Abstract: A method and user interfaces are described herein installing a field device as a replacement for a previously installed field device of a same type in a process control system. The disclosed method includes initially specifying a device type commissioning definition that includes a set of device-type specific parameters. A first set of instance-specific configuration parameter values are then stored for a first field device. When replacing the first field device by a second field device of the same type on a process control network, the commissioning definition and the previously stored parameters for the first device are used to automatically configure the second device.

Abstract: A compare tool for use in a process control system device configuration environment is described herein. The compare tool, including a graphical user interface for providing comparison results, is utilized in a device configuration environment to compare parameter values from an instance of a field device to corresponding values maintained within an application database. After performing the comparison the utility displays the results on a user interface. More particularly the parameter names and associated values are presented in three columns of the user interface. A first column identifies a parameter within the field device. A second column identifies a previously archived value for the parameter identified in the first column, and a third column identifies a current value, captured from a device instance, corresponding to the parameter identified in the first column.

Abstract: A customization tool is described in association with a universal device type manager (DTM) utility. The customization tool includes a set of user interfaces and associated functionality that facilitates creating a set of customized templates for a particular device type. The customized templates define access to device data via graphical user interfaces supported by the universal DTM utility and/or universal BTM utility for instances of the device type.

Abstract: A device management utility is described that includes a generalized graphical user interface facilitating access to a variety of resources associated with selected device types. In particular, the utility includes information interfaces communicatively linking the utility of a variety of data sources. In addition, the utility includes a graphical user interface display providing a variety of information associated with a selected device type. Such information includes device identification information, links to supplemental resources, and a set of screen selection controls for exposing multiple functional modes of operation of the device management utility.

Abstract: A universal device type manager (DTM) utility is described herein including a generalized architecture facilitating defining and generating user interfaces associated with a variety of field device types. The utility includes a device description data store interface that provides access to a device description store wherein standard device descriptions (DD files) for a variety of field device types are maintained. No specialized customization is done to the device descriptions by the device or tool vendors. A device type template store interface provides access to a set of device type manager definitions. A device type manager engine renders, on-demand, a device type manager user interface providing user access to parameters and other information for a field device type/instance based upon: (1) a device description and (2) a device type manager definition.

Abstract: A system for releasably mounting an electronic component in a computer system comprises an electronic component, a release mechanism, and a mounting tray. The electronic component includes two front and two back attachment members. The release mechanism is rotatably attached to the two back attachment members. The release mechanism includes a handle portion, an attachment portion, and at least one cam. The mounting tray is sized to receive the electronic component and rotatably attached release mechanism and includes four notches within which the electronic component attachment members are slidably received. The mounting tray further includes a latching mechanism and at least one leverage point, the leverage point being positioned to interact with the release mechanism cam.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fast, low-cost, small diverter capable of generating a relatively high impulse (1-5 N-sec) over a short time period. The diverter is adapted for installation in a projectile for steering the projectile in flight by ejecting an end cap or hot burning gases in response to control signals from a guidance system. In one embodiment, multiple diverters are arranged in one or more bands about a flying projectile such as a rocket.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fast, low-cost, small diverter capable of generating a relatively high impulse (1-5 N-sec) over a short time period. The diverter is adapted for installation in a projectile for steering the projectile in flight by ejecting an end cap or hot burning gases in response to control signals from a guidance system. In one embodiment, multiple diverters are arranged in one or more bands about a flying projectile such as a rocket.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fast, low-cost, small diverter capable of generating a relatively high impulse (1-5 N-sec) over a short time period. The diverter is adapted for installation in a projectile for steering the projectile in flight by ejecting an end cap in response to control signals from a guidance system. In one embodiment, multiple diverters are arranged in one or more bands about a flying projectile such as a rocket. Each diverter includes a header assembly providing a mounting surface and support for a plurality of electrical leads, a reactive semiconductor bridge mounted on the mounting surface of the header assembly and providing an electrical path for the electrical leads at a certain voltage across the bridge, a diverter body supporting the header assembly and containing a prime, wherein the reactive semiconductor bridge and the prime define a gap, and an end cap attached to the diverter body and containing a propellant.

Abstract: A defeatable interlock mechanism for an electrical equipment enclosure requiring a circuit breaker to be tripped before opening includes a support platform having an operator handle stem operably connected to the circuit breaker, an interlock slide plate slidably positioned along the support platform and having a keyhole-shaped slot for receiving a door interlock pin therein, and a lever operably connected to the interlock slide plate and configured to defeat the interlock mechanism when the door interlock pin is engaged with the slot. The lever is pivotally supported at a fulcrum point intermediate the ends of the lever and extends through an escutcheon to an exterior surface of the enclosure. Movement of the lever causes the interlock slide plate to disengage the door interlock pin and allow the unit door to open even while the circuit breaker is in the “on” position.

Abstract: An I/O device in the form of an internal dongle includes a body having connective structure being arranged to removably attach the body to a housing of an electronic device. The dongle also includes a circuit assembly that has an exterior connector on the body for electrically connecting to a second electronic device, a dongle circuit being electrically coupled to the external connector through the body, an electronic cable having a first end electrically coupled to the dongle circuit, and a second end being structured and arranged to connect to an electronic component of the first mentioned electronic device within the housing.

