Abstract: Where a computer system PC board has two separate power planes at different voltage levels and a CPU accesses both power planes, a system for detecting when a CPU will short the two power planes and shutting down the power to the lower voltage plane. The contention prevention circuit consists of a voltage level detection circuit having an input connected to the core power plane. The voltage level detection circuit is connected to the input of a shutdown circuit. Upon receipt of a signal from the voltage level detection circuit indicating that the voltage on the core power plane is greater than that provided by the core power supply, the shutdown circuit disables the core power supply.

Abstract: A circuit connecting device is used to switch a characteristic of a circuit among a plurality of operating conditions. The circuit connecting device has a set of source terminals, a plurality of sets of receptor terminals and a selector for selectively connecting the set of source terminals to one set of the plurality of sets of receptor terminals. The selector simultaneously connects every terminal of the set of source terminals to a corresponding terminal of the selected set of receptor terminals. This results in the operating condition of the characteristic of the circuit being determined in accordance with the set of receptor terminals which is selected by the selector.

Abstract: An electronic device has a host with a card-receiving slot, with the host being capable of receiving and operating low voltage-low current (3.3 volts and no more than 0.12 amp) cards, low voltage-high current cards, high voltage (5 volts)--low current cards, and high voltage-high current cards. The inner end of the slot has a voltage-discriminating first side and an opposite current-discriminating second side. Each side has a switch with an actuator lying at a location that is occupied by a discrimination key portion that is present in one kind of card (low voltage or low current) but not in another kind of card (high voltage or high current). The electronic device has different circuits for energizing or rejecting the types of card sensed by the switches.

Abstract: A power management system for providing power to a main system, such as a telecommunications device, includes a number of modules that are joined by module-to-module interfaces that achieve a common EMC containment barrier. In one embodiment, a battery module defines a first EMC compartment that houses one or more backup batteries, a battery management module defines a second EMC compartment that includes circuitry such as recharging circuitry, and a power entry module includes a third EMC compartment. The power entry module has an input/output connection to the battery management module and has an AC input. An output cable extends from the power entry module to the main system. Compliant metallic module-to-module gaskets preserve EMC integrity at cable pass-throughs from the battery management module to the battery and power entry modules. The modules are mounted to a system housing in a manner that secures the modules in a desired relationship.

Abstract: To prevent obstacles to wiring caused when wiring from other nets pass through the vicinity of a terminal, and moreover, to carry out automatic wiring having shorter wiring length and increased wiring completion rate, when calculating wiring costs of a wiring route of a net, for unwired terminals belonging to other nets, wiring route cost values for the net to be wired are variably assigned depending on distance from these terminals. In other words, in the present invention, cost values are established such that the cost weighting decreases with distance from unwired terminals of other nets. Seen from a different viewpoint, in the present invention, cost values are established such that cost increases for wiring routes passing within a prescribed range of an unwired terminal of another net. Incorporation of the above-described set cost value into the calculation of wiring costs enables automatic wiring that reduces cost, shortens wiring length, and prevents occurrence of unwired nets.

Abstract: The present invention is a printed circuit board having conductive layers split into electrically isolated voltage supply plane regions each plane region being connectable to an external supply voltage. The voltage supply plane regions are split to reduce the total number of PCB conductive layers. Voltage supply plane regions are configured to match the device voltage requirements and their placement on the PCB. In the case in which a circuit includes a device having two voltage supply requirements, a first set of the device's power supply pins are fixedly coupled to a first voltage supply plane region and a second set of the device's power supply pins are fixedly coupled to a second voltage supply plane region. In this instance, each of the first and second voltage supply plane regions are fixedly connectable to external voltage supplies or to a voltage regulator according to the voltage supply requirements of the device.

Abstract: A hard diskdrive address adjusting device is provided which includes a plurality of rotary binary DIP switches respectively mounted on the hard diskdrives of an array hard diskdrive system. The rotary binary DIP switches adjust the address of each hard diskdrive. Each hard diskdrive of the array hard diskdrive system has a plurality of jumper terminals arranged in two rows, the jumper terminals of one row being connected in parallel with the contact C of the respective rotary binary DIP switch. The jumper terminals of the other row of each hard diskdrive being respectively connected to corresponding contacts of the respective rotary binary DIP switch.

