Showing papers by "Eaton Corporation published in 1994"

Modular apparatus and method for surface treatment of parts with liquid baths

Abstract: A modular parts surface treatment system includes a number of modular units each having integral conveying means for transporting the parts through the unit and delivering them to the next unit. The system includes a single modular cleaning unit, preferably for dry, mechanical cleaning of the parts. The modular cleaning unit reciprocates along a set of tracks to deliver cleaned parts to each of several side-by-side modular treatment units which tumble the parts in a bath of treatment solution and then drain them before discharging them onto the conveyor of a modular transfer unit. The modular transfer unit delivers the parts to a modular rinse unit having an inclined conveyor submerged at one end in a tank of rinse water. This conveyor transports the parts through the rinse water and lifts them above the rinse water for draining. If needed, the parts may be passed through a second modular rinse unit, or through a modular additional surface treatment unit, which may be similar to a modular rinse unit or to the modular treatment unit, and then through a second modular rinse unit. Finally, the parts are dried in a spin dryer or dry heated by air on an in-line conveyor unit.

Electronic data entry system employing an expert system to facilitate generation of electronic data forms with complex interrelationships between fields and subforms

Abstract: An rulebase software system is incorporated into a form data entry system for a digital computer to assure that only complete, consistent and valid data entries are made in accordance with the expert system rulebase. The rulebase is in a simple tabular format which eliminates the need for programming. The system interprets the rulebase tables automatically in order to draw the data forms and subforms displayed on the computer screen. Dependencies between input data fields on a data form and between fields and subforms are embedded in the tables of the rulebase. Valid data entries displayed for a given menu field vary in accordance with certain prior entries, and fields which can only assume one valid value can be automatically filled in with the single value dependent upon the value previously entered for designated other fields. Context sensitive hypertext help forms called by a selected field are dependent upon values previously entered for designated other fields.

Self testing circuit breaker ground fault and sputtering arc trip unit

Abstract: Ground fault trip units for circuit breakers are tested by a passive test circuit which includes a test conductor passing through the current transformer sensing coil(s), and a test switch which selectively connects the test conductor in a loop which simulates a neutral-to-ground fault. In a dormant oscillator ground fault test circuit, the test conductor loop passes through both sensing coils. When the neutral-to-ground detector is combined with a sputtering arc fault detector sharing a common sensing coil, testing of all the components is accomplished by adding an additional test circuit which injects pulses derived from the line conductor into the sensing coil secondary, or which alternatively, connects a capacitor charged from a DC supply across the sensing coil secondary. Either of these alternative test circuits generates the successive events needed to produce a sputtering arc trip.

Arc detection using current variation

Abstract: In an electric circuit supplying AC line current rent to a load (30, 31) from an AC source (26) of given frequency providing repetitive cycles, arc detection is provided by sensing cycle to cycle changes in the AC line current. The AC line current is sampled with a harmonic notch filter (72) at a plurality of n phases Θ 1 through Θ n during each of a plurality of m cycles of the AC source (26), to provide a plurality of currents I n ,m, where n is the phase and m is the cycle. The differences (I n ,m)-(I n ,m-x), where x is a designated number of cycles, provide a plurality of current difference signals. The absolute values of these current difference signals ID are accumulated in a synchronous summer (94) over the m cycles. An arc indicative signal is generated in response to given conditions and given combinations of conditions (116) of the cumulative absolute current difference signals ID. Cycle to cycle changes in AC line voltage are also sensed with a harmonic notch filter (146), and the arc indicative signal is disarmed in response to a given voltage condition. In further embodiments, subcycle changes are sensed.

Advances in material development for high power, vacuum interrupter contacts

Abstract: This paper reviews the development of contact materials for vacuum interrupters. During the past 15 years, chromium-copper (Cr-Cu) has gradually become the dominant contact material for use in medium-voltage, high-current vacuum interrupters. The manufacturing methods for this material are discussed. Other materials such a tungsten-copper (W-Cu), tungsten carbide-silver (WC-Ag), and copper alloys are briefly described. The performance of the vacuum interrupter contacts under operating conditions is reviewed. This review shows that Cr-Cu continues to be the best contact material for vacuum interrupters used in vacuum circuit breakers. >

