Abstract: A circuit protector includes first and second conductive members. An active material alters at least one attribute in response to an activation signal. The active material is operatively connected to the first and second conductive members to alter the electrical resistance between the first and second members.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an abnormal current detection circuit for circuit breaker, comprising a full-wave amplifier, a positive wave-period comparator for comparing a positive wave-period amplification voltage signal with a positive wave-period reference voltage signal to output a pulse signal, a negative wave-period comparator for comparing a negative wave-period amplification voltage signal with a negative wave-period reference voltage signal to output a pulse signal, a combining circuit for combining pulse signals outputted from the positive wave-period comparator and the negative wave-period comparator to output a full-wave combining signal, a reference voltage generator for generating a reference voltage signal, and a comparative driving circuit section for comparing the combining signal with the reference voltage signal to output a signal for controlling a circuit breaker to be driven to a circuit breaking position when the combining signal is greater or equal to the reference voltage signal.

Abstract: An electronic trip unit for a circuit breaker is disclosed. The electronic trip unit has a processing circuit, and a real time clock circuit that is operational in the absence of current in the circuit breaker. The processing circuit is responsive to input signals representative of a current in the circuit breaker, and the real time clock circuit is in signal communication with the processing circuit. In response to an off event at the circuit breaker following a current flow condition thereat, the real time clock circuit is configured to generate time information relating to the circuit breaker being off as a result of the off event for use by the processing circuit.

Abstract: The system of the invention includes a circuit breaker switching control section (100) and a setting control section (700) connected therewith through a communication network (500). The circuit breaker switching control section (100) transmits a circuit breaker state quantity acquired by a signal input section (120) through the communication network to a set value calculation section (740) of the setting control section (700). The set value calculation section (740) of the setting control section calculates a set value to be set in the switching control section (100) of the circuit breaker, using the state quantity of the circuit breaker that was transmitted thereto. The setting control section (700) transmits to the circuit breaker switching control section the set value calculated by the set value calculation section (730) through the communication network.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise an electrical bypass conductor adapted for installation in a circuit breaker. The electrical bypass conductor can be adapted to be operatively electrically coupled to a load side of the circuit breaker. The electrical bypass conductor adapted to transfer electrical energy from a source of electrical power to the load side of the circuit breaker during a short circuit event.

Abstract: An electronic vacuum switch is described comprising a connector (6) having means (7) for the seal-closing of an outer body (1) having a cavity (60) within which a negative pressure sensor (8) exposed to the negative pressure of the board (2) connected to the sensor (8) are housed. The negative pressure sensor is a ceramic pad integrated in a Wheatstone bridge (72) and the circuit board (2) is connected to said Wheatstone bridge (72) and comprises means (86) for the calibration of the Wheatstone bridge which are manually settable.

Abstract: A power tool comprises a base unit and a motor unit. The base unit includes a handle and a first electrical connector. The motor unit includes an electric motor and a second electrical connector. The motor unit is configured to be releasably connected to the base unit. An electrical connection is established between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector when the motor unit is properly connected to the base unit. A sensor is configured to determine whether the motor unit is properly connected to the base unit.

Abstract: A circuit breaker with a first contact sleeve (3, 14), a second contact sleeve (4, 16), an insulating sleeve (5, 18) disposed between the first contact sleeve (3, 14) and the second contact sleeve (4, 16) has a switching piston (6, 20) with at least one contact section (8) and an isolating section (7, 19), which is disposed at the side of the contact section (8), whereby the switching piston (6, 20) is movable between a closed position in which the contact section (8) of switching piston (6, 20) connects the first contact sleeve (3, 14) with the second contact sleeve (4, 16) so as to be electrically conductive, and an open position in which the contact section (8) of the switching piston (6, 20) does not connect the first contact sleeve (3, 14) with the second contact sleeve (4, 16), in which the first contact sleeve (3, 14), second contact sleeve (4, 16) and insulating sleeve (5, 18) is movable.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: a first output unit configured to output a first phase; a second output unit configured to output a second phase different from the first phase, the second output unit being disposed to be stacked on the first output unit; and a controller configured to control the output units.

