Abstract: A method of monitoring and automating a home using a network-based system is provided. The system employs a server system coupled to a centralized database, at least one client system, and a plurality of sensors positioned throughout the home. The method includes receiving monitoring and automation (M&A) information from the client system, storing M&A information into the centralized database, cross-referencing M&A information, updating the centralized database periodically to maintain M&A information, monitoring M&A information within the home through the plurality of sensors, performing M&A tasks in the home using the plurality of sensors based on M&A information inputted into the client system and monitored M&A data, and notifying a home owner of the monitored M&A data and the M&A tasks performed within the home.

Abstract: A method of monitoring and automating a home using a network-based system is provided. The system employs a server system coupled to a centralized database, at least one client system, and a plurality of sensors positioned throughout the home. The method includes receiving monitoring and automation (M&A) information from the client system, storing M&A information into the centralized database, cross-referencing M&A information, updating the centralized database periodically to maintain M&A information, monitoring M&A information within the home through the plurality of sensors, performing M&A tasks in the home using the plurality of sensors based on M&A information inputted into the client system and monitored M&A data, and notifying a home owner of the monitored M&A data and the M&A tasks performed within the home.

Abstract: A residential load center includes an electronic trip unit as the main circuit breaker for overcurrent and arcing fault protection while connecting with thermal magnetic circuit breakers in each of the branch circuits for overcurrent protection within the individual branch circuits.

Abstract: Composite products incorporating a polymer matrix, polymer microspheres, glass microspheres and natural fibers, particularly kenaf and wood fibers, are described. The polymer microspheres are 15 to 50 microns in diameter and are smaller than the glass microspheres which are 50 to 200 microns in diameter. The polymer microspheres reduce voids and prevent cracking of the glass microspheres upon compression. The composites have low cost and high strength.

Abstract: A method and system (100) for determining and quantifying the resistance to scuff damage of a film (152) adhered to a substrate (150) of a panel (154), is described. The system includes a computer (102), pressure control valves (104) and a test module (10). The test module has an indentor support plate (12) with an indentor (24 or 224), a compression moving plate (14) and an end plate (16). The plates are connected together by rods (18). The indentor support plate and the end plate are mounted at opposite ends of the rods with the compression moving plate mounted therebetween. An actuator (36) having bellows (42) is mounted between the end plate and the compression moving plate. The panel is mounted on a sliding panel support plate (58) which is connected to a load cell (106). In use, the panel support plate and the panel are positioned between the compression moving plate and the indentor support plate so that the indentor is adjacent the film on the substrate.

Abstract: Composite products incorporating a polymer matrix, polymer microspheres, glass microspheres and natural fibers, particularly kenaf are described. The polymer microspheres are 15 to 50 microns in diameter and are smaller that the glass microspheres which are 50 to 200 microns in diameter. The polymer microspheres reduce voids and prevent cracking of the glass microspheres upon compression. The composites have low cost and high strength.

Abstract: A magnetic flux concentrator trip unit for molded case circuit breakers in the form of a flux concentrator magnet arranged round the load strap at one end of the circuit breaker is positioned in magnetic proximity to an armature. Current transport through the load strap generates attractive magnetic forces to articulate the circuit breaker operating mechanism when the current exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker enclosure and operating components are provided with additional features to enable compliance with a variety of international electrical requirements for sales in the world market. The circuit breaker operating handle is prevented from returning to the OFF position upon contact welding as one example. Another modification includes a reinforcement and rejection pin used with the enclosure case. A further modification includes a shield used with the movable contact arm to prevent the arc gas contaminants from contacting the circuit breaker operating springs.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker controlled by an electronic trip unit is cost-competitive with electromagnetic circuit interruption devices. A novel contact arm assembly and shield arrangement in combination with a contact arm spacer and operating cradle interface reduces the assembly time and the number of operating components to effect significant cost savings.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker enclosure and operating components are provided with additional features to enable compliance with a variety of international electrical requirements for sales in the world market. The circuit breaker operating handle is prevented from returning to the OFF position upon contact welding as one example. Another modification includes a reinforcement and rejection pin used with the enclosure case. A further modification includes a shield used with the movable contact arm to prevent the arc gas contaminants from contacting the circuit breaker operating springs.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker controlled by an electronic trip unit is cost-competitive with electromagnetic circuit interruption devices. A novel contact arm assembly and shield arrangement in combination with a contact arm spacer and operating cradle interface reduces the assembly time and the number of operating components to effect significant cost savings.

Abstract: A molded case multi-pole circuit breaker having an electronic trip unit to determine overcurrent conditions connects with a corresponding current transformer within each pole to sample circuit current. Upon the occurrence of an overcurrent condition, a trip actuator is energized to interrupt the circuit current. A current transformer adapter unit supports the trip actuator wire conductors and pin connectors while at the same time shielding the current transformers from the circuit breaker exhaust gases.