Abstract: An electrical interface provides a permanent electrical facility electrically connected to a temporary electrical facility which provides electrical utilities to construction sites which can be activated by a non-utility qualified individual. The electrical interface generally comprises (a) permanent electrical facilities that provide electrical power to a residential neighborhood; and (b) temporary electrical facility electrically connected to the permanent electrical facilities. The temporary electrical facility provide electrical utilities to construction sites which can be activated by a non-utility qualified individual(s). The temporary electrical facility further comprises a non-conductive housing and a base, electrical connectors, and a electrical converter. The nonconductive housing fits over and doses the base. Alternate temporary electrical facilities comprise a pole, electrical connectors, and an electrical converter.

Abstract: A plug-in module receives both primary and alternate power via mating connectors on the module and on the backplane. Multilevel connectors are used so that a module being inserted first receives alternate power and ground before primary power and signal connections are made. The initial connect to the alternate power supply directs the transient current to the alternate power supply through an isolating PN junction diode having a forward bias voltage drop of about 0.8 volts. When the module is fully inserted, the module is connected to both the primary and alternate power. Within each module the associated electrical load is now connected directly to the primary power bus. To prevent transient currents produced by the hot insertion of other plug-in modules from affecting the voltage level on the power bus, the primary voltage supply is connected to the primary power bus via a Schottky diode having a forward bias voltage of approximately 0.4 volts.

Abstract: A hot-plugging circuit for controlling the rate of application or withdrawal of both voltage and current to a user circuit to permit power up or down of the user circuit either to conserve energy usage in operation or to facilitate non-disruptive insertion or extraction of the user circuit from a larger, continually-powered, circuit. A semiconductor switch is used as the principle current and voltage control element. Current through the switch is monitored during transitions, and is converted to a voltage level. A voltage ramp relative to the voltage applied to the user circuit is generated and compared with the current representing voltage level to generate a control signal for controlling the rate of turn ON or turn OFF of the semiconductor switch. The voltage ramp generation is controlled by an ON/OFF control voltage level.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method and its device for acquiring swiftly and firmly the connectivity information of electric conductor cords for connecting a plurality of apparatus groups or switching boards in information wiring facilities. The unused extra cores of an electric plural core conductor cord for connecting every apparatuses of apparatus groups A and B with each other through switching boards are connected to a voltage applicator and a voltage (or current) detector through information collecting connectors and the electric connectivity restrictions between every apparatuses of the apparatus groups of the electric conductor cord described above are acquired depending on its electric conduction. According to the invention, the connectivity information of the electric conductor cords in information wiring facilities can be obtained accurately and firmly. Furthermore, the use of the extra cores enable to reduce the cost of the device and to easily apply the invention to the facilities already built.

Abstract: A multi-tap device for tapping a main TV or rf signal to deliver attenuated signals to individual TV receivers includes a pair of socket assemblies for receiving input and output pins of a plug-in tap plate or printed circuit board carrying necessary attenuation/tap off circuitry. The socket assemblies connect the input pin to a main input cable for receiving the main rf signal and ac power, and connect the output pin to a main output cable or continuation of the main cable, for distributing the main rf signal(s) and ac power to cascaded down line multi-tap devices. A shunt printed circuit board is mounted between the socket assemblies, and has an rf/ac conductive strip for connection at either end to switches built into each socket assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a circuit mounting unit that can prevent a voltage drop and noise occurrence due to current inflow at the time of a hot insertion or withdrawal operation without mounting a capacitor with large capacitance on the side of a main unit. The circuit mounting unit includes a first voltage control unit that controls to increase gradually a voltage supplied to a load voltage converter from the main unit side to a predetermined voltage when the circuit mounting unit is exchangeably inserted into or pulled out of the main unit without halting electric power supplied from the main unit. The circuit mounting unit is mounted onto a printed wiring board on which various elements such as ICs and LSIs are previously mounted to form a predetermined circuit.

