Abstract: The system uses graph theory to define busline arrangements as a series of vertices and edges, wherein the vertices include the number of busses in the system and the edges include disconnect circuit branches connecting the individual vertices. A particular system configuration, selected by the system operator, determines the status (open or closed) of the various disconnect branches. A processor establishes an incident graph matrix, including positions of all the vertices and edges. The matrix is modified in accordance with graph theory and the condition of the disconnect switches. Graph operations are performed to produce a resulting matrix which defines vertices and the edges incident thereon into zones of protection. Fault analysis in the busline can then be performed in accordance with each zone of protection.

Abstract: A temperature sensing system for monitoring and controlling temperatures of various peripheral devices inside a notebook type of computer. The temperature sensing system uses thermistor as temperature sensor. The thermistor is positioned around a peripheral device and formed a potential divider circuit with another resistor. Next, the voltage produced by the divider circuit is fed to a voltage detection pin of a chipset. Inside the chipset, the divider voltage can be compared with a reference so that appropriate action can be taken to cool down particular peripheral device. In addition, the temperature sensor of this invention can be placed anywhere inside a notebook computer including the area surrounding the peripheral device or even inside the peripheral device. Moreover, no additional control chips for operating those temperature sensors are needed, and hence production cost can be lowered.

Abstract: A single-chip IC module comprises a package including a header (11) made in the form of a flat plate with vias (20) along its periphery within a predetermined coordinate grid, in which vias are fastened pins of output terminal (2), on the header is fixed a carrier (3) with an IC chip (4) and conducting paths (5) coupling metallized vias (14, 17) made in the carrier (3), ones of which vias (14) together with contact pads (1) of the chip (4) form contact assemblies (6) coupling said IC chip contact pads with the conducting paths (5) on the surface of the carrier (3), and other metallized vias (17) together with pins of the output terminals (2) disposed with gaps in the metallized vias (17) of the carrier (3) form contact assemblies (7) coupling pins of the output terminals (2) with the conducting paths (5) on the surface of the carrier (3). Elements of the contact assemblies (6, 7) are coupled to each other by an electric-conductive binder (16, 19).

Abstract: A method of monitoring state parameters in a switching device records and evaluates sensor signals of sensors which are susceptible to an interference caused by external electrical or magnetic fields. A temporal sequence of the sensor signals is evaluated by determining whether the sensor signals are disturbed or undisturbed. The interference in the sensor signals is suppressed by generating evaluation signals which correspond to the undisturbed signals. A device for monitoring state parameters of a switching device includes sensors for recording sensor signals and includes a passive interference suppression device and an active interference suppression device for suppressing the interference.

Abstract: A shunt trip assembly having a tripping solenoid and a locking solenoid selectively blocks movement of the tripping solenoid to prevent inappropriate tripping of a circuit breaker during shock loading thereof. The tripping solenoid includes a tripping plunger that is longitudinally translatable along a tripping path to operatively engage a trip button of the circuit breaker. The locking solenoid includes a locking plunger that is selectively translatable along a locking path to selectively block movement of the tripping plunger, the locking path being substantially perpendicular to the tripping path. A longitudinally-facing first abutment surface on the tripping plunger is engaged by the locking plunger to prevent inappropriate movement of the tripping plunger during shock loading. A peripherally-disposed second abutment surface on the tripping plunger prevents misconfiguration of the shunt trip assembly after the shunt trip assembly has been deenergized.

Abstract: A circuit breaker device including a first connection terminal, a second connection terminal, a heating portion electrically interconnecting the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal, and a claw lockingly engaged with the heating portion. The claw is configured to be melted by the heating portion to allow the heating portion to move apart from the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal for electrical disconnection.

