Abstract: The present invention provides a remote-controlled, retractable accessibility device for ceiling and wall fixtures, such as for lighting fixtures, ceiling fans, speakers, mobiles, and the like. The device allows for the raising and lowering of the fixture via a remote wireless or wired control. The device is designed with electrical connectors that automatically disengage and reengage to cut off the flow of electricity when the fixture is lowered so that the fixture can be safely accessed.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate to systems, methods, and apparatus for illuminating and/or providing an aesthetically pleasing lighted structure. In particular, implementations of the present invention provide a light fixture, which can incorporate resin elements surrounding a lighted core. Additionally, one or more implementations also include methods of manufacturing the lighted fixture to achieve a desirable aesthetic thereof. Furthermore, in one or more implementations, the light fixture can resemble or imitate a sun, which can appeal to a viewer thereof.

Abstract: A connection element for electrically conductive connections of at least four electric conductors. The connection element has a metallic electrode which has a cavity for merging the conductors and an opening into the cavity for each conductor. At least the outer surface of the electrode is surrounded with a paper insulation.

Abstract: In various implementations, an ice sensor may include heater(s), ice accumulation surface(s), and/or temperature sensor(s). During operation, heat from a heater may be provided to an ice accumulation surface and a temperature sensor(s) may determine temperature(s) of the ice accumulation surface. A determination of whether ice is present on the ice sensor may be based at least partially on the determined temperature(s).

Abstract: A portable support platform system and method for assembling the system are provided. The portable support platform system includes a support platform configured to receive theatrical devices and an orientation member attached to the support platform. The orientation member includes an arcuate surface configured to receive a flexible member. The flexible member is fixably attached to the orientation member at one or more locations along the arcuate surface to permit orientation and movement of the support platform when the flexible members are deployed or retracted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a current transformer 1, comprising connection contacts 3 for contacting a secondary winding of the current transformer and a short-circuit device 105, 205, 305 for shorting the connection contacts 3, wherein the connection contacts 3 can be reached through a housing opening 4 of a housing 2 surrounding the current transformer 1, the current transformer also having a safety device 107, 207, 307 for blocking the access to the connection contacts 3 lying inside the housing, wherein the safety device 107, 207, 307 can be in a securing status or release status, and wherein the access to the connection contacts 3 is blocked by the safety device 107, 207, 307 in the securing status, such that the connection of a conductor to a connection contact 3 or the disconnection of a conductor from a connection contact 3 is not possible, and wherein the access to the connection contacts 3 is released by the safety device in the release status and the short-circuit device 105, 205, 305 shorts the co

Abstract: A current probe enabling measurement of current of a signal in a circuit includes a ferrite core defining a gap, a wire wrapped around the ferrite core and a magnetic field sensor. The wire is configured to receive the signal from the circuit, where the current of the signal flowing in the wire generates a magnetic field in the ferrite core. The magnetic field sensor is positioned in the gap of the ferrite core, the magnetic field generated in the ferrite core flowing through the magnetic field sensor, which produces a voltage proportional to an intensity of the magnetic field. The current is measured based on the voltage produced by the magnetic field sensor.

Abstract: A short-circuiting switch for an electrical energy production installation is provided. The short-circuiting switch comprising at least one photovoltaic panel is adapted for simultaneously establishing a short-circuit at the installation ends and a short-circuit at the ends of an electrical network connected to the installation ends. It comprises an element, mobile in rotation about an axis between a first position, in which two conducting tracks of the mobile element which are distinct conduct the current between, on one hand, a first terminal connected to the installation and a first terminal connected to the network, and, on the other hand, a second terminal connected to the installation and a second terminal connected to the network, and a second position in which the mobile element simultaneously establishes and maintains the short-circuit at the ends of the installation and at the ends of the network and electrically isolates the installation from the network.