Abstract: Power distribution busses and methods are disclosed that provide flexible protection and alarming capabilities. Various embodiments provide interchangeability of fuses and circuit breakers within the same power distribution bus configuration. These various embodiments also provide discrete alarming for fused lines, discrete alarming for lines with circuit breakers, combined alarming for lines having mixed forms of protection, and/or selectable alarming such as combined versus discrete in relation to employing all fused lines, employing all circuit breaker protected lines, or employing mixed line protection.

Abstract: An overload relay, which trips a current flow between a power source and a load, includes a trip capacitor that stores therein an electric charge to excite a trip coil so as to trip the current flow, a reset capacitor that stores therein an electric charge to excite a reset coil so as to reset the tripped current flow, an energizing unit that energizes the coils, and a capacitor-diagnosing unit that diagnoses the capacitors. The energizing unit forcibly energizes the trip coil by using the trip charge when the capacitor-diagnosing unit diagnoses that there is a degradation of a property of the trip capacitor.

Abstract: A device (1) for protecting an electrical installation from overvoltages, having at least one protection component (2) and disconnection means (3) capable of changing from a closed configuration to an open configuration, as well as signaling means (5) capable of indicating the configuration of the disconnection means (3). The disconnection means (3) and the signaling means (5) respectively comprise a mobile disconnection element (4) and a mobile signaling element (12) arranged such that, when going from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the mobile disconnection element (4) moves in a rotational movement according to a first trajectory and cooperates with the mobile signaling element (12) to drive the mobile signaling element in rotation along a second trajectory different from the first trajectory.

Abstract: A dual protection device for a circuit includes a first protection unit and a second protection unit functioning independently. The first protection unit includes an elastic contact piece having a first contact point and a first conductive member having a second contact point to contact with the first contact point. When overloaded, the elastic contact piece is deformed and bent toward an opposite direction to separate the first contact point from the second contact point, thereby protecting the circuit. The second protection unit has a flexible second conductive member disposed between the first conductive member and the second terminal. A fuse member forces a free end of the second conductive member to connect with the second terminal. When the fuse member melts due to high temperature, the free end of the second conductive member is separated from the second terminal, thereby protecting the circuit.

Abstract: A circuit breaker apparatus with an integrated grounding switch has a housing with first and second bushings extending outwardly of the housing. A first vacuum bottle is positioned in the housing and has a pair of contactors therein. A second vacuum bottle is positioned in the housing and has a pair of contactors therein. A mechanical linkage is movable between a first position and a second position. The first position electrically connects the first bushing to the second bushing. The second position electrically connects the first bushing to ground. The first vacuum bottle and the second vacuum bottle are longitudinally aligned. The mechanical linkage is interposed between the first and second vacuum bottles.

Abstract: A switching device unit is disclosed for switching at least two operating states of at least one consumer to an at least two-phase electrical supply system by way of switching elements. At least one embodiment of the invention specifies a switching device unit which has as simple a construction as possible and is as cost-effective and compact as possible. For this purpose, the switching device unit contains circuits for operational switching of the consumer, for implementing the tripping function for protection against overload and short circuits, wherein these circuits are integrated in such a way that the switching device unit, in particular in terms of its function as a compact reversing starter, can have a standardized width in order to be installed in a space-saving manner on a top-hat rail in a switchgear cabinet and in order to be operated.

Abstract: A circuit or fault interrupting and disconnect device includes a tripping apparatus that ensures a vacuum interrupter of the device is opened upon initiation of a change of state of an associated disconnect blade assembly. The disconnect blade assembly may have an open state and a closed state. A drive mechanism couples to the blade assembly to move the blade assembly to its various states. The drive mechanism couples to the interrupter trip assembly to provide for opening of the contacts of the vacuum interrupter prior to the blade assembly making or breaking contact.

Abstract: A safety switching apparatus for safe disconnection of an electrical load in an automated installation has at least one input for connecting a signaling device. The safety switching apparatus has an evaluation and control unit and at least one switching element controlled by the evaluation and control unit in order to interrupt an electrical power supply path to the load. The switching element is a changeover switch having at least two mutually alternative switching paths, with a first switching path being located in the electrical power supply path to the load and with a second switching path leading to a monitoring unit.

