Patents by Inventor Gary W. Scott
Gary W. Scott has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11300601Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting an arc fault in a circuit breaker use a single-coil current rate of change (di/dt) sensor for monitoring both low frequency alternating current (AC) and broadband high frequency noise on a power line. The di/dt sensor is optimized to amplify any broadband high frequency noise, typically from about 1 MHz to 40 MHz, that may be present on the power line. Low frequency signals representing the current being monitored, typically from about 1 Hz to 10 KHz, is provided to an active integrator circuit with a high gain to enable the single-coil sensitivity. To shorten capacitor charge up time of the active integrator circuit, a charging current is provided to the active integrator circuit upon startup of the circuit breaker.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2018Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.Inventors: Hynek Raisigel, Gary W. Scott, Michel Layour, Andi Jakupi
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Patent number: 11177642Abstract: Example embodiments of the invention include a powdered core bead body configured to become an inductive impedance to current signals with high frequencies in a power wire threaded through the powdered core bead body. The signals are detectable by a high frequency voltage sensor that is configured to output an arc fault tripping indication to an arc fault tripping circuit in response to an occurrence of high frequency current signals in the power wire.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2018Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.Inventors: Andi Jakupi, Gary W. Scott
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Publication number: 20200185902Abstract: Example embodiments of the invention include a powdered core bead body configured to become an inductive impedance to current signals with high frequencies in a power wire threaded through the powdered core bead body. The signals are detectable by a high frequency voltage sensor that is configured to output an arc fault tripping indication to an arc fault tripping circuit in response to an occurrence of high frequency current signals in the power wire.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2018Publication date: June 11, 2020Applicant: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC USA, INC.Inventors: Andi JAKUPI, Gary W. SCOTT
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Publication number: 20190386478Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting an arc fault in a circuit breaker use a single-coil current rate of change (di/dt) sensor for monitoring both low frequency alternating current (AC) and broadband high frequency noise on a power line. The di/dt sensor is optimized to amplify any broadband high frequency noise, typically from about 1 MHz to 40 MHz, that may be present on the power line. Low frequency signals representing the current being monitored, typically from about 1 Hz to 10 KHz, is provided to an active integrator circuit with a high gain to enable the single-coil sensitivity. To shorten capacitor charge up time of the active integrator circuit, a charging current is provided to the active integrator circuit upon startup of the circuit breaker.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2018Publication date: December 19, 2019Applicant: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.Inventors: Hynek RAISIGEL, Gary W. Scott, Michel LAYOUR, Andi JAKUPI
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Patent number: 8547669Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are presented for mitigating arc fault events in a photovoltaic system. An aspect of this disclosure is directed to a photovoltaic system for generating electrical power. The photovoltaic system includes one or more solar panels, and one or more shuttering assemblies, each of which is configured to selectively limit the quantity of light received by one or more of the solar panels. One or more sensing devices detect characteristics of an arc fault event in the photovoltaic system, and output signals indicative thereof. A control module is operatively connected to the shuttering assemblies and the sensing devices. The control module is configured to direct the one or more shuttering assemblies to reduce the quantity of light received by at least one of the one or more solar panels in response to the output signals indicating there is an arc fault event in the photovoltaic system.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2011Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.Inventors: Brett E. Larson, Gary W. Scott
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Patent number: 8542021Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2010Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.Inventors: Gary W. Scott, Paul A. Reid
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Patent number: 8319136Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2010Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.Inventors: Eldridge R. Byron, Gary W. Scott, Carlton Rodrigues, Jim Ramsey, Philippe Picot
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Publication number: 20120174961Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are presented for mitigating arc fault events in a photovoltaic system. An aspect of this disclosure is directed to a photovoltaic system for generating electrical power. The photovoltaic system includes one or more solar panels, and one or more shuttering assemblies, each of which is configured to selectively limit the quantity of light received by one or more of the solar panels. One or more sensing devices detect characteristics of an arc fault event in the photovoltaic system, and output signals indicative thereof. A control module is operatively connected to the shuttering assemblies and the sensing devices. The control module is configured to direct the one or more shuttering assemblies to reduce the quantity of light received by at least one of the one or more solar panels in response to the output signals indicating there is an arc fault event in the photovoltaic system.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2011Publication date: July 12, 2012Applicant: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.Inventors: BRETT E. LARSON, Gary W. Scott
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Publication number: 20120119751Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2010Publication date: May 17, 2012Applicant: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.Inventors: Gary W. Scott, Paul A. Reid
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Patent number: 8111148Abstract: A wireless electrically isolated plug-n-play communications system for branch circuit breakers. The system providing means for automatically connecting the wireless electrically isolated communication system between the branch circuit breaker and a communications strip as the branch circuit breaker is being installed in the load center.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Inventors: Kevin L. Parker, Gary B. Pollard, Gary W. Scott
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Publication number: 20110315662Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2010Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.Inventors: Eldridge R. Byron, Gary W. Scott, Carlton Rodrigues, Jim Ramsey, Philippe Picot
