Abstract:
A modular closing resistor assembly can be added in line with the interrupter assemblies of an extra high voltage circuit breaker and has a relatively short length. The resistor element consists of two stacks of disks which are disposed side by side and are electrically connected such that the alternate disks of each stack are connected in series with one another. The operating mechanism of the unit includes a linearly moving roller which engages a crank arm which is in turn pivotally connected to operate the movable closing resistor contact with a motion and with a variable mechanical advantage adapted to cause the resistor contacts to close at high speed just after the interrupter contacts close and to open after the interrupter contacts open.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a floating shield for a high voltage bushing. Preferably the bushing is conically shaped and has a composite housing for substantially optimizing the electrical performance of the bushing according to the invention. The floating shield is preferably suspended within the bushing housing by a supporting insulator placed in a low electrical stress region of the bushing. In a preferred embodiment, the supporting insulator is disposed between a ground grading shield and the bushing housing. The composite housing preferably provides a protective inner tube made of a fiber reinforced material and an outer silicone rubber housing having weather sheds formed in a helix on the surface of the housing.
Abstract:
The invention provides a high performance circuit breaker with an independent pole operation linkage and conical composite bushings. A mechanical linkage for independently opening and closing a plurality of associated switches is provided by the invention. The linkage comprises a plurality of connecting rods that provide the initial driving force to open or close the switch, cranks for opening and closing the contacts of respective switches, linking elements which couple together the connecting rods and the cranks, and a number of lever assemblies having a bearing ring interfaced thereto. The bearing rings provide a supportive interface between two linking element but permit the linking elements to rotate independently from one another. The lever assemblies also provide an interface for the connecting rods and linking element. According to a method of the present invention, a connecting rod is actuated in response to a signal to cause the lever assembly to pivot. The linking rod interfaced with the connecting rod via the lever assembly is then rotated in response to the pivoting. A crank interfaced with the linking element is then pivoted in response to the rotation of the linking element thereby opening or closing a respective switch. The invention further provide a means and method for synchronously opening and closing the switches based on the current flowing into the switches. Preferably, conical composite bushings are provided in combination with the independent pole operation linkage in a high voltage circuit breaker according to the invention.
Abstract:
An intelligent circuit breaker or switching device system comprises three separate microprocessor-based units, including a condition monitoring unit (CMU) 40, a breaker control unit (BCU) 50, and a synchronous control unit (SCU) 60. The CMU 40 provides detailed diagnostic information by monitoring key quantities associated with circuit breaker or switching device reliability. On-line analysis performed by the CMU provides information facilitating the performance of maintenance as needed and the identification of impending failures. The BCU 50 is a programmable system having self-diagnostic and remote communications. The BCU replaces the conventional electromechanical control circuits typically employed to control a circuit breaker or switching device. The SCU 60 provides synchronous switching control for both closing and opening the circuit interrupters. The control processes carried out by the SCU reduce system switching transients and interrupter wear. The intelligent circuit breaker or switching device system improves system operation and equipment maintenance.
Abstract:
Waterboards such as surfboards are described that are formed of a combination of a resilient foam core with an outer shell of polycarbonate or polyurethane. Such waterboards may further include fibrous material bonded to or embedded in the outer shell for additional strength.
Abstract:
A high voltage circuit breaker with a gas-insulated tank is provided. Enclosed with the tank is an elongated heater having at least one heating element enclosed in an outer tube. The heater is located coaxially within the tank and is surrounded by the insulating gas.
Abstract:
The present invention provides isolated nucleic acids encoding alpha9 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit and receptor subunit protein encoded thereby. Also provided are vectors containing the invention nucleic acids, host cells transformed therewith, alpha9 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit and functional nicotinic acetylcholine receptors comprising at least one alpha9 subunit expressed recombinantly in such host cells as well as transgenic non-human mammals that express the invention receptor subunit and mutants thereof. Receptors of the invention comprise at least one alpha9 nicotinic acetylcholine subunit and form cationic channels activated by acetylcholine, but blocked by nicotine and muscarine. The invention also provides methods for identifying compounds that modulate the ion channel activity of the functional invention receptors containing at least one invention subunit.
Abstract:
An apparatus for relieving static subterranean water heads surrounding subterranean walls which includes a perforated hollow sleeve arranged to extend through the subterranean wall and into a surrounding static water head. The sleeve has distal and proximal ends, with a plurality of spaced perforations being formed in the wall of the sleeve substantially along the length thereof. The distal end is tapered substantially to a pointed tip, and the tapered tip portion is of generally solid construction. A flanged coupling means is formed adjacent the proximal end for coupling water conduits internally thereof. When desirable, an imperforate sleeve means may be provided adjacent the proximal end for rendering a portion of the perforated hollow sleeve adjacent the proximal end substantially watertight, thereby protecting paneling which may be pre-positioned in the subterranean wall.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein are methods for determining which embryos from a group of embryos are most likely to implant and develop as desired. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, one or more cells are biopsied from each of the embryos, and the genetic condition of those cells are determined. Within a group of embryos that each test positive for aneuploidy, the likelihood that each embryo contains euploid cells may be determined from the type of aneuploidy observed in the biopsied cells. This knowledge may be used to make a decision as to which embryos to transfer to a uterus. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, these determinations are made for the purpose of embryo selection in the context of in vitro fertilization.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a services network integrating a system and method for subsidizing payment transaction costs through online advertising. Participants in the service network may subsidize the payment transaction costs of end-users through the activation of other services by the end-user in the service network.