Abstract:
A controller-based detection system configured to adaptively learn to distinguish between detected light that is indicative of an arc fault event and detected light that is not related to an arc fault event. In particular, the detection system is configured to observe the electrical power system as it is operated under various conditions to induce light events that are unrelated to arc fault events. Using the observed information about the light events that are unrelated to arc fault events, the detection system determines one or more detection algorithms. During normal operation of the electrical power system, the adaptively determined one or more detection algorithms are utilized to identify arc fault events in the electrical power system.
Abstract:
A jet engine cowl includes a thrust reverser in which a cowl portion is movable to open a gap in the flow duct wall. The movable cowl portion is further divided, to enable one portion to be moved faster than its complementary portion. The difference in speed of movement provides a drive face to pivot blocker flaps across the flow duct.
Abstract:
A system and method for data table multiplexing on a serial multiplex data (bit level) system is described. The present invention combines the benefits of previous systems with the capability to transfer large tables of data. The method used to transfer this data is a software data multiplexing protocol that utilizes the previous physical layer protocol and is capable of coexisting with previous systems. Multiple bit addresses are assigned functions such as address, data, and error detection. This establishes a data transfer frame that is used to multiplex data between a host and a module. Communication to and from the host is accomplished through the register map. The register map contains module setup information, software configuration settings, raw data, or summary data.
Abstract:
An intelligent power management system that includes a circuit breaker containing a PLC module that spans open contacts of the circuit breaker to provide a communication path for PLC messages between communication paths on each of the line and load sides of the circuit when the contacts are open. The contacts are motorized to permit remote operation through PLC messaging. Coupled to the PLC module is a controller, which controls the opening and closing of the motorized contacts under user control or via an adaptive load management algorithm that reduces peak power consumption and adapts a set of loads to changed power supply conditions. The controller can also dynamically alter operational current and fault threshold levels on a real-time basis based upon circuit requirements or environmental conditions. The algorithm runs a state machine and also manages loads in a limited power source environment such as when loads are powered by a generator.
Abstract:
A calibration method for a potentiometer which provides indicia reflecting an accurate indication of actual electrical resistance throughout the resistive range of a particular potentiometer. The indicia includes a number of graduation marks or symbols having a range and spacing unique to the resistive characteristics of the particular potentiometer. The indicia is fixed with respect to a known location associated with the particular potentiometer. The range and spacing of the indicia graduations is derived from measured resistance values at predetermined locations along the resistive member of the particular potentiometer.
Abstract:
A controller-based detection system configured to adaptively learn to distinguish between detected light that is indicative of an arc fault event and detected light that is not related to an arc fault event. In particular, the detection system is configured to observe the electrical power system as it is operated under various conditions to induce light events that are unrelated to arc fault events. Using the observed information about the light events that are unrelated to arc fault events, the detection system determines one or more detection algorithms. During normal operation of the electrical power system, the adaptively determined one or more detection algorithms are utilized to identify arc fault events in the electrical power system.
Abstract:
An intelligent power management system that includes a circuit breaker containing a PLC module that spans open contacts of the circuit breaker to provide a communication path for PLC messages between the line and load sides of the circuit when the contacts are open. The contacts are motorized to permit remote operation through PLC messaging. Coupled to the PLC module is a controller, which controls the opening and closing of the motorized contacts under user control or via an adaptive load management algorithm that reduces peak power consumption and adapts a set of loads to changed power supply conditions. The controller can also dynamically alter operational current and fault threshold levels on a real-time basis based upon circuit requirements or environmental conditions. The algorithm runs a state machine and also manages loads in a limited power source environment such as when loads are powered by a generator.
Abstract:
An intelligent power management system that includes a circuit breaker containing a PLC module that spans open contacts of the circuit breaker to provide a communication path for PLC messages between the line and load sides of the circuit when the contacts are open. The contacts are motorized to permit remote operation through PLC messaging. Coupled to the PLC module is a controller, which controls the opening and closing of the motorized contacts under user control or via an adaptive load management algorithm that reduces peak power consumption and adapts a set of loads to changed power supply conditions. The controller can also dynamically alter operational current and fault threshold levels on a real-time basis based upon circuit requirements or environmental conditions. The algorithm runs a state machine and also manages loads in a limited power source environment such as when loads are powered by a generator.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a low burden visual POWER ON indicator for a self-powered electrical circuit protection device. The visual indicator includes a current transformer for producing an induced current in direct proportion to the current supplied to an electrical device protected by the protection device. The induced current is summed and rectified. An energy accumulator stores a predetermined voltage required to operate the protection device. The stored voltage is controlled by an accumulation switch which in turn is controlled by a hysteresis control circuit. The hysteresis control circuit includes an operational amplifier which is biased by a stable reference voltage. When the voltage on the energy accumulator is equal to the stable reference voltage the operational amplifier produces a HIGH output signal. When the voltage on the energy accumulator is less than the stable reference voltage the operational amplifier produces a LOW output signal. A HIGH output signal causes the power accumulation switch to close thereby diverting current away from the energy accumulator. A LOW output signal opens the power accumulation switch causing current to flow to the energy accumulator thereby charging it. An LED is electrically connected to the operational amplifier such that it is illuminated only when the operational amplifier produces a HIGH output signal and thereby provides a visual indication of the POWER ON state of the protection device.
Abstract:
A circuit for detecting phase imbalance in a three phase electrical system. The circuit includes a three phase current transformer or three separate current transformers for monitoring the current flowing in each phase of a three phase electrical system. The current transformers provide an induced current proportional to the monitored current. The induced current passes through a full-wave bridge rectifier which produces a voltage output proportional to the induced current. This voltage signal is passed to a two pole Sallen-Key filter which allows a desired signal having a particular frequency range to pass through and blocks the passage of an undesired signal having a particular frequency range. A scaling circuit then receives a portion of the desired signal and produces a scaled average signal which is of a preselected magnitude lower than the desired signal. The scaled average signal and a portion of the desired signal are passed to a comparator/timer which produces an output signal based on a comparison of the desired signal and the scaled average signal. The output signal from the comparator/timer is only produced when the desired signal is lower in value than the scaled average signal and when the timer has determined that the signal is true. When it is determined that the output signal is true, it is sent to an electromechanical trip device which initiates a trip signal to an electrical contactor, thereby interrupting the three phase system.