Abstract: An arcing fault detecting module is attached to a circuit breaker employing a thermal-magnetic trip unit to separate the circuit breaker contacts upon occurrence of an arcing fault. The arcing fault module contains a logic circuit and a current transformer for detecting the arcing fault and actuating a trip solenoid to articulate the circuit breaker operating mechanism and separate the circuit breaker contacts.

Abstract: An arc fault detector having a pulse generator generating a pulse each time an arc is struck includes a limiting amplifier which limits the amplitude of the pulses to discriminate against false trips from sizable singular events such as tungsten bulb burnout and turn-on of a cold tungsten lamp controlled by a phased back dimmer. When a time attenuated accumulation of the pulses reaches a predetermined level an arc fault signal which can be used to trip the circuit breaker is generated. The pulse generator of the arc fault detector includes multiple stages of high pass filtering which produces overshoot and therefore additional pulses each time an arc is struck. As only the additional pulses associated with large amplitude arcs exceed a threshold value for inclusion in the time attenuated accumulation, compensation for the reduction in sensitivity to large amplitude arcs imposed by the limiting amplitude is provided.

Abstract: A current differential protection arrangement for an electric power supply unit with a measured value pre-processing device and an analysis device that checks on the basis of a predefined dependence of a differential current on a stabilizing current (response characteristic curve) to determine whether the differential and stabilizing current values thus formed are in a blocking range or a triggering range, where an additional stabilization range is present in the blocking range. To avoid fixed-time blocking after an external fault with transformer saturation with such a protection arrangement, the analysis device in a stabilizing circuit contains a testing arrangement which checks the current values thus formed to determine whether they describe a point in the additional stabilization range. If this is the case, a blocking signal is produced, which activates the blocking device downstream from the testing arrangement.

Abstract: Negative sequence, positive sequence and zero sequence quantities are determined from voltage and current values for a power signal on a radial distribution feeder line. Negative sequence quantities are evaluated against selected threshold standards; the negative sequence impedance is also determined, which is then evaluated to determine fault direction (if a fault is indicated). If a reverse fault is declared, the trip output of overcurrent elements in the protective relay for the feeder is blocked for a selected period of time. The same evaluation process is carried out for zero sequence quantities. A selection process determines whether the negative sequence or the zero sequence element is to be enabled. Further, voltages and currents of all three phases of the power signal are evaluated to determine relative change over a period of one cycle. If within the one cycle there is a decrease of both voltage and current in all three phases of approximately 10%, the overcurrent elements are also blocked.

Abstract: A circuit breaker with an arc fault circuit provides immunity to false trips caused by tungsten bulb burnout and by a cold tungsten filament energized through a solid state dimmer. The detector circuit includes a pulse generator which generates pulses in response to the step increases in current occurring each time an arc is struck. A zener diode limits the amplitude of pulses generated by the pulse generator to a value which is below that of pulses generated by the tungsten lamp. When a time attenuated accumulation of these pulses reaches a predetermined value, the circuit breaker is tripped. By clipping the pulses with the zener diode, the few large pulses generated by tungsten bulb burnout or energization of a cold tungsten bulb by a solid state dimmer switch are insufficient to allow the time attenuated accumulation of pulses to reach the trip value.

Abstract: A novel line-current protection circuit and method that is useable with a PCMCIA modem card is disclosed. The protection circuit is adapted to detect when an excessive voltage is present across the tip and the ring leads of a telephone subscriber loop by sensing the amount of line-current being supplied to line interface circuitry disposed on the PCMCIA modem card. The protection circuit includes a current sensing circuit portion that is placed in series with the tip lead and which detects when the line current exceeds a predetermined maximum amount. In the event the line current exceeds the maximum, the current sensing circuit asserts an excessive line current signal. A control and delay circuit causes the relay circuit to open the electrical connection between the modem and the telephone line only when the line current exceeds a predetermined maximum amount for a minimum amount of time.