Abstract: A voltage control circuit for a dual voltage bus computer system which reduces the voltage on the first bus during a short circuit on the second bus or removal of power from the second bus so that the instantaneous voltage on the first bus does not exceed the instantaneous voltage on the second bus. The voltage control circuit includes a voltage reducing circuit, including a comparison circuit coupled to the first and second buses, a switch controlled by the comparison circuit for drawing current from the first bus, and a voltage gap determining circuit coupled between the second bus and the comparison circuit which provides a reference voltage to the comparison circuit that is a predetermined fraction of the instantaneous voltage on the second bus.

Abstract: A modular power distribution system is ideally suited for use in modular buildings of the type in which prefabricated building modules are constructed at a manufacturing factory and shipped to a remote building site where the modules are interconnected to form the complete structure. The modular power distribution system includes a primary power distribution panel positioned in one of the building modules and is adapted to distribute power from the utility service to the building modules. Modular power distribution units positioned in each of the building modules are adapted to distribute power within a respective building module. The primary power distribution panel has a plurality of main circuit breakers, each of which is electrically connected between the utility service and one of the modular power distribution units for limiting the maximum current through a respective modular power distribution unit.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes a power unit communicating power between a turbine alternator, flywheel and traction motor. The power unit stores DC power in capacitors and places the power on DC bus for use in driving the induction machines. Power transistors receive the DC power from the DC bus and are pulse width modulated to output a synthesized AC wave form at their output. An Ac bus assembly comprises the power transistor modules connected in a plane and each having contact pads formed thereon for providing AC current sources. A bus bar interconnects at least one of the current sources to a peripheral device. The bus bar comprises a plurality of elongated flat plates having a width substantially greater than its thickness and laminated to one another.

Abstract: An electrical transformer having a housing. The housing having a back plate with an upper set of prongs and a lower set of prongs. The upper set having a first prong, a second prong and a ground prong. The lower set having a third prong, a fourth prong and a ground prong. The housing further having a front plate provided with a first set of inlets having a first inlet, a second inlet and a ground inlet. The first inlet is connected with the second prong of the upper set of prongs. The second inlet is connected with the fourth prong of the lower set of prongs. The ground inlet is connected with the ground prong of the upper set of prongs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a power distribution substation for power distribution to a consumption pool having a high voltage unit divided into cells, each cell containing high voltage incoming connection equipments connected by high voltage cables to a power source having a voltage between 60 kV and 245 kV. The substation also has a transformers yard having at least one transformer connected to the high voltage incoming connection equipments, and a mid-voltage unit containing outgoing connection equipments connected to the transformer and linked to output power lines for power distribution under a voltage lower than or equal to 36 kV. Finally, the substation has a control room. The high voltage and mid-voltage units, the transformers yard and the control room are located in a single building having a roof where the high voltage incoming connection equipments, the transformer(s) and some of the outgoing connection equipments ate located at the same level inside the building.

Abstract: An electrical system for controlling the supply of power to several items of electrical equipment via a power bus, an interface bus and respective connector assemblies. Each connector assembly has a connector containing a power switch connected to a monitor and an interface unit, which controls operation of the switch. The interface unit also receives configuration data about the power requirements of the respective item of equipment from a configurations code device in a mating connector on the equipment. The interface unit supplies signals to a control unit via the interface bus and receives signals from the control unit to control switching of the power switch.

Abstract: A second power supply line 5 and a second ground line 6 are disposed along with a first power supply line 1 and a first ground line 2. An inner line 4 which connects a semiconductor chip IC1 and a semiconductor chip IC2 is connected to a second power supply line 5 and a second ground line 6 through respective resistors R1 and R2. The second power supply line 5 and the second ground line 6 are connected to outer terminals 15 and 16, not directly to the semiconductor chips IC1 and IC2, respectively.