Abstract: A circuit breaker has a set of remotely controllable secondary contacts connected in series with the main contacts which provide overcurrent protection. The secondary contacts are opened and closed by a latching solenoid having a close coil and an open coil which are separately connected to switched terminals of a first switch. A voltage source, which may be ac, dc or pulsed, is connected to the common terminal of the first switch through a rectifier. The first switch is coupled to the plunger of the latching solenoid which opens and closes the set of secondary contacts and enables the coil which operates the set of secondary contacts to the opposite state. Energization of the enabled coil is completed by additional, remotely located switches connected between each coil and ground. A status line connected to one of the switched terminals of the first switch is energized when the associated coil is enabled to indicate the open/close status of the set of secondary contacts.

Abstract: A semiconductor apparatus such as a power MOSFET, an IGBT, or the like is provided having therein a control circuit such as an over-heating protection circuit and an over-current protection circuit, which realizes both of high-speed operation and prevention of erroneous operation caused by a parasitic device. To prevent erroneous operation, the control circuit controls so that when the voltage of a gate terminal is positive relative to that of a source terminal, a first switch circuit is turned on, when the voltage of the gate terminal is negative relative to that of the source terminal, a second switch circuit is turned on, and when the gate terminal and the source terminal have an almost same potential and a drain terminal has a high potential, the second switch circuit is turned on, thereby reducing leakage current from the drain terminal to the gate terminal.

Abstract: A hemispherical grain (HSG) capacitor having HSGs on at least a part of the surface of capacitor lower electrodes, and a method of forming the same. In the capacitor, lower electrodes are formed of at least two amorphous silicon layers including an amorphous silicon layer doped with a high concentration of impurities and an amorphous silicon layer doped with a low concentration of impurities, and HSGs are formed, wherein the size of the hemispherical grains can be adjusted such that the size of HSGs formed on the inner surface of a U-shaped lower electrode or on the top of a stacked lower electrode is larger than that of HSGs formed on the outer surface of the U-shaped lower electrode or on the sidews of the stacked lower electrode. Thus, bridging between neighboring lower electrodes can be avoided by appropriately adjusting the size of HSGs, resulting in uniform capacitance wafer-to-wafer and within a wafer. The mechanical strength of the U-shaped lower electrode can also be enhanced.

Abstract: A circuit and a method for compensating the floating differential capacitance appearing between two recording microelectrodes is presented. It is shown how this floating capacitance can be neutralized so that current in any microelectrode can be injected without any significant cross-talk picked up by the other. It is a fully symmetrical compensation.

Abstract: A safety device for a number of electrical loads that are connected to a supply line between a high-side path and a low-side path. The loads are activatable individually by way of drivers provided in the low-side path. A fuse is provided in the high-side path (2a) and causes, in the event of a defect in at least one driver, a permanent interruption in the high-side path.

Abstract: A redundant electric fuse circuit is provided that includes a plurality of fuses coupled in series and each having a fuse control device operable for generating a current through each fuse sufficient to blow the fuse. A first fuse control signal is activated to generate a sufficient current through one of the fuses to blow the fuse. A second fuse control signal is activated to generate a sufficient current through the other fuse to blow that fuse. The electric fuse circuit provides redundancy thereby increasing the yield of integrated circuits by reducing the probability that a defective fuse (i.e., a fuse that reforms after blowing) will cause a fatal defect in the integrated circuit.

Abstract: In a closing magnetic circuit, when a movable contact is in contact with a fixed contact and a switching device is closed, N and S poles of a permanent magnet attract the fixed member in a direction in which the movable contact is pressed against the fixed contact. In an opening magnetic circuit, when the movable contact is separated from the fixed contact and the switching device is open, one of the N and S poles of the permanent magnet attracts the fixed member in a direction in which the movable contact is separated from the fixed contact. An operating electromagnet winding increases and decreases the magnetism in the closing magnetic circuit and opening magnetic circuit. With this configuration, it is possible to realize an operating apparatus for a switching device using a simple mechanism and assure a stable operation by producing a great contact load.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter rotary contact arm is provided. Rotational torque is applied to the contact arm by a spring force from one or more springs arranged along the sides of the contact arm. The contact arm includes an edge surface having one or more features or bumps. The bumps are configured cause the one or more springs to exert increased spring force and to increase frictional resistance, which increases the rotational torque required to move the contact arm.

