Abstract: A temperature sensitive timing control device for a toaster appliance includes a main bimetal element and a compensating bimetal element, both mounted on a support member mounted for pivotal movement in first and second directions, but biased toward the first direction. The main bimetal element includes a trigger arm normally engaging a latch release member to maintain the member in a set position. The latch release member when released by the trigger arm, in turn releases the bread carrier latch mechanism. The free end of the compensating bimetal element rests on a limiting screw which determines the extent of movement of the support member in the first direction. A locking member, operated by the toaster bread carrier when the latter is moved into a toasting position, engages the support member to secure it against movement in the first direction. When the bread carrier is moved to the toasting position, the bimetal elements are heated.

Abstract: A grass trimmer includes a housing having a lower base wall from which extends a hub member of a predetermined height coupled to a motor encased in the housing, which motor drives the hub member rotatably. A cutting line element is attached to the hub member. A rim extends outwardly from the housing about the perimeter of the base wall. A first rim portion is of a height greater than the hub member and includes first and second spaced mounting ears extending therefrom toward the hub member. A protective shield designed for mounting on the housing in spaced relation from the base wall, is planar and of a similar shape to the base wall. The shield includes first and second tab and shoulder assemblies located for cooperation with the ears on the rim portion of the housing. Joining the last mentioned assemblies and respective ears attaches the shield to the trimmer housing.

Abstract: A method of processing an electrical apparatus, such as a capacitor, containing a polymeric dielectric material. The interior of the capacitor casing, which is at room temperature, is initially connected to a vacuum source to evacuate the interior of the casing and when a vacuum sensing unit indicates that the required vacuum has been obtained, a degassed dielectric liquid is supplied to the interior of the casing. A positive pressure is applied to the liquid in the casing to fully impregnate the polymeric layer. When the desired capacitance is obtained, the impregnation is complete and the unit is sealed.

Abstract: A tap-changing transformer system, utilized for voltage regulation of the line potential applied to a load from a source of energy, has a non-arcing switch to protect tap contacts during a tap change. A fail-safe circuit is utilized to determine that the non-arcing switch and its associated circuitry are operating properly before a movable tap contact is transferred from one stationary tap to another. In the event that the fail-safe circuit detects an improper operation of the non-arcing switch, the source is connected directly to the load to preclude the passage of any load current through the tap-changing transformer. A particular form of transfer switch useful in effecting the connection of the source directly to the load employs a current-limiting impedance arrangement.

Abstract: The dual element fuse of the present invention has at least one fusible element and at least one mass of heat softenable material; and that fusible element will respond to a short circuit to fuse and thereby assure opening of the circuit, whereas that mass of heat softenable material will respond to a long-continued relatively-low potentially-hurtful overcurrent to soften and thereby initiate opening of the circuit. That dual element fuse has a shunt element which shunts the mass of heat softenable material and which will fuse after that mass of heat softenable material has initiated opening of the circuit; and hence that shunt element will minimize arcing as that mass of heat softenable material initiates opening of the circuit.

Abstract: A fuse clip, for a ferrule-like terminal of an electric fuse, has a base from which two arms extend upwardly to grip that ferrule-like terminal. Securing projections extend downwardly from, and extend below the level of, the bottom of that base to enter openings in a circuit board; and hence no part of that base need be overlain by any part of a rivet, bolt or other fastener. The upper ends of those arms are located below the level of the top of the ferrule-like terminal. The upper surface of the base has a line contact with the lowermost portion of the ferrule-like terminal, and each of the two arms also has a line contact with that ferrule-like terminal which is displaced at least one hundred degrees from that lowermost portion of that ferrule-like terminal.

Abstract: A donut making appliance includes upper and lower electrically heated grids movable into and out of mating engagement along first surfaces. Each of the first surfaces of the grids includes a predeterminedly placed annular recess having a central core. Upon bringing the grids into engagement, the recesses are aligned to define a toroidally shaped cavity in which cake or the like batter is placed for baking donut shaped cakes. The central core of the lower grid defines a well preferably having the shape of a truncated cone, open at the first surface of the grid. The central core of the upper grid comprises a plunger having a shape complementary to that of the well and extending outwardly from the first surface of the grid, for receipt in the well upon engagement of the grids. The plunger-well arrangement ensures the alignment of the recesses and the displacement of cooking oil deposited in the well upon bringing the grids into engagement.

