Abstract: One embodiment provides a computer system for preventing switching errors in a power system that includes a plurality of switching devices. The system includes a topology-extraction mechanism configured to extract topology information associated with the power system; a status database configured to store status information associated with the switching devices; a rule database configured to store user-definable operation rules associated with the switching devices; a receiving mechanism configured to receive a request for performing a switching operation on a device; a simulation mechanism configured to perform a simulation based on the extracted topology information, the status information, and a rule associated with the device; a determination mechanism configured to determine whether the switching operation is allowed based on an outcome of the simulation; and a display mechanism configured to display an output of the determination mechanism.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to power distribution systems and methods for distributing power from a primary power source and a backup power source to a load. In one particular aspect, a power distribution system includes a first input to receive input power from the primary power source, a second input to receive input power from the backup power source, an output that provides output power from at least one of the primary power source and the backup power source, a first switch operatively coupled to the first input and the output and operative to selectively couple the first input to the output, a second switch operatively coupled to the second input and the output and operative to selectively couple the second input to the output, and a controller operatively coupled to the first switch and to the second switch and configured to control the first switch and the second switch to provide an electrical interlock.

Abstract: There is described a peripheral module which in addition to the connection terminals for the process data supply has connection terminals for the supply of voltage. Furthermore, the peripheral module has a changeover switching device to disconnect the peripheral module from an upstream load group. The peripheral module can assume the function of a supply group or a power module when a supply voltage is applied to the terminals. In a peripheral system made of several peripheral modules the voltage within a load group is supplied via an internal self-constructing voltage bus.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical module, comprising a first electrical interface, said module being attachable to an electrical device for connecting said first electrical interface to said device. The electrical module is characterised by at least one locking device adapted to prevent movement of said module in relation to said electrical device in at least one direction, said locking device comprising a first part which is movable along a first axis and a second part which is turnable about a second axis, the second part being movable to a locking position by turning about said second axis in response to linear movement of the first part along said first axis, said second axis having an extension which is different from the extension of said first axis, and said second part being adapted for engagement with said electrical device in said locking position.

Abstract: A method of setting up a genset system for operation includes selecting one of a plurality of different sensors to monitor an operating parameter of a genset system, and coupling the selected sensor with a data processor of the genset system. The method further includes configuring the data processor for processing inputs from the selected sensor, for example an optional replacement sensor, by entering custom sensor calibration data for the selected sensor and recording the custom sensor calibration data on at least one computer writable medium of a control system for the genset system. A genset system includes a combustion engine, a generator, a set of standard sensors, and a control system. The control system includes a data processor configured to receive and process inputs from custom sensors, and includes a computer writable medium for storing custom sensor calibration data.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to power distribution systems and methods for distributing power from a primary power source and a backup power source to a load. In one particular aspect, a power distribution system includes a first input to receive input power from the primary power source, a second input to receive input power from the backup power source, an output that provides output power from at least one of the primary power source and the backup power source, a first switch operatively coupled to the first input and the output and operative to selectively couple the first input to the output, a second switch operatively coupled to the second input and the output and operative to selectively couple the second input to the output, and a controller operatively coupled to the first switch and to the second switch and configured to control the first switch and the second switch to provide an electrical interlock.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to power distribution systems and methods for distributing power from a primary power source and a backup power source to a load. In one particular aspect, a power distribution system includes a first input to receive input power from the primary power source, a second input to receive input power from the backup power source, an output that provides output power from at least one of the primary power source and the backup power source, a first switch operatively coupled to the first input and the output and operative to selectively couple the first input to the output, a second switch operatively coupled to the second input and the output and operative to selectively couple the second input to the output, and a controller operatively coupled to the first switch and to the second switch and configured to control the first switch and the second switch to provide an electrical interlock.

Abstract: A hot pluggable system includes an interlock between a component fail detect module and a component lock mechanism, such that the component is locked in place when it operates properly and is automatically released to permit a person to remove the component from the system when the component fails. In this way, the risk of human errors in removing the wrong component is reduced.

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: The present invention is an electronic lock having a shorting or shunt circuit designed to allow an authorized operator to open the electronic lock and which will prevent an unauthorized operator from opening the lock when authorized combination has not been entered.

Abstract: A device for enabling and disabling the supply of power from a power source to a computer, the power source having a primary side and a secondary side, the device including an interlock switch connected to the computer, the interlock switch selectably positionable between open and closed positions; and two optocouplers coupled in parallel, both of which are referenced to the secondary side of the power source. When the interlock switch is closed, the first optocoupler is active. This enables the supply of power from the power source to the computer. When the interlock switch opens, the first optocoupler shuts off. This disables the supply of power from the power source to the computer. Further when the interlock switch is opened, the second optocoupler is saturated. This overrides the regulation feedback circuitry from regulating the power supplied by the power source driving the power outputted to the computer to zero. When the interlock switch is closed, the second optocoupler operates in the linear region.