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Patent number: 7944654Abstract: A multi-pole circuit breaker for a power distribution system having multiple line conductors carrying AC currents that are out of phase with each other, and a common neutral conductor, comprises first and second current sensors, a ground fault detection circuit, and an arcing fault detection circuit. The first current sensor is adapted to be coupled to both of the line conductors and to the neutral conductor and produces a first output signal indicative of the resultant of the electrical currents flowing in the line and neutral conductors. The ground fault detection circuit receives the first output signal and produces a trip signal in response to the detection of a ground fault.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2008Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Inventors: Gary W. Scott, Randall J. Gass
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Publication number: 20100164744Abstract: A wireless electrically isolated plug-n-play communications system for branch circuit breakers. The system providing means for automatically connecting the wireless electrically isolated communication system between the branch circuit breaker and a communications strip as the branch circuit breaker is being installed in the load center.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2008Publication date: July 1, 2010Inventors: Kevin L. Parker, Gary B. Pollard, Gary W. Scott
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Publication number: 20100118451Abstract: A multi-pole circuit breaker for a power distribution system having multiple line conductors carrying AC currents that are out of phase with each other, and a common neutral conductor, comprises first and second current sensors, a ground fault detection circuit, and an arcing fault detection circuit. The first current sensor is adapted to be coupled to both of the line conductors and to the neutral conductor and produces a first output signal indicative of the resultant of the electrical currents flowing in the line and neutral conductors. The ground fault detection circuit receives the first output signal and produces a trip signal in response to the detection of a ground fault.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2008Publication date: May 13, 2010Applicant: SQUARE D COMPANYInventors: Gary W. Scott, Randall J. Gass
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Patent number: 7680561Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2006Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.Inventors: Barry Noel Rodgers, Andy Allen Haun, Robert Joseph Dwulet, Mark John Kocher, Julius Michael Liptak, Alexander Filippenko, Scott Robert Brown, Gary Myron Kuzkin, Gary W. Scott
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Patent number: 7136265Abstract: A method and system for determining whether arcing is present in an electrical circuit includes sensing a change in an alternating current in the circuit and developing a corresponding input signal, analyzing the input signal to determine the presence of broadband noise in a predetermined range of frequencies, and producing a corresponding output signal, and processing the input signal and the output signal in a predetermined fashion to determine whether an arcing fault is present in the circuit. The processing includes determining a type of load connected to the electrical circuit, based at least in part upon the input signal and the output signal, and monitoring high frequency noise in a 20 KHz band for each ? cycle of the alternating current.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2003Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignee: Square D CompanyInventors: Kon B. Wong, Gary W. Scott, Robert F. Dvorak
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Patent number: 7068480Abstract: A method of determining whether arcing is present in an electrical circuit includes sensing a change in current in the circuit and developing a corresponding input signal, analyzing the input signal to determine the presence of broadband noise in a predetermined range of frequencies, and producing a corresponding output signal, and processing the input signal and the output signal in a predetermined fashion to determine whether an arcing fault is present in the circuit. The processing includes determining a type of load connected to the electrical circuit, based at least in part upon the input signal and the output signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2002Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: Square D CompanyInventors: Kon B. Wong, Gary W. Scott
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Patent number: 6782329Abstract: A zone arc fault detection system for detecting arcing faults in a defined zone of an electrical circuit, such as an aircraft circuit, includes a pair of substantially identical parallel insulated conductors for each zone in which arcing is to be detected. A detection zone is defined by the parallel conductors between end points where the two conductors are coupled together. A current sensor is operatively associated with each pair of parallel conductors. The current sensor and conductors are respectively configured and arranged such that the current sensor produces a signal representative of a difference in current between the two conductors.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2001Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: Square D CompanyInventor: Gary W. Scott
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Publication number: 20040042137Abstract: A method and system for determining whether arcing is present in an electrical circuit includes sensing a change in an alternating current in the circuit and developing a corresponding input signal, analyzing the input signal to determine the presence of broadband noise in a predetermined range of frequencies, and producing a corresponding output signal, and processing the input signal and the output signal in a predetermined fashion to determine whether an arcing fault is present in the circuit. The processing includes determining a type of load connected to the electrical circuit, based at least in part upon the input signal and the output signal, and monitoring high frequency noise in a 20 KHz band for each ⅛ cycle of the alternating current.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2003Publication date: March 4, 2004Inventors: Kon B. Wong, Gary W. Scott, Robert F. Dvorak
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Patent number: 6625550Abstract: An arc fault detector system detects arcing faults in an electrical distribution system by monitoring one or more conductors and producing an input signal representing one or more electrical signal conditions in the circuit to be monitored. This input signal is processed to develop signals representing the electrical current flow through the monitored circuit and broadband noise signal components. The system analyzes these signals to determine whether an arcing fault is present, and if so, outputs a trip signal which may be used directly or indirectly to trip a circuit breaker or other circuit interruption device.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1999Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: Square D CompanyInventors: Gary W. Scott, Kon B. Wong