| Schneider Electric USA, Inc. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20120132506 | CIRCUIT BREAKER WITH PLUG ON NEUTRAL CONNECTION LOCK-OUT MECHANISM - A circuit breaker is disclosed that has a neutral lock-out mechanism that prevents electrical connection between a power source and a load when a neutral rail is disconnected from the circuit breaker. The circuit breaker has a line connector, a load connector and a plug-on neutral line connector. A trip mechanism has an on position allowing electrical connection between the line connector and the load connector. The trip mechanism has a tripped position interrupting electrical connection between the line connector and the load connector in response to detection of a fault condition such as a short circuit. The trip mechanism also has an off position which is required before resetting the trip mechanism to the on position. A trip link is coupled to the trip mechanism. The trip link has a first position that prevents the trip mechanism from being reset to the on position. The trip link has a second position allowing the trip mechanism to be reset to the on position. A neutral lock mechanism is coupled to the plug-on neutral line connector. The neutral lock mechanism has a tension spring that retains the trip link in the first position when the neutral rail is disconnected from the neutral line connector. When the neutral rail is inserted into the neutral line connector, the tension spring is compressed and the trip link may move to the second position allowing the circuit breaker to be reset. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120131217 | METHODS OF INTEGRATING MULTIPLE MANAGEMENT DOMAINS - An integrated solution strategy that integrates multiple domains together in a seamless and standardized way for increasing a users control over facilities and equipment. This integrated approach can lead to a reduction of energy usage, more efficient energy usage, increased safety, health, and security of a facility and its occupants, optimized production in industrial settings, and associated and other economic advantages. Accurate, reliable information about a facility or equipment is essential to making timely, informed decisions. Enhanced automation provides a reliable means of collecting and assembling a variety of operating data and archiving that data into a central database for evaluation, reporting, forecasting, and negotiation with resource marketers. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120130656 | DATA ALIGNMENT IN LARGE SCALE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM APPLICATIONS - A method for automatically aligning measured power-related data in a power monitoring system to a common reference point. A conductor in a power delivery system is modeled according to an equivalent pi model of a transmission line that is characterized by model parameters. The conductor is monitored on both ends by a reference monitoring device and a second monitoring device. The voltage and current are measured in either the reference monitoring device or the second monitoring device and a phase shift offset between the voltages or currents at the two devices is calculated. The calculated phase shift offset corresponds to a temporal delay between events observed at the pair of devices, and calculating and storing the phase shift offset allows a power monitoring system controller to more accurately align data received from monitoring devices. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120125748 | FULLY ENCLOSED ELECTRONIC TRIP UNIT FOR A MOLDED CASE CIRCUIT BREAKER - A molded case circuit breaker having a trip unit with one or more integrally formed dielectric protrusions that are configured to slidably interconnect with corresponding dielectric members of the base when the trip unit is secured to the base. The dielectric protrusions extend from dielectric walls located between adjacent enclosure chambers that house the current transformers and are configured to remain in contact with the dielectric members of the base as the trip unit is being moved with respect with the base. By remaining in contact to one another while the trip unit is moved with respect to the base, the dielectric protrusions, along with the dielectric members, maintain a strong dielectric barrier within the exterior spaces between the CT enclosure chambers, thereby preventing debris from traveling between and accumulating on the trip unit and the base. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120123762 | Thermal Memory In A Fault Powered System - A circuit breaker system for providing thermal protection to a conductor conducting current from a power source to a load. While the power source is connected to the load, a microcontroller is powered by the current passing through the conductor to thermally model the temperature of the conductor. If the microcontroller determines that the temperature of the conductor has risen to an undesirable or unsafe level, the circuit breaker disconnects the power source from the load and the current no longer passes through the conductor. With no current passing through the conductor, the microcontroller no longer receives power from the conductor. Instead, the microcontroller continues to model the temperature of the conductor as the conductor cools to an ambient temperature by receiving power from an energy storage device. Accordingly, the microcontroller continuously models the temperature of the conductor until the temperature of the conductor cools to the ambient temperature. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120123755 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ESTIMATING ROTOR SLOTS - Methods of determining a quantity of rotor slots in an induction motor are disclosed. An approximate slip is calculated according to an approximate slip function. A fundamental frequency is calculated from a representation of the voltage signal. A saliency frequency is calculated from a representation of the current signal. For each rotor slots index in a set of rotor slots indices, a slip estimate is calculated according to a slip estimation function. A slip estimation error signal is calculated. A rotor slots performance surface representative of an aggregate of the slip estimation error signals is calculated. A rotor slots quantity equal to the rotor slots index corresponding to a minimum of the rotor slots performance surface over at least a portion of the set of the rotor slots indices is defined. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120120558 | CIRCUIT BREAKER WITH CONTROLLED EXHAUST - A circuit breaker assembly includes a housing, a trip mechanism, a vent channel, and a chamber. The trip mechanism is positioned within the housing can causes a movable contact to separate from a second contact in response to detection by the circuit breaker assembly of an electrical fault. The vent channel is formed in the housing and positioned to exhaust gas and debris produced as the movable contact separates from the second contact during the electrical fault to an aperture in the housing. The chamber has a chamber housing coupled to the housing adjacent the aperture such that the chamber receives the gas and debris exiting the aperture. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120119751 | MULTI-POLE ARCING FAULT CIRCUIT BREAKER INCLUDING A NEUTRAL CURRENT SENSOR - A fault detection system is provided for a power distribution system having at least first and second line conductors carrying AC currents that are out of phase with each other from a source to a load, and a common neutral conductor. The system includes an arcing fault current sensor comprising a coil wound on a hollow core and coupled to both of the line conductors in a manner that the electrical currents in the line conductors flow in opposite directions inside the hollow core, thus inducing in the coil an output signal that is a function of the difference of the electrical currents in the line conductors. A neutral current sensor produces an output signal representing the magnitude and phase direction of current in the neutral conductor. An arcing fault detection circuit includes a processor programmed to (1) respond to a change in the first output signal to analyze the second output signal to determine whether the change in the first output signal is attributable at least in part to current in a line-to-line circuit, (2) if the answer is affirmative, determine a scaling factor to be used to adjust the value of the first output signal, and (3) analyze the adjusted first output signal to determine whether an arcing fault has occurred and produce a trip signal in response to the detection of an arcing fault. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120118716 | ROTARY INTERLOCK MECHANISM FOR ELECTRICAL SWITCHES - Rotary switch interlock mechanisms and electrical switch assemblies with a rotary switch interlock mechanism are presented herein. An electrical distribution device with at least two electrical switches is disclosed. Each of the electrical switches has a switch actuator that is movable between engaged and disengaged positions. A rotary interlock member is rotatably mounted to the housing of the electrical distribution device adjacent the first and second electrical switches. The rotary interlock member is rotatable 180 degrees between a first orientation, whereat the rotary member allows the switch actuator of the second electrical switch into its engaged position while preventing the switch actuator of the first electrical switch from being moved into its engaged position, and a second orientation, whereat the rotary member allows the first switch actuator to be moved into its engaged position while preventing the second switch actuator from being moved into its engaged position. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120118605 | BUSBAR CLAMPING SYSTEMS - Busbar clamping systems and electric power busway systems for distributing electricity are disclosed herein. An aspect of this disclosure is directed to electrical busway systems with improved means for minimizing or eliminating gaps between the busbars, the surge clamps, and the duct housing. In one embodiment, the busway system includes a plurality of electrically conductive busbars. The busbars are stacked one on top of the other to create a busbar stack. The busway system also includes a first duct side in opposing spaced relation to a second duct side. The stack of busbars is disposed between the first and second duct sides. One or more cam fasteners operatively engage the stack top and/or stack bottom. The cam fasteners are configured to apply a selectively variable compressive force to the stack of busbars. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120113569 | HEAT DISSIPATION MEANS FOR INCREASING POWER DENSITY IN ENCLOSED EQUIPMENT - A thermally efficient electrical enclosure includes a busbar, a metallic heat sink, and an electrical insulator. The busbar is positioned entirely within the enclosure and electrically insulated from the enclosure. The metallic heat sink is attached to a wall of the enclosure. The electrical insulator physically contacts the busbar and is at least partially wrapped around at least two non-parallel surfaces of a portion of the metallic heat sink such that the metallic heat sink is electrically insulated from the busbar. The metallic heat sink is configured to transfer thermal energy or heat from the busbar to the enclosure such that the thermal energy is lost or transferred to the surrounding environment, which reduces the temperature of the busbar and the amount of copper needed for the busbar without reducing the rating of the enclosure. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120110386 | AUTOMATED EMERGENCY POWER SUPPLY TEST USING VARIABLE LOAD BANK STAGES - An automated emergency power supply system (EPSS) and testing solution that records generator load values and engine exhaust temperature values to evaluate whether an EPSS test satisfies legislated test criteria. The EPSS test is carried out under software control, which initiates a test by instructing an automatic transfer switch (ATS) to change its status to a test status, causing the essential loads to be powered by a generator instead of a main utility power source. Power monitors record the ATS and generator status during the test as well as electrical parameter data from the ATS and generator and exhaust temperature data and other engine parameter data from the generator. When the test is concluded, the ATS is instructed to return the status to normal so that power delivery is resumed from the main power source. The electrical and engine parameter data is analyzed and compared against legislated test criteria to determine a pass/fail result of the EPSS test. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120109553 | AUTOMATED EMERGENCY POWER SUPPLY TEST WITH VARIABLE, PRIORITY-BASED TRANSFER TIMES - An automated emergency power supply system (EPSS) and testing solution that records generator load values and engine exhaust temperature values to evaluate whether an EPSS test satisfies legislated test criteria. The EPSS test is carried out under software control, which initiates a test by instructing an automatic transfer switch (ATS) to change its status to a test status, causing the essential loads to be powered by a generator instead of a main utility power source. Power monitors record the ATS and generator status during the test as well as electrical parameter data from the ATS and generator and exhaust temperature data and other engine parameter data from the generator. When the test is concluded, the ATS is instructed to return the status to normal so that power delivery is resumed from the main power source. The electrical and engine parameter data is analyzed and compared against legislated test criteria to determine a pass/fail result of the EPSS test. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120109552 | AUTOMATED EMERGENCY POWER SUPPLY TEST FEATURING USER SELECTION OF LOAD PERCENTAGE OR EXHAUST TEMPERATURE - An automated emergency power supply system (EPSS) and testing solution that records generator load values and engine exhaust temperature values to evaluate whether an EPSS test satisfies legislated test criteria. The EPSS test is carried out under software control, which initiates a test by instructing an automatic transfer switch (ATS) to change its status to a test status, causing the essential loads to be powered by a generator instead of a main utility power source. Power monitors record the ATS and generator status during the test as well as electrical parameter data from the ATS and generator and exhaust temperature data and other engine parameter data from the generator. When the test is concluded, the ATS is instructed to return the status to normal so that power delivery is resumed from the main power source. The electrical and engine parameter data is analyzed and compared against legislated test criteria to determine a pass/fail result of the EPSS test. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120105098 | AUTOMATED EMERGENCY POWER SUPPLY TEST USING ENGINE EXHAUST TEMPERATURE - An automated emergency power supply system (EPSS) and testing solution that records generator load values and engine exhaust temperature values to evaluate whether an EPSS test satisfies legislated test criteria. The EPSS test is carried out under software control, which initiates a test by instructing an automatic transfer switch (ATS) to change its status to a test status, causing the essential loads to be powered by a generator instead of a main utility power source. Power monitors record the ATS and generator status during the test as well as electrical parameter data from the ATS and generator and exhaust temperature data and other engine parameter data from the generator. When the test is concluded, the ATS is instructed to return the status to normal so that power delivery is resumed from the main power source. The electrical and engine parameter data is analyzed and compared against legislated test criteria to determine a pass/fail result of the EPSS test. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120105097 | AUTOMATED EMERGENCY POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM (EPSS) TEST REPORTING CRITICALITY OF EPSS TEST FAILURE - An automated emergency power supply system (EPSS) and testing solution that records generator load values and engine exhaust temperature values to evaluate whether an EPSS test satisfies legislated test criteria. The EPSS test is carried out under software control, which initiates a test by instructing an automatic transfer switch (ATS) to change its status to a test status, causing the essential loads to be powered by a generator instead of a main utility power source. Power monitors record the ATS and generator status during the test as well as electrical parameter data from the ATS and generator and exhaust temperature data and other engine parameter data from the generator. When the test is concluded, the ATS is instructed to return the status to normal so that power delivery is resumed from the main power source. The electrical and engine parameter data is analyzed and compared against legislated test criteria to determine a pass/fail result of the EPSS test. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120099237 | CIRCUIT BREAKER WITH FAULT INDICATION AND SECONDARY POWER SUPPLY - An electronic circuit breaker includes controllable contacts adapted to connect a power source to at least one load, and a microcontroller for monitoring the flow of power to the load, detecting different types of fault conditions and automatically opening the contacts in response to a fault. A primary power supply of the breaker receives power from the line source when the contacts are closed, and supplies power to the control circuitry. Fault indicators in the microcontroller indicate the type of fault that caused the contacts to open. A secondary power supply provides power to the control circuitry when the contacts are open and a switch is closed. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120098477 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR ESTIMATION OF INDUCTION MOTOR INDUCTANCE PARAMETERS - Methods and devices are presented herein for estimating induction motor inductance parameters based on instantaneous reactive power. The induction motor inductance parameters, e.g., the stator inductance and the total leakage factor, can be estimated from motor nameplate data and instantaneous reactive power without involving speed sensors or electronic injection circuits. In one embodiment, the method includes: measuring voltages and currents; converting the measured voltages and currents into discrete-time voltage and current samples by analog-to-digital converters; synthesizing a complex voltage from the discrete-time voltage samples; synthesizing a complex current from the discrete-time current samples; acquiring and storing motor nameplate data; detecting instantaneous rotor speed by calculating an instantaneous rotor slot harmonic frequency with respect to an instantaneous fundamental frequency; calculating, via an induction motor inductance estimator, the motor's instantaneous reactive power and other intermediate quantities; and outputting the stator inductance and the total leakage factor. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120098347 | ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT BREAKER WITH ALTERNATE MODE OF OPERATION USING AUXILIARY POWER SOURCE - An electronic circuit breaker includes controllable mechanical contacts adapted to connect a primary power source to at least one load; and control circuitry for monitoring the flow of power from the primary power source to the load, detecting fault conditions and automatically opening the contacts in response to the detection of a fault condition. A primary power source supplies power to the control circuitry when the contacts are closed, and an auxiliary power source supplies power to the control circuitry when the contacts are open, whether by a trip or by manual opening. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120095709 | Method of Estimating Short Circuit Current Available by Analysis of DC Charging Circuit - A system and method of dynamically estimating the short circuit current availability (SCCA) at a node in an alternating current electrical distribution system by examining the spectral composition of current drawn by a direct current charging circuit connected to the node. A correlative relationship between the total harmonic current distortion (THDi) in the current drawn by the charging circuit and the SCCA at the node is established for a particular charging circuit. An estimation of the SCCA at the node is accomplished by taking current measurements of current drawn by the charging circuit, analyzing those current measurements to determine the THDi, and estimating a corresponding value of SCCA based on the determined THDi. A method is also provided for calibrating a particular charging circuit to have a reactance and resistance suitable for use in estimating SCCA. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120086286 | CYCLING LOAD CONTROLLER HAVING A LEARN MODE FOR AUTOMATICALLY DETERMINING WHEN THE LOAD IS TURNED ON AND OFF - An electrical device to be used with an electrical load which is repetitively cycled on and off. The device includes a controllable switch for connecting the load to, and disconnecting the load from, the electrical power source; a device for detecting when the load is drawing power, and a memory module connected to the detecting device and with a controller coupled to the controllable switch. The memory module has selectable “learn” and “run” modes of operation. In the “learn” mode of operation the controller is programmed to detect and store the time and date when the load is drawing power, i.e. turned on; determine the average time of day the power was turned on;, and the average time between the turning on and off. During the “run” mode of operation, the module produces control signals for automatically turning the controllable switch on and off, thereby supplying power to the load, according to the schedule learned during the learn mode of operation, or a variant of the learned schedule. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120085736 | DUAL BREAKING POINT ELECTRICAL JOINT - Switch assemblies and electrical distribution devices for making and breaking electrical connections in an electrical circuit are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a switch assembly that includes a pair of electrically conductive jaws attached to a platform. The first jaw is configured to electrically connect to an incoming line of the electrical circuit, whereas the second jaw is configured to electrically connect to an outgoing line. The switch assembly also includes a blade having at least two electrically conductive plates that are attached to and spaced from each other via an electrical insulator. The blade is pivotably coupled to the platform to rotate between a disengaged position, whereat the blade is electrically decoupled from the first and second jaws, and an engaged position, whereat the blade delivers an electrical current from the incoming line through the first and second plates to the outgoing line. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120084554 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HOSTING ENCRYPTED MONITORING DATA - A monitoring system includes at least one monitoring devices coupled to the electrical power distribution system at selected locations for collecting data related to the operation of the monitored system. The monitoring device(s) includes a communication port and processors programmed to segment the collected data into blocks optimized for user analysis operations, encrypt the segmented blocks of data, bundle the encrypted blocks of data with unencrypted metadata that identifies the data blocks by at least the monitoring location at which the encrypted blocks of data were obtained and the type of data, and transmit the encrypted blocks of data with the unencrypted metadata. The system includes at least one client device that has a communication port that is coupled to the monitoring device(s) and the client device and that has a processor programmed to generate and transmit queries regarding selected ones of the encrypted blocks of data. A monitoring service is coupled to the monitoring device(s) and includes a processor programmed to receive and store the encrypted blocks of data with the unencrypted metadata from the monitoring device(s), process the unencrypted metadata, and retrieve and transmit the selected ones of the encrypted blocks of data in response to the queries from the client device. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120084431 | PROFILING OF COMPOSITE PHYSICAL DEVICES FOR MONITORING/CONTROL SYSTEMS - A system and methods for creating a logical profile for physical devices in a system to interface with a monitoring system is disclosed. A profile identity is selected. A plurality of physical devices from the system is selected. The physical devices such as a meter or a circuit breaker include an output or an input. An input or output is classified for at least one of the plurality of selected physical devices as a tag. The plurality of selected physical devices are represented to the monitoring system by the profile identity and the at least one tag of the selected physical devices. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120084324 | POWER MONITORING DEVICE SIMULATION USING A DATABASE PROFILE GENERATED FROM REAL TIME-VALUE DATA - A system and methods for using data from an external database compiled from real device used for testing and simulation of a system. The system includes an external database interface to access an external database. The external database includes a plurality of categories of time-value data collected from an electrical device. An importer converts one of plurality of categories of time-value data to a corresponding topic of a common data format. A device profiler is coupled to the importer to create a device profile including the converted topic. A database profiler creates a database profile representing a system including a device defined by the device profile and including the category of time-value data. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120084035 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FREQUENCY MEASUREMENT BASED ON QUADRATIC FORMS - A system and methods for determining points for an algorithm to calculate the frequency of a waveform measured from a monitoring device. Data points are measured from the waveform. A last point of interest from the previous cycle of the waveform is referenced. Four points of interest at equally spaced phase angles from the current cycle of the waveform are determined by calculating the average of the data points around each of the respective equally spaced phase angles of the current cycle of the waveform. The average value of the points of interest in the current cycle is subtracted from the four points of interest and the last point of interest from the previous cycle to compensate for DC bias. A frequency of the waveform is determined based on the determined four points of interest of the current cycle and the last point of interest from the previous cycle. The correction factor for determining sample frequency may be reduced for subsequent cycles in order to increase stability. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120081153 | QUANTIZING SAMPLED INPUTS USING FIXED FREQUENCY ANALOG TO DIGITAL CONVERSIONS THROUGH INTERPOLATION - A system and methods for synchronizing quantized sampled data in a monitoring device. A variable frequency output signal is coupled to an analog to digital converter. A fixed frequency clock is coupled to the analog to digital converter. The analog to digital converter samples the output signal at a fixed frequency to produce high speed samples. A group of initial high speed samples is stored from the analog to digital converter over a fixed window of time. The group of initial high speed samples is interpolated to produce a group of fewer low speed samples from the initial group of high speed samples over the fixed window of time. The group of low speed samples is stored as a representation of the variable frequency output signal. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120081104 | METHOD FOR MEASUREMENT OF TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION - A method of measuring the total harmonic distortion in an electrical distribution system. The distribution system is sampled regularly to generate a set of data. The data is filtered using a narrow band filtering algorithm to measure the energy in fundamental and other harmonic frequencies. Due to the filtering, the energy in harmonic frequencies can be measured without interference from broadband noise, which provides an improvement in the measurement of total harmonic distortion at low current or voltage levels. A method is provided to sum the energy in identified frequencies in a multi-pass configuration, such that only a subset of all monitored frequencies are filtered and summed in each pass, with the balance being filtered and measured in subsequent passes. After all subsets are measured, the total harmonic distortion is calculated. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120079096 | NETWORKED DEVICES FOR MONITORING UTILITY USAGE AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME - Systems, methods, and devices are presented herein for monitoring usage of at least one utility by a utility consuming system. One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method of managing information in a utility monitoring system that includes a host computer and an array of monitoring devices operatively coupled together on a peer-to-peer network. The array of monitoring devices includes first and second monitoring devices each with a respective memory. The first and second monitoring devices are configured to receive and transmit data. The method includes: storing data received by the first monitoring device in the first memory; storing data received by the second monitoring device in the second memory; responsive to the first memory being below a threshold storage capacity, transferring data received by the second monitoring device to the first monitoring device; and storing the transferred data in the first memory. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120078944 | CALCULATION ENGINE AND CALCULATION PROVIDERS - A method of acquiring data and performing calculations on the data using a provider service. A provider ticket service (PTS) receives tickets from one or more clients. Each ticket includes a calculation identifier and a payload. The calculation identifier identifies a calculation to be performed using information in the payload. The PTS associates a unique ticket identifier with each ticket. A ticket manager submits a selected ticket from the PTS to a provider host service (PHS), which determines which provider is to perform the calculation identified by the selected ticket by inspecting provider identification information in the selected ticket. The PHS launches a provider host thread (PHT) that invokes the provider determined to perform the calculation identified by the calculation identifier of the selected ticket. The provider performs the calculation and returns its result to the PHS, which passes the result back to the PTS, which returns the result to the requesting client. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120075827 | RESISTOR SHIELD TO MINIMIZE CROSSTALK AND POWER SUPPLY INTERFERENCE - A shield that protects high-value input resistors in a power meter against unwanted effects due to electromagnetic interference from a nearby power supply and/or due to crosstalk from adjacent phases. The shield includes multiple printed circuit board shields that are arranged between each of the input resistors on a main printed circuit board in the power meter. Each PCB shield has a conductive layer that provides the shielding against unwanted energy. The resistors are arranged in a diagonal or parallel manner between each pair of PCB shields to prevent the resistor from movement, which prevents pin fatigue and fixes the value of the parasitic capacitance that is produced in the resistor-PCB-shield combination. In another configuration, the PCB shield is made of a flexible material, and snakes between and over the top or around the side ends of each resistor in a serpentine fashion, protecting the resistors from unwanted energies from both the top and the sides. The PCB shields disclosed herein eliminate variations in the percent error of the measurement phases, which contributes to achieving a highly accurate meter with an overall accuracy of less than 0.1%. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120072140 | Systems, methods, and devices for analyzing utility usage with load duration curves - Systems, methods, and devices for regulating usage of at least one utility by a utility consuming system. One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method for regulating usage of at least one utility by a utility consuming system having a plurality of utility consuming segments. The method includes: generating a load duration curve (LDC); selecting a portion of the LDC to be analyzed; generating an associated duration chart (ADC) that is indicative of one or more associated duration parameters relating to the selected portion of the LDC; and modifying usage of the utility by at least one of the utility consuming segments based, at least in part, upon the one or more associated duration parameters indicated in the first ADC. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120062211 | COMPACT ELECTRICAL POWER METER - An electrical power meter for monitoring electrical power supplied to a load comprises a meter case, a plurality of current transformers within the meter case for sensing the electrical current in a plurality of line conductors of a power distribution system, and a plurality of pairs of terminals on the meter case for connecting the meter to the line conductors. The terminals of each pair are located on opposite sides of one of the current transformers, and a current transformer bus bar connects the two terminals and extends through one of the current transformers. A plurality of guides adjacent selected pairs of the terminals position lugs connecting line conductors to the selected pairs of terminals. