Abstract: An identification and organization system using color coding and alphanumeric labels for matching components of a proximity measurement system includes: (1) a color code system to identify the type or series of proximity probe used with the proximity measurement system, and (2) an alphanumeric labeling system to identify the system length (i.e., the length of the extension cable plus the length of the proximity probe). Installation and maintenance of proximity measurement systems can be more reliably performed by the color code and alphanumeric labeling system.

Abstract: A cable-testing arrangement for rapidly testing a plurality of telecommunications cables includes a cable-testing adapter by which test signals can be directed along the plurality of cables from a patch panel at once. A technician completes the tests by making appropriate measurements at the terminations of the cables without having to return to the patch panel until all measurements have been taken.

Abstract: A LAN tester has display and remote units each having a connector jack attached to an adapter board for connection to the plug of a patch cord. Both the display and remote units have circuits which are capable of measuring the phase between a drive signal voltage and the corresponding coupled or reflected signal due to the drive signal. Scattering parameters for the mated connector pairs and the patch cord itself are measured during a field calibration. A computer in one or both of the tester units stores the measured scattering parameters and uses the scattering parameters to move the reference plane to any desired location along the patch cord. Channel link or permanent link tests can be conducted using the same equipment.

Abstract: A system for detecting a board-insertion power-on versus a chassis power-on is disclosed. By using recessed circuit board sense contacts, recessed chassis sense contacts, or equivalent, a circuit can detect when power reaches a circuit board's power contacts before the circuit board sense contacts mate with corresponding chassis sense contacts. On the other hand, if a circuit board is fully seated when chassis power is first applied, the circuit will not detect that power has reached the power contacts before the sense contacts are mated, resulting in a different output. The circuit can include a latch, the output of the latch representing either a board-insertion power-on or a chassis power-on. The output of the latch can be used to modify a software or hardware condition or state, resulting in improved operation.

Abstract: In an electrical apparatus wherein electrical devices are interconnected by coupling connectors and a desired interconnection of devices is achieved by an intended interconnection of mating components of coupling connectors, identification elements in one mating component of each connector produce identification signals representing identity of the mating component. Decoding means responsive to the identification signals produce an error signal representing an interconnection of connector components differing from the intended interconnection and, means responsive to the error signal effects a response when the actual interconnection of components differs from the intended interconnection of components. Responses are, advantageously, activation of an error indicator, inhibition of application of power to affected devices, or, with program controlled systems, display of a text error message, facilitation of user intervention for error correction, or automated re-programming to overcome interconnection errors.

Abstract: Described are a system and method of detecting an improperly connected cable in a storage system. A system includes an enclosure having boards. Each board of the enclosure has a communications port that receives a message identifying a redundant backend network to which that board is connected. The enclosure determines whether the system has an improper cable connection by determining from the messages whether the boards are connected to the same redundant backend network.

Abstract: A method and system for determining and compensating for phase and time errors in an optical receiver. The method and system includes use of a measurement and reference signal; deriving phase and time errors; and providing compensation values to the optical receiver. The operating frequency and/or other operating parameters associated with phase and time errors are determined and recorded to allow for proper compensation to the optical receiver.

Abstract: A test device for assisting in locating a cable efficiently provides both tone and link pulses simultaneously to a cable under test. The link pulses are alternated between transmit and receive pairs on the cable.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for electrical cable identification that is both expeditiously and easily deployed, lightweight to facilitate on-person portability, and provides quick on-site identification of both primary and secondary cables, including grounded secondary cables/conductors.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) and method (300) for determining the status of a electric cable (20) is provided. The apparatus (100) rigidly includes a probe (104) having coaxial contacts (150, 152) and including a melt unit (102) configured to melt an insulating jacket (32) of the cable (20), an instrumentation unit (106) coupled to the probe (104) and housing a cable analysis circuit (186), a status display unit (188) coupled to the instrumentation unit (106), an insulated shank (108) coupled to the instrumentation unit (106), and a hotstick adapter (110) coupled to the insulated shank (108). The cable analysis circuit (186) includes a connection determination circuit (200) configured to determine if an electrical connection between the probe (104) and the cable (20) is a valid connection, and a status determination circuit (222) configured to determine the status of the cable (20) while the electrical connection is a valid connection.

