Abstract: A circuit monitoring system for a distributed power network employs waveform capturing techniques for efficient and highly accurate monitoring. The system includes a plurality of circuit monitors and a control station, which is coupled to each of the circuit monitors via a multi-drop communications link. Each of the circuit monitors is disposed adjacent an associated one of the branches in the network for sensing power parameters in the branches and for generating and transmitting data representing the power parameters to the control station. The control station is used for generating monitoring commands to each of the circuit monitors to provide the system with full system control and evaluation capability. The system is capable of simultaneously sensing the waveform at each branch and sampling the waveforms for a predetermined number of sample points over an integral number of cycles so as to provide an efficient yet accurate implementation.

Abstract: In an electrical distribution system for controlling current paths through a plurality of associated circuit breakers, a programmable circuit arrangement operates the circuit breakers by remote control in at least the open and closed circuit positions. The circuit arrangement includes a termination circuit for receiving different kinds of remote control signals, each of which is associated with one of the circuit breakers for commanding that each of the circuit breakers open or close its associated current path. The arrangement also includes a programmable controller, which responds to each of the different kinds of remote control signals and to a user-defined program indicating the kind of remote control signal which commands the associated circuit breaker, for generating control signals. An interface circuit then responds to the generated control signals by controlling the circuit breakers between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: There is provided a circuit that protects the electronic tripping circuitry of a circuit breaker system from external transient high voltages and prolonged high voltage faults. The circuit preferably includes a transzorb that conducts in response to receiving a voltage signal having a magnitude greater than the breakdown voltage of the transzorb. This transzorb clamps the output voltage to its breakdown voltage. The circuit also includes a fuse that is designed to blow in response to a prolonged high voltage fault.

Abstract: A programmable logic controller system having the capability of controlling up to 64 clusters of peripheral controllers, wherein each cluster has up to seven racks of peripheral controllers, each rack having up to 16 individual peripheral controllers. Excepting for the cluster containing the programmable logic controller, each cluster is coupled to the programmable logic controller through an ethernet cable to a cluster controller. Each of the seven racks of peripheral controller cards is connected to its respective programmable logic controller or cluster controller directly (for the first rack) or through a local rack adaptor (for the other six racks). The programmable logic controller generates data, address and control signals which are used by the peripheral controllers to operate machines and equipment on an assembly line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a distribution board for electrical power which provides rear electrical access to connect busbars and switch modules together. The distribution board includes a framework for supporting electrical components, a switch compartment for receiving at least one switch module, and a terminal compartment for connecting outlet terminals from the switch module to outgoing lines. The present invention also includes a switch unit which utilizes a housing having a rear face. The rear face incorporates both input and output terminals.

Abstract: A molded plastic current limiting circuit breaker having for each pole, a stationary and movable contact separable upon occurrence of a current higher than a predetermined level. The stationary and movable contacts are positioned inside an over-molded magnet opening to greatly increase the magnetic repulsion force between them and rapidly accelerate their separation by concentrating the magnetic fields generated upon an occurrence of a high level short circuit. The over-molded magnet is composed of a plurality of steel plates grouped together and being over molded with a thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic material has grooves integrally formed therein for retaining insulator inserts that protect the thermoplastic material during separation of the stationary and movable contacts.

Abstract: A circuit monitoring system for a distributed power network employs waveform capturing techniques for efficient and highly accurate monitoring. The system includes a plurality of circuit monitors and a control station, which is coupled to each of the circuit monitors via a multi-drop communications link. Each of the circuit monitors is disposed adjacent an associated one of the branches in the network for sensing power parameters in the branches and for generating and transmitting data representing the power parameters to the control station. The control station is used for generating monitoring commands to each of the circuit monitors to provide the system with full system control and evaluation capability. The system is capable of simultaneously sensing the waveform at each branch and sampling the waveforms for a predetermined number of sample points over an integral number of cycles so as to provide an efficient yet accurate implementation.

Abstract: A solid state circuit interruption arrangement monitors a current path to provide protection to both a load and a solid state switch. The arrangement includes an energy absorber for absorbing energy from the current path in response to the solid state switch interrupting the current path, and a control circuit for periodically generating the interrupt signal to interrupt the current path for prescribed intervals and to control the current supplied to the load between a maximum current level and a minimum current level.