Abstract: A hollow rotatable shaft supported by bearing means surrounds a rivet extending through both ends thereof and rotatable therewith. A non-rotatable contact is connected to a terminal adjacent one end of the shaft and in brushing contact with one end of the rivet. A mechanical coupling is located at the opposite end of the shaft whereby the shaft, rivet and coupling are rotatable as a single unit and electrical current may pass through the rivet as the unit is rotating.

Abstract: A vacuum contact enclosure has end contact assemblies within contact enclosures specially formed to distribute the high voltage field and eliminate high stress in an encapsulating solid insulation. A non-tracking guide tube extends concentrically of a movable contact rod. A solid, dry, high voltage insulation wall intimately attaches to the vacuum and contact enclosures. The wall has an opening through which the contact rod extends with a planar end wall surface abutting a submersible operating housing. A clamp engages the wall and housing and draws the wall surface into sealing engagement with the housing. The operating mechanism includes a pivoted lever assembly connected to a spring-loaded linkage member secured to the contact operating member and a spaced drive lever and pin assembly. A toggle assembly is pinned between the assemblies and includes a releasable latch member.

Abstract: A pressure measuring system which includes a variable reluctance pressure transducer energized from an alternating voltage source, wherein the ratio of the output voltage to the source voltage is proportional to the pressure being sensed. Precision full wave rectifiers convert the source and output voltages to reference and sensing direct voltage signals, respectively. A switching regulator regulates the higher amplitude reference voltage signal to have exactly the same average voltage as the sensing voltage signal. The switching regulator also regulates a constant voltage DC signal from a regulated power supply at the same switching duty cycle as the regulated reference voltage signal, to produce a direct voltage, pressure-sensing signal which is uneffected by voltage fluctuations in the alternating voltage source for the pressure transducer.

Abstract: A weather-proof light fixture includes a quick connect modular ballast assembly which is separably connected to a light reflector member mounted on a support surface. A housing containing the ballast assembly has a lamp receptacle extending from a sidewall thereof. The light reflector member includes a neck portion the end of which is butted against the housing, receiving the lamp receptable therein. Outwardly projecting fastener arms extending from the neck portion each having a hollow cavity therein are rotated over posts protruding from the ballast housing sidewall, and located adjacent the lamp receptacle. Slots contained within the fastener arms receive screw fasteners extending from the posts to secure the lamp ballast housing and reflector member in a joined condition. A gasket disposed between the end of the neck portion and housing side wall, renders the light fixture waterproof.

Abstract: The minimum instantaneous voltage output of a phase resistor connected to receive the rectified phase and neutral currents of three wye-connected current transformers, magnetically coupled to respective phase conductors of a three phase electric power circuit, is proportional to the peak current of the phase conductor carrying the center magnitude phase current. A voltage proportional to this minimum instantaneous voltage is measured and stored by a capacitor each cycle. The peak instantaneous voltage output of a ground resistor connected to receive the full wave rectified output of three, parallel-connected current transformers, also coupled to respective phase conductors of the power circuit, is proportional to the peak ground current of the electric power circuit.

Abstract: A latch assembly for removably securing an elongated electrical component tray in the housing of a light fixture comprises a bracket member having spaced side walls from which support members extend, respectively, in opposing relation toward the housing interior. A first one of the support members includes a plurality of alternately offset fingers between which a first end of the tray is received. A flat spring member mounted on the opposite bracket wall, transverse the second support member, defines a slotted aperture through which the second one of the mounting members extends. The spring member includes a cam surface for engagement by the second end of the tray to urge the spring away, permitting the tray end to be moved past the cam surface and be received in the slotted aperture for retaining the second end of the tray on the second support member. Release of the tray requires manual movement of the spring member for removal of the second end of the tray from within the slotted aperture.