Synchronizer with cone cup locater pins

Abstract: A pin-type, double-acting synchronizer mechanism (18) with friction clutches (20,32 and 22,34), jaw clutches (24,14b and 26,16b) and self-energizing ramps. The ramps act between a shaft (12) and a shift flange (28) which is rotatable relative to the shaft and jaw clutch members (24,26). Flange (28) includes radially inwardly extending teeth (48) defining self-energizing ramps (48a,48b,48c,48d) which act against ramps (50a,50b,50c,50d) defined by a post-like portion (50) formed from shaft splines (12b). Three circumferentially spaced pins (36) include blocker shoulders for preventing asynchronous engagement of the jaw clutches and pre-energizer surfaces which each cooperate with a pre-energizer assembly (38). Friction members (20,22) of the friction clutches are slidably splined to gears to prevent relative rotation therebetween and abut surfaces (14d,16d) defined by gears (14,16) to limit axial movement away from mating friction rings (32,34), respectively. Axial movement toward the mating friction rings is limited by rigid pins (44) slidably extending through openings (32b,34b) in the rings.

Automatic beverage dispenser

Abstract: A dispenser is programmed to automatically dispense a beverage into a plurality of different size containers by storing therein a volume designation for each size container. The flow rate of beverage through the dispenser is determined. To do so, a user manually operates the dispenser to fill a given container with the beverage while the dispenser measures the filling time. The dispenser calculates a beverage flow rate from the volume designation for the given container and the filling time. Then the flow rate and volume designations are used thereafter by the dispenser to derive a dispensing time for each different size container. Thus the dispenser is able to derive dispensing times for each container size from filling only one of the containers. A unique dispenser valve also is disclosed.

Fail-safe EEPROM based rewritable boot system

Abstract: A computer boot strap loading system employs dual, separable EEPROM units to facilitate safe reprogramming of bootstrap loader software. Both EEPROMs are adapted for storing bootstrap loading code. One of these two EEPROM areas is designated as the unit for which the code content will govern operation of the next reboot sequence. Circuitry is provided to monitor progress of a reboot to determine if a defect in the presently utilized reboot sequence is provided. Such a defect triggers a reboot from the other EEPROM as well as to provide a back-up copy of the bootstrap loading code most recently determined to be effective.

Circuit breaker responsive to repeated in-rush currents produced by a sputtering arc fault

Abstract: A circuit breaker responds to sputtering arc faults by counting the times that a bandwidth limited di/dt signal exceeds a threshold magnitude within a selected time interval. In the exemplary circuit breaker, if the threshold is exceeded twice within a one second interval, a trip solenoid is energized. The di/dt sensor can share a sensing coil with a ground fault detector. Alternatively, the resistance of the neutral lead within the circuit breaker is utilized to sense current which is converted to a bandwidth limited di/dt signal for level detection and counting of sputtering arc events.

System and Method for assigning addresses to I/O devices in a control network and for verifying the assigned address of the devices

Abstract: A method and system is provided for assigning addresses to input/output (I/O) devices in a control network, and for verifying addresses assigned to the I/O devices. The system comprises a logic controller providing memory into which a connectivity map may be programmed. The connectivity map defines a specific expected address for each I/O device in the system. The logic controller further provides an external controller bus and logic for downloading the connectivity map to an I/O bus manager connected to the logic controller via the external controller bus. The I/O bus manager provides logic for assigning the specific addresses to the I/O devices. Network nodes connect the I/O bus manager to I/O cluster units in the system, each network node including a multiplexer for multiplexing output signals from the I/O bus manager and a demultiplexer for demultiplexing input signals from the I/O cluster units, the multiplexing/demultiplexing functions provided by a controller area network (CAN) integrated circuit. Each I/O cluster unit includes a multiplexer for multiplexing input signals from the I/O devices and a demultiplexer for demultiplexing output signals from its associated network node, the multiplexing/ demultiplexing functions again provided by a controller area network (CAN) integrated circuit. Each I/O cluster unit provides means for manually requesting address assignments and a visual indication of addresses so assigned. Each I/O cluster unit also provides means to manually reject the address assigned to it by the I/O bus manager if the assigned address is not the expected address for the I/O cluster processor defined in the connectivity map.

Touch point identification algorithm for automatic clutch controller

Abstract: This invention provides automatic and reliable determination of the touch point of a clutch controlled by an automatic clutch actuation controller. This invention determines the touch point upon power-up while idling the engine, with the transmission in neutral and an input shaft brake applied. The clutch actuation controller gradually engages the clutch so that the measured transmission input speed matches a reference speed signal preferably between 40% and 60% of the idle speed. If the actuation is slow enough, this reliably provides the degree of clutch engagement at a small torque matching the braking torque which is the touch point. If there is no previous knowledge of the touch point, the clutch is applied at a fast rate and an approximate touch point is determined, then the clutch is positioned below the approximate touch point and is again applied at a slow rate to more accurately ascertain the touch point. If there is previous knowledge of the touch point, the clutch is positioned just below the old touch point and is applied at a slow rate to determine a new touch point. The new and old touch points may be combined to determine the updated touch point.