Abstract: A vehicular security system includes an electronic supervisory control unit which communicates with a remote signalling unit to provide both conventional alarm system functions typically associated with securing an unoccupied vehicle as well as anti-carjacking functions. The anti-carjacking functions may be remotely initiated by the vehicle operator who has been forcibly removed from the vehicle or passively initiated and include locking the vehicle doors, closing the vehicle windows, and thereafter disabling the engine to confine a criminal carjacking perpetrator within the vehicle to wait apprehension by law enforcement authorities.

Abstract: A protected reversing contactor is disclosed comprising two electromagnets intended to be alternately energized and whose armatures actuate two sets of respective phase switches and two acknowledgement switches mounted respectively in series in the supply circuit of the two coils of the two electromagnets. These two acknowledgement switches are actuated by a transmission system comprising two coaxial rotary shafts disposed end to end and each having an arm adapted to be driven in rotation, in one direction, by one of the electromagnets and a finger cooperating with the acknowledgement switch of the other electromagnet.

Abstract: An electrical circuit assembly for selectively activating one of numerous electrical devices. Each device having a corresponding pushbutton switch, wherein activation of the switch assigned to the selected device activates the selected device and deactivates a previously selected device.

Abstract: High voltage electronic contacts (S, S') and associated devices including TRIMOS (MOS TRIacs) devices connected in anti-parallel fashion between two terminals (S.sub.1 /S'.sub.2, S.sub.2 /S'.sub.1). Each electronic contact (S, S') is controlled via a control terminal (S.sub.4) by two auxiliary electronic contacts (NA, NB) each able to establish a low or high impedance between the control terminal (S.sub.4) and one of the two other terminals (S.sub.1 /S'.sub.2, S.sub.2 /S'.sub.1), the impedance conditions of these auxiliary contacts (NA, NB) being opposed. A power protection circuit associated to the TRIMOS device allows the flow of a relatively high current through the electronic contacts (S, S') for the lower voltage range across it, and minimizes the power dissipation in the contacts in the higher voltage range, i.e. when abnormally high signals are applied to the contact.

Abstract: This safety monitoring system for punch press operators is designed to prevent the operators from being injured by such presses or other factory equipment. Primarily, it consists of a pair of wrist units which are strapped to the wrists of the operators, and which include optical fiber cables and a latching assembly, and the optical fiber cables are used in cooperation with a pair of identical electronic circuits employing LED's, a light sensitive transistor, a pair of other transistors, a zener diode, and a relay, for instantly shutting a punch press on or off.

Abstract: An electrical interlock to prevent unauthorized access to potentially hazardous equipment and an associated detection circuit to detect if a safety shield or closure member is open, not securely closed or has been tampered with and to thereupon automatically de-energize the equipment. The detection circuit may comprise a balanced bridge incorporating the electrical interlock into a leg thereof and may also provide a visual or audible indication whenever the bridge is unbalanced thereby indicating an improperly closed safety shield.

Abstract: An arrangement for generating in each switching panel of a multipanel switching facility of an electrical power distribution network a digital operating-state image derived from command inputs and switching position signals. The digital operating state image is transmitted to a collecting memory arranged in a coupling panel which produces an overall image of all switching panels; which overall image is transmitted to the individual switching panels at periodic time intervals. A checking procedure is then conducted in the individual switching panels using the overall image. The arrangement utilizes microprocessors which are coupled to one another so as to exchange data via several transmission paths which are one-bit wide. This arrangement obviates the need for an interlock cable harness in the switching panels and cross-cabling between the switching panels.

Abstract: The timer controls a dispensing machine and in particular controls the dispensing cycle for a product such as coffee, a beverage, or instant mashed potatoes. The control includes regulation of the water portion of the cycle and the solid or powder portion of the cycle. The timer is controlled by a plurality of touch switches each coupling via a resistor network to the control logic of the timer. The control logic is preferably CMOS-type having a high input impedance permitting use of a resistor network of high resistance to limit current flow especially under fault. The touch switches control functions such as "hot water", "large portion", "small portion", "stop", and "push and hold".

Abstract: A safety device at remote control of hydraulic or pneumatic machine tools where electric signals are used for controlling hydraulic or pneumatic valves, for example machines comprising a selector valve for different hydraulic functions, which is controlled by electrohydraulic or electropneumatic converters (N), and where a control unit is capable by means of electric impulses to transfer orders via a cable to a receiver unit (H), which is capable to control said converters (N) via signal converters (L) and amplifiers (M) for amplifying received signals.