Abstract: The integrity, connection and location of cable wire termination extending between two different points is checked for shorts between wires and open wires. The actual remote termination plug configuration can be mapped from testing end to determine remote plug wiring. The actual location of the remote terminated end is identified either by a visual indicator, a electronically recorded message made by operator at time of cable termination, or both.

Abstract: A utility power line cable selector system used by a lineman to eliminate guessing which buried cable in a ditch has been de-energized when compared to similar buried cables that are still energized with high voltage 60 Hz. power line current and disposed next to the de-energized cable. The selector system includes a battery operated low power 1 Hz. pulse generator adapted for connecting to a near end of a de-energized cable. The generator is designed to deliver a dc current spike and excite the otherwise de-energized conductor at one second intervals. At a far end of the de-energized cable is connected to a jumper cable. At a location midspan or between the near end and far end of the de-energized cable, the lineman holds a portable hand-held signal pick up clamp and cable detector unit. The signal pick up clamp is placed around a portion of each of the cables in the ditch.

Abstract: In order to provide a method for reliably detecting that an operation device, such as a sensor or an actuator, is connected to a proper connector of a control device, a connection detecting method includes the steps of reading an identification signal of the operation device, comparing the identification signal with a predetermined signal assigned to the operation device at the control device, and determining if the identification signal matches the predetermined signal. The system also includes a step of sending a connection failure warning after the determining step is repeated for predetermined times.

Abstract: A capacitive amplifier is described for detecting and amplifying an electrical tone conducted by one of a group of wires or a pair of wires in order to identify and trace a particular wire or pair of wires. The capacitive amplifier comprises a probe for being placed adjacent a wire under test, an input terminal coupled to the conductive probe for receiving an input signal therefore, a suppression unit coupled to the input terminal for receiving the input signal and for suppressing the noise signals, and an amplifier coupled to the suppression unit to amplify the noiseless output signal. The suppression unit can be composed of an analog/digital converter, a digital/analog converter, a CPU and a memory for suppressing noise frequencies contained in the digital signal values by subtracting from the input signal a time-delayed signal wherein the time-delay period corresponds to the period of the unwanted noise frequency.

Abstract: A group wiring patching device which has built-in light emitting device and filtering device coupled with wire pair receptacle thereof. When a testing voltage is applied to the circuit of the light emitting device, the light emitting device will emit light for assisting wire pair identification. The filtering device can minimize or even eliminate loop back shorting resulted by the circuit of the connected light emitting when communication signals or low voltage signals being applied thereto. Therefore, the group wiring patching device of the present invention will be able to perform ordinary signal transmitting functions without the need to remove the light emitting device after the wire pair identification process is done.

Abstract: The scheme for detecting the plug-in status by using single bit generated by a network with serial resistors, comprising a plurality of jacks having a spring switch, wherein the umber of the plurality of jacks can be selected depending on the demand and a plurality of resistors followed the spring switch and connected in serial. Output voltage-generating resistor is coupled to the plurality of resistors in parallel to obtain the output voltage, thereby determining the plug-in status. Wherein the plurality of jacks and the plurality of resistors construct a multi-jack network, a first terminal of the multi-jack network refers to a common node between a first connecting terminals of the spring switch of the plurality of jacks and a first resistor of the plurality of resistors, the first terminal being coupled to a first reference voltage, a second terminal of the multi-Jack network refers to a common node between the second connecting terminals of the last jack and the last resistor.

Abstract: A non-linear junction detector (“NLJD”) detects junctions between two materials exhibiting dissimilar electronic or electrical properties, such as semiconductor junctions or junctions between dissimilar metals. A target junction is illuminated with energy at a fundamental RF frequency and reflections from the non-linear junction are analysed to determine the type of junction detected. The NLJD automatically controls the power output level of a transmitter emitting the illuminating signal so as to drive the signal strength of said received signals towards a predetermined value, e.g. a minimum threshold value. Advantages of the invention are improved system efficiency and the elimination of target saturation effects and unwanted device triggering/indications.