Abstract: A chip burn-in system maintains the temperature of IC-chips near a set point, while the IC-chips undergo large step increases and large step decreases in power dissipation as they are tested. The system includes a hot fluid circuit in which a hot fluid circulates from a reservoir through heat exchangers and back to the reservoir, and in which the heat exchangers exchange heat by conduction between the hot fluid and the IC-chips. To keep the temperature of the fluid in the reservoir nearly constant, the system includes an electric heater which operates with a fast response to add heat to the fluid returning to the reservoir as a function of one control signal; and an analog valve which operates with a slow response to add a cold fluid to the reservoir as a function of another control signal.

Abstract: A micro-opto-electro-mechanical transducer in which an optical element is angularly positioned by electrical field coupling. Movable electrodes of two orthogonally disposed, differential variable capacitors are coupled to the optical element constrained by structural means to angular displacement around two free-axes of rotation. Cooperating stationary capacitor electrodes with surface contoured regions facing the movable electrodes are affixed to the structural means. A thin dielectric layer of high permittivity material provides a region of fixed spacing between the capacitor electrodes. The surface contoured regions constrain the approach of the movable electrodes with angular displacement of the optical element. Both the open-loop gain and the equilibrium voltage-angle response of the transducer is largely independent of displacement. Electrostatic force feedback maintains the optical element at voltage programmed positions of static equilibrium over a wide angular range of tip and tilt.

Abstract: A control method of a powered sliding device having a wire drum coupled through a wire cable with a sliding door slidably attached to a vehicle body, a motor for rotating the wire drum by the electric power from a battery, a voltmeter for measuring the battery voltage of the battery, and a sensor for detecting the sliding speed of the sliding door, comprises the steps of: measuring the sliding speed SS by the sensor when a predetermined time has elapsed from an actuation of the motor; comparing the measured sliding speed SS with the lower limited speed LLS of the sliding door determined according to the degree of the battery voltage BV measured by the voltmeter; and stopping or reversing the motor when the sliding speed SS is slower than the lower limited speed LLS.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a residential circuit breaker is presented. The residential circuit breaker comprises an electronic residential circuit breaker having a selectable current rating which permits the user to easily set and reset the current rating depending upon the desired use and environment in which the current breaker is to be used. In another aspect, common power line carrier (PLC) communications are used to provide an effective signaling system for load control. In yet another aspect of the present invention, an interface between the electrical infrastructure and a home automation system for the purpose of load control is provided.

Abstract: A circuit breaker system 10 (FIG. 1) using electronic trip units 35 is disclosed. The electronic trip units 35 are coupled to a communications bus 30 whereby the electronic trip units 35 can be reconfigured, controlled, and/or monitored by a central computer 20. Further, the electronic trip units are coupled to a separate control power supply line 50 and to a zone selective interlock system.

Abstract: A circuit breaker (10) is shown having a movable electrical contact (36) adapted to move into and out of engagement with a stationary electrical contact (38, 40). A current carrying thermostatic trip member (42) has a portion movable in response to changes in temperature with a motion transfer member (46) transferring the motion to latch/catch mechanism (20, 24, 30, 32). The catch portion (30, 32) comprises a generally U-shaped adjustment element (30) formed of thermostatic material whose legs are fixed to the base (32a) of a catch member (32) which in turn is pivotably mounted in the casing of the circuit breaker. The bight (30c) of the adjustment element is free to move in response to temperature changes relative to the catch member. Overcurrent will cause the thermostatic trip member to transfer motion to the bight of the adjustment element causing the adjustment element and catch member to pivot and release a latch to thereby open the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A wiring device for use with a wire having a conductor disposed within insulation. The wiring device includes a housing of an electrical insulating material provided with a recess adapted to receive the wire. A cutting blade is carried by the insulated housing for severing the wire in the recess into first and second wire portions. A first electrical contact is carried by the housing for making electrical contact with the conductor of the first wire portion. A second electrical contact is carried by the housing and electrically connected to the first electrical contact for making electrical contact with the conductor of the second wire portion so that the conductors of the first and second wire portions can be electrically reconnected after being severed by the cutting blade.