Abstract: Magnetically latching and releasing a voice coil actuator for controlling electrical switchgear. The voice coil actuator includes a voice coil magnet disposed on a common longitudinal axis with respect to a voice coil assembly. A coil of the voice coil assembly exerts a magnetic force on the voice coil assembly, thrusting the voice coil assembly towards the voice coil magnet. At least one pair of latching members mounted to the voice coil assembly creates a permanent magnet circuit between the latching members and the voice coil magnet. The permanent magnet circuit maintains the position of the voice coil assembly relative to the voice coil magnet, even when power to the coil is removed. This latch can be released by applying a current in the coil or by applying an external, physical force to a member coupled to the voice coil assembly.

Abstract: A power control system with a pseudo-power up, an aircraft including the power control system and a method of controlling power in an aircraft. On-board wiring is protected from faults by electronic circuit breakers (ECBs), which may also control AC/DC electrical power supplies of on-board electrical/electronic equipment. A computer processor operating a user interface, e.g., a graphical user interface (GUI), through a display. An on-board store stores the GUI, other computer applications and the current state of each ECB, e.g., in a breaker state table. In a pseudo-power mode up, the stored circuit breaker state is available without providing power to the ECBs and, correspondingly to the coupled on-board electrical systems. When terminated, the system can power off, or proceed to normal power where each ECB is configured according to the breaker state table prior to providing power to protected systems.

Abstract: The electronic trip device comprises at least one current sensor, a rectifying circuit to supply a supply current, an electronic processing unit to control an actuator designed to actuate an opening mechanism of the main conductor, and an electric power supply circuit equipped with a voltage regulator designed to supply a supply voltage to the electronic processing unit. In the electronic trip device, the power supply circuit comprises voltage raising means enabling a raised voltage to be supplied to the input of the voltage regulator designed to supply the supply voltage to the electronic processing unit, said raised voltage being greater than a voltage at the terminals of the storage capacitor. The invention also relates to a circuit breaker equipped with the electronic trip device described above.

Abstract: A circuit breaker for multi-phase power includes an opening-closing apparatus configured to open and close each phase of the multiphase power, a detection unit configured to detect a fault current in at least one phase of an electrical installation being protected by the circuit breaker, a plurality of connecting bars disposed on a load side of the circuit breaker, and a short circuiter disposed on the connecting bars and configured to produce a short circuit between the connecting bars if a fault current is detected by the fault-current detection unit. When a fault current occurs, a tripping signal can be transmitted by the detection system to the short circuiter. The circuit breaker is also fully operational, even without a function-activated short circuiter.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes separable contacts, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, and a trip mechanism. The trip mechanism includes a sensor structured to sense current flowing through the separable contacts, a processor cooperating with the sensor to determine a plurality of different trip conditions responsive to the sensed current, a nonvolatile memory operatively associated with the processor, and a trip actuator cooperating with the processor and the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts responsive to one of the different trip conditions from the processor. The processor is structured to save in and retrieve from the nonvolatile memory cause-of-trip information for the different trip conditions including the one of the different trip conditions.

Abstract: A transfer switch apparatus has first, second, and third electrical terminals extending outwardly from a housing. A first vacuum bottle is positioned in the housing and has a pair of contactors therein. A second vacuum bottle is positioned in the housing and has a pair of contactors therein. A mechanical linkage is movable between a first position and a second position. The first position electrically connects the first electrical terminal to the second electrical terminal. The second position electrically connects the third electrical terminal to the second electrical terminal. The first vacuum bottle and the second vacuum bottle are longitudinally aligned. The mechanical linkage is interposed between the first and second vacuum bottles.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a plug-in module is provided for installing in a power distribution assembly. In one embodiment, the plug-in module may include an overcurrent protection device, a power cable, which may include a first end coupled to the overcurrent protection device, and a second end coupled to the first end, one or more receptacle outlets attached to the second end and electrical contacts coupled to the overcurrent protection device and configured to couple the plug-in module to a plurality of stationary electrical conductors of the power distribution assembly.