Abstract: The apparatus permits non-disruptive addition and removal of PCMCIA modules from a host device. The host device includes a signal bus connected to mating pins of the card header. The card header has a three-sided frame into which a module is inserted. A switch disposed on an edge of the header is responsive to insertion and de-insertion of the module. The length of the mating pins vary where selected mating pins of the card header have a first length for detecting substantially complete insertion and partial de-insertion of the module, and pins of a second length for applying bus signals to the module. Pins of a third length facilitate applying electrical power to the module. The computer is responsive to the switch and the mating pins such that the signal bus is deactivated to prevent corruption of the bus signals when the switch detects insertion of the module. The signal bus remains deactivated until the module is in communication with pins of a first length, whereupon the signal bus is then reactivated.

Abstract: An electrical wiring harness structure constituting a multiplex transmission network in a vehicle, in which a vehicle body is divided into a plurality of blocks, electrical components are mounted in units of blocks to constitute modules, and thereafter, the modules are combined to complete a vehicle body. The structure includes control nodes, arranged in units of modules, for controlling communications of the electrical components mounted on the corresponding modules, wiring harnesses, arranged between the adjacent modules, for forming a transmission path for performing communications among the control nodes, and connectors for connecting the wiring harnesses and the control nodes.

Abstract: In the production of a wire harness for an appliance whose circuit differs depending on a combination of selectable electrical systems, the wire harness is divided beforehand into the common circuit which is always provided independently of the presence or absence of the selectable electrical systems and the dedicated circuits one for each of the selectable electrical systems, the wire harness for the appliance is separated into a common circuit and dedicated circuits one for each of the associated electrical systems when an order of an appliance is made, a number of common circuits and a number of each of the dedicated circuits for the electrical systems are added up, the added up number of an common circuits and the dedicated circuits are manufactured and the common circuit and the dedicated circuits of the associated electric systems are combined to produce wire harnesses of the ordered appliances, whereby simple production control and high production efficiency are assured and changes is production or des

Abstract: A high-speed bus system for a computer is constructed of a network of buses with parallel bit lines, each bus of which operates independently and supports serial packet communications, wherein transmit agents and receive agents associated with each communicating element in the bus system are connected to the bus system. Each transmit agent controls a single bus for transmission and each receive agent is connected to all other buses for reception in a diagonal topology. The architecture is based on use of a buffering element at each node in the bus structure, herein referred to as a cell bus interface (CBI) unit. Based on header data containing address information appended as part of a packet cell by a transmitting transmit agent, each receive agent decides whether the information provided on any bus is intended for it as a destination agent.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel card out of socket detector circuit for IC cards, especially PCMCIA type cards. Multiple uses of the card detect signal in the IC card interface are provided. The disconnection of system pins is detected and the generation of a card out of socket response signal is created. Such as in the case of high vibration when a connection is temporarily disconnected. A power supply ramping circuit is provided so that when the IC card is connected or disconnected from the host terminal unit there are no voltage spikes within the IC card which will corrupt the operation of certain types of memory particularly in the case of voltage supply sensitive battery backed DRAM IC cards. A power supply circuit is provided which is capable of boosting a voltage from a power source. A controlled transfer from a first removable battery to a second fixed rechargeable battery is also provided that does not create excessive voltage bumps.

Abstract: A circuit board capable of live-insertion or hot-swapping into a live chassis backplane. The circuit board is provided with a power control circuitry for gracefully ramping up board power after insertion, or gracefully removing power just prior to physical removal of a circuit board from the board slot. A pair of ejector levers are provided on each side of the circuit board. A push button switch is provided proximate one ear thereof and is selectively opened or closed depending upon the position of an ejector cover which can be secured thereover in an interlocking relationship. Upon retraction of the extractor cover, the switch is opened, and the converse applies. Power MOSFETs are provided between the card edge and the board power busses which are gracefully turned on and off as a function of the switch position. A high-side gate driver provides an increased bias voltage, which bias voltage is communicated through the closed switch to the gates of the MOSFETs.