Abstract: A multi-pole protective device and system for electrical power transmission and distribution systems is provided that operates a multi-pole tripping system at ground level from a line-potential tripping device contained within each pole of the multi-pole system. The system includes multiple pole-unit assemblies each of which is responsive to sensed overcurrents to provide a tripping signal. Each of the pole-unit assemblies is totally self-contained and generates a tripping signal in response to overcurrent conditions to operate a ground-potential operating mechanism. In one arrangement, the pole units each include an internal line-potential tripping arrangement that communicates a trip signal to a ground-potential operating mechanism of the pole unit and associated pole units of the protective device arrangement. Each pole unit also includes an interrupter operated by the ground-potential operating mechanism to open the interrupter.

Abstract: The present invention has the object of providing an overshoot/undershoot prevention device and overshoot/undershoot prevention method that are highly effective against both overshoot and undershoot. The overshoot/undershoot prevention device is provided with an overshoot shaping device that selects the portion of a waveform signal that equals or exceeds an overshoot determining potential when the potential of the waveform signal equals or exceeds the overshoot determining potential, outputs the selected portion as an overshoot waveform, attenuates the overshoot component of the waveform signal, and outputs the result as a shaped waveform in accordance with the time that the overshoot waveform continues.

Abstract: The presently disclosed method and apparatus provides the sensing of an output voltage of a charge pump without applying a load to the output stage. In the charge pump the voltage change which occurs across a capacitor of a stage of the charge pump when the charge pump transfers charge to the next stage is proportional to the difference between the voltage at the output of the charge pump under load, and the voltage which will be developed at the output of the charge pump with no load. There is an interval in the timing of the charge pump cycle after the first stage capacitor has transferred its charge to a second stage capacitor where the high side of the first capacitor has not yet been connected to the line voltage. During this interval the charge pump undervoltage detection circuit measures the voltage at the high side of the capacitor and compares this measured voltage to a reference voltage.

Abstract: A control system is used in an intelligent power distribution network. The power distribution network includes multiple branches, each of which is connected to a power source, electrical devices connected to the branches, and a normally-open device connected between two or more branches. The control system includes control elements, each control elements being associated with an electrical device connected to a branch of the distribution network. The control system also includes a master control element associated with the normally-open device. The master control element communicates with the control elements and, when a fault occurs on the distribution network, prevents the normally-open device from closing when information from the control elements indicate that conditions potentially disruptive to the distribution network would occur if the normally-open device were closed.

Abstract: A differential relay for protecting a power apparatus portion of a power system, such as a bus line, includes incoming and outgoing power lines on which incoming and outgoing currents are present. The incoming and outgoing currents of each phase are applied through current transformers and then through filtering and normalizing circuits prior to application to the differential relay. The differential relay includes a circuit for determining the presence of an external fault, and maintains security by avoiding a tripping action of the relay for said external faults.

Abstract: A two stage reciprocating compressor and associated HVAC systems and methods are disclosed. The reciprocating compressor includes a crankshaft having an eccentric crankpin, a reversible motor for rotating the crankshaft in a forward and a reverse direction, and an eccentric, two position cam rotatably mounted over the crankpin. The crankshaft and cam combine to cause the piston to have a first stroke when the motor operates in the forward direction and a second stroke when the motor operates in the reverse direction. The cam and crankpin also include stabilization means to restrict the relative rotation of the cam about the crankpin. A lubrication system is provided to lubricate the engaging surfaces of the crankshaft and cam and between the cam and the bearing surface of the connecting rod. There is also provided a control for selectively operating the motor either in the forward direction at a first power load or in the reverse direction at a reduced second power load.