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120055765 | PORTABLE REMOTE RACKING DEVICE FOR A CIRCUIT BREAKER - A portable, remote racking device that is controlled by a remote control. The remote racking device includes a drive that fits into a corresponding crank access hole formed in a front panel of a cradle housing a circuit breaker installed into a switchgear. The drive turns a mechanism inside the cradle that causes the circuit breaker to be racked into or out of the switchgear. The remote racking device includes an actuator pin that abuts a corresponding button arm protruding through the front panel. The remote control includes a control for depressing the button arm and another control for causing a motor to rotate the drive. The actuator pin detects when the button arm pops out of the panel, and a circuit in the remote racking device briefly reverses the motor to bring it and the circuit breaker to a sudden stop, preventing the mechanical linkages of the mechanism from locking-up or becoming damaged and avoiding over-torquing the motor. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120043988 | SOLAR COMBINER WITH INTEGRATED STRING CURRENT MONITORING - A combiner that calculates energy produced by each panel feed during the daytime, and calculates a resistance value needed to calculate the energy by injecting a known current into each panel feed at nighttime and measuring the resulting voltage across a resistive element in each panel feed. A voltage tap across the protection device in each panel feed allows logic and control circuitry to measure the voltage across each protection device. At nighttime, a known current is injected into each panel feed and the voltage across each protection device is measured. Plugging the current and voltage into Ohm's Law, a resistance of each protection device is calculated, then that resistance value is used during the daytime to calculate energy produced by each string in real time and to monitor each string's performance. When an individual string's performance wanes, an alarm is indicated to help the operator troubleshoot which individual panel(s) within the string is responsible for that string's underperformance. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120008245 | SECONDARY THERMAL SENSOR FOR PRIMARY CONDUCTORS - A thermal sensing system for providing thermal protection to an electronic circuit breaker that does not require any additional components. The layout of the conductive traces on the printed circuit board are dimensioned and configured so that the ratio of primary current to primary conductor thermal mass heating is correlated with the ratio of secondary current to secondary thermal mass heating. A voltage at a semiconductor junction in the rectifier behind the secondary transformer is measured, and a temperature or heat is calculated based on the voltage. Because this temperature or heat calculation is correlated with the temperature or heat of the primary conductor, a trip routine can be added based on the measured voltage for thermal protection of the primary conductors. A thermal history of the ‘primary thermal mass’ is also provided for robust thermal protection of the circuit breaker load and primary conductors. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120000753 | QUAD BREAK MODULAR CIRCUIT BREAKER INTERRUPTER - An interrupter includes at least four pairs of contacts. Each pair of contacts includes a stationary contact positioned to abut a corresponding moveable contact. The moveable contacts are coupled to a rotating member. The rotating member is coupled to a driving member via a biasing member. The driving member is rotated causing all four pairs of contacts to separate and open a circuit quickly. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20110315662 | ARCING FAULT AND ARC FLASH PROTECTION SYSTEM HAVING A HIGH-SPEED SWITCH - A high-speed arc terminator for an electrical power distribution system includes a sealed, evacuated housing, and a controllable mechanical switch having first and second electrically conductive contacts enclosed within the housing and adapted to be coupled to the power distribution system outside the housing. A trigger conductor extends into the housing and has an exposed end near the gap between the contacts when the contacts are in the open position. At least one of the contacts is movable between an open position in which the contacts are separated by a gap, and a closed position in which the contacts engage each other, and an operating mechanism is provided for moving the at least one contact between the open and closed positions. A high voltage source is controllably coupled to the trigger conductor for supplying a high-voltage pulse to the trigger conductor in response to the detection of an arcing fault. The high-voltage pulse produces an arc within the gap between the contacts, to shunt fault current from the power distribution system across the gap, from one of the contacts to the other, before the contacts engage each other. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110307589 | DEVICE COMMISSIONING AND REPLACEMENT - Systems and methods for associating commissioning files with components in a networked environment are provided. In one embodiment, a unique network identifier of a system component, such as a MAC address, and a network address, such as an IPv4 address may stored in an association file to link components on a network layout map to specific commissioning files. The network address may have a lease configured to infinity or to a power cycle of a component on the network. Further aspects relate to detecting if a system component has been replaced with another component. The detection may determine whether the new component has a unique network identifier not located in a association file. A user input may indicate whether the component is new or a replacement. If the new component is a replacement for another component, the unique network identifier of the first system component may be received and recorded. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110304958 | HIGH DENSITY POWER/LIGHTING PANELBOARD - A panelboard supplies electricity to multiple loads, such as lighting fixtures and/or other electrical devices via one or more high-amperage circuit breakers and one or more low-amperage circuit breakers. The panelboard includes one or more vertical busbars and one or more horizontal busbars coupled together in a single housing. The one or more horizontal busbars are coupled to a main input breaker that receives electricity from a source. The main input breaker distributes the electricity to the horizontal busbars. The horizontal busbars distribute the electricity to the high-amperage circuit breakers coupled thereto and to the vertical busbars. The vertical busbars distribute the electricity to the low-amperage circuit breakers coupled thereto. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110299203 | CLAMPING CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR HYBRID SURGE PROTECTION DEVICES - A hybrid surge protection device (SPD) having a clamping voltage that is controlled by precisely limiting the overshoot voltage of a gas discharge tube (GDT) in a hybrid suppression network. The suppression network is conventionally connected between a protected line carrying current from a power source to a load and a return connection. The network includes a main surge suppression varistor (VR | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110286134 | EARTH LEAKAGE DETECTION MODULE WITH ROBUST TRANSIENT SUPPRESSION - A module for a high voltage electronic circuit breaker that includes a power supply and related circuitry for suppressing high voltage transients. The power supply receives a range of voltages, such as up to 600V, and is powered from the line current instead of through a transformer, exposing the module electronics to potential voltage transients. A large capacitor is connected to the high voltage input for absorbing the energy of a voltage transient. Transient voltage suppressors are connected in parallel to the capacitor to absorb any further energy in the transient not absorbed by the capacitor. Inductors are series-connected with the high voltage input to present an impedance and inductance to the voltage transient, reducing the transient before it reaches the power supply. Inductors in the trip coil and the indicator coils also present an impedance and inductance to the transient, further enhancing protection against transients. Fuses connected in line with the high voltage input protect the module electronics against short circuits. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110226594 | Wire Binding Screw For A Circuit Breaker - A headless wire binding screw for use in a circuit breaker contains a slotted drive in combination with a Robertson drive. The slotted drive is for use with a slotted-type driver (such as a slotted screwdriver) and the Robertson drive is for use with a Robertson-type driver (such as a Robertson screwdriver). The screw has a body with a diameter of constant size along the entire length of the body. The screw also has an external thread that is formed along the entire length of the body. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110222211 | CIRCUIT BREAKER WITH IMPROVED TIE-DOWN ACCESSORY - Electrical circuit breakers in an electrical panelboard are equipped with tie-down devices to secure the circuit breakers to the panelboard. Each circuit breaker includes a standard housing or case having a raised portion that forms a pair of end walls and a slot at the base of each of the end walls. The panelboard includes mounts for attaching the tie-down devices to the panelboard. Each tie-down device includes (1) a breaker-attachment portion adapted to be mounted on the circuit breaker housing around the raised portion and having a pair of mounting hooks adapted to fit into the slots for attaching the tie-down device to the circuit breaker housing, and (2) a panelboard attachment portion extending beyond the circuit breaker housing for attachment to the panelboard mount. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110216480 | CIRCUIT BREAKER TRIP UNIT SUPPORT - A support for anchoring a trip unit of a circuit breaker to a base thereof to prevent separation of the trip unit from the base during a short circuit fault. The support has top-facing two locking tabs that snap into place behind a wall in a lug-receiving area of the base. The support also has an opening through which a terminal of the trip unit is received snugly. The locking tabs keep the support in place and prevent forces produced by gasses during a fault from forcing the trip unit away from the base. The terminal, attached to the trip unit, is retained by the opening, which transfers upward forces to the top of the support, which is positioned against a top section of the base. The snug fit by the terminal through the opening and retention of the support in the lug-receiving area during a fault increases post-fault dielectric performance. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110214968 | OUTSIDE THE DOOR RACKING AND INTERLOCK - An assembly that prevents a circuit breaker from being racked into and out of a switchgear compartment unless the compartment door is closed completely. A coupling member protrudes through the door and has an exposed hexagonal-shaped end to receive a socket of a racking tool. When the door is closed, a recess of the coupling member receives a drive shaft that has a drive pin through it. The drive pin slides into a slot formed in the recess of the coupling member such that when the racking tool cranks the coupling member, the coupling member in turn cranks the drive shaft as the drive pin engages the slot in the coupling member. However, when the door is open, the coupling member is separated from the drive pin so rotating the coupling member does not turn the drive shaft. An optional padlock and deadbolt assembly provides added security against unauthorized access to the tool-receiving end of the coupling member. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110209136 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR UPGRADING LIGHTING CONTROLLERS - A lighting system controller is provided that is adapted to upgrade a lighting controller with a software component having multiple upgrade dependencies. According to one example, the lighting system controller is configured to generate an upgrade plan based on the current configuration of the lighting controller and the upgrade dependencies associated with the software component. Further, according to this example, the lightings system controller executes the upgrade plan to install the software upon with the software component is dependent prior to installing the software component. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110204824 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR REMOTE CONFIGURATION OF COMMON OBJECTS ACROSS LIGHTING CONTROLLERS - A lighting system controller is provided that is adapted to configure a plurality of lighting controllers using a set of common configuration information referred to as a template. According to one example, the lighting system controller is configured to maintain a set of templates and to track associations between templates and elements of a lighting control system that are managed by the lighting system controller. Examples of managed elements include lighting controllers and configurable objects resident within the lighting controllers. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110184576 | ROBUST AUTOMATED HIERARCHICAL DETERMINATION FOR POWER MONITORING SYSTEMS - An automated hierarchy classification algorithm that searches for a child monitoring device's parent in a utility monitoring system by segmenting the device data measured by a given device pair and calculating a segment correlation coefficient for each data segment. Devices to be placed in the hierarchy are filtered by calculating the variance of their device data and eliminating devices with a low variance. Devices are ranked by computing the sum of squares of their device data and ordering the devices accordingly from highest to lowest. The device data is segmented and segment correlation coefficients are averaged to produce an overall correlation coefficient. Criteria are evaluated to determine whether a device pair is linked. A correlation coefficient is calculated using the complete data series of a device pair, and the solution produced by this approach is compared with the solution produced by segmenting the device data. If the solutions disagree, a likely candidate is determined from a fuzzy logic module. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110161951 | INFORMATION BRIDGE BETWEEN MANUFACTURER SERVER AND MONITORING DEVICE ON A CUSTOMER NETWORK - According to one aspect, a monitoring device is in communication with a computer over a first network. The computer is further in communication with a server over a second network. The computer includes a memory. A method for providing device information from the monitoring device to the server includes accessing a device web page stored on the monitoring device using a browser application operating on the computer. The monitoring device measures a utility characteristic and stores data indicative of the utility characteristic on a memory of the monitoring device. The method further includes receiving a file from the monitoring device. The file includes the device information. The device information includes at least device model information that identifies a model or type of the monitoring device. The method still further includes storing the file in the memory of the computer, accessing a server web page stored on the server using the browser application operating on the computer, and transmitting the file to the server. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110161538 | Method and System for Implementing Redundant Network Interface Modules in a Distributed I/O System - A method and system is disclosed for implementing redundant master NIMs ( | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110161468 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CASCADING PEER-TO-PEER CONFIGURATION OF LARGE SYSTEMS OF IEDS - A method and system of efficiently distributing configuration information for IEDs across one or more networks in an electrical monitoring system is disclosed. Changing configuration information is managed by a configuration management system. The IEDs in the network or networks are organized in peer relationships, each peer relationship having at least one seed IED. The configuration information is loaded to the seed IED or seed IEDs which make the configuration parameter available to other IEDs in a peer relationship with the seed IED. The other IEDs may in turn become seed IEDs for other IEDs. The configuration information therefore cascades throughout the network without further communication between the configuration management system and the selected IEDs. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110161402 | Power Monitoring System With Proxy Server For Processing And Transforming Messages And Context-Specific Caching - An electrical power monitoring system is provided with a proxy server between at least one monitoring device and at least one client device for processing and transforming messages and context-specific caching. The electrical power monitoring system includes at least one monitoring device coupled to an electrical power distribution system for sensing and storing data representing operating characteristics of the power distribution system. At least one client device is coupled to the monitoring device for requesting data from the monitoring device and processing, storing and presenting data received from the monitoring device, and a communications network is coupled to the monitoring and client devices. The proxy server is coupled to the communications network for receiving messages from the client device as a virtual device, processing the messages, and altering the messages before communicating the messages to the monitoring device to which the messages from the client devices are directed, or deferring communication of at least portions of the messages to the actual monitoring device to which the requests are directed until a later time. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110161021 | DYNAMIC LOAD ESTIMATION OF MULTIPLE BRANCH CIRCUITS - Systems and methods of branch circuit load estimation are disclosed. A total power usage of a main line of an electrical distribution panel that includes a plurality of branch circuits with at least two of the plurality of branch circuits coupled to the main line can be determined. A first power usage of the main line is determined with a first of the two branch circuits decoupled from the main line, and a first time period that the first branch circuits is coupled with the main line is identified. A kilowatt-hour energy usage value of the first branch circuit is estimated based on the first time period and a differential between the total power usage and the first power usage. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110160913 | METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR DISPLAYING ENERGY SAVINGS FROM AN HVAC SYSTEM - A method and system of determining and displaying energy savings from an HVAC system operating in an energy saving mode. The HVAC system is operated to maintain a comfort mode temperature during a learning period. The energy consumed by the HVAC system at multiple outside ambient conditions during the learning period is determined. The correlation between a specific ambient condition and energy consumed by the HVAC system is determined. The HVAC system is run to maintain an energy saving setpoint temperature. The energy consumed by the HVAC system is determined at an ambient condition while maintaining the energy saving setpoint temperature. The energy savings are calculated as a function of the difference between the energy that would have been consumed by the HVAC system at the ambient condition based on the determined correlation and the energy consumed by the HVAC system while maintaining the energy saving setpoint temperature at the ambient condition | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110158244 | INTELLIGENT ETHERNET GATEWAY SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING SERIAL COMMUNICATION NETWORKS - Systems, devices, and computer readable media for optimizing serial communication networks provide an intelligent network gateway through which network data flows. Systems and devices monitor network requests for data packets supplied by slave computing devices, examine the supplied data packets, and copy the supplied data packets to a memory device. The supplied data packets are delivered to a first requesting network device and when an additional network request for the data packets is made by a second requesting network device the data packets are delivered from the memory device to the second requester in response to the additional network request without interrupting the slave computing device to redundantly supply the data packet. Polling by multiple requester devices for redundant data from slave computing devices is avoided. Communication response times are improved, data caching is provided for devices that have no logging memory, and optimum communication settings can be automatically determined. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110156847 | OVERLOAD RELAY TRIP MECHANISM - An overload relay trip mechanism includes a housing, a reset button, a leaf spring, a test button, a coil spring, and an actuator. The reset button can be actuated from a normal position to a reset position to cause the leaf spring to transition from a first position to a second position, which causes a reset actuator-engaging element to move the actuator from a tripped position to a closed position. The test button can be actuated from a normal position to a test-stop position to cause a first test actuator-engaging element to move a moveable contact from an electrically connected position to an electrically disconnected position. The test button can further be moved from the test-stop position to the test-trip position to cause a second test actuator-engaging element to move the actuator from the closed position to the tripped position. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110156697 | COMPACT, TWO STAGE, ZERO FLUX ELECTRONICALLY COMPENSATED CURRENT OR VOLTAGE TRANSDUCER EMPLOYING DUAL MAGNETIC CORES HAVING SUBSTANTIALLY DISSIMILAR MAGNETIC CHARACTERISTICS - A device for sensing electrical current or voltage in an electrical distribution system using an actively compensated current ratio transformer that includes a first magnetic core having a first permeability and a second magnetic core having a second permeability higher than the first permeability. A primary winding having P turns is coupled with the first and second magnetic cores, a measurement winding having M turns is coupled with the first and second magnetic cores so that current in the primary winding induces current in the measurement winding, and a sense winding having S turns is coupled with the second magnetic core. An amplifier coupled to the sense winding receives a voltage developed across the sense winding and produces a compensation current in response to the received voltage. The amplifier has an output coupled to the sense winding to feed the compensation current through the sense winding to reduce the voltage developed across the sense winding voltage to substantially zero. A burden resistor is coupled to the measurement winding and the sense winding for receiving the sum of the current induced in the measurement winding and the compensation current. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110156658 | Active Communications Bus Power Harvester For Differential Signal Communication System - A balanced differential signal communication system having at least two data lines connecting multiple nodes in series, each node comprising a signal generator for applying signals to the data lines that produce a controllable differential voltage across the data lines; a rechargeable storage device for receiving electrical energy from the data lines to charge the storage device; at least one device coupled to the storage device for receiving electrical energy from the storage device; and a controllable converter coupling the data lines to the storage device for controlling the charging and discharging of the storage device with power captured from the data lines. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110155698 | REMOTE DRIVE FOR DISCONNECTOR/ISOLATOR USED IN SWITCHGEAR - A remotely controlled, motorized drive system for a disconnector used in switchgear. An operator pushes a button on a remote control, which signals a receiver in the disconnector to engage a motor that is coupled to a drive shaft. The drive shaft causes movable contacts of the disconnector to be moved into engagement or out of engagement with sets of fixed contacts in the switchgear that are connected to the line supply and to the circuit breaker that is bolted into the switchgear. One set of contacts is electrically coupled to the line supply, which can carry up to three phases of current. Another set of contacts is connected to corresponding terminals of the circuit breaker. A second motor controls movement of a grounding bar that grounds the circuit breaker to earth. Indicator lights on the switchgear panel indicate the position of the disconnector for visual confirmation of the same. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110149483 | PANELBOARD HAVING A PARALLEL FEEDER BARS DISTRIBUTION - A load center includes a pair of generally parallel busbars for distributing a single phase of electricity to circuit breakers through a multitude of stabs that form respective bridges between the pair of busbars to provide respective bidirectional paths for dissipating heat from each of the stabs to both of the busbars and to provide a connection point for a pair of circuit breakers installed into the load center. