Abstract: A microprocessor based recloser control has a microcomputer for causing trip and close operations of a recloser in response to the conditions of the power distribution lines being protected and operator commands. The microcomputer may be overridden by a mechanical switch in the recloser control. If power to the recloser control is lost, the microprocessor will continue to function with power storage means for a limited duration. Towards the end of that duration, this microcomputer will power down the microprocessor in an orderly manner allowing automatic return to its functions when power is restored. After the microprocessor is no longer functioning, a secondary overcurrent trip circuit is relied upon to cause a trip operation of the recloser for extended durations of power outage. The secondary overcurrent trip circuit can be disabled by the microprocessor.

Abstract: A voltage regulator is described adapted for use controlling the output of an AC generator. A voltage control field-winding excitation control circuit supplies direct current to the generator field in response to a driver. The driver, in turn, is operated in response to a switching regulator. A frequency sensing means generates a voltage proportional to the frequency of the generator. This frequency sensitive voltage is combined with a reference voltage to drive an asynchronous switching regulator. The switching regulator produces a train of output voltage control signals to operate the driver. Preferably power MOSFETs are used to control the flow of current to the generator field. Loss of voltage and high current protection features are included.

Abstract: A high-current shunt is disclosed for carrying current between relatively fixed and movable terminals in a mechanism for controlling the transfer of electrical energy. In one embodiment a plurality of generally oval, flexible, ribbon-like electrical conductors are used to bridge the gap between two spaced apart coaxial base members. Each ribbon-like conductor is suspended between the two base elements so as to have a generally U-shaped configuration. By connecting the conductors to each base element at a single point, the two base elements may be rotated relative to each other to a limited degree. Stacking and nesting of the ribbon conductors increases the current carrying capability. Good electrical contact is established within a relatively small volume and relatively little force is required to rotate the two elements relative to each other.

Abstract: The power theft detector circuit (10, 110 and 210) detects when current is being diverted around a line conductor (20 or 220) passing through a meter housing (14 or 214). The circuit (10, 110 or 210) includes a current transformer (12, 112 or 212) coupled to the line conductor (20 or 220) within the meter and defines a primary winding (20 or 220) of the current transformer (12, 112 or 212). A secondary circuit (23, 123 or 224) includes a secondary winding (22, 122 or 226) of the transformer (12, 112 or 212) and sensing circuitry (24, R.sub.m, R.sub.1, and S; 124, R.sub.m, R.sub.1, S and 126; 232, R.sub.m, and 240) for sensing a change in the impedance reflected from the primary circuit into the secondary circuit (23, 123 or 224) when a low impedance jumper (26, 260) is connected in parallel with the line conductor (20 or 220) in the meter thereby to sense a power theft condition.

Abstract: A dielectric liquid composition for use in an electrical apparatus, such as a transformer. The dielectric composition is composed of 10% to 90% by weight of one or more hydrocarbon oils having a molecular weight distribution peak in the range of 460 to 720, and the balance being a polyalphaolefin having a molecular weight distribution peak of 320 to 600. The dielectric liquid composition has a fire point above 300.degree. C., a pour point at least as low as -20.degree. C., and is thermally stable and essentially biodegradable.

Abstract: A liquid propane gas fuel system includes a propane fuel tank. A two stage pressure regulator defined by a housing with a fuel inlet and a fuel outlet is also included. A first fuel conduit extends from an outlet in the fuel tank to the fuel inlet in the pressure regulator. The system supplies fuel to an engine that includes an exhaust gas manifold. A thermoconductive mounting bracket is secured to the housing of the pressure regulator and manifold to transmit heat from the manifold to the regulator in proportion to the load imposed on the engine. A chokeless carburetor is also included in the system and is in fluid communication through a second fuel conduit with the outlet of the pressure regulator. In an alternative embodiment, a heat exchanger is included in the first fuel conduit. In a second alternative embodiment, an electric heating element is positioned within the housing of the pressure regulator.

Abstract: A material finishing line which includes a plurality of finishing tanks disposed in a linear array and a self-propelled hoist movable along an elongated track extending parallel to the finishing line. The hoist includes a base which contains the propulsion and control mechanism, and a guide fixedly projecting upwardly from the base. A pick-up arm is slidably carried on the guide and is cantilevered therefrom over the finishing line so as to pass over successive tank locations as the hoist is propelled along the track. The pick-up arm is raised and lowered by an hydraulic ram coupled to the base, and is held in horizontal orientation by a pair of chains trained around sprockets affixed to the guide and attached to the pick-up arm.

Abstract: An electric fuse includes a tube of insulating material with first and second open ends. Metallic or electrically conducting end caps are placed on each of the first and second ends. A fuse element is mounted with the tube in electrical contact with the end caps. The fuse element includes an elongated body defined by a plurality of heavy portions and a plurality of weak spots. Each weak spot is located between adjacent heavy portions. The weak spots are linear fusible portions integrally connected to adjacent heavy portions and are transverse to an axis extending along the length of the element. Each heavy portion includes first and second ends. A first adjacent heavy portion is connected at a first end of a weak spot and a second adjacent heavy portion is connected to a second end of the weak spot, such that the first ends of adjacent heavy portions are transversely offset from each other.

Abstract: A die handling device for lifting and moving die sets includes a pair of clamps for holding a die shoe of the die set. Each clamp includes a body with first and second parallel extensions. Each extension includes an aperture. A portion of a die shoe is positioned between the parallel extensions. An aperture is fabricated in the die shoe and once aligned with the apertures in the first and second parallel extensions, a pin is inserted through the apertures. The pin is locked in place by a snap lock. The lock includes a transverse bore through the pin with a ball partially mounted in a first end of the bore and a set screw mounted in a second end. A resilient plug or spring is positioned within the bore between the ball and set screw. A second die shoe may be held by a second pair of clamps identical to the first pair. The first pair and second pair of clamps are joined by an adjustable link that includes first and second identical members. Each member includes a plurality of apertures.