Churning loss reduction means for gear type devices

Abstract: A gear device such as a change gear transmission of the countershaft (21) type in which, mounted for rotation about the countershaft is a larger gear (17) and a smaller gear (29). The transmission housing (11) defines a first lubricant reservoir (R1), having a nominal fill level (L1), which is able to lubricate the smaller gear as it rotates. A partition member (51) is disposed around the larger gear and defines a second lubricant reservoir (R2) through which the larger gear passes as it rotates. The partition member defines fluid passages (71,73) providing restricted communication from the first reservoir to the second reservoir. The fluid passages (71,73) are sized such that as the larger gear rotates, carrying lubricant out of the second reservoir (R2), there is maintained in the second reservoir a second fill level (L2), below the first fill level (L1) such that at least a portion of the teeth of the larger gear (17) pass just below the second fill level as the larger gear rotates. The result is substantially reduced churning losses, without decreasing the ability to lubricate the smaller gears.

Circuit interrupter with cause for trip indication

Abstract: In a circuit interrupter which has multiple electronic trip circuits, such as ground fault and arcing fault trip circuits, indicators such as LED's produce an indication of the cause of the trip The trip signals are latched to provide a continuing trip indication and ORed to actuate the trip device In one embodiment SCR's connected in series with the indicator LED's serve as the latches and are connected in parallel to the trip device to provide the OR function In other embodiments, flip-flops serve as the latches In one such embodiment, the indicator LED's are connected from the respective flip-flops in parallel to the trip device to provide the OR function In another such embodiment the flip-flops actuate the trip device and turn on switches actuating the LED's These switches energizing the cause of trip LED's are disabled until the contacts open to assure operation of the trip device Alarms can be coupled to the trip circuit by additional LED's, preferably IR LED's, connected in series with the indicator LED's

Circuit breaker - associated backpack unit for lower-link communication with a PC computer monitoring system and energy monitoring system using a plurality of such backpack units

Abstract: A PC computer monitors the energy consumed at a plurality of local stations placed behind the electrical meter of the utility company for individual billing of the local users, a bidirectional communication line being used between the PC computer and the plurality of local stations. A command from the PC computer causes the totalized energy to be stored at each station, and thereafter the PC computer derives individually the results for separate energy estimations and central billing.

Current transformer using a laminated toroidal core structure and a lead frame

Abstract: A current transformer device (10) is formed on a ceramic substrate (12) which is provided with a plurality of planar conductive tracks (16) formed on a surface of the substrate (12) where the conductive tracks (16) extend substantially radially from an imaginary point on the surface of the substrate (12). A structure of permeable material (25) is then tape cast or epitaxially formed by vapor deposition of a thick film of magnetic ceramic over the major portion of each of the conductive tracks (16) to form a permeable toroidal core (22). A lead frame (38) is then placed over the core (22) and a plurality of metal conductors (26) are soldered to each of the respective exposed ends of the metal conductive tracks (16) on the substrate (12). The required electrical elements (54) to complete the current transformer device (10) are mounted to a second side (14b) of the ceramic substrate (12) and electrically connected to the toroidal coil (13) for powering and/or receiving signals therefrom.

Truck tractor and trailer electrical communication system

Abstract: A truck tractor and trailer electrical communication system having one electronic control unit located in tractor and another electronic control unit located in at least one trailer both respectively controlling the state of a plurality of switching devices to establish the appropriate electrical connection into and out of a standard seven pin tractor/trailer electrical connector where high speed data communication links are used for control and diagnostics

Ground fault circuit interrupter with immunity to wide band noise

Abstract: In a ground fault circuit interrupter in which it was found that wide band noise induced by load transients is rectified by an op-amp In the detector circuit, false trips due to the wide band noise are eliminated by only comparing the output of the amplifier with a threshold of opposite polarity to that of the rectified noise signal and by eliminating capacitive coupling between the current sensor and the op amp This requires an op amp with a low offset, on the order of about five percent or less

Wafer sensing and clamping monitor

Abstract: A wafer position and clamp sensor. A circuit 114 monitors capacitance between two electrodes 22,24 within a wafer support 14,16,18,20. With no wafer 12 on the support, the capacitance falls in one range, with the wafer in place but not clamped, the capacitance falls in a second range and with the wafer held in place by an electrostatic attraction the capacitance falls in a third range. The sensed capacitance is converted to a frequency and then a DC voltage level 164 that can easily be sensed and used to confirm wafer placement and then confirm wafer clamping.

