Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm David R. Stacey
  • Patent number: 6806799
    Abstract: An anti-rotation device for preventing the pivotal rotation of a circuit breaker required for removal of that circuit breaker from electrical distribution equipment in which it is installed is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventor: Daniel J Runyan
  • Patent number: 6801920
    Abstract: A system for providing remote configuration management for an industrial control system (ICS) over a wide area network (such as the Internet), including keeping track of each application used by each device of the ICS, the system including: a configuration database, for keeping track of past and present configurations (which devices are or were in use by the ICS in each configuration); a remote sensing module, for determining information about the ICS devices and about applications used by the ICS devices; a configuration manager, for providing over the wide area network a restored copy of an application used by an ICS device; and utilities for enabling communication over a wide area network. The system optionally includes a billing manager that receives from the configuration manager information about each service performed by the configuration manager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Schneider Automation Inc.
    Inventor: Rainer H. Wischinski
  • Patent number: 6792361
    Abstract: A system, method and program for calculating a fluid flow volume within a conduit having an operably connected flow meter is disclosed. The system includes a controller having a backplane. A flow meter module is operably connected to the backplane of the controller and to the flow meter. A program embedded within the controller is also operably connected to the flow meter. The program includes a plurality of segments for sensing a characteristic of the fluid for determining the flow volume of the fluid. The controller, in cooperation with the flow meter module, monitors the dynamic fluid density of the fluid in the conduit. The controller utilizes the dynamic density to determine a correction factor to more accurately calculate the fluid flow volume through the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Schneider Automation Inc.
    Inventor: James A Vun Cannon
  • Patent number: 6740994
    Abstract: A bus cooling fan that operates without an external electrical power supply. The fan is positioned proximate two bus bars of a polyphase electrical system. The fan includes a rotor supporting fan blades and mounted on an axle. The axle is supported by cross-braces in a shroud surrounding the rotor. The shroud is open at the ends. The fan is fabricated of non-ferrous, non-conducting material with the exception of the rotor. The bent rods which interact with the electromagnetic field created by the current-carrying bus bars of the polyphase electrical system to make the rotor function as an induction motor when the fan is placed proximate two bus bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Gregory B Lee, Jerome Mark Visocky, Janette Noack Chapman, Mark Daniel Hicks
  • Patent number: 6727442
    Abstract: A medium voltage controller for electrical equipment, such as motors, transformers, reactors, and capacitors, having a load discharge device. The load discharge device is compact and provides fast earthing of the load-side cables. The device has a scissors-type linkage and is charged by compressing at least one spring. The scissors-linkage, when in an almost-straight-line alignment, holds the compressed springs. An actuator moves one member of the scissors-linkage, thereby removing the holding alignment of the scissors-linkage. The springs move an earthing bar at high acceleration to ground the line-side cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Eldridge R. Byron, Eugenio A. Alvarez, Brian D. Walker, Mary B. Groff
  • Patent number: 6715267
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for packing an order of parts. An operator is prompted to select an indicated part. The part is read by the system to verify the selection of the part. An array of indicators directs the operator to where the part should be placed in a shipping tote. An array of sensors confirms the packing of the part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Schneider Automation Inc.
    Inventors: James V. Schaefer, Robert J. Bell
  • Patent number: 6689969
    Abstract: An enclosure and operating handle apparatus for a double throw switch is disclosed. An operating handle support defines two distinct switch compartments within the enclosure and supports an operating handle apparatus configured for selectively operating only one of two switches inside the enclosure at a time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Hamid S. Abroy, Henry B. Joines
  • Patent number: 6687100
    Abstract: A method of rapidly dissipating energy from a contactor controlled by a switching device, the steps comprising: operably connecting a metal oxide varistor to the switching device; interrupting electrical current to the contactor; absorbing energy from the contactor; and, limiting the amount of voltage across the switching device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Julius Isaiah Rice, Roger Alan Plemmons
  • Patent number: 6638116
    Abstract: A medium voltage controller for electrical equipment, such as motors, transformers, reactors, and capacitors, having an arc resistant cabinet, swaged internal electrical connections, a one-piece self-aligning withdrawable finger cluster, a pull-out instrument compartment, a load discharge device, cast fuse holders, disconnect switch, a switch illuminator, low power current transformers, and an optical temperature measuring system. The one-piece self-aligning withdrawable finger cluster includes a plurality of members formed to surround a mating stab for making a removable electrical connection. The throat of the finger cluster is smaller than the mating stab, and, when mated with the stab, opposing members are biased against the stab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Eldridge R. Byron, Joseph G. Hildebrandt, Eugenio A. Alvarez, Thomas A. Clark
  • Patent number: 6606233
    Abstract: A method and device for immunizing a contactor circuit from the inductive effects of a holding coil derived power supply, including: sensing a voltage signal from a power supply, the voltage signal having a switching range comprising an upper voltage and a lower voltage; providing a drive output responsive to the upper voltage; holding the drive output at a constant level as the voltage signal remains above the lower voltage; and, disabling the drive output in response to the voltage signal droppings below the lower voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Julius Isaiah Rice, Roger Alan Plemmons
  • Patent number: 6577495
    Abstract: A fuse base assembly for electrical fuses, including an electrical bus on which a load end fuse clip of the end-user's choice can be attached. The electrical bus is provided with means for attaching the selected load end fuse clip in a linearly adjustable manner such that the end user can adjust the spacing between the line and load end fuse clips as required for the desired fuse. The electrical bus is also provided with a load terminal attaching point such that wiring between the load device and the fuse is easily accomplished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventor: Rodney J West
