Abstract: A ground return path is determined to be impaired when no zero-sequence current is measured in the neutral return path, but zero-sequence current is detected in other suitable measuring points that include the windings of an autotransformer, or in a magnetically coupled delta-configured tertiary winding, or potential transformer.

Abstract: A controller suitable for identifying an abnormal operational condition in a bathing system is provided. The controller includes a memory unit adapted for storing measurements indicative of electrical currents drawn by the bathing system under normal operating conditions, each measurement being indicative of the electrical current being drawn by a respective bathing unit component in the bathing system. The controller also includes a processing unit for modifying the measurements stored in the memory unit and for detecting an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing system at least in part on the basis of measurements stored on the memory unit. In specific implementations, sensing circuitry adapted for obtaining measurements associated to components, such as relays and fuses, is provided.

Abstract: A method for reducing the occurrence of false ground fault detections in a central office terminal is provided. The method includes generating a no-fault signal when no ground current is detected, delaying generation of a fault signal when ground current is detected at least for the duration of an expected pulse in AC induced signal, and when the ground current persists for a sufficient period, generating a signal indicating a fault condition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a remote alarm panel display for monitoring wrist-strap cords used by an operator to install components during the manufacturing of hard disk drives in order to provide grounding to the operator as the operator handles electrically sensitive components and also to provide mobility to the operator within the assembly floor. In one embodiment, the remote alarm panel display comprises a plurality of alarm indicators which are activated when a corresponding wrist strap is disconnected from a wrist strap monitoring device connected to the remote alarm panel display. In one embodiment the alarm indicators are light emitting diodes.

Abstract: Alert systems indicate removal of one or more protected portions of electrical grounding assemblies. An alert system can include a signal transmitter, a signal receiver, an alert device, and a communication cable. The signal transmitter can transmit a signal to be received by the signal receiver. The alert device can be coupled to the signal receiver, such that the alert device is activated when the signal is not received. A non-metallic communication cable can propagate the signal from the signal transmitter to signal receiver. The communication cable can be bound to a protected portion of the grounding assembly, such that disturbance of the protected portion can damage the communication cable. Because damage to the communication cable can cause an interruption in the signal, such damage can result in activation of the alert device. Accordingly, disturbance of the protected portion of the grounding assembly can activate the alert device.

Abstract: A method for testing personnel ESD grounding devices with a function of near-fail alert is disclosed. A near-fail range is set. When the measurement of the resistance for a wrist strap or a footwear is within the near-fail range; an alarm is actuated to alert the user that the static electricity prevention device worn by the user will fail soon. The near-fail range is provided so that the user can receive an alert when the wrist strap or the footwear being worn on will fail soon in the near future and thus to remind the user to adopt proper reactions to change or fix the personnel ESD grounding device to prevent its sudden failure during actual use. Furthermore, the test provides digital readouts and has higher precision to avoid faulty results. Moreover, the wrist strap and footwear are tested simultaneously and individual results can be derived so as to avoid errors in test. A device for performing the method is also provided.

Abstract: An arc fault and/or ground fault circuit interrupter includes an operating mechanism structured to open and close separable contacts, a trip mechanism cooperating with the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts, a test button structured to test the operating mechanism, an indicator, and a controller structured to configure a setting of the circuit interrupter and operate the indicator to indicate the setting in response to an actuation of the test button.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device to monitor whether a work station operator has properly worn a grounding mechanism, and a novel cascading means to chain multiple devices into a chain for sharing electricity and ground. The present invention could achieve the following functions: (1) capable of monitoring both single-wire and two-wire grounding mechanisms; (2) providing backup grounding through the chain so that the static electricity discharging capability is maintained as long as a single device in the chain remains connected to the ground; (3) extending the ground through the chain so that grounding is not required to be previously prepared at every work station; (4) sustaining all devices on the chain by a single external power supply; and (5) providing networking connectivity through the chain's cascading cables so that the network cabling cost and effort is significantly reduced.