Abstract: A combination current sensor and relay has an improved housing. In one aspect, the housing includes light emitting diodes on an upper surface that indicate open circuit and short circuit conditions. In another aspect, the housing includes a securement structure for a circuit board that includes the transformer and switches for device operation, together with aligned openings therein for routing wires to external devices. In another aspect, a multiple position switch is included on the upper surface that indicates multiple modes of operation of the device. In another aspect, the housing may be assembled in multiple parts by affixing a first portion to a support, a circuit board to the first portion, and a second portion to the first portion. In another aspect, the housing is suitable for engagement to alternatively a junction box and a duplex box. In another aspect, the configuration of the upper surface provides usability advantages.

Abstract: A multi-voltage multi-pole safety electric adapter is constructed to include a socket unit, the socket unit having a first set of plug holes for receiving a low voltage plug and a second set of plug holes for receiving a high voltage plug, and a first set of metal contacts and a second set of metal contacts respectively disposed at a back side wall thereof, a low voltage plug unit and a high voltage plug unit alternatively fastened to the back side wall of the socket unit for receiving a low voltage power supply from or high voltage power supply from an electric outlet, the low voltage plug unit having a set of metal contacts corresponding to the first set of metal contacts at the socket unit, the high voltage plug unit comprising a set of metal contacts corresponding to the second set of metal contacts at the socket unit, and a transformer installed in the socket unit for converting low voltage input power supply or high voltage input power supply into the desired power level.

Abstract: This invention provides a residual current detector comprising a trip circuit; a magnetic lock assembly including a solenoid that operates in response to a signal from the trip circuit, causing movement of an operating member, with the magnetic lock further including a reset mechanism for resetting the residual current detector following a trip operation; and means for preventing reset of the magnetic lock by restraining movement of the solenoid when the trip circuit is disabled. In the preferred embodiment, a plunger assembly is mounted adjacent to the solenoid of the magnetic lock assembly and fusible link is connected in series with the trip circuit and mounted to prevent movement of a plunger in the plunger assembly. When the trip circuit is subjected to excessive current, the fusible link will melt, thereby permitting the plunger to interfere with movement of the armature of the solenoid. This prevents rest of the magnetic lock assembly.

Abstract: An advanced power switching apparatus that is suitable for use in spacecraft and provides miniaturization, weight reduction, and improved reliability of power switching and protection functions. The apparatus provides greatly increased functionality, and is capable of switching power, isolating faults, and limiting in-rush and fault currents. The apparatus comprises a plurality of power switching circuits.

Abstract: A communication device includes a number of transmitter/receiver/modem blocks installed in vertical positions. Each of the transmitter/receiver/modem blocks includes a supporting board having a front surface and a back surface, the supporting board including a plurality of fins on the front surface and a plurality of forced air-cooling fans on the supporting board. A front cover encloses the front surface of the supporting board, the front cover and the fins forming a plurality of ducts, the front cover and the front surface forming an internal opening under the fins. A back cover encloses the back surface of the supporting board. First heat-radiating circuit modules are provided at positions adjacent to the fins on the front surface. A second heat-radiating circuit module is provided within the opening.

Abstract: A chuck 28 for holding a substrate 4 comprises a surface 27 capable of receiving the substrate 4, the surface 27 having a gas inlet port 40 and a gas exhaust port 42. A non-sealing protrusion is between the gas inlet port 40 and the gas exhaust port 42. The non-sealing protrusion 44 impedes the flow of heat transfer gas between the gas inlet port 40 and the gas exhaust port 42 without blocking the flow of heat transfer gas. Preferably, a sealing protrusion 46 is provided around the periphery of the chuck 28 to form a substantially gas-tight seal with the substrate 4 to enclose and prevent leakage of heat transfer gas into a surrounding chamber 6.

Abstract: A superconducting magnetic energy storage system, including a superconducting persistent switch, is disclosed. The system includes a superconducting magnet connected in parallel with the persistent switch, both contained within a cryostat that is maintained at superconducting temperatures. Leads extending from the parallel connection of the magnet and switch are coupled to a power conditioning system, which in turn is coupled to a system load for which the system provides backup power. The disclosed persistent switch is fabricated as a wire having multiple superconducting strands within, and directly in contact with, an electrically conductive but non-superconducting stabilizer material. The persistent switch is normalized into a resistive state, to apply the stored energy to the load, by applying a rapid rise title current to the wire.