Abstract: A remotely configurable locator system includes a detection device to locate concealed underground conductors. The detection device is configured to connect to a communications network via a graphical user interface. Also included is a database management tool configured to connect to the communications network and communicate with the detection device via the communications network. A database is included and is adapted to store data related to the detection device wherein the data is configured to be accessed by the database management tool. Finally, the graphical user interface is configured to permit a user to remotely perform one of updating, analyzing, and diagnosing the detection device based upon the accessed stored data.

Abstract: Described are a system and method of detecting an improperly connected cable in a storage system. A system includes an enclosure having boards. Each board of the enclosure has a communications port that receives a message identifying a redundant backend network to which that board is connected. The enclosure determines whether the system has an improper cable connection by determining from the messages whether the boards are connected to the same redundant backend network.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for determining whether the power applied to two outlets is in phase or out of phase. Two plugs are used, one for engaging each of the outlets. A circuit coupled to both plugs includes a plurality of indicators, and in one embodiment two indicators indicate the presence of power at each of the plugs, and the third, whether the power is in phase or out of phase.

Abstract: A group wiring patching device which has built-in light emitting means and filtering means coupled with wire pair receptacle thereof. When a testing voltage is applied to the circuit of the light emitting means, the light emitting means will emit light for assisting wire pair identification. The filtering means can minimize or even eliminate loop back shorting resulted by the circuit of the connected light emitting means when communication signals or low voltage signals being applied thereto. Therefore, the group wiring patching device of the present invention will be able to perform ordinary signal transmitting functions without the need to remove the light emitting means after the wire pair identification process is done.

Abstract: A plurality of signal generators and a probe are used to identify, locate and trace a large number of wires in a multiple wire electrical system. Each wire to be traced is electronically marked with a signal generated by a signal generator coupled to the wire in which the signal is unique among a plurality of signal generators. Generated signals are uniquely distinguishable based upon their unique physical characteristics, inclusion of a unique identifier and/or inclusion of a unique voice message. Unique voice messages can be dynamically recorded by the user or synthetically generated. A non-contact signal receiver, or probe, detects and traces the signals emitted from the electronically marked wires. Based upon the unique characteristics of a generated signal or upon a unique identifier within the signal, the signal is identified by the probe and the wire is located.

Abstract: A cable phase identification system and method identifies the phase of a power cable at a remote location in a three-phase power distribution network. The instantaneous phase at a known phase location is measured and saved each GPS second using the 1 pps time mark of a GPS receiver. The instantaneous phase at an unknown phase location is measured at a single GPS second using the 1 pps time mark of its GPS receiver and compared to the phase measurement taken at the known phase location at the same GPS second. The differential phase between these simultaneously taken known and unknown cable instantaneous phase measurements will be close to either 0, +120, or −120 degrees, thus identifying the cable phase at the unknown phase location.

Abstract: The present invention is a flexible plastic membrane which supports embedded components such as light emitting diodes and plastic pressure switches, and conductors on a plastic ribbon which connects the embedded light emitting diode and plastic pressure switch to a connector. The flexible plastic membrane supports an adhesive which enables it to be stick to the surface of the module faceplate. The inventive structure is more economical to build and install than presently used mechanical spring loaded push switches and light emitting diodes as they must be physically mounted to the face plate and hardwired when the module is manufactured. In addition, the inventive structure can be replaced in the field when a fault develops without disturbing or disconnecting the optical fiber connected to the front or rear of a module.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for testing a communications line. The apparatus comprises a spool having at least eight terminals, and a length of wire wound on the spool. The wire has at least four subpairs of wires, each of which has opposite ends. A first end of each of the subpairs of wires is electrically connectable to the communications line, and a second end of each of the subpairs of wires is electrically connected to a corresponding terminal on the spool.

Abstract: There is provided a method for identifying one of a plurality of neutral wires of a power transmission cable. The method comprises (a) applying a signal to a selected neutral wire, at a first point on the power transmission cable, (b) sensing a relative magnitude of the signal on each of the plurality of neutral wires at a second point on the power transmission cable that is remote from the first point, and (c) identifying the selected neutral wire from the relative magnitudes. There is also provided a system for identifying one of a plurality of neutral wires of a power transmission cable.

