Patents by Inventor John L. Culligan

John L. Culligan 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).

  • Patent number: 6018451
    Abstract: A logging device for a trip unit records temporal information related to a circuit breaker trip event, with the circuit breaker (11) including a trip unit (12). The device (10) includes at least a clock circuit (13), a microcontroller (14), and a storage medium (15). The device (10) can be configured as either a plug-in module for the trip unit (12), or as an accessory is mounted on the panel proximate to and in communication with the trip unit (12). The clock circuit (13) generates signals representing temporal information, such as real-time date and time information. The microcontroller (14) is adapted to be coupled to the trip unit (12) to receive signals from the trip unit (12). These signals from the trip unit (12) indicate a circuit breaker trip event. The microcontroller (14) receives the time and date information from the clock circuit (13) and associates a given trip event with the time and date information related to that given trip event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Lyke, John L. Culligan, Scott C. Turner, James O. Alexander
  • Patent number: 5459631
    Abstract: Apparatus for closing a circuit breaker of a circuit that carries a substantial current includes a terminals (W1, W2, W12, W13, W14) for connection to an available source of electric power. The electric power available is typically 24 VDC, 48 VDC, 125 VDC or 120 VAC. An actuator including an electric motor M and a solenoid S both designed to operate on 24 VDC first cocks charging springs and then releases the charging springs to close the circuit breaker. A controller including a microprocessor U3 is connected to and derives power from the connected terminals and produces a pulse width modulated control signal (RUN; CLOSE) for controlling the actuator. The duty cycle of the pulse width modulated signal is adjusted in relation to the electric power supplied by the selected source so that the power supplied to the motor and relay functions effectively as the required 24 VDC power. Sensors J1 sense the condition of the charging springs, a charging cam, the circuit breaker, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Leone, William A. King, John L. Culligan