Abstract: One paired wiring traveling in parallel to a transmission path of a signal and a transmission path of reference voltage is used, and a terminal end resistor matched with the characteristic impedance is installed, and in a receiving circuit connected thereto, a differential input circuit with offset set to about 1/2 of the terminal end voltage is used, and an output circuit of open drain is used in a transmitting circuit. A high-speed information processing section using such a bus circuit and a low-speed information processing section using a conventional low-speed bus are mutually connected through an interface circuit to construct the system hierarchically.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a power module for use in an electrical system of the type having a multiplexer which provides an output signal in response to an input signal, the output signal commanding that electrical power be furnished to a device, the power module including: a housing; a first end of the housing being adapted to be inserted into an electrical outlet; a second end of the housing being adapted for electrical connection to the device, such that, when the power module is turned on, electrical power will be furnished to the device and, when the power module is turned off, electrical power will be removed from the device; and connection means to connect the power module with the multiplexer to receive the output signal from the multiplexer so that the output signal will turn the power module on and/or off. In another aspect of the invention, a power switch similar to the power module is provided. In a further aspect of the invention, a telephone modular connector is provided.

Abstract: Installation paths for routing cables or wire in a distribution service area emanate from a center point and extend outwardly to several distribution areas. Each distribution area has a plurality of subscriber stations with subscriber line extending between a distribution point for the distribution area and each of the stations. The distribution points for each of the distribution areas are connected to the center point of the distribution service areas by feeder lines. The installation paths that extend through the distribution areas adjacent the center point have both feeder lines and subscriber lines. Thus, the total length of the installation path network is shortened by the sharing of the installation paths. Further, the distribution points for each of the distribution areas is selected to be the one closest to the center point for the distribution system.

Abstract: An electrical system comprises an inverter, a three-phase electric motor and a cable to transfer energy from the inverter to the motor. The cable further comprises a center conductor and two additional conductors disposed about the center conductor. Insulators physically and electrically separate the conductors from one another. Electromagnetic emissions from the cable are substantially prevented due to the construction of the cable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated outlet that allows supply of AC power to an outlet receptacle when certain conditions are satisfied. The integrated outlet contains separate modules establish electrical connection with electrical conductors that transmit AC and DC power, telecommunications, control communications, and signals transmitted along a coaxial wire. In a preferred embodiment, these electrical conductors are all disposed on a single ribbon cable. Each module within the integrated outlet can attach to only certain conductors to increase safety in the resulting system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for handling the connection/disconnection transition period of a printed circuit board to an actively empowered backplane which eliminates damaging surge currents and glitches by the use of temporarily functioning field effect transistor circuits which gradiently handle the current loads during the transition period. A set of specifically sized and predetermined lengths of connecting pins on the backplane insures that a programmed sequence of power connection and/or disconnection will occur which permits a group of field effect transistors to gradiently carry the changing current loads that occur during the insertion of the printed circuit board into the backplane. Likewise, during extraction of the printed circuit board from the backplane, the group of FETs (Field Effect Transistors) will carry and buffer the changing current loads from de-stabilizing the power supply source unit.

Abstract: A series-capacitance compensated shielding circuit is located physically adjacent and parallel to a polyphase power transmission line for the purpose of partially cancelling the electromagnetic fields created by current flow through the transmission line. The shielding circuit forms a loop circuit around substantially the entire transmission line or a portion thereof, and is positioned such that a current is induced therein by the magnetic field produced by the alternating currents in the transmission line. Such induced current is tuned by the series capacitance to produce an optimized cancelling magnetic field, thus reducing the net electromagnetic fields created by the power lines along a right-of-way.

Abstract: A telecommunications wiring system reliably provides fast configuration and reconfiguration of user telecommunications devices within a localized telecommunications network. A series of piping assemblies creates a network of pair appearances in multiple. Then, hard-wired pair selectors, extractors, are used to connect at least one preselected signal from the piping assembly to the telecommunications device. Since only several of the many signal paths are permanently spliced within the connector of the extractor, only those several paths provide a continuous path for transmission. Whenever the position of a telecommunications device needs to be changed within the network, the extractor associated with the telecommunications device is unplugged from the piping assembly to accompany the telecommunications device to its new location.