Abstract: A system for evaluating at least one tripping stimulus for a ground-fault circuit interrupter includes: a sensing circuit configured to measure a leakage current from a voltage line to ground, wherein the sensing circuit is capable of generating a leakage signal including a voltage representative of the leakage current; and an evaluating circuit configured to evaluate the leakage signal to generate an indication signal, wherein the indication signal includes information corresponding to the at least one tripping stimulus. The sensing circuit may include a circuit substantially similar to at least a portion of a ground-fault circuit interrupter, and the evaluating circuit may include a peak hold circuit. The system may further include an indicator circuit for receiving the indication signal and displaying a status of the tripping conditions.

Abstract: A method of detecting a windshear hazard on aircraft is disclosed. The method includes determining a first wind velocity of the aircraft at the location of the aircraft using a wind velocity detector. The method also includes determining a second wind velocity at a distance ahead of the aircraft using a forward-looking wind velocity detection system onboard the aircraft. Further, the method comprises determining the wind velocity gradient over the distance and determining whether windshear hazard exists for the aircraft.

Abstract: The device detects whether an operator of a work station has properly worn a wrist strap or other ground mechanism. A major characteristic of the device is that a wireless energy transmission and detection mechanism is incorporated to sense if the operator is present in front of the work station. The device monitors the resistance of a discharge circuit composed of the operator's wrist strap. If the monitored resistance is not in a proper range, the device will automatically issue alarms, only if the wireless energy transmission and detection has sensed that the operator is indeed at the work station. Another characteristic of the device is that two or more of them could be signally connected to a centralized monitoring console through a network. As such, a user is able to remotely monitor the grounding conditions of all work stations.

Abstract: A real-time multi-point ground resistance monitoring device is provided herein to simultaneously monitor ground resistances of different work stations. The present invention mainly contains a number of monitoring ports connected to multiple test ground points in parallel via conductive wires respectively. Each monitoring port is configured with a safety range of acceptable ground resistances and a presentation manner of the alarm when the measured ground resistance of a monitoring port exceeds the safe range. The monitoring device has a self-correction function to automatically offset the resistance of conductive wire from the measurement result when the conductive wire is too long. The monitoring device can further contain a network interface allowing remote operation and monitoring.

Abstract: A display assembly for a retail product has a base and a platform adjustably mounted on an upper end of the base. The platform includes a lower housing which is pivotally supported in a cradle attached to the upper end of the base. The platform is pivotally mounted on the cradle by a pair of pivot pins, at least one of which is threaded to secure the platform in an adjusted titled position on the cradle. A plurality of notches are formed on the platform housing and selectively engage a detent formed on the cradle to retain the platform in an adjusted position. A sensor may be removably mounted on the platform and connected to the product and to the base by an expandable cord to actuate an alarm if the product is removed in an unauthorized manner from the sensor or base.

Abstract: A method for reducing the occurrence of false ground fault detections in a central office terminal is provided. The method includes generating a no-fault signal when no ground current is detected, delaying generation of a fault signal when ground current is detected at least for the duration of an expected pulse in AC induced signal, and when the ground current persists for a sufficient period, generating a signal indicating a fault condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for detecting the rotational motion of a shaft in a machine housing, comprising a measuring transmitter, which is connected to the shaft, at least one measuring sensor, which is provided on the machine housing, and a measuring transducer connected to a measuring sensor. The invention is characterized in that the measuring sensor(s) (8 and 15 to 20) is/are supplied with current by a separate energy accumulator (11).

Abstract: A theft deterrent device allows a customer to handle an item of merchandise to which the device is connected. The device is configured to protect items of merchandise having first and second pieces each of which are sufficiently valuable to warrant such protection. The device includes a base mountable on a support structure, an audible alarm, first and second connectors which attach respectively to the first and second pieces of the item of merchandise, lanyards for connecting the base to the first and second connectors and a removal sensor for sensing removal of one or both of connectors from the first and second pieces of the item of merchandise so that the alarm is activated when the connector or connectors are removed from the item of merchandise. The lanyards provide electrical communication between the alarm and the connectors, which may include plunger switches which serve as removal sensors.

Abstract: A method for reducing the occurrence of false ground fault detections in a central office terminal is provided. The method includes generating a no-fault signal when no ground current is detected, delaying generation of a fault signal when ground current is detected at least for the duration of an expected pulse in AC induced signal, and when the ground current persists for a sufficient period, generating a signal indicating a fault condition.