Abstract: System for tracking or identifying the phase designation, and/or measuring the phase angle or the power angle of electrical conductors at a remote location relative to a reference location, by measuring a time delay between an external clock source such as GPS and a zero crossing or other specified part of the waveform, associating a ‘time tag’ with each measurement, transmitting the time tags and measurement values over a bi-directional link between a field unit and a reference unit, and calculating and displaying a relative phase angle and/or a phase designation. The system finds application, for example, in identifying the phase of conductors, and optionally comparing their phase angle and/or their power angle, before making connections between conductors in a multi-phase electrical power distribution system.

Abstract: System for tracking or identifying the phase designation, and/or measuring the phase angle or the power angle of electrical conductors at a remote location relative to a reference location, by measuring a time delay between an external clock source such as GPS and a zero crossing or other specified part of the waveform, associating a ‘time tag’ with each measurement, transmitting the time tags and measurement values over a bi-directional link between a field unit and a reference unit, and calculating and displaying a relative phase angle and/or a phase designation. The system finds application, for example, in identifying the phase of conductors, and optionally comparing their phase angle and/or their power angle, before making connections between conductors in a multi-phase electrical power distribution system.

Abstract: It has been difficult to reduce a waste of energy in a fuel cell power generating process when, for example, a temporary rise or drop of a power load occurs. A fuel cell power generation system includes: load detection means 103 of detecting power requested by a load 104; and output control means 102 of accumulating a time at which a detected power requested by the load 104 is equal to or larger than a predetermined value when a fuel cell body 101 does not generate power to be supplied to the load 104, and allowing the fuel cell body 101 to start generating power to be supplied to the load 104 according to a predetermined rule based on an accumulation result.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for determining whether the power applied to two outlets is in phase. Two plugs are used, one for engaging each of the outlets. A circuit coupled to both plugs includes a plurality of indicators, and in one embodiment two indicators indicate the presence of power at each of the plugs, and the third, whether the power is in phase or out of phase.

Abstract: A cable phase identification system and method identifies the phase of a power cable at a remote location in a three-phase power distribution network. The instantaneous phase at a known phase location is measured and saved each GPS second using the 1 pps time mark of a GPS receiver. The instantaneous phase at an unknown phase location is measured at a single GPS second using the 1 pps time mark of its GPS receiver and compared to the phase measurement taken at the known phase location at the same GPS second. The differential phase between these simultaneously taken known and unknown cable instantaneous phase measurements will be close to either 0, +120, or −120 degrees, thus identifying the cable phase at the unknown phase location.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting currents in a three-phase power transmission system includes a first detection circuit electrically coupled to a first the three-phase transmission system, a second detection circuit electrically coupled to a second phase of the three-phase transmission system different than the first phase, and an event output switch electrically coupled to the first detection circuit and the second detection circuit and configured to actuate when a subsynchronous current at least one of the first phase and the second phase exceeds a pre-selected subsynchronous current setpoint.

Abstract: A terminator unit for use in wiring networks for naming wiring outlets, for verifying the normality of the wiring and for avoiding antenna effect, comprising a connector having a plurality of contacts, a first set and a second set of plurality of resistors. The resistors of the first set are connected each between one common point and a selected contact, such that a particular binary code is determined according to the particular combination of resistors connected to selected contacts. The resistors of the second set, suitable for avoiding antenna effect, are connected between one common point and each of the contacts. When the connector is joined to a matching outlet of the wiring, the particular binary code is remotely recognized through the wiring by sensing the resistors and the continuity of the wiring and the absence of short circuits are verified by measuring the resistors of the second set.

Abstract: This specialized networking cable includes a plurality of twisted copper wire pairs encased in a flexible sheath for effectuating transmissive interconnections, electrically activated telltales affixed to both ends of the cable at positions adjacent to and connected to at least one of the copper wire pairs for providing an identification signal when activated; and apparatus for selectively applying a current to the cable that activates the telltales and does not interfere with the flow of data through the cable whereby the telltales may be activated on at least one of the twisted copper pairs. An LED and an electric power connector suitable for plug-in connection of a power pack are affixed to the cable adjacent each end such that both LEDs are lighted whenever power is applied to either of the electrical connectors. The attendant illumination of the LEDs readily indicates where both ends of the networking cable are located.