Abstract: A time-compensated overcurrent detection circuit shuts off a D.C. motor during large overcurrent conditions caused by actual constraints on the motor. The circuit prevents premature motor shut off by establishing a minimum activation time for shutting off the D.C. motor. An overcurrent time compensator establishes a minimum time period for activating a motor reset signal after sensing an overcurrent condition. The circuitry uses a relatively small capacitor that provides quick response to overcurrent conditions.

Abstract: A power supply circuit interrupts power to a load in response to a short-circuit or an open-circuit condition and automatically restores power after a momentary short-circuit. A short-circuit detector monitors the current flowing through the load and generates a short-circuit signal if the current exceeds a predetermined level. An open-circuit detector monitors the load voltage and generates an open-circuit signal if the voltage exceeds a predetermined level. A latch converts the short-circuit signal to a latch signal. A logic unit combines the latch signal with the open-circuit signal and a pulse signal from a pulse generator to generate a drive signal. A driver uses the drive signal to control a switch which is connected between the power source and the load to interrupt power to the load. During a short-circuit, a timer generates a periodic pulse signal that toggles the latch signal and intermittently restarts the power to the load. If the short-circuit was of short duration, power is restored to the load.

Abstract: A relay for monitoring an electrical system to protect the electrical system from an overcurrent condition as a time dependent function of an electrical current level in the electrical system is disclosed. The relay includes a memory which stores a current level count and a current level detector coupled to the electrical system which detects the electrical current level in the electrical system over time. A microprocessor responds to the current level detector by varying the current level count in the memory as a function of the electrical current level over time. The microprocessor also detects an occurrence of the electrical current level falling below a minimum current level. A timer responds to the microprocessor by measuring a period of time during which the electrical current level is less than the minimum current level.

Abstract: A pulse width modulation circuit includes a transistor pass element alternately switched on and off by an oscillator and connecting a power source to a load. Current through the transistor pass element is compared to a reference signal by a comparator. If the current through the transistor pass element exceeds the reference signal, the comparator generates a fault signal, and the transistor pass element is switched off for the remainder of the cycle. After a predetermined number of faults, the transistor pass element is switched off for a plurality of cycles. The pulse width modulation circuit prevents damage to the transistor pass element caused by the low initial resistance of the load and supplies sufficient current to slowly heat the load to steady state operation. This also allows for downsizing of the pass element for steady state conditions thereby saving product cost.

Abstract: An input overcurent suppression circuit is used for a DC-DC converter in uninterruptible power supply source and includes a plurality of DC-DC converters, an AC-DC converter and a detecting means for detecting an input current to the DC-DC converters.In the plural DC-DC converters, a parallel circuit constituted by a resistor element and a switching element is connected in series with an input circuit to break the circuit in response to an overcurrent or over heating. When the power source circuit is closed, a surge current-preventing circuit prevents the surge current by turning a switching element off for a predetermined period of time.The AC-DC converter feeds current to at least two or more DC-DC converters among the plurality of DC-DC converters.When the detecting means has detected an overcurrent, the switching element is turned off to turn off the resistor element connected in parallel with the switching element, to thereby suppress the overcurrent flowing into the AC-DC converter.

Abstract: A solid state power controller for switching power on and off to an electrical load which also serves as a circuit protection device protecting the load and/or the wire connected between the load output terminal of the controller and ground from thermal damage due to current overload is shown. When a current overload exists the controller interrupts current to the load in a time inversely proportional to the square of the magnitude of the overload as shown in a trip time vs load current curve. The controller also limits the load current to a selected maximum level by controlling the drain-source resistance of power MOSFETs used for switching the power. A secondary interrupt is provided in the event that the junction temperature of the MOSFETs has risen a selected maximum level. A thermal memory feature is included for both interrupt signals. The controller is controlled by a single on/off input line and provides both a status and trip output line to indicate its state.

Abstract: A method for measuring the current in an AC power transmission network, where a measurement quantity is obtained by means of a current transformer and digital samples are converted. To prevent faulty detection of the current due to a decaying DC component of the current transformer, two initial auxiliary measurement quantities that are normal to one another are formed from the digital samples by means of at least two FIR filters, and together with two additional auxiliary measurement quantities that are normal to each other, are used to produce a measured value corresponding to the amplitude of the current. The additional auxiliary measurement quantities are produced from samples formed from an older measurement quantity obtained earlier by a quarter period of the current to be measured. The differential angle is formed from the two measurement quantities. An output signal is generated from the two measured values in an evaluation device when the measured values exceed preset threshold values.

