Abstract: A bi-directional system for ensuring that a ground connection is made in a three-wire conductor system including a line "hot" conductor, a line neutral conductor, and a ground conductor includes a circuit for generating direct current potential related to the potential difference between the line "hot" conductor and ground and a second circuit for generating a direct current potential related to the potential difference between the line "hot" conductor and ground. A circuit including a male plug for insertion into a female receptacle includes a first prong for coupling alternatively to the line "hot" conductor or the line neutral conductor, a second prong for coupling alternatively to the line "hot" conductor or the line neutral conductor, and a third prong for coupling to the line ground conductor.

Abstract: An electrostatic charging potential generator for a coating dispenser is useful with, for example, hand-held dispensers where the dispenser can be brought into closely spaced orientation with articles to be coated, or "targets." The generator of the disclosure incorporates a "fold-back" voltage-current characteristic including a reduced voltage-reduced current curve region in which the energy available at the dispenser is less than that necessary for spark ignition of solvents, atomized coating material particles, and the like suspended in the atmosphere around the dispenser.

Abstract: A system for controlling a high-voltage supply which is inhibited for a time after energization to prevent spurious deenergization. The high-voltage supply includes a source for generating a signal representative of the desired output high voltage. A feedback voltage control responds to this signal and controls the high-voltage supply. The system includes a source for developing a linear ramp signal which varies from an initial value at which the output of the high-voltage generator is under the control of the ramp signal source to a value at which the output of the high-voltage generator is under the control of the signal representative of the desired output high voltage.