Abstract: A system for tracing routes of conductors has a transmitter (10) for applying an alternating signal (11) to the conductor to be traced (12), and the field produced by this signal is detected remotely from the conductor. In order to distinguish between the field produced by the conductor being traced and the fields produced by nearby conductors (14) due to capacitive coupling (17), the alternating signal has phase-locked first and second components with frequencies F1 and F2 respectively, related by N×F1=M×F2, where N and M are non-adjacent integers greater than 1, one of which is odd and one of which is even, having no common factors. The field is detected at a plurality of positions. The phase relationship of the detected signals is investigated to determine unambiguously the position of the object concerned.

Abstract: An inductive sensor arrangement for detecting ferromagnetic or non-ferrous electrically conducting objects hidden in a surrounding medium comprising three field coils arranged in essentially the same geometric plane and adjacently positioned at angular distances of usually 120° from each other around a central axis orthogonal to the plane for generating an alternating magnetic flux by a sequential excitation with an AC-current ramp. The sensor arrangement further comprises three sense coils respectively mounted inside each associated field coil and in an orientation to the axes of each of the field coils such that essentially no voltage is induced in the sensor coils in an environment free of a metallic object.

Abstract: A method and associated detecting circuitss for detecting and correcting a connection polarity of a network transmission line include two network clients and a network transmission line. One network client utilizes a detecting circuit to count and compare the number of signal pulses at the receiving and transmitting ports to determine if the connection polarity is correct or inverted. The detecting circuit can switch the connection polarity if required to correct it.

Abstract: A timing light for measuring timing of spark ignition has separate displays of engine RPM and timing advance. Another aspect of the invention provides a flashlight function which triggers the flash tube of the timing light to produce a constant bright light source for locating timing marks within an engine compartment. The flashlight function can be incorporated into a dual display digital timing light, or other timing light designs. A dedicated control on the timing light functions to place the flash tube in a continuous flashlight mode.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining the frequency of an ac power signal, includes sensing circuitry to sense the ac signal. In a digital implementation of the invention, a double average of the samples is generated by a processor as the sum of the most recent sample, twice the next most recent sample plus the third most recent sample. The least mean square of a running window of the most recent double average signals is generated to avoid discontinuities at the zero crossings and to reduce the effects of noise. The frequency is determined from this least mean square value of the window of double average signals. As implemented in a protective relay, a trip signal is generated if the frequency is out of limits.

Abstract: This invention includes a universal base unit having a plurality of cables, each corresponding to a unique electronic host device. The cable is manufactured such that the ground connection of the electronic host device is routed to one of a plurality of identification pins. In one embodiment, the identification pins are coupled to a plurality of current sense resistors. When the cable is coupled serially between the electronic device and the universal base unit, the universal base unit identifies the unique electronic device by sensing which resistor is connected to the ground of the electronic host. In another embodiment, pull-up resistors are used instead of current sense resistors. The system allows a user to carry a single power supply or universal base unit with multiple cables as opposed to having to transport a different accessory for each electronic device.

Abstract: The present invention is a flexible plastic membrane which supports embedded components such as light emitting diodes and plastic pressure switches, and conductors on a plastic ribbon which connects the embedded light emitting diode and plastic pressure switch to a connector. The flexible plastic membrane supports an adhesive which enables it to be stick to the surface of the module face plate. The inventive structure is more economical to build and install than presently used mechanical spring loaded push switches and light emitting diodes as they must be physically mounted to the face plate and hardwired when the module is manufactured. In addition, the inventive structure can be replaced in the field when a fault develops without disturbing or disconnecting the optical fiber connected to the front or rear of a module.

Abstract: A probe for a cable tester having a first interface for connection to the cable tester; a second interface, connected to the first interface, for connection to a cable to be tested; and a memory, associated with the probe and accessible by the cable tester, storing configuration data associated with the probe.

Abstract: An electronic device comprising a processor 4 and a connector 2 for connecting an external device to the electronic device. The connector has a plurality of electrical contacts 23-27 at least one of which 23 is connected to the processor 4. The processor 4 is arranged to monitor the status of a first electrical contact 23 and to determine the type of external device connected to the connector 2 in dependence on the status of the first electrical contact 23.