Abstract: An electronic trip molded case circuit breaker includes components that are designed for high speed robotic assembly. A unitary trip-to-test button is down-loaded within the circuit breaker housing for automatic alignment with the circuit breaker operating mechanism during the circuit breaker assembly process. The trip-to-test button includes an exhaust gas barrier along with a roller actuator for interacting with the circuit breaker operating mechanism during a test function.

Abstract: An industrial-rated circuit breaker cover is adapted for optimally receiving an advanced electronic trip unit including a keypad and display unit as well as a basic electronic trip unit providing circuit interruption facility without the keypad and display unit. The load terminals electrically connect the current sensing transformers with the external power circuit and receive the same size lugs that connect the circuit breaker with the electrical power distribution circuits.

Abstract: Since industrial-rated circuit breakers are often located remote from the associated protected electrical equipment it is often times necessary to monitor the operation of such electrical equipment by observing the condition of the circuit breaker contacts to ensure that such equipment remains operational. When a plurality of such circuit breakers are mounted within a common enclosure, an auxiliary device within each of the circuit breakers readily provides visual indication of the ON-OFF condition of the circuit breaker contacts. With such auxiliary devices, an actuator-reset lever is used to interface between the circuit breaker operating mechanism, the circuit breaker trip mechanism and the auxiliary device to activate the auxiliary device when the circuit breaker contacts are open and closed and to reset the trip mechanism when the circuit breaker contacts are opened.

Abstract: An industrial-rated circuit breaker cover is adapted for optimally receiving an advanced electronic trip unit including a keypad and display unit as well as a basic electronic trip unit providing circuit interruption facility without the keypad and display unit. The load terminals electrically connect the current sensing transformers with the external power circuit and receive the same size lugs that connect the circuit breaker with the electrical power distribution circuits.

Abstract: Since industrial-rated circuit breakers are often located remote from the associated protected electrical equipment it is often times necessary to monitor the operation of such electrical equipment by observing the condition of the circuit breaker contacts to ensure that such equipment remains operational. When a plurality of such circuit breakers are mounted within a common enclosure, an auxiliary device within each of the circuit breakers readily provides visual indication of the ON-OFF condition of the circuit breaker contacts. With such auxiliary devices, an actuator-reset lever is used to interface between the circuit breaker operating mechanism, the circuit breaker trip mechanism and the auxiliary device to activate the auxiliary device when the circuit breaker contacts are open and closed and to reset the trip mechanism when the circuit breaker contacts are opened.

Abstract: A compact molded case circuit breaker with increased ampere rating employs a latch assembly for maintaining the circuit breaker operating mechanism in a closed condition against a pair of powerful operating springs. To increase the mechanical advantage required to move the operating handle against the springs, a retractable handle extender is attached to the handle. For higher-rated circuit applications, a lug cover extension is added to the line end of the breaker to assist in extinguishing the intense arc that occurs during circuit interruption and to protect the line lugs from inter-phasal circuit faults. A visual access slot is arranged next to the circuit breaker handle to ascertain and verify the condition of the circuit breaker contacts. The line and load terminal straps are slotted to receive protrusions on the bottom of the line and load terminal lugs and provide anti-turn facility to the line and load terminal lugs under short circuit overcurrent conditions.

Abstract: A compact molded case circuit breaker with increased ampere rating employs a latch assembly for maintaining the circuit breaker operating mechanism in a closed condition against a pair of powerful operating springs. To increase the mechanical advantage required to move the operating handle against the springs, a retractable handle extender is attached to the handle. For higher-rated circuit applications, a lug cover extension is added to the line end of the breaker to assist in extinguishing the intense arc that occurs during circuit interruption and to protect the line lugs from inter-phasal circuit faults. A visual access slot is arranged next to the circuit breaker handle to ascertain and verify the condition of the circuit breaker contacts. A rebound cushion is inserted on the interior surface of the circuit breaker cover to deter the return of the movable contact arm during contact separation under extreme overcurrent conditions.

Abstract: A compact molded case circuit breaker with increased ampere rating employs a latch assembly for maintaining the circuit breaker operating mechanism in a closed condition against a pair of powerful operating springs. To increase the mechanical advantage required to move the operating handle against the springs, a retractable handle extender is attached to the handle. For higher-rated circuit applications, a lug cover extension is added to the line end of the breaker to assist in extinguishing the intense arc that occurs during circuit interruption and to protect the line lugs from inter-phasal circuit faults. A visual access slot is arranged next to the circuit breaker handle to ascertain and verify the condition of the circuit breaker contacts.