Control method/system including determination of an updated value indicative of gross combination weight of vehicles

Abstract: A control system/method for determining vehicular gross combined weight (GCW) is provided. GCW is determined immediately after upshifts of a transmission (10) and requires only input signals indicative of engine or driveline torque (DL), vehicle acceleration (dOS/dt) and currently engaged gear ratio (GR).

Transmission spring loaded shift device

Abstract: A transmission shifting system for a gear change transmission where an actuator responding to a control signal is used to axially displace a secondary shift rail thereby preloading a spring acting upon a primary shift rail where a coupling element permits relative motion between the secondary shift rail and the primary shift rail until gear synchronization or a torque break occurs allowing the desired gear shift to occur. The relative motion which results in a spring preload force to be generated on the primary shift rail continues until the secondary shift rail contacts the portion of the coupler adjacent to a primary flange formed as part of the primary shift rail whereupon the actuator is solidly linked to the shift rail and a shift fork.

Method and apparatus for robust automatic clutch control with pid regulation

Abstract: An automatic clutch controller for a vehicle that reduces the oscillatory response to clutch engagement. The automatic clutch controller receives inputs from an engine speed sensor (13) and a transmission input speed sensor (31) and develops a clutch actuation signal controlling a clutch actuator (27) from disengaged to fully engaged. The clutch engagement signal at least partially engages the friction clutch (20) in a manner to cause the measured transmission input speed to asymptotically approach engine speed employing an approximate inverse model of this oscillatory response. The automatic clutch controller preferably includes a PID function and a differential engine speed function, which together adaptively adjust clutch engagement corresponding to vehicle loading. The automatic clutch controller includes a PID regulator (65) responsive to the difference of engine speed and transmission input speed, a prefilter (68) operating on the resulting PID signal, and a compensator (70) constructed to reduce the need for detailed particularization for individual vehicles or vehicle models by reducing the system closed loop sensitivity to vehicle parameter variations.

Liquid distribution operable by solenoid valves

Abstract: Water enters a common manifold at one or more individually line valved inlet ports, and is routed selectively by direct acting type solenoid operated valves to plural exit ports from the manifold. One exit port solenoid valve is normally open and the solenoid valves for each of the other exit ports are normally closed. For instance valve 5a controls all three ports 3a-3c. The line valves are closed thus lowering the pressure within manifold 1, whenever any one or more of exit valves is to be actuated--i.e., closing the normally open or opening the normally closed valves which are low force directing acting. If desired, the normally open (N.O.) exit valve may have a small central hole in the moveable valve poppet for allowing a pilot flow for lowering of pressure, when this normally open valve is in the closed position and is to be allowed to open without requirement for a very strong return spring 21. The N.O. valve solenoid armature has a head portion received in a cavity in the poppet; and the had portion is operative for limited lost motion with respect to the poppet for opening the pilot passage which lowers the manifold pressure permitting the return spring to re-open the N.O. valve. The manifold may have an automatic pressure release device 9 and there may be flow regulators and/or filters 16 associated with the inlet valves 15, 18.

Electrically operated parking brake system

Abstract: A parking brake system is provided which includes a dual solenoid operated valve (20) located in series with the emergency brake control valve (18) of a hydraulically operated brake system The dual solenoid valve is operable to either one of two mechanical detent positions (38) so that positioning of the valve is retained in the event of loss of power The dual solenoid valve is controlled by the vehicle operator from the transmission console (40) and removes fluid pressure from the brakes when actuated to a PARK position An electronic control unit (46) is provided for sensing the speed of the vehicle and the pressure in the hydraulic line to the brakes and provides a PARK enabling signal when the vehicle speed is below a predetermined amount When a gear is selected at the console the dual solenoid valve is actuated to a position permitting fluid pressure, to be applied to the brakes and effectively returns control of the brakes to the emergency brake control device A pressure sensor (48) is provided in the line (16) to the brakes and is used to provide feedback to the driver and to control transmission shifting

Combined automotive light switch

Abstract: An automotive light switch assembly having a rotatable/pull-push type user actuator extending from a housing adapted for dashboard mounting The rotary actuation controls the on/off functions for both the parking and headlamps and the pull-push actuation controls the on/off function for the vehicle interior lights A light pipe illuminates, from a stationary source a translucent lens on the rotatable/pull-push actuator to facilitate user location Stationary translucent lenses are illuminated to indicate the particular function position that has been selected A pair of spaced oppositely disposed wheel or disc-type actuators are provided below the rotatable/pull-push actuator for controlling respectively headlamp illumination distance and interior light intensity A light pipe illuminates, from a stationary lamp source, a translucent lens on each wheel to indicate the wheel position Stationary illuminated indicators display the function/level selected by each individual wheel position Separate user stationary lenses are illuminated to facilitate user location A pair of push-push actuators are disposed between the wheels and serve to control off/on switching for the front and rear fog lamps Each push-push actuator has a light pipe illuminating separate location and function lenses on the actuator Spring clips on the housing retain the housing in the dashboard