Abstract: A programmable control unit for protecting an appliance connected to a household power source comprises a modular unit plugged into a household power socket. The modular unit presents a socket for plugging a household appliance therein. An internal microprocessor has program logic for analyzing the period of current flow to the household appliance and/or the power consumed thereby. Once the time period of operation and/or rate of energy consumption exceeds preselected values, the program logic of the microprocessor opens a relay so as to cease current flow to the appliance. The maximum threshold values of time and/or energy can be varied by the user according to the utilized appliance. The use of the intermediate unit enables a plurality of appliances to be safely coupled to the household power.

Abstract: A non-dissipative device for protecting an integrated circuit having multiple independent channels against overloading. The non-dissipative device includes an input terminal and an output terminal having an integrated switch connected therebetween which consists of an input portion, a logic gate with two inputs a control portion, and an output portion, all connected in series with one another. The device further includes a generating circuit for generating the on-times and off-times of the integrated switch, the generating circuit is connected between an output of the output portion and an input of the logic gate.

Abstract: A low cost analog arcing detector and a circuit breaker incorporating such a detector provide a variable response time to arcing faults based upon the amplitude of the arcing current. A filter generates pulses having an amplitude proportional to the amplitude of the step increase in current generated by the striking of the arc. The pulses are rectified and the amount by which the single polarity pulses exceed a threshold value, selected to eliminate nuisance trips on current step increases characteristic of some common loads, is integrated by a capacitor connected to a resistor which continually adjusts the capacitor voltage in a sense opposite to that of the pulses. The capacitor and resistor are selected to generate a trip signal as a function of the accumulated, time attenuated magnitude of the step increases in current associated with each striking of the arc current.

Abstract: Circuitry is provided which includes a control circuit formed on an integrated circuit. The control circuit controls an operation of a device. The circuitry further includes a feedback circuit and a protection circuit. The feedback circuit includes a first current source for outputting a small current and a second current source for outputting a larger current. A rectifier is connected between an output of the first and second current sources in order to prevent current from flowing from the output of the first current source toward the output of the second current source. A first voltage regulator is connected between an output of the second current source and ground, while a second voltage regulator is connected between the output of the first current source and an input of the protection circuit. A feedback capacitor is connected in parallel with a feedback current sink, between the output of the first current source and ground.

Abstract: An adaptive sequential controller (480) for controlling a single-phase circuit breaker, multiple circuit breakers in a multi-phase configuration, or a multi-phase circuit breaker to substantially eliminate transients upon closing the circuit breaker and to minimize switching energy when the circuit breaker for any phase of the line is open. The device adaptively compensates for changes in the response time of the circuit breaker due to aging and environmental affects. To control the circuit breaker so that is closes at a zero crossing of the voltage waveform, the adaptive sequential controller includes a potential transformer (70) that is connected to the distribution line. The potential transformer provides a reference signal corresponding to the zero crossing or zero instance of the voltage waveform. If the power factor of the load coupled to the line is known and remains relatively constant, a current transformer is not required.

Abstract: A method for monitoring an electrical drive, in particular a drive of an armature, having electric supply lines being extended through a switchgear plug-in unit associated with the drive and being connected at the plug-in unit to a measurement and evaluation unit, includes connecting at least one of the supply lines to the measurement and evaluation unit through a current transformer, and simultaneously operating and monitoring the drive with the plug-in unit. An apparatus for monitoring the electrical drive includes a switchgear plug-in unit associated with the drive. Electric supply lines of the drive extend through the plug-in unit. Voltage pickups and current pickups are disposed at the plug-in unit for a measurement and evaluation unit. Voltage measuring lines in the plug-in unit begin at the supply lines and end at the voltage pickups. Current transformers in the plug-in unit are associated with the supply lines without interrupting the supply lines.