Abstract: A device for remote control of hydraulic or pneumatic machine tools, comprising a selector valve for different hydraulic functions provided with a number of spring-centered slides and two electrohydraulic or -pneumatic converters connected to each slide, and comprising a control unit capable by electric impulses to transfer orders via a cable to a receiver unit capable to control the converters.According to the invention, the control unit comprises a ring counter (B), which is controlled by an oscillator (A) and capable to emit in turn a scanning signal to each of a number of transducers (C1-C6), which are manually actuated by levers (1-6), each transducer being capable during the duration of the scanning signal to convert the direction and deflection from a centered zero position of the associated lever (1-6) into two signals, one (y) of which corresponds to said direction and one (z) to said deflection. An encoder (E) is provided to allot an address to the output signals.

Abstract: A switching system is disclosed for selectively connecting a plurality of electric devices to a power source. The system comprises a plurality of switching circuits associated with respective electric devices. Each switching circuit is operable to connect its associated electric device to the power source and simultaneously place the other switching circuits out of operation. Means is provided for holding a switching circuit associated with a first electric device in operation while permitting another electric device to operate when the first electric device is in a predetermined mode of operation.

Abstract: A control system is disclosed which is capable of controlling N+1 operational modes of a plurality of machine functions of an apparatus utilizing N momentary switching devices in a specific logical interrelationship. The control system includes gate circuit means which is responsive to the N switching devices for latching the control system in at least N+1 operational modes whereby the machine functions are activated and deactivated in accordance with one of a plurality of predetermined operational sequences associated with the operational modes. The N switching devices operate independent of each other yet are interrelated by the gate circuit means to limit the maximum AC line current used by the machine functions during any one of the N+1 operational modes.

Abstract: A safety circuit employing pulse transformers to protect hospitalized patients from high-voltage currents. The circuit finds use on switches controlling the operation of a hospital bed's motors, as well as on other types of controls. The pulse transformers prevent the motor's high-voltage levels from reaching the switching devices contacted by the patient. To operate the bed, the circuit provides a high frequency, low-voltage current to the pulse transformer which transfers it to a controlling triac. When in receipt of this current, the triac assumes a conducting state. A separate frequency generator provides this high-frequency current. The circuit may employ electronic devices to control the performance of the bed or other load. CMOS components operate satisfactorily with nonregulated voltages, produce delay periods with small capacitances, and consume little power. The CMOS components may, however, require a buffer in order to provide the pulse transformers with sufficient current.

Abstract: A control circuit for a vehicle transmission system having a multi-ratio gearbox the individual ratios of which are obtained by energizing one of a plurality of solenoids by means of a selector switch. The control circuit is connected to a source of supply by means of a master switch and circuit means is provided to prevent energization of the solenoids in the event that the selector switch is left in a selection position prior to closure of the master switch.

Abstract: The majority of a number of relays is held in a quiescent state, without power, in a local maintenance controller preparatory to assumption of control of a gas turbine power plant. Control transfer may be manually requested or may occur automatically in response to failure of the plant's primary control system. Regardless of the cause of transfer, a time delay relay is utilized to allow the quiescent relays sufficient latching time. The time delay period is chosen to reflect the maximum period of time for which a lack of trip availability can be safely tolerated.The relay sequencing arrangement is adapted so that when the quiescent relays are energized, alarm circuitry for predetermined plant parameters is automatically reset for on-line transfers, thereby allowing more rapid and efficient transfer and minimizing the need for operator intervention. Alternative means for manually resetting the alarm circuitry is also provided.

Abstract: A separate electronic switch controls energization of each of a plurality of parallel connected electromagnetic targets. An additional electronic switch controls energization of a circuit breaker trip solenoid. The individual trigger circuits for each target switch are common with the trigger circuit for the trip solenoid switch, such that a trigger signal to any one of the target switches is also applied to the solenoid switch to achieve concurrent, but independent energization of the associated target and the trip solenoid.

Abstract: An improved high security locking apparatus is provided by combining an electromagnetic locking apparatus of the type which includes a lock portion and a removable key portion, the key portion providing a determined unlocking combination signal, the lock portion providing an immediate unlocking function in response to the presentation of the determined unlocking combination signal from the key portion while placed within a determined surface location of the lock portion, with an interlocked time delay circuit which provides silent, time delayed activation of the unlocking function in response to the simultaneous presence of the determined unlocking combination signal with the placement of the key portion within the determined surface location, and which inhibits the unlocking function for all other conditions.

Abstract: Systems and method for detecting potentially harmful harmonic and direct current signals at a transformer are disclosed. One system includes a protection circuit electrically connected to a transformer neutral, the transformer electrically connected to a power grid, the protection circuit including a DC blocking component positioned between the transformer neutral and ground and one or more switches selectively actuated to form a path between the transformer neutral and ground in the event of unwanted DC current at the transformer neutral. The system also includes a control circuit electrically connected to the protection circuit and positioned to selectively actuate the switches based on observed conditions within the protection circuit. The system further includes a plurality of test connections disposed within the protection circuit and useable to test electrical properties of the protection circuit.