Abstract: A grounding mechanism for an electrical appliance comprising a conducting plate capable of electrical contact with an electrical component of an electrical product. The grounding mechanism also comprises a non-conducting fastener capable of mounting the conducting plate to a chassis of the electrical product, and a grounding element capable of connection with the conducting plate from an exterior of the chassis to electrically ground the conducting plate to the chassis.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for protecting equipment sensitive to electro-static discharge is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) key entry system for providing access to a restricted area that includes a locking element, a wireless element, and a controller element to manage operations of the locking element and the wireless element. The controller element can wirelessly detect an ESD protector in a vicinity to the ESD key entry system and enable the locking element to provide access to the restricted area. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system displays information from and controls electrical switching apparatus, such as circuit breakers. The system includes a plurality of circuit breakers having separable contacts and a plurality of conditions, such as bus temperature and contact wear. A plurality of sensors are structured to sense the conditions of the circuit breakers and to communicate the sensed conditions over corresponding wireless signals. A display and control unit is operatively associated with the circuit breakers and is structured to receive the corresponding wireless signals and display information corresponding to the sensed conditions or to control the circuit breakers based upon one or more of the sensed conditions.

Abstract: A ground return path is determined to be impaired when no zero-sequence current is measured in the neutral return path, but zero-sequence current is detected in other suitable measuring points that include the windings of an autotransformer, or in a magnetically coupled delta-configured tertiary winding, or potential transformer.

Abstract: An alarm device is provided for monitoring a level of static electricity on an object. The alarm device includes a detection unit and an alarm unit. The detection unit detects the level of static electricity on the object and generates a detection signal accordingly. The alarm unit, coupled between a power source and the detection unit, generates a warning signal in response to the detection signal when the detected level of static electricity exceeds a predetermined level.

Abstract: A controller suitable for identifying an abnormal operational condition in a bathing system is provided. The controller includes a memory unit adapted for storing measurements indicative of electrical currents drawn by the bathing system under normal operating conditions, each measurement being indicative of the electrical current being drawn by a respective bathing unit component in the bathing system. The controller also includes a processing unit for modifying the measurements stored in the memory unit and for detecting an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing system at least in part on the basis of measurements stored on the memory unit. In specific implementations, sensing circuitry adapted for obtaining measurements associated to components, such as relays and fuses, is provided.

Abstract: A system for identifying a selected electrical circuit of interest from a number of electrical circuits, by locating a circuit interrupter connected to interrupt the flow of electrical power from an electrical power supply to the selected circuit of interest. The system includes a remote portion configured to detect when the selected circuit is energized, and in response to generate a wireless signal indicative thereof to a receiver portion located in the vicinity of the circuit interrupter. In response to the wireless signal, the receiver portion is configured to generate an alert indicative to an operator that the flow of electrical power is not interrupted to the selected circuit. By switching the circuit interrupter between the ON and OFF positions, the operator is able to determine from the alert at the receiver portion whether the selected circuit interrupter is connected to control the flow of electrical power to the electrical outlet, load, fixture, or wiring of interest.

Abstract: A connector assembly for a wriststrap jack is provided wherein the jack may be easily replaced in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: An electrical hazard detection system is used to detect energized ground terminals on electric receptacles. This condition may not be detectable by traditional circuit testers when hot and neutral wires have been switched and ground terminals have been electrically connected to the neutral wires. The user's body is used to provide a high-impedance path to true ground thereby creating an electric current from an energized ground terminal, activating a transistor, and illuminating an associated indicator.