Abstract: A switchboard assembly comprises a plurality of circuit breaker compartments each having plural-phase power supply side disconnecting parts and load side disconnecting parts disposed thereinside, a plurality of conductor compartments having plural-phase power supply buses disposed thereinside, and a plurality of circuit breakers each having plural-phase circuit breaking parts accommodated in each of the circuit breaker compartments. In the switchboard assembly, the plural-phase circuit breaking parts are disposed in the depthwise direction of the circuit breaker compartments, and each of the conductor compartments is disposed between the opposing ones of the circuit breaker compartments so as to reduce the overall size of the switchboard assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a computer system to rapidly access at least two IDE disk drives. Use of standard forty pin connectors and forty wire ribbon cable having certain pairs of wires uniquely twisted so as to allow the system to independently access the IDE drives.

Abstract: An electrical power distribution busway and bus plug arrangement useable in an office area. The arrangement includes at least one busway having three power bus bars for carrying electrical power, and isolated ground (or neutral) bus, a neutral bus, and a bonded ground bus. The arrangement also includes a power distribution unit for providing the busway with electrical power, where different qualities of electrical power may be selectively provided to the power bus bars of the busway. The arrangement also includes plug-in assemblies which are electrically engageable with the busways and capable of being configured to selectively provide power from one of the three power bus bars to a sensitive device such as a computer or an insensitive device such as an electrical motor.

Abstract: A six-phase power line configuration reduces the measured intensity of electric and magnetic fields that are associated with transmitting AC electric power. An open-wire configuration is taught that is compatible with transmission on power line right-of-ways, and that can be made by converting existing three-phase dual circuit power lines.

Abstract: A user operable power distribution system that is suitable for supplying switched power to an individual workstation, or to an entire office, is expandable to accommodate additional loads. The system includes a user command device, such as a touch panel, for supplying low voltage command signals and a connection device, which responds to the low voltage command signal to interconnect a load with a supply voltage, such as an AC power outlet. The connection device further responds to the low voltage input command signal by producing a low voltage output command signal which may be applied to another connection device to cause that particular connection device to connect another load with a source of supply voltage. In this manner, the connection devices may be ganged in an indefinite number.

Abstract: A user operable power distribution system that is suitable for supplying switched power to an individual workstation, or to an entire office, includes a user command module, such as a touch panel, for supplying low voltage command signals and a plug strip, which responds to the low voltage command signal to interconnect a load with a supply voltage, such as an AC power outlet. An unregulated power supply is provided in the plug strip and supplies the low voltage requirements for the switching circuit in the plug strip. In addition, the unregulated low voltage is supplied to the user command module to provide its low voltage power requirements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting DC current in the vicinity of a magnetometer without magnetic field interference thereto. The conductor in the area of the magnetometer is in the form of a plurality of twisted line pairs which are braided or otherwise intertwined to form a generally tubular-shaped construct which is preferably cylindrical. First and second equipotential surfaces are provided on each end of the construct with potential differences which are equal and opposite being applied between the first and second pair of surfaces, respectively. A first line of each twisted pair is connected between the first equipotential surfaces and the other line of each twisted pair is connected between the second equipotential surfaces, resulting in substantial equal and opposite DC currents flowing in the lines of each twisted pair. The magnetometer is positioned within the twisted pair construct, preferably near the center thereof.

Abstract: A power supply device has its power supply conductor bars, in which a.c. currents caused by a.c. noises flow in the same direction, laid closely in parallel while retaining their insulation thereby to increase the total inductance so that the impedance increases without accompanied by an increase in the d.c. resistance of the power supply conductor bars. An increased coupling impedance of the power supply conductor bars effectively attenuates the a.c. noises from d.c. power units, which then supply d.c. power with reduced a.c. noises to an electronic apparatus such as a computer through the power supply device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated outlet that allows supply of AC power to an outlet receptacle when certain conditions are satisfied. The integrated outlet contains separate modules to establish electrical connection with electrical conductors that transmit AC and DC power, telecommunications, control communications, and signals transmitted along a coaxial wire. In a preferred embodiment, these electrical conductors are disposed on two cables. Each module within the integrated outlet attaches to only certain standard conductors in each of the two cables. The integrated outlet can then be efficiently connected to the conductors in each of the two cables.