Abstract: An portable apparatus and method for troubleshooting and determining the integrity of cables and wiring harnesses requiring connection to only one end of the cable or wiring harness to be tested. A series of tests are conducted to determine the integrity of each wire within the cable or wiring harness. The data is then evaluated and compared to the data of a known good cable or wiring harness stored in a memory device or CD-ROM. The faulty cable or wiring harness, if any, are displayed along with a list of shorts or opens present between cables or between a cable and aircraft ground, and the exact distance to any detected fault.

Abstract: A signal injecting apparatus which includes a microcontroller for generating a 1024 hertz square wave signal which is supplied through a NAND gate to a field effect transistor. When the transistor is switch on a tank circuit comprising a pair of capacitors and the primary of a signal injector coil starts oscillating and will continue to oscillate when the transistor is switch off. The power level for the signal to the cable is determined by an operator based on the operator inputs from depressing a pair of push button switches. The microcontroller, responsive to the operator inputs from the push button switches, outputs a digital word to a digital-to-analog converter that represents the required power level. The analog output signal from the digital-to-analog converter is supplied to a control loop circuit which adjust the power level by enabling and disabling the NAND gate.

Abstract: A line locating device and method that is capable of determining the location of a line even when a significant amount of transmitted signal is coupled to neighboring lines. A device according to this invention includes a transmitter that couples a transmitted signal onto a metal line where the transmitted signal is a first signal having a carrier frequency modulated with second signal of a lower frequency. The device also includes a receiver that receives a received signal from the metal line and evaluates the signal in terms of period and polarity to determine an incoming signal or an outgoing signal. The receiver addresses an appropriate signaling unit in response to the incoming signal or the outgoing signal.

Abstract: A mechanical fixture for providing a rigid connection between a multi conductor cable or other connecting hardware and measurement equipment is disclosed. The fixture includes a test head consisting of a plurality of unbalanced ports which are contained in a generally circular area whose diameter is close to that of the cable to be tested. As a result, fan out of the conductors at the point where they connect to the ports in the test head, which can corrupt measured data, is minimized. The test head is rigidly connectable to a network analyzer, preferably by the use of a removable “snap” connection. Additional ports on the test head can be provided for use during a calibration process. An electrical cap is provided for holding the conductor ends in place. The cap mates with the test head to rigidly connect the conductor to the measurement ports while retaining the “fanned out” portion of the cable in a rigid and known configuration.

Abstract: In a method and system for detecting a particular AC circuit from among a plurality of AC circuits at a circuit box, a transmitter is plugged into the particular AC circuit to be detected, the transmitter creating a high amplitude high-frequency current pulse. With a receiver, sensing the particular circuit at the circuit box by use of a sensing coil and employing a variable gain stage in conjunction with a threshold comparator and latch to pick off a signal caused by the high amplitude high frequency current pulse. The signal is latched so that a microprocessor can read the signal to activate an indication to a user when the particular AC circuit has been located at the circuit box. The microprocessor can be programmed after it is mounted into the receiver by use of a computer which transfers a program to the microprocessor. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, instead of the latch, the threshold comparator connects to an interrupt input of the microprocessor.

Abstract: A power supply line on the earthed side of an AC power supply is detected in order to prevent the leakage of an electromagnetic wave. A detection apparatus detects the AC line on the earthed side of the AC power supply. A power supply terminal is provided to be connected to the AC power supply. Ground terminals are provided to be connected to ground of an electric equipment. A switching unit selectively connects either of AC lines connected with the AC power supply to ground of the detection apparatus, the selective connection being changed-over. An antenna unit detects an electromagnetic wave leaking out of the electric or electronic equipment. And, a discrimination unit discriminates an earthed side and a non-earthed side of the AC lines on the basis of a level of the electromagnetic wave and based on which of the AC lines is connected to the ground of the detection apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fault localizing and identifying device for electric systems. The device comprises a primary unit and a secondary unit. The primary unit comprises at least two connections which are connectible to conductors in the electric system. The secondary unit is connectible to corresponding conductors at a distance from the primary unit. The primary unit further comprises a coupling unit which has a high-impedance and a low-impedance state and which is connected between the connections, and a control unit having an output which is connected to the coupling unit and is adapted to control the coupling unit to shift between the two states. The secondary unit detects the resistance variations. This makes it possible to detect and localize different types of faults. It is also possible to identify or follow a certain conductor.