Abstract: A circuit breaker for multi-phase power includes an opening-closing apparatus configured to open and close each phase of the multiphase power, a detection unit configured to detect a fault current in at least one phase of an electrical installation, a plurality of connecting bars disposed on a load side of the circuit breaker, and a fastening device disposed on the connecting bars and configured to detachably fasten a short circuiter to the connecting bars, the short circuiter configured to create a short circuit between the connecting bars when a fault is detected by the detection unit. The option proposed according to the invention of installing a short circuiter means that the circuit breaker is fully operational, either with or without the installation of a short circuiter.

Abstract: An elevated light apparatus for an airport runway light system comprises a mast mounted to a base plate, which is attached to a base-cup. The mast can be designed with a hollow configuration to allow internal electrical connection between a light source in a light assembly and an isolation transformer in the base-cup. The mast can include a frangible break joint that cleanly separates the mast from the base plate. A safety power cut-off switch can be fixed into the base plate on the base-cup. The power cut-off switch can be positioned in the frangible break joint so that a switch button can be held closed by a breakaway portion of the frangible break joint. In the event of mast breakage, the switch button can be released to open electrical circuits for quick disconnection of the electrical connection.

Abstract: A power interruption protection structure for an LED string light implements a Zener diode connected between an anode and a cathode inside or outside a casing of each of plural monochromatic or polychromatic LEDs that are connected in series to form the LED string light. In case of a burnout or breakdown of one of the LEDs, the Zener diode provided at the malfunctioning LED serves to instantly restore electrical conduction, allowing the LED string light to function normally without interruption. Accordingly, failure of one or some of the LEDs does not affect the LED string light as a whole.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a plug-in module is provided for installation in a power distribution assembly. In one embodiment, the plug-in module includes a housing, an electrical isolation and overcurrent protection device located in the housing and a current sensing device located in the housing and adapted to sense a current carried by the electrical isolation and overcurrent protection device. The plug-in module may further include a power cable including a first end that is pre-terminated at the plug-in module to connect the power cable to the electrical isolation and overcurrent protection device, and electrical contacts adapted to removably couple the plug-in module to a plurality of stationary electrical conductors of the power distribution assembly. According to one embodiment, the electrical isolation and overcurrent protection device includes a circuit breaker.

Abstract: A protecting circuit for a battery used to power an electronic system includes a control circuit and a sensing circuit. The sensing circuit includes a tri-axial accelerometer having X, Y and Z axes. The tri-axial accelerometer is capable of detecting position changes of the battery and outputs through the X, Y and Z axes voltages that correspond to the position changes. The sensing circuit ultimately outputs a controlling voltage to the control circuit according to the voltages outputted by the X, Y and Z axes. When the battery is being installed onto or uninstalled from the electronic system, the outputted controlling voltage makes the control circuit OFF and the battery cannot power the electronic system. When the battery have been installed onto the electronic system, the outputted controlling voltage turns the control circuit ON and the battery can supply power to the electronic system.

Abstract: Devices and methods for preventing shock from a high voltage power source. In one embodiment, a device for preventing an electric shock, comprises output terminals for connecting to an external load, a low voltage circuit for carrying a first current (IL) to the output terminals, the low voltage circuit comprising a first coil disposed about a magnetic core, and a high voltage circuit for carrying a second current (IH) to the output terminals, the high voltage circuit comprising a second coil disposed about the magnetic core, and a control relay configured to electrically connect one of the high voltage circuit and the low voltage circuit to the output terminals based at least partly on the first current (IL).

Abstract: The present invention discloses an overload protection control mechanism for a power supply, wherein a control mechanism installed between two connectors automatically switches the DC power states of the output signal of the overload protection circuit according to the electric connection state between two connectors. Thereby, the present invention not only can prevent the user, who lacks the knowledge of the overload protection circuit, from incorrectly operating the overload protection circuit but also can protect electronic devices from the damage induced by that an unintended touch switches the overload protection circuit erroneously.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise an apparatus comprising, a circuit breaker comprising: an integral thermo-magnetic trip device adapted to trip said circuit breaker upon an occurrence of a current overload; an integral electronic trip device adapted to trip said circuit breaker upon detection of a ground fault and adapted to trip said circuit breaker upon detection of an arc fault; and a trip indicator adapted to visually indicate an occurrence of a trip of only said electronic trip device.