Abstract: A defeatable interlock mechanism for an electrical equipment enclosure requiring a circuit breaker to be tripped before opening includes a support platform having an operator handle stem operably connected to the circuit breaker, an interlock slide plate slidably positioned along the support platform and having a keyhole-shaped slot for receiving a door interlock pin therein, and a lever operably connected to the interlock slide plate and configured to defeat the interlock mechanism when the door interlock pin is engaged with the slot. The lever is pivotally supported at a fulcrum point intermediate the ends of the lever and extends through an escutcheon to an exterior surface of the enclosure. Movement of the lever causes the interlock slide plate to disengage the door interlock pin and allow the unit door to open even while the circuit breaker is in the “on” position.

Abstract: A decorative trim assembly for unit doors on a motor control unit. The decorative trim assembly comprises individual bezels that provide information about the motor control unit while distinguishing the motor control unit from other motor control units. Posts project from the back surfaces of the bezels and are received in holes in the unit doors. Retaining clips frictionally engage the posts and secure the bezels to the unit doors. Additional bezels are modularly connected to the secured bezel. The secured bezel contains a camouflaged cutout member that allows access to the unit door latch when removed. The unit door may be hingeably attached to the motor control unit along one edge of the unit door, and the unit door may contain quarter-turn latches along an opposing edge to secure the unit door to the motor control unit.

Abstract: A draw out unit with improved drawout box and handle assembly is disclosed. The drawout box is designed to accommodate an improved terminal assembly of the present invention, which reduces the dimensions of the box, and further provides access to the interior of the box by providing an open side for allowing service of an electrtical device within the bucket thus permitting the motor control center to remain active during service. The drawout box of the present invention further includes an improved handle assembly with operable connection to a circuit breaker handle within the confines of the smaller drawout box.

Abstract: An access door for an electrical enclosure is disclosed. The access door includes a hinge mechanism extending from the access door, the hinge mechanism defining an aperture including a support surface within the aperture, a flange extending from the enclosure and engaged within the aperture wherein the flange makes contact with the support surface when the door is in a fully open position to support the access door against the force of gravity.

Abstract: An L-shaped bracket for mounting DIN rail comprising a support member, a base member, and a brace positioned therebetween to give support to the L-shaped structure. The support member has a rail mounting pin protruding therefrom, which comprises a shank with an oblong head disposed on the end of the shank. A hole for receiving a fastener is disposed on the support member adjacent to the rail mounting pin. A bracket mounting pin protrudes from the base member and comprises a retaining pin and a retaining foot disposed on the end thereof. The retaining pin is dimensioned and configured to slidably engage a slot in a bracket mounting plate and be retained in the slot by the retaining foot. A post also protrudes from the base member and is dimensioned to be received in a post hole. A relief is cut laterally into the base member and extends into the brace to allow the support member and the base member to flex relative to each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fast, low-cost, small diverter capable of generating a relatively high impulse (1-5 N-sec) over a short time period. The diverter is adapted for installation in a projectile for steering the projectile in flight by ejecting an end cap in response to control signals from a guidance system. In one embodiment, multiple diverters are arranged in one or more bands about a flying projectile such as a rocket. Each diverter includes a header assembly providing a mounting surface and support for a plurality of electrical leads, a reactive semiconductor bridge mounted on the mounting surface of the header assembly and providing an electrical path for the electrical leads at a certain voltage across the bridge, a diverter body supporting the header assembly and containing a prime, wherein the reactive semiconductor bridge and the prime define a gap, and an end cap attached to the diverter body and containing a propellant.

Abstract: A draw out unit mounts switching devices within a switchgear unit and electrically connects the switching devices to electrical bus bars. A cutout portion in draw out unit receives an insulative housing for a lug adapter assembly. Lug adapter assembly includes a plurality of clip assemblies positioned within receptacles formed on insulative housing. Each clip assembly slidably accepts one bus bar, thereby providing an electrical connection to bus bars. Lug adapter assembly also includes lugs, which are electrically connected to clip assemblies via a conductive bar. Lugs accept wires, which extend from lugs in switching device. Lugs are arranged to minimize bending of wires.

Abstract: A draw out unit (10) mounts switching devices (12,14) within a switchgear unit and electrically connects the switching devices (12,14) to electrical bus bars (16). A cutout portion (30) in draw out unit (10) receives an insulative housing (32) for a lug adapter assembly (34). Lug adapter assembly (34) includes a plurality of clip assemblies (36) positioned within receptacles (38) formed on insulative housing (32). Each clip assembly (36) slidably accepts one bus bar (16), thereby providing an electrical connection to bus bars (16). Lug adapter assembly (34) also includes lugs (40), which are electrically connected to clip assemblies (36) via a conductive bar (42). Lugs (40) accept wires (44), which extend from lugs (46) in switching device (12). Lugs (40) are arranged to minimize bending of wires (44). Clip assemblies (36) each include a plurality of staggered clips (104, 106).

Abstract: A draw out unit with improved drawout box and handle assembly is disclosed. The drawout box is designed to accommodate an improved terminal assembly of the present invention, which reduces the dimensions of the box, and further provides access to the interior of the box by providing an open side for allowing service of an electrical device within the bucket thus permitting the motor control center to remain active during service. The drawout box of the present invention further includes an improved handle assembly with operable connection to a circuit breaker handle within the confines of the smaller drawout box.