  • Patent number: 6563420
    Abstract: A power line communications apparatus and method for providing communications over power leads connecting two pieces of electrical equipment. One power lead is split into similarly sized first and second parallel conductors. The first and second conductors pass through a current transformer, the first conductor having a load current flow opposite the second conductor with respect to the current transformer. The transmitted communications signal is applied to the secondary of the current transformer and is induced on the primary of the transformer, namely a loop formed by the first and second conductors. A second current transformer serves as a receiving transducer and senses the communications signal on the first and second conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Scott R. Brown, Gary W. Scott
  • Patent number: 6563066
    Abstract: An apparatus for housing and securing a switch operating mechanism. The switch mechanism housing includes a housing member with an integral pivot bushing, a housing cover, an operating mechanism including a push rod assembly, a rotor cam, and mechanism shaft. The operating mechanism is installed and fixed in the housing member. The housing member holds captive the operating mechanism without requiring that the housing cover be in place, thereby facilitating fabrication and assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventor: Hamid S. Abroy
  • Patent number: 6556413
    Abstract: A method for providing electrical current to a contactor circuit, by providing a power supply circuit having a power supply resistor, the power supply circuit supplies electrical current to the contactor circuit in response to the electrical specifications of the contactor; selecting a value for the power supply resistor in response to the contactor's electrical specifications and requirements of the contactor circuit; and, inserting the selected power supply resistor into the power supply circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Julius Isaiah Rice, Roger Alan Plemmons
  • Patent number: 6531670
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a reset mechanism for an overload relay. More particularly, the present invention comprises a mechanism that will reset a plurality of overload relay within a starter in a motor control unit. A single point-to-two point overload reset mechanism allows for the use of a single manual door reset button and extension arm to depress the single point-to-two point overload reset mechanism, which in turn depresses a plurality of overload relay reset buttons. Following contact with the overload relay reset buttons, the single point-to-two point overload reset mechanism returns to a non-contact position with respect to the overload relay reset buttons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventor: Richard Daryl Pugh
  • Patent number: 6510960
    Abstract: A captivated slidable access cover incorporates an integral cantilevered spring to prevent undesired movement resulting from gravitational forces or vibration. The cover has two generally parallel, opposed edges which are slidingly captivated in opposed tracks of the enclosure. The integrally formed cantilevered spring is located adjacent one end of the cover and biases the cover to be in one of a positively open position or a positively closed position. The cantilevered spring presses against a portion of the enclosure at or adjacent one end of the access opening defined in the enclosure. The biased interaction between the cantilevered spring and the enclosure ensures a positive open or closed position of the cover. The cover also includes a handle at its other end for slidably opening and closing the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: David G. Christopherson, Ronald A. Banister
  • Patent number: 6512669
    Abstract: A medium voltage controller for electrical equipment, such as motors, transformers, reactors, and capacitors, having an arc resistant cabinet, swaged internal electrical connections, a one-piece self-aligning withdrawable finger cluster, a pull-out instrument compartment, a load discharge device, cast fuse holders, disconnect switch, a switch illuminator, low power current transformers, and an optical temperature measuring system. The pull-out instrument compartment includes a sliding rack to which a hinged instrument mounting panel is attached. The mounting panel slides out of the compartment and swings away from the opening in the cabinet, allowing access to the cabinet internals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Tommie Shane Goodwin, Robert R. Coil, Leon Daniels, Eldridge R. Byron
  • Patent number: 6504714
    Abstract: A multi-level thermal management system and method are provided for cooling a plurality of vertically spaced electrical components, including a lower electrical component and an upper electrical component. The system includes a rigid support securing the upper electrical component in a fixed position above the lower electrical component. A duct, having an upper end and a lower end, an inlet defined in the lower end of the duct and an outlet defined in the upper end of the duct, is mounted adjacent to the upper electrical component with the inlet being located above the lower electrical component to direct air heated by the lower electrical component through the duct without substantially contacting the upper electrical component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventor: John T Richter
  • Patent number: 6459570
    Abstract: The present invention provides a support base and neutral base for an interior assembly in an electrical distribution device and a method of assembling the same. The interior assembly having at least one bus bar and neutral bar connecting the electrical distribution device to a circuit having at least one phase. The neutral bar and bus bar having a bottom wall and side walls. The support base includes a generally planar body defining a mounting surface on one face of the body and means for mounting the bus bar on the mounting surface. The support base also includes means for retaining the bottom wall of the neutral bar abutting the mounting surface of the body. The retaining means is manually operated and integrally formed with the mounting surface and has a plurality of projections upstanding from the mounting surface. The projections are adapted to abut the side walls of the neutral bar so as to prevent movement in at least one direction horizontally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventor: Jeffery James Buchanan
  • Patent number: 6452810
    Abstract: A sliding barrier for an electrical enclosure for selectively providing or prohibiting access to electrical conductors behind the barrier. The barrier includes upper and lower tracks and two substantially identically configured slidable panels. The panels are provided with operators for manually sliding the panels between open and closed positions. The panels are also provided with an interference interlock that inhibits unintentional opening of the panels and gapping between the panels when closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventor: Amy J. Wilcox