Abstract: A small computer system interface (SCSI) bus between a host system and one or more peripheral devices is terminated at one end of the SCSI bus, proximal to the host system, and at the other end of the SCSI bus by a loopback terminator. The loopback terminator is formed by a signal board with one connector that is adapted for receiving signals from the SCSI bus, a multiconductor cable having a pair of ends, a pair of cable connectors, each of which is adapted to mate with respective ends of the multiconductor cable, and a terminator coupled to one of the cable connectors. One or more of the peripheral devices are connected to the multiconductor cable via respective nodes, and the multiconductor cable is routed back to the signal board coupled to form a "loop" between the pair of cable connectors.

Abstract: A power connect safety and connection interlock system is shown for use with inverters and other DC loads (16) which include capacitor filter banks (14) at their DC inputs. A safety circuit (20) operates a spring (26) biased, solenoid (22) driven mechanical connection interference (24) which prevents mating and therefore electrical connection between the power contactor halves (11, 13) of the main power contacts (12) until the capacitor bank is safely precharged through auxiliary contacts (18). When the DC load (16) is shut down, the capacitor bank (14) is automatically discharged through a discharging power resistor (66) by a MOSFET transistor (60) through a discharging power resistor (66) only when both the main power contacts and auxiliary contacts are disconnected.

Abstract: A power interface box is provided having a base housing an AC and a DC bus on which a plurality of separate power supply units are adapted to be positioned and interconnected to the buses in the base. A source of AC potential is applied to the AC bus for providing a source of power for the apparatus. A plurality of first female connectors are mounted in the base and coupled to the AC and DC buses. A plurality of face plates each having second male connectors mounted therein are each adapted to house a regulated power supply and to be mated with the first connector for coupling the power supplies positioned on the base to the AC and DC buses. Back studs extend from the base which are connected to the DC bus for distributing power from the power interface box.

Abstract: An apparatus adaptable for pin-compatible replacement of an output driver in a signal generating circuit which produces an output signal having a predetermined frequency at an output pin. The apparatus comprises a replacement driver module which is configured to generate a replacement output signal at the output pin, which replacement output signal preferably has a significantly higher frequency than the original output signal of the signal generating circuit. In the preferred embodiment, the replacement driver module includes an independent signal generating unit which requires only supply voltage and ground access from the signal generating circuit and generates a signal at the higher replacement frequency, a replacement driver for receiving the replacement signal and generating a replacement output signal, and a pin adaptor for effecting pin-compatible replacement in the signal generating circuit and for communicating the replacement output signal from the replacement driver to the output pin.

Abstract: Potentially harmful electromagnetic radiation associated with high voltage power transmission lines is reduced or minimized by splitting the current delivered to a load between at least three conductors, and by maintaining a specific spatial relationship between the respective conductors. Single phase transmission at reduced radiation may occur using three or four conductors spatially positioned, as viewed in a cross sectional plane, in a horizontal line or a rectangular array, respectively. Three phase transmission at reduced radiation may occur using five or six conductors spatially positioned in the corners of a rectangular array, with one conductor in the center, or a hexagonal array, respectively.

Abstract: In a combined telephone and electric power distribution system, both telephone signals and electric power are distributed by way of a common distribution system wherein signal conducting means (such as optical fibers) and electric power conducting means are routed alongside each other to/from various utilization points, such as to/from a telephone instrument, a computer, an electric lighting fixture and/or a power receptacle. At some of these utilization points, telephone signal receptacles are provided alongside electric power receptacles. At other points, the signal conducting means is terminated in a radio transceiver and wireless signal radiation/receiving means. In a typical situation, such a transceiver has its antenna mounted at or near a ceiling lighting fixture; which radio antenna interacts with some other transceiver combined with a telephone and/or other information-handling apparatus located nearby.

Abstract: Power is supplied to a computer facility by a plurality of electrical plug-in busways fed by a power distribution unit. The power distribution unit includes circuit breakers for the busways served. Powered equipment is connected by its own power cable to the busways via a plug-in cable tap box having an approprate receptacle for the particular equipment and also housing a circuit breaker dedicated to that equipment.