Abstract: A circuit breaker with a thermal/magnetic trip device incorporates a monitor that senses the temperature of the bimetal and the amplitude of the load current to distinguish between a thermal and a magnetic trip. If the temperature of the bimetal is above a selected value when the circuit breaker trips, a “THERMAL” trip light emitting diode (LED) is energized, while a high load current at the time of a trip lights a “MAG” trip LED. The monitor also energizes an “ARC” LED in response to an arc fault signal from an AFCI at the time of trip, or a “GRD” LED in response to a ground fault trip. If a trip sensor, which monitors load voltage does not detect opening of the circuit breaker contacts when an arc fault or ground fault signal is generated, the corresponding LED is flashed to indicate the failure to trip. The monitor also has a “SURGE” LED to indicate a voltage surge in the protected distribution system as detected by a surge detector built into the circuit breaker.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a method is provided whereby the transient voltages presented at the input to a watt-hour meter are suppressed to prevent damage to the watt-hour meter and to the electronic devices that are powered through the watt-hour meter. In addition to transient voltage protection, the method of the present invention also provides monitoring of the earth ground resistance, voltage and current of the earth ground conductor associated with the watt-hour meter. As such, voltage transients are suppressed when presented at the watt-hour meter through the power line input, ground resistance of the earth ground conductor in continuously monitored and the current and voltage conditions existing on the ground conductor are continuously monitored. Visual and audible indicators are provided to indicate quality issues with the grounding system and the effectiveness of the surge suppressor/arrestor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring grounding of personnel and equipment in electrostatic discharge (ESD) sensitive areas. The device generates a low voltage alternating current control signal (60) which is applied to personnel (50) and equipment (350) being monitored. The device further includes signal conditioning (66) and detection means (70) to distinguish static charges from the control signal and transmit an alarm (72) upon detection of such static charge. The method encompasses the use of an alternating current control signal to detect static charge.

Abstract: A device for indicating whether a conductive element has an electrical resistance equal to or less than a predetermined value or whether the conductive element is reliably connected to earth reference potential by a resistance equal to or less than a predetermined value. The device includes a clamp device for connecting the device to the conductive element and which incorporates a battery powered monitoring unit. The monitoring unit includes a current-to-voltage converter with a voltage output that is inversely proportional to the resistance of the conductive element, a comparator which compares at predetermined intervals voltage output to a pre-set reference and determines whether the measured resistance is equal or less than the predetermined value, and a signaling device which is actuated to provide an indication as to whether the measured resistance is equal to or less than the predetermined value.

Abstract: A high-voltage-proximity warning system has a local panel (1) for being positioned in or about a cab (2) of heavy equipment or other vehicle (5), a remote panel (3) in predetermined electrical communication with the local panel and one or more proximity antennas (4) for being positioned selectively on the vehicle in predetermined electrical communication with the local panel. The local panel is adapted to be push-button operable conveniently by an operator with gloved hands in a position where it is readily visible and easily connectable electrically to the remote panel and to the one or more proximity antennas. The remote panel is adapted to be positioned on or off of the vehicle where it can be protected for supportive operation and accessed for plural electrical connection to electrical devices that can include an electrical-source terminal (11), to speakers, and to warning and alarm communication devices (50).

Abstract: A fault indicator for monitoring an electrical conductor has a housing, an indicator flag or a light emitting diode (LED) that becomes visible from the exterior of the fault indicator upon the occurrence of a fault, and electronic circuitry for sensing a fault, for actuating the indicator flag or LED to a fault indicating condition and for resetting the indicator flag or LED to a non-fault indicating condition a predetermined time after the fault has occurred. An overload indicator provides an overload indication, such as a fast flash rate, for a predetermined time when an overload threshold is exceeded, and provides a different overload indication, such as a slow flash rate, for a predetermined time when the line current in the monitored conductor falls below the threshold.

Abstract: An electrical circuit tester for allowing a user to efficiently test electrical fixtures and switches. The electrical circuit tester includes a housing that has a plurality of prongs that extend from the housing. The prongs are adapted for engaging an electrical outlet of a building. A plurality of lights is coupled to the housing. The lights are lit in a pattern indicating a state of the electrical outlet. A speaker is coupled to the housing. The speaker is for creating an audible tone when the prongs engage the electrical outlet.

Abstract: The present invention is a visualization luminous device adapted for electric motors of equipments supplied by three-phase voltage, allowing a person to visualize with certainty whether there is presence of voltage downstream blades of a disconnecting switch or circuit breakers which had been placed in an off-position.

Abstract: There is described a device for indicating whether a conductive element has an electrical resistance equal to or less than a predetermined value or whether the conductive element is reliably connected to earth reference potential by a resistance equal to or less than a predetermined value. The device commonly takes the form of a grounding clamp (1) for connecting said device to the conductive element, the clamp (1) conveniently taking the form of a pair of spring loaded jaws (2, 3).

