Patents by Inventor L. McKee
L. McKee 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: 5057806Abstract: A crossbar assembly is formed from an elongated metal bar. A pair of contact arm carriers are slid onto the metal bar and welded in place. Molded electrically insulated sleeves are sliding received at each of the crossbar. The insulated sleeves can be either molded directly on the crossbar or molded separately, in which case, the sleeves are glued with epoxy and pinned to the crossbar to prevent axial movement of the sleeves with respect to the crossbar. The insulated sleeves are formed with a pair of plates disposed at each end. A pair of oppositely disposed slots formed in the plates is used to receive the ends of a cam roll pin assembly. Since the crossbar in accordance with the present invention does not require wrapping with insulating paper, the possibility of dielectric failure due to cracking of the insulating paper is eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 1988Date of Patent: October 15, 1991Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.Inventors: Jere L. McKee, Lance Gula, Glenn R. Thomas
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Patent number: 4996507Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker is provided with a quick change current transformer assembly. The current transformer is used to sense overcurrent conditions and apply a signal to an electronic trip unit to trip the circuit breaker. The quick change assembly includes an insulated removable plate located adjacent an open cavity in the housing in which the current transformer is located. The current transformer is donut-type disposed about a load-side conductor located in a cavity in the housing rigidly fastened to the circuit breaker frame. In order to replace a current transformer, the insulated backplate is removed. Next the load-side conductor is unfastened and removed from the circuit breaker housing. The current transformer is then removed from the circuit breaker housing. In order to install a new current transformer, the steps are reversed. A force transmitting spacer is disposed adjacent a bight portion of a shunt, connected between a pivotally mounted contact arm and a load-side conductor.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 1989Date of Patent: February 26, 1991Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.Inventors: Jere L. McKee, Glenn R. Thomas, Lance Gula, William E. Beatty, Jr.
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Patent number: 4933653Abstract: A circuit breaker having a trip mechanism comprising a primary armature which is attracted toward a bimetal by magnetic flux produced by a predetermined overcurrent flowing through the bimetal to unlatch an operating mechanism and open electrical contacts, includes a pivoted supplemental armature which is also attracted toward the bimetal by the overcurrent and which bears against and urges the primary armature toward the bimetal to thereby reduce the predetermined overcurrent at which the breaker opens the electrical contacts. The supplemental armature comprises a flat strip of magnetically permeable material which is bent at one end to form a hook which merely drops into a recess in the breaker housing. Integral flanges on the strip form a magnetic yoke which concentrates the magnetic flux to increase the sensitivity of the magnetic trip function.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1989Date of Patent: June 12, 1990Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.Inventors: Stephen A. Mrenna, Melvin A. Carrodus, Kurt A. Grunert, Jere L. McKee
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Patent number: 4926622Abstract: In a rotary brush cutter with a rotating shaft, a plurality of cutting blades extending substantially radially from the shaft and a drive for rotating the shaft, herbicide is fed adjacent a cutting portion of the blades while the blades are rotated whereby the herbicide is applied to brush being cut.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1989Date of Patent: May 22, 1990Inventor: Robert L. McKee
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Patent number: 4890081Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker is provided with a quick change current transformer assembly. The current transformer is used to sense overcurrent conditions and apply a signal to an electronic trip unit to trip the circuit breaker. The quick change assembly includes an insulated removable plate located adjacent an open cavity in the housing in which the current transformer is located. The current transformer is donut-type disposed about a load-side conductor located in a cavity in the housing rigidly fastened to the circuit breaker frame. In order to replace a current transformer, the insulated back-plate is removed. Next the load-side conductor is unfastened and removed from the circuit breaker housing. The current transformer is then removed from the circuit breaker housing. In order to install a new current transformer, the steps are reversed.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 1988Date of Patent: December 26, 1989Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.Inventors: Jere L. McKee, William E. Beatty, Jr., Glenn R. Thomas
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Patent number: 4887057Abstract: A cam roll pin assembly includes a cylindrical portion having an extending axle at each end for receiving a small roller and a relatively larger roller. The smaller roller is provided for engaging the cam surface on the contact assembly. The larger roller is received within a slot. Retaining rings are used to secure rollers on the axles. With such an arrangement the rollers are able to rotate independently. Thus, during a blow open condition, the contact points of the cam roll pin assembly can rotate in opposite directions without causing relatively large frictional forces on the cam roll pin which can slow down the blow open speed.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 1988Date of Patent: December 12, 1989Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.Inventors: Lance Gula, Jere L. McKee