Abstract: An electronically controlled latching circuit breaker capable of being remotely set or tripped. The electronic controls are current sensitive rather than thermally activated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting high impedance faults and other arcing phenomena in an electrical distribution system. Electrical signals on the distribution system are monitored and a number of frequency components isolated, such as zero-sequence current and voltage, second harmonic voltage, third harmonic current, eighth harmonic voltage and current, and a measure of magnitude of the components are taken over successive data acquisition periods. The measures of the component magnitudes are formed into a pattern for each data acquisition period, and the difference between patterns for successive periods are compared against a pattern threshold which is set to suit the characteristics of the distribution system. A pattern difference greater than the pattern threshold indicates the possibility of an arcing fault, which can then be confirmed by determining whether the frequency components are modulated at twice the fundamental frequency of the distribution system.

Abstract: A current induction arrangement develops a power supply voltage and a measurement signal from current flowing in a circuit path so as to optimize both the energy developed in the power supply and the fidelity of the sinusoidal signal used to measure the waveform in the circuit path. The arrangement includes a capacitor accumulating current to develop a positive voltage with respect to common, a current transformer inducing current from the circuit path and providing an output having a positive induced-current signal component and a negative induced-current signal component. A rectifier circuit is arranged to receive the output from the current transformer, and to produce the positive induced current signal component at a positive output terminal and the negative induced current signal component at a negative output terminal. A first zener diode is connected to receive the positive induced-current signal component, and the circuit permits the positive induced-current signal to charge the capacitor.

Abstract: When the supply current from a pulse width modulation (PWM) inverter drive circuit supplying current to the motor in an electric-powered motor vehicle is an overcurrent exceeding a particular current level, a monitoring circuit outputs a fail signal to disable the PWM inverter drive circuit and lower the current level. When the current level drops to or below said particular current level, the monitoring circuit re-enables the PWM inverter drive circuit to resume supplying current. If the cumulative output time of the fail signal exceeds a particular period, the PWM inverter drive circuit is determined to not be operating normally, and PWM inverter drive circuit operation is therefore interrupted.

Abstract: An electrical control system for sensing instantaneous total electrical power consumption being delivered into a facility and for interrupting selected electrical current consuming loads within the facility when the total incoming current consumption exceeds one or more preselected maximum level for a continuous first preselected time period. The system utilizes existing power transmission lines within the facility to sequentially transmit at least two pulsed digital shut down signals on each of at least two phases or legs of transmission lines within the facility to one or more remote shut down units at the end of the continuous time period. Each remote unit then interrupts electrical power to at least one electrical load within the building for a second preselected time period, after which power is restored to the electrical load until the total current consumption again exceeds one of the preselected maximum load levels continuously for the first time period.

Abstract: A solid state circuit breaker for use in electronic devices which may be connected to an active computer bus. In one embodiment the solid state circuit breaker includes a digital to analog converter by way of which digital control signals are used to set the value at which the circuit breaker determines that a fault condition exists. Fault time is measured from when the fault condition is detected, and when the fault time exceeds a predetermined value, the circuit breaker opens, thereby preventing current flow through the circuit breaker for a second predetermined amount of time. Once this second predetermined amount of time elapses, the circuit breaker again permits current flow, and if a fault condition is determined to continue to exist, the cycle is repeated.The circuit breaker also includes a current limiting portion which restricts current flow to a maximum permissible value should the current flowing through the circuit breaker attempt to exceed this maximum permissible value.

Abstract: A motor starter includes separable contacts interconnected between an alternating current (AC) power source and an AC motor for switching an AC load current which flows from the power source and through the separable contacts; a dual-slope analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion circuit for sensing the load current and generating a current value; and a microcomputer with a coil drive circuit for selectively opening the separable contacts as a predetermined function of the current value. The dual-slope A/D conversion circuit includes current transformers for sensing the AC load current and for selectively providing a received current therefrom, a current reference for selectively providing a reference current, a multiplexer for multiplexing the currents, and a class B preamplifier for amplifying and rectifying the multiplexed AC current.