Abstract: A circuit breaker and method for interrupting the flow of electric current in a line having a load and a source including a first switch connected in series with the line and a first actuating device coupled to the first switch and adapted to be actuated by at least one activating signal, to move the first switch from the closed position to the open position. A resistor having a positive temperature coefficient of resistivity is connected in series with the first switch and a voltage limiting device is connected in parallel with the resistor. A second actuating device is coupled to the first switch and is adapted to be actuated by at least one remote control activating signal, to move the first switch to the open position or to the closed position. The second actuating device further includes a coil and a second switch connected to the coil and to the line, the second switch adapted for activating the coil upon the receipt of the remote control activating signal.

Abstract: Leg portions are provided at the four corners of a resistor that generates a large amount of heat and a partition panel is secured to the top of the leg portions through a heat-insulating spacer. A adiabatic layer is formed by an empty space between the resistor and the partition panel. Further, the transmission of heat from the resistor through the leg portions to the partition panel is suppressed by the heat-insulating spacer. A servo amplifier is connected to the mounting portions provided on the partition panel, at the side opposite the resistor main body. As the transmission of heat generated by the resistor to the servo amplifier main body is cut off by the partition panel and suppressed, components inside the servo amplifier are protected from heat.

Abstract: An electrostatic chuck 55 has an electrostatic member 100 including a dielectric 115 having a surface 120 adapted to receive the substrate 30. The dielectric 115 covers an electrode 105 that is chargeable to electrostatically hold the substrate 30. A support 190 below the electrostatic member 100 has a cavity 300 adapted to hold a gas to serve as a thermal insulator to regulate the flow of heat from the electrostatic chuck 55 to a surface 120 of the chamber 25. The cavity 300 has a cross-sectional profile that is shaped to provide a predetermined temperature profile across the substrate 30.

Abstract: The electric motor drive includes an electric motor (10); an end stage (12) for triggering the electric motor; a trigger circuit (18) for pulse-width-modulated triggering of the end stage, which is associated with the end stage (12) and which includes an overload stage (20) for detecting an overload on the electrical motor according to a temperature of the electric motor and a device for obtaining a temperature from a pulse-width-modulation signal (16) generated by the trigger circuit (18). A preferred embodiment includes a device for integrating a differential power (Pdiff) equal to an instantaneous power (Pmom) minus an equipment specific limit power (Plimit) in predetermined time intervals to obtain an integrated power (Pnew). The motor is turned on or off by comparison of the integrated power with various limiting values.

Abstract: A PCM module arrangement includes a three phase circuit breaker and PCM electronics unit. Each phase of the circuit breaker has a Rogowski coil at the line side and load side contacts in a vacuum bottle and another zero sequence current sensor encloses the load side conductors of the circuit breaker to provide a zero sequence current signal. A PCM electronics unit is provided with phase current measurement signals from the Rogowski coils. The PCM electronics unit provides a direct interface for various signals including a signal from a supervisory control and data acquisition system.

Abstract: A method of synchronously closing a hydraulically-controlled circuit breaker connected in an AC network, the method including, for each pole of the circuit breaker, using a microcontroller connected to the hydraulic control system via static switches to perform the following steps: on receiving a closure order, controlling the static switches to close the pole; waiting for a signal indicating that the pole has moved a certain distance between its open position and its closed position; on receiving the signal controlling the static switches to cause the pole to open; detecting when the network voltage passes through a zero value; and waiting for a certain amount of time to elapse measured from the detection prior to controlling the static switches to cause the pole to close, the time lapse being such that full closure of the pole takes place at a moment that coincides with the instant at which the network voltage reaches a characteristic value depending on the nature of the load to be connected.