Abstract: A mounting bracket formed integrally with a light fixture housing, mounts the fixture on either a flat surface, such as, a wall or a curved surface, such as, a post. The bracket includes a base portion having a front wall and opposed parallel side walls and opposed parallel upper and lower end walls joined to the rear surface of the front wall to define a cavity. The free ends of the upper and lower end walls are arcuate, curving inwardly from the opposite side walls toward the front wall for accommodating a cylindrical post or the like support member. A hollow support arm extends from the front surface of the front wall of the base portion to the housing and carries electrical wiring between the housing and the base portion of the mounting bracket. A pair of apertures for receiving mounting screws are defined in the front wall, one at each upper and lower end of the base portion.

Abstract: A switch of the type utilized for machine tool controls and actuated by a roller passing over a cam track has two members mounted for independent reciprocation along a plunger actuated from the cam track. One of the members carries a movable contact or contacts, while the second member is utilized to trigger the first member. Each of the members is independently activated by an associated overcenter arrangement for snap action. A compression spring is utilized to return drive the plunger from the position to which it is moved by the action of the roller on the cam track. Movement of the plunger under the driving force of either the roller and cam track or the compression spring provides for a snap action of both members in the appropriate direction upon activation by their respective overcenter arrangement.

Abstract: A latch and hinge assembly for releasably securing the refractor panel of a luminaire on the luminaire housing at the open end thereof includes first and second pairs of spring loaded plunger rods mounted at non-intersecting ends of the frame of the refractor panel, each such pair of rods extending along a common axis parallel to the edge of the corresponding end of the frame. The rod ends which normally extend outwardly from the frame at opposite ends thereof are received in aligned apertures in corresponding walls of the luminaire housing to attach the refractor panel thereto. Manually operated tabs for retracting the plunger rods of the first rod pair extend from a first surface of the panel facing the interior of the housing while the tabs for retracting the plunger rods of the second rod pair extend from the opposite surface of the panel facing the exterior of the housing. The location of the manually operated retracting tabs prevents the release of two rods not of the same pair.

Abstract: A drawout switchgear assembly which can be disconnected from a shielded cable electric distribution system under energized cable conditions. Each of the switchgear source and load bushings is held within a stationary cable connector with sufficient pressure exerted by the switchgear drawout operating mechanism to maintain a waterproof, fully shielded connection. Each stationary cable connector includes a current exchange bayonet member carrying a louvered band having resilient contact fingers which engage the movable switchgear bushing rod within a cavity of this rod for receiving the bayonet member. A switchgear drawout operating mechanism includes a mechanical interlock which allows withdrawal or reconnection of the switchgear only when the switchgear is in its open position.

Abstract: An inrush current restraint circuit, for use with a typical overcurrent minimum pickup circuit of a power system switching device, such as a recloser or sectionalizer, for raising the initial overcurrent minimum pickup value upon closure of the switching device to a selected value, then linearly returning this pickup value to normal within a selected period of time. The minimum pickup circuit is actuated by the voltage drop across a current sensing resistor, through which a current signal proportional to current in the power system is passed. The initial pickup overcurrent value is increased by providing another current path in parallel with the current sensing resistor when the switching device is closed. A timing capacitor is discharged each time the switching device is open, then charged from a constant current source each time the switching device is closed.

Abstract: An interrupter includes a vacuum enclosure for a set of high voltage contacts and end contact assemblies are secured to the end walls. High voltage terminals are connected to the contact assemblies. A solid insulating shell intimately attaches to the vacuum enclosure and extends axially therefrom to enclose the contact assemblies, with a contact shaft passageway in one end of the shell. One of the contact assemblies includes a movable contact shaft extending through the passageway in the insulating shell to an operating mechanism for rapid opening of the contacts. The passageway is sealed at the outer end to the shaft with a rolling diaphragm and defines a chamber encompassing the contact assembly. A deaerated insulating oil fills the chamber and significantly increases the impulse voltage rating of the interrupter. The chamber may alternatively be filled with a non-pressurized sulfur hexafluoride or other suitable gaseous medium to prevent contamination.