Abstract: A protective circuit is used in conjunction with a switching power source for protecting the latter from overload and from short circuits. It is detected whether the current at the primary winding current of a switching power source transformer, the load current of the switching power source, or both exceed predetermined reference voltages. If so, supply of power to the switching power source is interrupted for a predetermined period of time, thereby bringing the switching power source into inoperable condition in this duration.

Abstract: Circuit for protection of an amplifier stage comprising circuit switching means for turn-off of the stage and piloted through a logic gate OR by a monostable, which generates upon arise of abnormal operating conditions turn-off command signals having a predetermined duration.A sensing circuit upon persistence of abnormal conditions at start-up or during normal operation also sends turn-off signals through the logic gate OR after enablement through a gate AND.The signals of any enablement at the logic gate AND arrive through a logic gate OR from a window comparator coupled with stage start-up members, from the monostable, and from the output of said logic gate AND as a confirmation signal.

Abstract: Junction overheating in an actuator controller IC used to position read/write heads in a magnetic disc storage device is prevented by temporarily decreasing actuator controller IC output signal duty cycle when excessive junction temperature is present. The present invention includes means for monitoring and comparing actuator controller IC junction temperature to a reference temperature, and for outputting a warning signal when junction temperature exceeds the reference temperature by too large a margin. The present invention introduces a time delay into the output signal from the actuator controller IC when the warning signal is present. The time delay may be fixed or variable in duration, and may be varied progressively in duration. The time delay may be generated using circuitry, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: An electronic circuit breaker includes multiloop control loops based upon a current sensing loop and a voltage sensing loop. The current sensing loop also operates to drive a timer which ultimately controls whether current flows through the load or not. Additionally, the current loop is made to be dominant over the voltage loop. However, during normal operation the voltage loop and current loop act cooperatively to effectively control the impedance as seen by the load.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing current inrush upon the application of power to a load includes the steps of applying a first increasing DC voltage from a voltage source to the load through a negative temperature coefficient device having a first terminal coupled to the voltage source and a second terminal coupled to the load and after a preselected period of time, bypassing said first and second terminals via a bypass circuit and coupling the increasing voltage to the load through the bypass circuit.

Abstract: A contactor circuit couples electrical power to a load, and has a current sensor responsive to a level of current for generating an output signal level when the current exceeds a fault threshold. A control circuit coupled to the output signal has a trip output that changes level with the output signal of the current sensor, coupled to its reset input via an indicator circuit, whereby the control circuit is reset when the current exceeds the fault threshold. A bell alarm circuit picks off the trip output for operating an alarm device. The bell alarm circuit has a comparator with an input coupled to a capacitor charged through a resistor and a transistor arranged to discharge the capacitor when the trip output is low. The transistor is responsive to an optical coupler arranged in the indicator circuit in parallel with an indicator LED that is blinked by the control circuit.

Abstract: In a control circuit for controlling a power transistor included in a power device, the transistor is turned-off when a drop of a control voltage level or overcurrent in the power transistor is detected. Signals for discriminating the overcurrent from the voltage drop are generated and individually outputted from the control circuit, whereby the reason why the transistors were turned-off can be monitored. After a predetermined time period has passed from the overcurrent had been detected, the transistor is automatically turned-on to recover the operation of the transistor. A capacitor for supplying the control power voltage is re-charged during the time period. It is not necessary to carefully determine the on/off timings of the input signal for waiting the recovery of the control power voltage.

Abstract: A self powered trip indicator remotely reads out parameters such as the type of trip detected in a contactor or motor starter circuit controllably coupling a power line to a load. The contactor circuit imposes signalling pulses on a trip status signal following a transition of the signal to a fault-indicating level, the pulses representing the parameters. The remote trip indicator derives operative power from the trip signal, and decodes the parameter from the pulses, using a decoder such as a counter to accumulate a binary multiple count of pulses, the result being indicated on LEDs coupled to outputs of the decoder. A switching circuit generates a short reset pulse to the counter at a leading transition following a pulse or level of a width exceeding a time limited by an RC combination coupled to the counter reset input.

Abstract: A digital circuit interrupter utilizing current transformers for operating power is provided with a re-chargeable battery to power-up the trip unit as well as to power the display after an overcurrent trip occurrence to enable an operator to determine both the magnitude as well as the cause of the overcurrent condition.