Abstract: Power distribution busses and methods are disclosed that provide flexible protection and alarming capabilities. Various embodiments provide interchangeability of fuses and circuit breakers within the same power distribution bus configuration. These various embodiments also provide discrete alarming for fused lines, discrete alarming for lines with circuit breakers, combined alarming for lines having mixed forms of protection, and/or selectable alarming such as combined versus discrete in relation to employing all fused lines, employing all circuit breaker protected lines, or employing mixed line protection.

Abstract: Systems and methods for presenting information corresponding to circuit breakers and for controlling such circuit breakers are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system can include a menu-driven, pointer-accessible graphical user interface via which an operator can receive information corresponding to circuit breakers, and can automatically change the states of the circuit breakers. Menus of circuit breaker information can be organized by the state of the circuit breaker, the location of the circuit breaker, the bus to which the circuit breaker is coupled, the electrical system to which the circuit breaker belongs, and/or the system or subsystem of which the circuit breaker is a part. In further embodiments, the circuit breaker information can be organized according to custom-made arrangements.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter device having a circuit module that automatically monitor the operation of the device and contains a master control system that periodically sends out an impulse that simulates an electric shock signal, a monitoring system that has an interlocking magnifier and comparator, and a signaling system to indicate the normal or faulty operation of the device.

Abstract: A system (10) is provided for communicating with a residential electronic circuit breaker (18, 20, 22, 24). The system (10) comprises a residential electrical wiring system (16) including a power line (28) and neutral line (32), a residential electronic circuit breaker (18) electrically connected to the residential electrical wiring system (16) and a programmer (34) configured to be selectively connected to the residential electrical wiring system (16) to communicate with the circuit breaker (18).

Abstract: A limiter includes three current limiters. Each current limiter includes a first end disposed proximate a first housing surface and electrically connected to a corresponding first terminal, a second end disposed proximate a second housing surface and electrically connected to a corresponding second terminal, an elongated body disposed between the ends, and a plunger. Two plungers define a straight line and a third plunger is offset from the straight line. Three indicator members each include a first end, an indicator disposed therefrom, and an opposite second end, which is engaged by a corresponding plunger. The indicator is disposable through a corresponding housing opening. Three springs bias corresponding indicator members away from the second housing surface. The housing carries two indicator members in a first orientation and a third indicator member in a different second orientation. The indicators are positioned in a straight line and are disposable through corresponding housing openings.

Abstract: A pyromechanical disconnecting device that includes a housing having a receiving space for an ignition element and a supporting floor. A disconnecting tool is disposed in the housing and movable along a path toward a disconnecting point of a current conductor rail. Also disposed in the housing is an ignition element adapted to propel the disconnecting tool along the path to sever the current conductor rail. The ignition element includes an end having a conical flank facing the supporting floor of the housing. An elastic sealing element is arranged about the conical flank and the supporting floor to act as an axial tolerance compensator between the ignition element and the supporting floor of the housing.

Abstract: A network equipment system comprises a communication apparatus, an equipment protector block connected between the communication apparatus and a subscriber premise DSL network termination device (NTD), and a protection module mounted on the equipment protector block. The protection module includes circuitry configured for providing surge protection functionality, for providing AC coupling-DC blocking functionality, for providing DC blocking bypass functionality, and for enabling said DC blocking bypass functionality to be selectively activated and deactivated. The protection module facilitates such functionality in association with the communication apparatus and the subscriber premise DSL NTD.

Abstract: A manual opening device is for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a synchronous circuit breaker, including a housing having an opening, a plurality of pole mechanisms each comprising separable contacts, and at least one operating mechanism including a number of actuators adapted to open and close the separable contacts. The operating mechanism is supported by the housing and includes a corresponding pole shaft. The manual opening device comprises an operating handle, a cam assembly, and a drive assembly. A first end of the operating handle protrudes through the opening of the housing and the second end is coupled to the cam assembly. The drive assembly couples the cam assembly to the corresponding pole shaft of the operating mechanism and cooperates with the corresponding pole shaft and actuators to simultaneously open the separable contacts when the operating handle is moved from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: A system for automatically detecting power supply voltage includes a voltage divider connected to a power supply, an A/D converter connected to the voltage divider, a detection module connected to the A/D converter for comparing a digital signal converted by the A/D converter with a reference signal stored in the detection module, a relay driving circuit connected to the detection module, a relay connected to the relay driving circuit and the power supply respectively, and an outlet coupled to the relay for outputting voltage. If the digital signal matches the reference signal, the detection module controls the relay driving circuit to turn on the relay to output voltage at the outlet. Relevant method for detecting power supply voltage is also provided.