Abstract: A low cost, low parts count electronic circuit that is built into an appliance automatically and continuously checks for an open ground condition or a condition where the power conductors are transposed, at which time, power is interrupted in the appliance. By combining this with an electrical leakage detection circuit and power interrupter at the plug, the electrical safety of the appliance is greatly enhanced.

Abstract: An electrical tell tale system for trailers that consists of a unique tell tale monitor which is light weight which houses different colored light emitting diodes which define each individual trailer circuit. The tell tale monitor has an attached modular cable and modular plug which is connected by a modular socket to the main control unit. The main control unit has two protruding leads which are connected in series with the vehicles trailer wiring harness by connectors. The system works by scanning the trailer signals passing through the main control unit and specially set, wound resistive current sensing coils, which close a reed switch at the correct current which in turn sends a low voltage signal through the modular connection and through the modular cable to the tell tale monitor which will illuminate a certain light emitting diode to notify if the trailer circuit is operational.

Abstract: A computer system is used for monitoring that each of a plurality of operators assigned to work during a predetermined work shift has checked into a production area and has measured the ESD (electro static discharge) from the body of the operator at an ESD (electro static discharge) measuring unit. A database stores data regarding a plurality of operators working in the production area, and the computer system includes a data processor for generating a list of operators assigned to work during a predetermined work shift from data stored in the database. A respective badge identification of each operator who checks into the production area is stored in a first working file, and a respective badge identification of each operator who measures a respective amount of ESD (electro static discharge) from the body of the operator is stored in a second working file, of the data storage unit of the computer system.

Abstract: A safety mechanism for alerting power line workers of the failure to properly connect a grounding wire to a neutral wire. The grounding buzzer automatically provides an audible and/or visual output when disconnected from a storage location and continues to provide the alarm until it is properly installed. An alarm is optionally installed on both the connecting hook and the vehicle to alert as many individuals as possible to the failure to properly connect the grounding wire.

Abstract: A device capable of reducing an erroneous operation with a simple configuration in which, when two or more conductors M1, M2, M3 (three of them in FIG. 1) are attracted by three or more magnets 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d (four of them in FIG. 1), the conductors M1, M2, M3 are electrically connected between the respective magnets to bring a series circuit 3 into conduction that causes an electric current Is to flow, whereby an electric signal (voltage) Vs(=V) indicating the detection of the conductors M1, M2, M3 is output.

Abstract: A connection verifying trip unit includes a microprocessor circuit and a terminal electrically connected to the microprocessor circuit. A power source is electrically connected intermediate the terminal and the microprocessor circuit. The terminal is electrically connected to ground when the terminal is connected to the circuit breaker. When the terminal is disconnected from the circuit breaker, the terminal is disconnected from ground and the power source provides an input signal to the microprocessor circuit. In response to the input signal, the microprocessor unit provides an output signal indicating, locally or remotely, that the trip unit has been disconnected from the circuit breaker.

Abstract: There is provided a ground check system used with an input module and/or sort module of a test handler for checking automatically grounding wires associated with moving parts thereof. The ground check system includes a sensing circuit which is responsive to ESD voltages associated with the grounding wires and to a reference voltage for generating an output voltage. A visual indicator device is mounted on the input module and/or sort module of the test handler and is responsive to the output voltage for alerting an operator of a malfunction in the grounding wires. An output buffer section is also responsive to the output voltage for shutting down the input module and/or sort module when there is a malfunction in the grounding wires.

Abstract: An electromagnetic wave isolation apparatus is provided for use in household multi-outlets, which apparatus includes an electromagnetic wave detecting circuit for sensing induced electromagnetic waves generated in the home or office and generating an output signal responsive to a predetermined level of the induced electromagnetic waves. An electromagnetic wave isolation circuit is provided, in response to the output signal of the detecting circuit to generate an output signal for driving a lamp which indicates the presence of electromagnetic waves and subsequently for driving a switch which enables one of AC output lines to be connected with the circuitry ground of the multi-outlet. A switching circuit is also included for activating a second switch provided in each of the AC output lines in response to the output signal of the isolation circuit. A resistor is connected between the circuitry ground and the ground terminal of the power cord of the multi-outlet.