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110148883 | METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR COMPUTATION AND DISPLAY OF EQUIPMENT OPERATIONAL DATA - A method and system for displaying a characteristic of power associated with a first piece of electrical equipment that has an on-state and an off-state. A measurement of current consumed or produced by the first piece of electrical equipment in the on-state is received. Data derived from the current measured and associated times when the first piece of electrical equipment is in the on-state are stored on a memory device. A characteristic of power is calculated as a function of the data. A graphical representation of the first data as a multi-dimensional shape on a graph having a first axis with time increments and a second axis with increments representing units of the characteristic of power is displayed on a video display. The multi-dimensional shape includes a first dimension representing a duration of the on-state and a second dimension representing the characteristic of power consumed or produced by at least the first piece of electrical equipment during the time period associated with the duration of the on-state. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110148309 | OCCUPANCY SENSOR WITH EMBEDDED SIGNALING CAPABILITY - A lighting control system includes an enhanced occupancy sensor and/or an enhanced power pack, allowing for more sophisticated and/or accurate lighting control and energy management capability. In one example, the occupancy sensor provides additional information, such as information about movement detected in the monitored area, in the form of a signal superimposed on the occupancy signal, and a specialty power pack is configured to detect and respond to the superimposed information signal, thereby providing enhanced functionality to the lighting control system. The superimposed signal conveying the additional information is made high-speed/short-duration such that it is “invisible” to a conventional power pack and the occupancy sensor remains compatible with conventional power packs. The enhanced occupancy sensor may therefore be used seamlessly with both conventional and specialty power packs, and may be implemented as a “drop-in” component for legacy lighting control systems. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110148193 | NETWORKED OCCUPANCY SENSOR AND POWER PACK - A lighting control system includes an enhanced occupancy sensor and/or an enhanced power pack, allowing for more sophisticated and/or accurate lighting control and energy management capability. In one example, the power pack and/or occupancy sensor is networkable, providing the capability to link and coordinate multiple power pack/occupancy sensor combinations, thereby providing zone-wide control and energy management features, such as, coordinated lighting of several areas, the ability to force lights on in a life-safety situation, and the ability to control other equipment in a monitored area (e.g., an air conditioning and/or heating system) responsive to detected occupancy in the area. The networkable power pack includes installation and wiring to an occupancy sensor that is substantially identical to a conventional power pack and therefore may be implemented as a “drop-in” component in a legacy lighting control system, without requiring changes to the occupancy sensors or wiring of the system. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110147178 | Electronic Miniature Circuit Breaker With Trip Indication Using The Breaker Tripping Function As The Feedback Mechanism - A method for identifying a type of fault condition in a circuit breaker includes monitoring a branch circuit for a fault condition. In response to detecting the fault condition, interrupting current flow through the branch circuit. The type of fault condition is stored in a memory device from which it is retrieved in response to receiving a control signal. The type of fault condition is indicated based on the mechanical position of a circuit breaker handle as a function of time. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110147173 | WIRELESS REMOTE RACKING MECHANISM - A motorized racking mechanism for racking a circuit breaker into and out of switchgear/board equipment allows for breaker service without operator proximity to the switchgear. A motor fixed to a cradle that receives a circuit breaker is coupled to a power transmission system that turns a control screw. The control screw laterally moves a crown-wheel device that causes the circuit breaker to be moved among a remove, test, and connected positions in response to a button arm being depressed via a front panel of the cradle. The button arm can be depressed under wireless remote control. A solenoid is coupled to a crank detent actuator that includes the button arm, and a wireless module actuates the solenoid, which moves the button arm, causing the motorized movement of the circuit breaker as if the button arm had been manually depressed. Indicator lights are visible on the front panel to indicate the position of the circuit breaker relative to the cradle. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110098952 | HIGH DENSITY METERING SYSTEM - A method of monitoring the electrical power in multiple branch circuits of an AC electrical power distribution system comprises monitoring at least one voltage common to said multiple branch circuits using a main meter unit, monitoring currents of the multiple branch circuits using multiple current cards that receive a plurality of current inputs from current transducers in the multiple branch circuits, sampling the monitored voltage in the main meter unit and the monitored currents in the current cards multiple times in each cycle of the AC power signal, determining the magnitudes and angles of spectral components of the sampled current in the current cards, sending data representing the magnitudes and angles of at least selected spectral components from the current cards to the main meter unit, and storing the voltage samples and the magnitudes and angles of at least the selected spectral components in the main meter unit. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110042191 | CIRCUIT BREAKER COVER ATTACHMENT - A circuit breaker includes a base holding an ampoule assembly, a mechanical cover that fits on the base, and a trim cover which fits on the mechanical cover. The circuit breaker can include cover supports positioned between the ampoule assembly and the base. The cover support includes a coupling member that fits within receiving apertures of the mechanical cover and has a threaded through-channel which aligns with apertures of the trim cover. Screws inserted through the trim cover are received in the through-channel to secure the trim cover, the mechanical cover and the base together. The mechanical cover and the base can have interlocking mechanisms which snap-fit together to further support coupling of the cover and base. The circuit breaker can incorporate a retainer clip which engages an ampoule pin, wherein the clip mounts to the mechanical cover to further support holding of the cover and base together. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20100309018 | ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER FOR A PROXIMITY SENSOR - An ultrasonic transducer assembly for use in sensing the location of objects in proximity to the transducer. The ultrasonic transducer assembly includes a piezoceramic resonator plate and a coupler. The resonator plate is supported to the coupler in cantilever relation. The coupler extends transverse to the resonator plate for acoustically coupling the resonator plate to a medium in contact with the coupler. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100306151 | IN HIERARCHY DETERMINATION FOR POWER MONITORING SYSTEMS - A method of automatically learning how multiple devices are directly or indirectly linked in a monitoring system, comprises determining configuration parameters for the multiple devices in said system, receiving data measured by the devices, and grouping the devices into multiple segments according to at least one type of information selected from the group consisting of configuration parameters and data measured by said devices. Potential relationships of the devices in each segment are determined according to at least one type of information selected from the group consisting of configuration parameters and data measured by the devices, the hierarchies of the devices within individual segments are determined, and the hierarchies of the top-most device or devices in the segments are determined. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100188176 | DIVIDED ADJUSTABLE ARMATURE FOR A CIRCUIT BREAKER - A divided armature for the trip mechanism of a circuit breaker especially useful for low trip current breakers allows for two independent adjustments: first of the magnetic air gap between the yoke and the armature and second of the clearance between the trip bar and the back plate of the armature. The divided armature allows the force of a return spring of the trip mechanism to be unchanged while adjusting the magnetic air gap to set the trip current point. | 07-29-2010 |