Abstract: A microprocessor watch-dog monitor for electronic trip units includes an input transistor (Q1), a timing circuit (16), and a comparator circuit (18). The comparator circuit is formed of a first bipolar transistor (Q3) of the PNP-type conductivity and a second bipolar transistor (Q4) of the NPN-type conductivity.

Abstract: A housing is used for enclosing a circuit board of the type used in programmable logic controllers. Through the use of an adapter plate, the housing can accommodate a wide variety of circuit boards that have multiple input/output components that must be accessible to the outside of the housing. A hinged side wall provides easy access to the circuit board and the components on it and slots on the top and bottom of the housing provide venting for cooling the components.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter is disclosed which provides for tripping of a line lead on occurrence of a loss of neutral or an earth leakage fault without the need for an earth connection. The circuit interrupter includes a circuit breaker which is activated by discharge of a capacitor in a closed loop, the capacitor being connected across the output of a D.C. power supply. A loss of neutral fault is detected as the potential of a neutral lead rises through a pull-up resistor and tripping will occur before the neutral rises to a potential at which the power supply becomes inoperative.

Abstract: An overtemperature sensing and signaling circuit for electronic trip units includes a voltage divider (16) and a trigger circuit (18). The voltage divider is formed of a first resistor (R1) and a positive coefficient resistor (PT1). The trigger circuit is formed of a first bipolar transistor (Q1) of the PNP-type conductivity and a second bipolar transistor (Q2) of the NPN-type conductivity.

Abstract: The improved plug-in base assembly of the present invention provides a means for complying with European Health and Safety requirements and particularly the requirement of IEC 439-1 paragraph 7.4.2.2. Subparagraph 7.4.2.2.3 generally requires that live parts be shielded such that they cannot be contacted when a door or cover normally protecting them is opened or removed. This requirement provides additional protection to the installer of a tap-off device against unintentional contact with the uninsulated edges of bus bars exposed through the plug-in openings. The additional protection is provided by a finger barrier which covers the normally exposed uninsulated edge of a bus bar. The finger barrier permits the electrical connectors of a tap-off unit to pass through the plug-in opening and make an electrical connection while preventing any unintentional contact of the installers fingers with the uninsulated edge of the bus bar.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus for adapting an electronic or electrical device enclosure for mounting on a DIN mounting rail having two opposed outwardly extending flanges. The apparatus comprises a DIN mounting rail bracket having provisions for attaching to the enclosure of the electrical or electronic device. The mounting rail bracket is provided with a hook for receiving a portion of one of the outwardly extending flanges of the DIN rail. The mounting rail bracket is also provided with a selectively operable locking and releasing mechanism opposite the hook for locking onto and releasing from a portion of the other outwardly extending flange of the DIN rail.

Abstract: A loss of neutral detector is disclosed. The detector includes a closed loop circuit which has a charge storage device, an output device and a switch in a normally-open position. The switch is controlled by a switch control circuit operatively connected to a loss of neutral detection circuit. The loss of neutral detection circuit detects an electro-magnetic field generated around the neutral lead on increase of the neutral potential via a pull-up resistor on loss of neutral. On detection of loss of neutral, the switch is closed so that the charge storage device energizes the closed loop circuit to activate the output device.

Abstract: A current regulator circuit for shunting excess current from a current supply utilizes two separate shunting paths, depending on the amount of excess current on the supply line. The first shunting circuit is activated when the current exceeds some minimum level established by a zener diode. The second current shunting circuit is selectively activated by a switching circuit which compares the current in the first shunting circuit to a reference voltage that is proportional to the line current. This arrangement is advantageous in that it shunts excess current without generating significant levels of heat or adversely affecting current sensing devices.

Abstract: A circuit breaker system uses a microprocessor for calculating at least one function of a measured current flow.

Abstract: The cable receptacle of the present invention allows for substantially unimpeded insertion of a fiber optic cable and the selective impeding of the withdrawal of the fiber optic cable through retention structure. The retention structure is provided by cooperation among a cover, a housing, a gripper, a pivot support arm and a channel. The cover includes a fiber opening through which the fiber optic cable extends and a gripping adjustment opening allowing access to a positioning portion of the gripper. A housing is attached to the cover and may include either a portion of the channel, or the pivot support arm or both. To the extent that the housing does not provide, or only partially provides, the channel or pivot support arm then the cover makes up the lack. A gripper having a tooth end and a distal end to either side of the pivot point, includes a resilient spring to bias the gripper to the end into engagement with the fiber optic cable. The pivot support arm pivotally supports the gripper for rotation.