Abstract: A system for notifying and/or warning of fallen or downed insulated conductor generally includes a distribution system for distributing a utility, such as power, and a sensor system for sensing whether the distribution system is properly operating. The warning system can include a support structure; an arm carried by the support structure and extending outwardly therefrom; a distribution system providing a utility via at least one wire, the wire held aloft from a below surface via the arm; a communication cable transmitting a signal; a disruption assembly carrying the communication cable and in communication with the support structure. The disruption assembly is loaded with the potential of disrupting the signal transmitted by the communication cable; and a sensor system is adapted to monitor the distribution system based on the signal transmitted by the communication cable.

Abstract: A switchgear comprises a switching device, such as a relay, with a switching mechanism. A printed-circuit board that is provided with at least one electronic component is electrically connected to the switching device to form a supplementary electrical circuit, which receives an operating voltage supplied to the switching device.

Abstract: In a drive circuit in which a plurality of drive motors are connected to a power source through a protective device which trips when the flow of current is excessive, provision is made to detect which circuit or circuits were active at the time of the failure. A microprocessor is provided to both control the activation of each of the various circuits and to also sense which circuits were active at the time of the failure. Appropriate signals are sent from the microprocessor to a user interface so that proper diagnostic and repair action can be taken.

Abstract: The invention concerns a switching device system including at least one switching device, signal means and control means. Each switching device includes at least one mobile contact part, an electric motor and, coupling means. The coupling means is arranged to transfer motion from the electric motor to the mobile contact part. The control means is arranged to control the switching device. According to the invention the control means is at least partly remotely located from the switching device. The signal means transmit signals from the switching device to the remotely located control means and vice/versa. The signals represent real-time data and/or off-line data. The invention concerns also a switching device, control means and methods related to the invented system as well as computer program products for such system and electric power system being provided with such system.

Abstract: A system for remotely controlling and monitoring an electrical system includes an electrical system controlling device connected to the electrical system for monitoring and controlling the electrical system and electronic controls for monitoring and controlling the electrical system controlling device. A wireless communications interface enables remote wireless access to the electronic controls.

Abstract: A low-voltage circuit breaker comprising a casing containing at least one fixed contact and at least one mobile contact. The circuit breaker moreover comprises, inside said casing, a first communication bus, designed to interface a plurality of accessories and devices of said circuit breaker, and an interface unit, which comprises a plurality of ports that are designed to be connected to said accessories and devices via said first communication bus.

Abstract: The trip unit of a circuit breaker provides overload protection for a contactor used to energize a load such as a motor while still providing conventional protection for the wiring serving the motor. The trip unit of the circuit breaker eliminates the need for a separate overload relay by generating a pre-trip signal that opens the contactor when the circuit breaker I2t long delay function reaches a selected percentage, such as about 85%, of the trip value.

Abstract: Power distribution busses and methods are disclosed that provide flexible protection and alarming capabilities. Various embodiments provide interchangeability of fuses and circuit breakers within the same power distribution bus configuration. These various embodiments also provide discrete alarming for fused lines, discrete alarming for lines with circuit breakers, combined alarming for lines having mixed forms of protection, and/or selectable alarming such as combined versus discrete in relation to employing all fused lines, employing all circuit breaker protected lines, or employing mixed line protection.

Abstract: The vacuum switching chamber has two contact pieces and is provided with at least one heat pipe for dissipating heat. The heat pipe contains a working medium for dissipating the heat by evaporating the working medium in a section, referred to as the evaporator, of the heat pipe and condensing the working medium in a section, referred to as the condenser, of the heat pipe. Advantageously, the evaporator is in close thermal contact with at least one contact piece, and, in particular, at least part of the evaporator is integrated in the first contact piece or the second contact piece. Advantageously, the condenser has a cooling rib arrangement.