Abstract: This invention relates to an arrangement for sensing a change in pressure from a first state to a second state. This is function in a grid system which has a fault undetected by flow measurement devices. This arrangement consisting of remote monitors powered by a communication system with a stand alone power supply which will sense a significant change in pressure. The monitors, with time delay built in, transmit this change in status to a central host computer for grid system analysis. In normal means for stabilizing the grid system, a remote signal is sent from the host computer to an isolation device for isolating the fault from the remainder of the network system. Subsequently, the host computer notifies the operating department with written notice of the isolation action.

Abstract: A capacitance measurement circuit detects a change in capacitance between a variable capacitor and a fixed reference capacitor in a bridge network and provides feedback current to null-balance the bridge. An error signal is amplified at high gain by a differential integrator having an output that is converted to a high-frequency stream of digital pulses of constant amplitude and width. The pulse stream is integrated to provide a voltage to control feedback current used to balance the bridge. The average pulse density per unit time, or the frequency of the digital pulses, is linearly proportional to a change in capacitance of said variable capacitor to high accuracy over a wide dynamic range.

Abstract: A partial discharge (PD) coupler for coupling electrical machinery to partial discharge analysis testing equipment includes at least one capacitor capable of withstanding high voltages; a current sensor for sensing current passed by the at least one capacitor; and potting material surrounding the at least one capacitor and the current sensor for providing flashover protection.

Abstract: The disclosed circuit breaker comprises a first connection terminal, a second connection terminal, a heat generating part having conductivity and disposed between the first connection terminal and second connection terminal, an igniting part igniting depending on a cut-off signal, an expandable elastic member capable of applying a force to the heat generating part so as to be departed from between the first connection terminal and second connection terminal, a container accommodating the heat generating part, igniting part and elastic member, and a retaining part for retaining the elastic member in compressed state.

Abstract: The present invention is an electrical circuit protection device having a PTC element with a first common electrode affixed to a first surface of the PTC element and at least two second electrodes affixed to a second surface of the PTC element. The at least two second electrodes are physically separated from one another such that when the at least two second electrodes are connected to a source of electrical current, the current travels from the at least two second electrodes, respectively, through the PTC element, to the first common electrode.

Abstract: The circuit breaker disclosed in the invention comprises a first connection terminal, a second connection terminal, a rotatable conducting part disposed between the first connection terminal and second connection terminal, a heat generating part, an igniting part igniting depending on a cut-off signal, an elastic member capable of producing a rotating force, and a holding part for holding the conducting part while resisting the rotating force of the elastic member. Herein, when the holding part releases holding of the conducting part as the igniting part ignites depending on the cut-off signal and the heat generating part generates heat, the conducing part is rotated by the rotating force of the elastic member, and the conductive state between the first connection terminal and second connection terminal is cut off.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for distributing electrical power from power substation circuits. The apparatus of the present invention is responsive to overcurrent conditions and selectively actuates a switching network so as to restore power to at least a portion of the users connected to the faulty circuit of the power distribution system.

Abstract: A transformer structured emergency stop switch (10) incorporates a first core member (14) wound with primary and secondary windings, and a second core member (15) which at normal times contacts with the first core member (14) under spring force and in an emergency is separated therefrom by a push button (16). Several transformer structured emergency stop switches (10) are connected in series to make up an emergency stop switch circuit.

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

Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter has a residual current transformer (7) which is connected via evaluation and tripping electronics (6) to a open circuit shunt release (3), the open circuit shunt release (3) via a breaker mechanism (5) actuating the main contacts (10) in the leads (L1, L2, L3) to be monitored, the line voltage supply of the evaluation and/or tripping electronics (6) and/or the open circuit shunt release (3) being connected electrically separably to a least two leads (L1, L2, L3, N) via auxiliary contact apparatus (8). In this way the line voltage supply for the evaluation and/or the tripping electronics (6) and the open circuit shunt release (3) can be interrupted independently of the line-side or load-side terminal with respect to the main contacts (10) and is still ensured when one or two leads (L1, L2, L3, N) are interrupted.