Abstract: An intelligent circuit breaker or switching device system comprises three separate microprocessor-based units, including a condition monitoring unit (CMU) 40, a breaker control unit (BCU) 50, and a synchronous control unit (SCU) 60. The CMU 40 provides detailed diagnostic information by monitoring key quantities associated with circuit breaker or switching device reliability. On-line analysis performed by the CMU provides information facilitating the performance of maintenance as needed and the identification of impending failures. The BCU 50 is a programmable system having self-diagnostic and remote communications. The BCU replaces the conventional electromechanical control circuits typically employed to control a circuit breaker or switching device. The SCU 60 provides synchronous switching control for both closing and opening the circuit interrupters. The control processes carried out by the SCU reduce system switching transients and interrupter wear.

Abstract: An intelligent circuit breaker or switching device system comprises three separate microprocessor-based units, including a condition monitoring unit (CMU) 40, a breaker control unit (BCU) 50, and a synchronous control unit (SCU) 60. The CMU 40 provides detailed diagnostic information by monitoring key quantities associated with circuit breaker or switching device reliability. On-line analysis performed by the CMU provides information facilitating the performance of maintenance as needed and the identification of impending failures. The BCU 50 is a programmable system having self-diagnostic and remote communications. The BCU replaces the conventional electromechanical control circuits typically employed to control a circuit breaker or switching device. The SCU 60 provides synchronous switching control for both closing and opening the circuit interrupters. The control processes carried out by the SCU reduce system switching transients and interrupter wear.

Abstract: An intelligent circuit breaker or switching device system comprises three separate microprocessor-based units, including a condition monitoring unit (CMU) 40, a breaker control unit (BCU) 50, and a synchronous control unit (SCU) 60. The CMU 40 provides detailed diagnostic information by monitoring key quantities associated with circuit breaker or switching device reliability. On-line analysis performed by the CMU provides information facilitating the performance of maintenance as needed and the identification of impending failures. The BCU 50 is a programmable system having self-diagnostic and remote communications. The BCU replaces the conventional electromechanical control circuits typically employed to control a circuit breaker or switching device. The SCU 60 provides synchronous switching control for both closing and opening the circuit interrupters. The control processes carried out by the SCU reduce system switching transients and interrupter wear.

Abstract: The invention provides a high performance circuit breaker with an independent pole operation linkage and conical composite bushings. A mechanical linkage for independently opening and closing a plurality of associated switches is provided by the invention. The linkage comprises a plurality of connecting rods that provide the initial driving force to open or close the switch, cranks for opening and closing the contacts of respective switches, linking elements which couple together the connecting rods and the cranks, and a number of lever assemblies having a bearing ring interfaced thereto. The bearing rings provide a supportive interface between two linking element but permit the linking elements to rotate independently from one another. The lever assemblies also provide an interface for the connecting rods and linking element. According to a method of the present invention, a connecting rod is actuated in response to a signal to cause the lever assembly to pivot.

Abstract: The present invention provides a floating shield for a high voltage bushing. Preferably the bushing is conically shaped and has a composite housing for substantially optimizing the electrical performance of the bushing according to the invention. The floating shield is preferably suspended within the bushing housing by a supporting insulator placed in a low electrical stress region of the bushing. In a preferred embodiment, the supporting insulator is disposed between a ground grading shield and the bushing housing. The composite housing preferably provides a protective inner tube made of a fiber reinforced material and an outer silicone rubber housing having weather sheds formed in a helix on the surface of the housing.

Abstract: A pneumoperitoneum needle comprises a lumen defining a passageway through which pneumoperitoneum gases may pass to the peritoneal cavity, a handle mechanism attached to a proximal end portion of the lumen and a filtration unit housed within the handle mechanism for filtering the pneumoperitoneum gases to be passed through the lumen. The filtration unit preferably includes a hydrophobic filter fabricated from a polytetrafluoroethylene material having a pore size ranging in value from about 0.2 to 0.5 microns. In an alternative embodiment, the filtration unit is incorporated within the handle mechanism of a Veress-type needle.