Abstract: A fast heat transfer device is provided. The device dissipates heat and generates power at the same time. A liquid flow is used to absorb heat for forming a vapor gas flow; then, the gas flow drives a blade turbine and a power generator; and, finally, the gas flow is cooled down to become the original liquid flow for recycling. Thus, the present invention dissipates heat and generates power simultaneously with a minimized size and a reduced cost together with energy conservation.

Abstract: A transfer switch for switching between power sources for a load includes a plurality of symmetrical phase plates, a plurality of stationary contact pads associated with each said phase plate, each stationary contact pad associated with a power source, a movable contact assembly associated with each phase plate, and a shaft connecting the phase plates and upon which each movable contact assembly is mounted for movement between stationary contact pads associated with each phase plate. The above transfer switch allows for two, three and four-pole modular configuration with minimal additional hardware.

Abstract: An improved filter assembly for a circuit breaker includes a generally rectilinear filter housing having at least two filter mounting zones for receiving at least two filter assemblies, so as to define, in the aggregate, a filter assembly, and at least two filter assemblies configured for interfitting with the filter mounting zones of the filter housing, each filter assembly comprising a generally rectilinear filter body having a given peripheral configuration and a filter gasket configured for interfitting about a periphery of the filter body for sealingly engaging the filter body relative to the filter housing in response to forces encountered by the filter assembly both upon assembly and in operation.

Abstract: An architecture and coherency protocol for use in a large SMP computer system includes a hierarchical switch structure which allows for a number of multi-processor nodes to be coupled to the switch to operate at an optimum performance. Within each multi-processor node, a simultaneous buffering system is provided that allows all of the processors of the multi-processor node to operate at peak performance. A memory is shared among the nodes, with a portion of the memory resident at each of the multi-processor nodes. Each of the multi-processor nodes includes a number of elements for maintaining memory coherency, including a victim cache, a directory and a transaction tracking table. The victim cache allows for selective updates of victim data destined for memory stored at a remote multi-processing node, thereby improving the overall performance of memory.

Abstract: A system and method automatically providing wrap interconnections for wrap diagnostic capability of analog-digital conversion systems obviating the need for wrap cables. A connector system has a first state wherein DAC outputs are automatically internally routed to corresponding ADC inputs thereby closing a wrap loop whereupon automated DAC to ADC loop tests are performed. A second switching state is provided automatically by insertion of connector plugs into the connector system whereby the loop is broken and DAC outputs and ADC inputs are made available externally to respective output and input connectors. In one embodiment the switching system has application to an audio digitizing capture and playback adapter card. In the first state the card is automatically configured for a wrap diagnostic test.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a switching device for use in a series loop circuit, and more particularly to a switching device for uncoupling defective circuit components from the series loop circuit, for conducting quick trouble-shooting procedures to locate breaks or shorts in the circuit, and for enabling efficient preventive maintenance programs of the circuit components in order to keep them in good repair, with minimal shutdown time of the circuit or interruption in the supply of power to remaining circuit components. The device according to the invention includes a multi-position selector switch which permits in-situ testing of the circuit components so that down-time of the circuit is significantly reduced, and ease of maintenance is enhanced.

Abstract: A circuit breaker connector (100) for joining the ends of a pair of cables (10, 20) and passing an electrical signal therethrough, including a contact arrangement comprising an input contact (38) and an output contact (44) electrically connected to an internal switch contact (70) with the contacts cooperating to define a first electrical circuit path, and make-before-break switch means (72, 60) allowing insertion of an external circuit element (90) without interrupting the first circuit path for completing a second electrical circuit path including the circuit element (90) before breaking the first electrical circuit path.

Abstract: A voltage sensitive switch is provided characterized by an irreversible change in resistance from a high resistance state greater than one megohm to a low resistance state less than one thousand ohms and comprising a mixture of substantially pure grade copper powder with copper oxide powder which further contains a binder. Said switch interconnects a pair of spaced electrodes for use in sequentially firing a plurality of flash lamps.