Abstract: An overcurrent protection circuit for a power transistor for generating a main current in response to a gate drive voltage generated by a gate circuit. The overcurrent protection circuit includes a current detection circuit for detecting the main current flowing in the power transistor to generate a detection voltage corresponding to the main current, and a level detection circuit connected to receive the detection voltage for generating a control current corresponding to a difference between the detection voltage and a prescribed value when the detection voltage exceeds the prescribed value. The overcurrent protection circuit further includes a current control circuit connected to receive the control current for limiting the main current by regulating the gate drive voltage based on the control current, and a drive instruction control circuit connected to receive the control current for making the main current zero by controlling the gate drive voltage to an OFF condition based on the control current.

Abstract: A circuit interrupting device provides for operator selection of protection parameters for a neutral conductor separate from operator selected phase protection.

Abstract: A circuit and method for detecting and protecting against an overcurrent condition in a power transistor switching device, and particularly an IGBT. The power transistor switching device has main terminals and a control terminal, the main terminal having a normal saturation voltage therebetween during normal conduction of the power transistor device. The circuit includes a driver providing control signals to the control terminal of the power transistor device for switching the power transistor device on and off, a sensing circuit coupled to the power transistor device for sensing the saturation voltage of the power transistor device, and a switching circuit coupled to the control terminal of the power transistor device and responsive to the sensing circuit for removing the control signals from the control terminal in the event the saturation voltage reaches an abnormal level indicating an overcurrent condition in the power transistor device.

Abstract: A solid state power controller is automatically reset if an overload trip occurs during a start-up delay period. If an overload trip occurs during load starting, the SSPC remains tripped for a reset delay period, and thereafter the SSPC is automatically reset, thereby allowing the starting process to continue by heating a lamp filament, accelerating a motor, etc., without indicating a system fault to an operator. At the expiration of the start-up delay period, the SSPC no longer automatically resets in response to an overload condition.

Abstract: A circuit protection device for use with an electrical unit comprises driver circuitry connected to the electrical unit and connecting means electrically connecting the device to the electrical unit to provide a voltage signal indicative of a voltage associated with the electrical unit. A voltage detector is connected to the connecting means and receives the voltage signal, and provides a conditioned voltage signal output representative of the voltage signal. An analog-to-digital converter receives the conditioned voltage signal output and converts the conditioned voltage signal output to a digital value. A digital processing device receives the digital value from the analog-to-digital converter and provides an output signal to the driver circuitry to turn off power to the primary if an error is detected.

Abstract: A power source circuit is provided having a high frequency transformer 16, a switching control circuit 15 connected with the primary winding of the transformer 16, rectifier circuits 17, 18 and 20 connected with the secondary winding of the transformer 16 for outputting a D.C. voltage to an external circuit, an alarm detection circuit 25, an excess current detection circuit 26, and an excess current detection delay circuit 28. When the alarm detection circuit 25 detects an excess current in supplying power source, the power source supply is suspended by turning off the output of the switching control circuit 15 after the lapse of the preset time. When the excess current flows after the lapse of the initial preset time t.sub.s from turning on the power source, the excess current detection circuit 26 detects it so that the output of the switching control circuit 15 is turned off.

Abstract: A CRT protector circuit for detecting an overcurrent or an overvoltage to a CRT to protect the CRT. A detector circuit is provided for detecting the overcurrent and the overvoltage, and when such is detected an abnormality detection output from the detector circuit is supplied to a control circuit which in turn controls a horizontal output circuit. The operation of the horizontal output circuit, provided on a primary side of a flyback transformer is, instantaneously broken by the control circuit according to the abnormality detection output from the detector circuit. When the frequency of generation of the abnormality detection output becomes a predetermined value or more, the operation of the horizontal output circuit is continuously inhibited. Accordingly, when the abnormal condition is temporary, a normal high-voltage generating operation can be automatically restored.