Abstract: Public alert and advisory systems for the communication of emergency and/or other information from one or more central locations to a plurality of remote locations, such as, by way of example, information regarding a nuclear accident and evacuation procedures. This system utilizes conventional programming stations such as AM, FM or TV stations, central transmitting equipment, with the emergency information being modulated by a second modulation technique differing from the first modulation technique for the ordinary programming so that conventional manually operated programming receivers will not be responsive to the emergency information. The receivers of the system however, are responsive to the transmitted emergency information, so as to sound a warning alarm, display codes relating to evacuation or other information and/or receive and present audio information depending upon the specific configuration of the system.

Abstract: Communication system for either public or private electric power load management and distribution automation, and the like, wherein subcarrier signals are sent to a plurality of remotely located receivers and transmitters using an existing standard FM broadcast station. The broadcast signal is detected by a receiver which filters out the subcarrier component of the broadcast signal. The radio frequencies of the plurality of remotely located transmitters and receivers are closely spaced and synthesized from the frequency of the broadcast subcarrier and their time of transmission, digital bit streams, and message frames are all synchronized from the subcarrier signal. The FM broadcast station thereby orchestrates all communication activity to and from the plurality of remote locations to optimize traffic flow and maximize a priori information to all components to significantly increase reliability.

Abstract: A time delay fuse includes a tubular housing of insulative material with first and second open ends. First and second metallic or electrically conductive ferrules are mounted on the first and second ends, respectively, of the tubular housing. A core is positioned within the tubular housing and affixed to the ferrules by electrically conductive material such as solder. At least one short inner wire extends along the core and is electrically and mechanically connected to the solder. A second wire, longer than the first wire, is spirally wound around the core and the first inner wire. The second wire includes first and second ends mechanically and electrically connected to the conductive material such that the first and second wires are electrically parallel.

Abstract: A unique self-flow generating gas interrupter of the type wherein arc-extinction is performed by the creation of a negative pressure region brought about by the separation of the interrupter contacts. The interrupter incorporates a novel arrangement of valves so as to optimize the performance of the interrupter over the broad range of interrupting currents. In one embodiment a check valve is used to supply gas from the exterior of the interrupter casing and into the arcing chamber in response to the pressure within the arcing chamber decreasing or falling below a pre-selected value. In this manner, less force is required to operate the interrupter when low-currents are encountered. In another embdiment a relief valve is used to release the pressure developed in the arcing chamber in the event that a large interrupting current is encountered. Still another embodiment incorporates both the check valve and the relief valve.

Abstract: A high capacity filter and filtering system for a floor cleaning machine is provided. The floor cleaning machine comprises a frame, wheels supporting the frame on the surface to be cleaned, a rotatable sweeping brush carried by the frame, and a hopper carried by the frame near the sweeping brush. The hopper has a dirt- and debris-receiving opening at a lower rear portion thereof through which dirt and debris are received from the brush. A dividing wall extends between side walls of the hopper and divides it into a lower dirt- and debris-receiving chamber and an upper exhaust chamber with an inlet opening communicating between the chambers. A manifold is removably supported by the hopper in the exhaust chamber and a plurality of filters extend downwardly from the manifold into the exhaust chamber. Each of the filters has an outer surface and a central, inner chamber which communicates with the interior of the manifold.

Abstract: A disconnect switch is disclosed having a puffer interrupter electrically connected with and operated by a knife switch or fused disconnect switch. A puffer interrupter includes a divided pressure chamber having at least one exterior wall which is flexible and responsive to the pressure therein. A fixed tubular electrical contact is carried by a fixed interior wall within the puffer interrupter housing so as to establish flow communication through the fixed interior wall. A floating electrical contact is carried by the flexible wall and is adapted to engage and disengage from the fixed electrical contact in response to movement of the flexible wall. A snap spring biases the floating contact away from the fixed contact during arc interruption.

Abstract: A system is disclosed which employs existing broadcast stations to transmit synchronizing and supervisory signals for use by telephone communication devices at remote locations for timing purposes and for coordinating their activities with activities at other locations. The system comprises a broadcast transmitter modified to transmit phase (or frequency) modulated digital signals, which digital signals are synchronized to the carrier of the broadcast station. The broadcast station includes equipment to both periodically transmit synchronizing and supervising signals to coordinate activity of remote devices, and to transmit messages to them. The messages are generated at a central computer location and conveyed to the broadcast station by a dedicated phone line, a microwave link, or other known methods. At remote locations a TELRAD modem includes a radio receiver to detect the broadcast signals which synchronize and supervise them and associated customer apparatus.

Abstract: An elongated fuse housing includes a fusible wire longitudinally extended and coaxially mounted within a housing having end terminals. A spring indicator unit is secured to one end and includes a relatively large diameter loosely wound section forming a helical compression spring in combination with an integral, coaxial and tightly wound elongated indicator coil which extends axially of the spring. The spring/indicator unit is located within the housing with the coil spring held compressed by the fusible wire. The one end terminal includes an opening aligned with the wire-wound indicator coil. Disruption of the fusible wire releases the coil spring which expands within the housing to rapidly separate the fuse wire and simultaneously move the elongated wire-wound indicator coil through the opening, thereby indicating operation of the fuse.