Abstract: Systems and methods for protecting a series capacitor bank are provided. According to one exemplary embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed a capacitor protection circuit. The capacitor protection circuit may include a capacitor bank, a pilot circuit and a main commutation gap. The pilot circuit and the main commutation gap may be provided in parallel electrical communication with the capacitor bank. Additionally, one or more plasma injectors may be provided in series electrical communication with the pilot circuit. The plasma injectors may be operable to provide partially or completely ionized plasma across the main commutation gap to make conductive the main commutation gap.

Abstract: Systems and methods for protecting a series capacitor bank are provided. According to one exemplary embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed a capacitor protection circuit. The capacitor protection circuit may include a capacitor bank, a pilot circuit and a main commutation gap. The pilot circuit and the main commutation gap may be provided in parallel electrical communication with the capacitor bank. Additionally, one or more plasma injectors may be provided in series electrical communication with the pilot circuit. The plasma injectors may be operable to provide partially or completely ionized plasma across the main commutation gap to make conductive the main commutation gap.

Abstract: A tufting machine comprising a drive shaft, an eccentric rotatable by the drive shaft, a connecting member (6) mounted at its proximal end for rotation about the eccentric (4) and coupled at its distal end to pushing means (26) for pivotal movement in relation thereto, a needle mounting means associated, for reciprocating movement, with the said pushing means (26) which impart the reciprocation to the needle mounting means under the impulse of the connecting member (6). The connecting member comprises at least two parts, a distal part (22) for engaging the pushing means and an adjustable proximal part (24) for engaging the said eccentric, the adjustment being possible by varying the position of the proximal part with respect to at least a part of the said eccentric (4). The variation may be provided by a split eccentric with inward facing grooves (10, 12) on the two parts to vary the relative position and thus the focus of the eccentric may be varied without providing a replacement eccentric.