Abstract: A hybrid switch is provided for switching a sink on and off. The hybrid switch contains a first semiconductor switch with a commutation switch. According to the present invention, a magnetic drive includes a first magnetic coil through which short-circuit current flows. A second semiconductor switch is connected in series with a second magnetic coil that series being connected in parallel to the series connection of the first magnetic coil and the sink. Short circuit flows through the first magnetic coil via the commutation switch which bridges at least the first semiconductor switch.

Abstract: An electrical generator system integrated controller device utilizing PID control and capable of regulating voltage or current, and frequency simultaneously. The device utilizes a micro-controller (30.1) to monitor the engine generator set (20), then determines the appropriate signal to deliver to the electrical generator set (20) to regulate the engine throttle (21) and the generator (22) field windings. The micro-controller (30.1) also provides for real and reactive load sharing with additional generator sets (40) while also providing for an integrated circuit interrupter module (500) to open the line from the generator (22) to the load bus (42). Additionally, serial communications (34) are provided as well as displays (35), meters (37), and operator input (36). Finally, the permissive paralleling module (700) provides that the engine electrical generator set (20) will not be allowed to be connected to the load bus (42) until standards of voltage and phase have been achieved for a set period of time.

Abstract: The specification discloses a solid state auto-reset circuit breaker intended for use in ac circuits, dc circuits and ac/dc circuits. A current sensing device is used to generate a voltage drop proportional to the current flowing through the device. When the voltage drop reaches a predetermined level, resulting from an over-current condition, it trips a control means that opens a solid state switch in the line. After a defined delay interval the circuit will automatically reset to close the solid state switch. If the over-current condition still exists, the control means will again open the solid state switch. This cycle is repeated at the delay interval until the over-current condition has subsided. Circuits are also disclosed which provide over-voltage protection, through detectors which trigger the control means when an over-voltage condition is detected. The application of the invention to lightning or surge protection is also disclosed, for single line and multiline environments.

Abstract: The communication circuit of the self-powered trip device is disabled by the trip device microprocessor when the values of the measured currents are lower than preset values. The microprocessor sends a bit, called the power saving bit, before disabling the communication circuit so as to inform a monitoring device connected to the trip device of the cause of the interruption of transmission from the trip device.

Abstract: A trip circuit for tripping a circuit breaker has a first coil having a relatively large number of turns and therefore a relatively slow reaction time and a second coil having a relatively small number of turns and therefore a relatively fast reaction time. The first coil is responsive to a relatively low current level through a circuit breaker for tripping the circuit breaker at the rated tripping current. The second coil is responsive to a higher current through the circuit breaker for tripping the circuit breaker with great rapidity in case the higher level is reached before the first coil has an opportunity to react.

Abstract: A graphical representation of the current/time trip characteristic displayed on the operator's panel of an electronic trip unit for a circuit interrupter, has different indicia, such as different colors, identifying the representation of independent trip functions from those of dependent trip functions, thereby making the operator aware that adjustment of one of the dependent trip functions will also affect an adjustment of the other dependent portions of the current/time trip characteristic.

Abstract: A first transformer is coupled to a deflection yoke and coupled to a derived secondary voltage source for driving a load, for example, for generating an ultor voltage. An on/off switch is responsive to an on/off signal. A second transformer has a primary winding coupled to the switch and coupled to a voltage source and has a secondary winding coupled to the first transformer. A first sampling circuit generates a first feedback signal indicative of current flowing from the secondary winding to the first transformer. A first safety circuit responsive to the first feedback signal controls the effect of the on/off signal on the switch when the current flowing from the secondary winding to the first transformer exceeds a threshold, by limiting the on time of the switch to limit the peak value of the current. A second sampling circuit generates a second feedback signal indicative of the ultor voltage.

Abstract: A microprocessor based switch such as a circuit breaker has a memory capacitor charged by the microprocessor to generate an analog equivalent of a digitally modelled heat state signal. A selected resistor discharges the capacitor at a rate which models a cooling rate of a load. Alternatively, the memory capacitor may be charged to a preset value and discharged at a rate representative of the time since a trip generates digital rms representations of analog load. Terminals for rapidly resetting the analog trip memory for calibration and field testing of a long delay trip are hidden behind a removable rating plug.