurality of diamond-shaped perforations. The perforations form a plurality of branches that define a plurality of elongated, narrowed electrical pathways across the central portion. The joints where the branches meet form the weak spots for the fuse element. The central portion of the fuse element is encased in a material that is electrically non-conducting and heat conducting. The material, a ceramic, for example, is injection molded in and around the perforations to substantially completely encase the central portion of the fuse element.

Abstract: An adaptive method and apparatus for detecting fault conditions in a power distribution system that services both single phase loads and three phase loads. The present invention accomplishes this by providing an adaptive ground fault detection method and an adaptive phase fault detection method. Both methods provide the capability to distinguish gradual changes in phase current, due to ordinary current fluctuations, from more substantial changes in phase current due to various fault conditions. By making this distinction, the present invention minimizes unnecessary service interruptions.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a mixture of hydrocarbons having a well-defined chemical composition that is suitable for use as a dielectric coolant in electrical equipment in general, and specifically in transformers. The dielectric coolants of the present invention are particularly suited for use in sealed, non-vented transformers, and have improved performance characteristics, including decreased degradation of the paper insulating layers, as well as a greater degree of safety and environmental acceptability. The present dielectric coolants comprise relatively pure blends of compounds selected from the group consisting of aromatic hydrocarbons, polyalphaolefins, polyol esters, and natural vegetable oils, along with additives to improve pour point, increase stability and reduce oxidation rate.

Abstract: A current-limiting dropout fuseholder includes multiple current paths through the fuse body. A primary current path includes a high current fusible element. A secondary current path in parallel with the primary path includes a triggering conductor that extends outside the fuse body and is connected to a moveable support. The second current path further includes a first spark gap for severing the triggering conductor upon the occurrence of a fault and the shifting of the fault current from the primary current path to the second current path. A second spark gap formed between the primary and the second current paths ensures that the fault current flows across the first spark gap for a time sufficient to sever the triggering conductor, thereby ensuring that dropout will occur.