Method/system for determining clutch touch point

Abstract: A method/system for updating, between system calibration operations, the value (134') of a monitored control parameter corresponding to clutch incipient engagement is provided. At calibration, the initial values of the parameter corresponding to full engagement (124), incipient engagement (130) and the difference therebetween (132) are determined, and thereafter, the updated value of the parameter corresponding to clutch incipient engagement is determined as a function of a current value (124') of the parameter corresponding to clutch full engagement and the memorized value of the difference (132).

Common alarm system for a plurality of circuit interrupters

Abstract: Apparatus for generating alarms for a group of circuit interrupters, especially those which respond to arcing faults, includes a device associated with each circuit interrupter providing an indication of a tripped condition and a common alarm generator which generates an alarm when any one, or at least any one of a number of selected circuit interrupters, is in the tripped condition. In one embodiment of the invention, switches indicating that associated circuit interrupters are tripped generate auxiliary trip signals on a common alarm bus. The auxiliary trip signals are latched by a latch on the common alarm bus which energizes a relay to activate a local and/or remote alarm. The latch is reset by a switch on the load center door. In another embodiment of the invention, an IR beam is blocked from reaching a photo-detector whenever a circuit interrupter handle is in the tripped position which also results in energization of a relay to actuate the common alarm. Selected circuit interrupters only can be alarmed by orienting the light beam such that only circuit interrupters selected by adding an extension to the handle block the beam when the associated circuit interrupter is tripped.

Helically Geared Compound Transmission

Abstract: A compound helically geared transmission (310) of lighter weight and/or shorter axial length than comparable prior art transmissions is provided. The compound helically geared transmission of the present invention utilizes main and auxiliary section countershafts (324, 362) which are coaxial and supported solely by bearings in the transmission housing (316) forward and rearward end walls (316A, 316B). The mainshaft (362) is supported solely by tapered surfaces at the forward and rearward ends thereof, which abut complimentary tapered surfaces on or carried by the rearward end of the input shaft (318) and forward end of the output shaft (358).

Illuminated rotary switch assembly

Abstract: An illuminated multi-position rotary selector/control switch assembly (10) for switching substantial direct current (20 amps) at low voltages (12 V). A lower plastic housing shell (14) is molded in a two-stage process with the first stage comprising molding platable thermoplastic resin strips (58,60,62) and molding thereover second stage unplatable thermoplastic with exposed surface portions of said first first stage subsequently plated to form conductive strips having stationary switching contacts attached. The connector terminal pins (44,46,48,50) are formed integrally with the strips in the first stage molding. The second stage thermoplastic molded thereover forms the part outline. The upper housing shell (12) has a transparent arcuate window (36) molded integrally therein for collecting and feeding light from a lamp to a light pipe (122) carried by the user rotatable actuation knob (20).

Synchronizer with self-energizing

Abstract: A baulkring-type synchronizer (18) includes cone clutch friction surfaces (24,48 and 26,50) and jaw clutch teeth (36b,28 and 36c,30) for frictionally synchronizing and positive connecting gears (14,16) to a shaft (12). A plurality of rigid members (72) are drivingly interposed between blocker teeth (44,46) affixed to baulkrings (40,42) and self-energizing ramp surfaces (70a-70d) defined on an outer circumference of a hub 32 affixed to the shaft (12). A shift sleeve (34) is slidably splined to the hub (32) and is moved by an operator shift force (F o ) and an additive force (F a ) provided by the self-energizing ramp surfaces. Both forces (F o and F a ) react against the blocker teeth to engage the friction surfaces. The self-energizing ramp surfaces may be long enough to assist shift completion as unblocking occurs. The rigid members (72) are mounted with limited relative rotation on the shift sleeve (34) e.g. in circumferential slots (34a).

CTI program pressure setting override

Abstract: An adaptive tire pressure control strategy for a central tire inflation system 10 wherein the programmed demand pressure setting P D may be increased automatically if certain criteria are met. These criteria are indicative of a running condition wherein tire temperature may be increasing to unacceptable levels due to underinflation. Additionally, air may also be added to tires in this condition in order to increase the load capacity of the tire, reduce tire temperature and prolong tire life.