Abstract: A modular closing resistor assembly can be added in line with the interrupter assemblies of an extra high voltage circuit breaker and has a relatively short length. The resistor element consists of two stacks of disks which are disposed side by side and are electrically connected such that the alternate disks of each stack are connected in series with one another. The operating mechanism of the unit includes a linearly moving roller which engages a crank arm which is in turn pivotally connected to operate the movable closing resistor contact with a motion and with a variable mechanical advantage adapted to cause the resistor contacts to close at high speed just after the interrupter contacts close and to open after the interrupter contacts open.

Abstract: A device for evaluating the surface contour of various body parts which may measure surface elevation or depth of depressions and cavities. The device includes a body portion having a plurality of legs extending downwardly to position the device on a body part such as the skull. A slidable member having a calibrated scale thereon is positioned in a slot in the body of the device. An indexer is provided to indicate the distance the slidable member moves so that surface elevations or depressions may be evaluated.

Abstract: An upper body exerciser having a frame which supports a rotatable head that has an axis of rotation. The head has two end plates with radially extending slots in which cross rods are reciprocably radially movable. A track mounted to the frame below the axis of rotation provides a sloping support for cross-rods below the axis so that a person hanging from such a rod moves the cross rod down and draws the next one toward him in a sequence simulating a "monkey bar" movement.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the container/dispenser for an ultra high purity chemical includes a thin walled inner container made of TEFLON polymer. The thin walled inner container is closed at the top by an inner container lid. An outer container surrounds the inner container and comprises a metal outer wall that is interiorly covered or lined with TEFLON polymer or other polymeric material. The outer container is closed at the top by an outer container lid. The inner container is separated from the outer container by a spacer assembly that spaces the side and bottom walls of the inner thin walled container away from the inteiror surface of the outer container. An inert gas is disposed in the interspace between the inner and outer container and a set of valves are mounted on the inner and outer container lids. One valve allows an inert gas to be bubbled through the ultra high purity chemical while another valve dispenses the "bubbled" chemical.

Abstract: A blade for a vibratory cutter having a plurality of serrated teeth. A plurality of first teeth provided on one side of the center line of the blade are angled in one direction, and a plurality of second teeth provided on the second side of the center line are equally angled to the first set of teeth in the opposite direction. When used in conjunction with a vibratory tool, the blade will sever material in two directions parallel to the surface endeavored to be cut.

Abstract: A vehicle transporter is disclosed, for use in filming scenes in which characters are shown as occupying a moving vehicle, and in which the characters, and adjacent parts of the vehicle, appear in the foreground, and which transporter can also be used for straightforward transportation of such a vehicle by road.The vehicle transporter comprises a low flat platform so contrived that the vehicle in question can readily be driven or wheeled onto it from behind, the transporter having at its front end a relatively raised structure, carrying castor wheels, and having a draw bar bearing a towing attachment.

Abstract: A synchronous closing system for high voltage circuit breakers is disclosed wherein the circuit breaker main contacts close within about 1 millisecond of a current zero in the current through a closing resistor in a 60 hertz system. Closing accuracy is obtained by delaying the release of a latch which holds the closing system for a given delay following the appearance of a closing signal, which delay enables hydraulic operating pressures to come to full value before permitting the hydraulic operation of the closing piston. The latch release instant is controlled from a signal derived from a zero cross-monitor circuit, which monitors resistor current and releases the latch at a time which allows contact closing at a subsequent current zero. The closing mechanism may be slightly jogged before full motion and during the delay time.

Abstract: An apparatus for relieving static subterranean water heads surrounding subterranean walls which includes a perforated hollow sleeve arranged to extend through the subterranean wall and into a surrounding static water head. The sleeve has distal and proximal ends, with a plurality of spaced perforations being formed in the wall of the sleeve substantially along the length thereof. The distal end is tapered substantially to a pointed tip, and the tapered tip portion is of generally solid construction. A flanged coupling means is formed adjacent the proximal end for coupling water conduits internally thereof. When desirable, an imperforate sleeve means may be provided adjacent the proximal end for rendering a portion of the perforated hollow sleeve adjacent the proximal end substantially watertight, thereby protecting paneling which may be pre-positioned in the subterranean wall.