Abstract: A power supply circuit detects ground fault paths, and miswiring of the load, using a test mode in which electrical power is applied to only one power output terminal of the power supply relative to the ground terminal, while substantially no electrical power is applied to the second power output terminal relative to the ground terminal. If application of power during the test mode causes substantial current flow through ground, then there is a ground fault path, or an incorrect connection between the midpoint of the load and ground. The power supply further includes unique features for signaling the presence and kind of fault it has detected; the power supply is capable of distinguishing between ground faults in at least two different locations, and when a fault is detected, the power supply signals the presence of the fault and its location, e.g., by timed blinking of the connected discharge light. These features are enhanced by a diagnostic analyzer for connection to the power supply.

Abstract: A wearable electric field detector has a housing mountable on a user's person and including a sensing circuit responsive to an electric field to generate a signal which varies in proportion to the strength of the sensed field, and an alarm circuit coupled to the sensing circuit for producing an intermittent audible alarm signal, which has a repetition rate varying in proportion to the strength of the field, and a visible alarm signal. A mute circuit is manually activatable for selectively muting the audible alarm and then automatically reenabling it after a predetermined time period. The detector includes a manually-actuatable test circuit. There is no on-off switch, the detector being disabled by being disposed in a shielded carrying case.

Abstract: A compressor is provided with an electrical connection within the length of the stator winding or another component, to reduce the total height of the compressor. The compressor includes a motor having a stator and a rotor, wherein the stator extends along an axis for a fixed axial length and the rotor rotates about the axis. The compressor also includes a set of terminal pins extending through the housing for providing electrical connection to the motor. The terminal pins are mounted onto the inside of the housing of the compressor and within the axial length of the stator. A connector having cooperating slots slides in a direction generally parallel, tangential or a combination thereof to the axis of rotation to connect the terminal pins to the motor.

Abstract: A circuit and device to detect grounding problems in electrical soldering irons. The device includes a cleaning sponge in electrical connection with a sensor element. The sensor element is connected to the controlling circuitry which is in turn connected to a safety grounding point, such as a screw of a face plate of an electrical outlet. The circuitry includes LED's which indicate when the grounding mechanism is functional, and when the grounding connection is broken. Additional circuitry tests for a low impedance path to ground via a sensor element contacted by the soldering iron tip or (in the case of an isolated tip) the soldering iron heater barrel. Further circuits indicate when the cleaning sponge has gone dry, and when the operator has an unsafe level of electrostatic charge.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for monitoring equipment. A computer having an enclosure defining an enclosure space is initially provided. Disposed within the enclosure space is a central processing unit including a memory and an arithmetic logic unit. The computer is provided with communication means operably connected to the central processing unit for permitting communication between the central processing unit and a peripheral device. An alarm sensor is disposed within the enclosure space of the computer. When the alarm sensor senses an alarm condition, the security system outputs a data signal indicative of the alarm condition for sounding an alarm, for example.

Abstract: The present invention provides a remote detection device including a conventional measurement device, such as a thermostat, having an internal contact which is wired in series with a resistor and two wires of a standard telephone line. When the measurement device reaches or surpasses a predetermined set value, such as a predetermined temperature, the measurement device will close the internal contact such that the resistor will short the telephone line. Accordingly, when the ambient condition has reached or surpassed the predetermined set value, the owner or manager of a building will receive a busy signal when dialing a telephone line connected to the remote detection device. In another embodiment the remote detection device may comprise a computer program component which periodically monitors the status of a communication line connected to the measurement device at the remote location.

Abstract: The electronic trip device comprises a processing unit comprising protection means, and an initialization device of said processing unit. The initialization device comprises means for initialization after an interruption comprising at least one storage register connected to the protection means to store a value of at least one quantity of a protection function and to supply a value of said at least one quantity when initialization of the processing unit is performed. A back-up power supply circuit supplies the storage register, and means for monitoring the back-up power supply circuit delete the register values when a voltage of the back-up power supply circuit drops below a preset threshold.