Abstract: A method for acquiring data regarding operation of a mail processing system includes the steps of configuring a diagnostic module as a mail piece, inserting the diagnostic module into a stream of mail being processed by the mail processing system, and collecting data with the diagnostic module as it travels through the mail processing machine.

Abstract: A system for optically detecting an electrical arc in a power supply. The system includes a light pipe, a photodetector optically coupled to the light pipe, and a signal processor connected to the photodetector.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can comprise a method for controlling a machine. The method can comprise a plurality of activities that can comprise determining a profile of a surface responsive to a scan of the surface. The method can comprise identifying 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 method can comprise determining a machine procedure based upon the identified predetermined profile. The method can comprise automatically executing the preferred machine procedure via a machine.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, which can comprise a lug coupler that comprises a set of bus bars. Each of the set of bus bars can be adapted to be releasably attached to a corresponding terminal of a set of terminals of a circuit breaker. The system can comprise a set of studs adapted to engage a corresponding set of apertures defined by an end connector of one of a set of electrical leads adapted to be electrically coupled to the lug coupler.

Abstract: A basepan assembly for hook-on attachment onto a metering device is provided including a basepan support having at least two insert latches disposed at a first end and a side flange disposed at a second opposite end. A basepan body is provided being insertable onto said basepan support and including an inside wall configured to be attachable to a barrier of the metering device, as well as an outside wall, a bus stab chamber, and a hold-down insert configured to be attachable to the basepan body, the hold-down insert further having a side barrier. A top load stab having a first end affixable to the hold-down insert is provided and a bottom load stab insertable within said bus stab chamber is provided.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing forming an opening. A push switch is connected to a test circuit to enable testing of the test circuit in accordance with closing the push switch. A flexible membrane is formed in the opening and configured to form a seal between the housing and the flexible membrane. The flexible membrane is located in an operative relationship with the push switch such that pushing the flexible membrane results in a displacement of the push switch.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for restricting auxiliary latch movement within a tripped circuit breaker. An auxiliary latch is held in a closed state and is biased into an open state. When the trip bar is activated in response to an overload condition, it releases the auxiliary latch which pivots to the open state. The cradle is released and pivots to disengage the breaker contact. Tabs on the cradle and auxiliary latch cooperatively interlock to limit auxiliary latch movement until the latch is properly reset.

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 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: 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: 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 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: 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 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 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 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.