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Patent number: 4870907Abstract: A shelf that can be installed on various length existing towel bars using double-sided adhesive tape. The shelf is a convenience item that will not interfere with the original use of a towel bar with opposite side mounting brackets fastened to the underside of the shelf with double-sided adhesive tape supporting the shelf well above the towel bar. The shelf element itself has a rear flange that is fastened to a wall with double-sided adhesive tape to further securely mount the shelf in place above a towel bar. Bracket triangular knock-outs are provided for adaption to mounting on top pointed towel bars.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 1988Date of Patent: October 3, 1989Inventor: Roy L. McKee
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Patent number: 4699763Abstract: An electrical contact material characterized by a pressed and sintered powder of silver composite with about 5 weight percent of graphite fibers.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1986Date of Patent: October 13, 1987Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.Inventors: Semahat D. Sinharoy, Jere L. McKee, Norman S. Hoyer
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Patent number: 4679018Abstract: A circuit breaker apparatus characterized by a molded case containing a circuit breaker structure for opening and closing a circuit which structure comprises a releasable lever operable between latched and unlatched positions corresponding to open and closed circuit conditions, latch means including a latch lever for the releasable lever, interconnected toggle connected to the latch lever and that are biased to the unlatched position of the lever, and a movable trip bar responsive to predetermined overcurrents and having a projection contacting the toggle links for holding the links in the unbiased position.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 1986Date of Patent: July 7, 1987Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.Inventors: Jere L. McKee, Glenn R. Thomas
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Patent number: 4656444Abstract: A circuit breaker with a force generate shunt characterized by a circuit breaker structure between spaced conductors with a fixed contact on one conductor and a movable contact on a contact arm that is movable between open and closed positions. A flexible shunt connected between the arm and the other conductor which shunt includes folded-over shunt portions that generate repulsion magnetic forces for pressing the closed contacts together and for expediting the contact arm open.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 1985Date of Patent: April 7, 1987Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.Inventors: Jere L. McKee, Glenn R. Thomas, Charles E. Haugh, Lance Gula
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Patent number: 4644121Abstract: A circuit breaker characterized by a movable contact carrying arm movable about a pivot and a helical torsion spring movable on the arm to and from the pivot for applying a varying force as the arm moves from closed to open positions.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1985Date of Patent: February 17, 1987Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.Inventors: Jere L. McKee, John P. Majcher, William E. Smith, Donald E. Schlosser
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Patent number: 4638277Abstract: An electric circuit breaker with blow open contact arm characterized by a pair of separable contacts one of which is mounted on a contact arm that is rotatably mounted on mounting bracket. The contacts maintain a repulsion magnetic force which operates to separate the contacts when a predetermined current overload occurs. A trip mechanism is connected to the mounting bracket or automatic opening of the contacts in response to a predetermined current overload condition. The contact arm comprising a cam and the mounting bracket comprising a cooperable cam follower whereby the contact arm is movable to an open contact independently of the mounting bracket.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1985Date of Patent: January 20, 1987Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.Inventors: Glenn R. Thomas, Jere L. McKee
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Patent number: 4626811Abstract: The gap distance separating the contacts of a low-voltage circuit breaker in the tripped position is increased by utilizing resilient stop means which is located at the bottom wall of the breaker housing rather than at the top wall (or on the handle of the breaker) in accordance with prior art practice. The movable contact arm is pivotally mounted and structured to strike the stop means as the contacts are separated and being blown open during short circuit conditions and, after the circuit breaker is tripped, the collapsed toggle assembly of the operating mechanism shifts the movable contact arm away from the stop means and allows the arm to move an additional distance away from the fixed contact and thus increase the gap distance between the opened contacts.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1985Date of Patent: December 2, 1986Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.Inventors: Jere L. McKee, William I. Stephenson, Donald E. Schlosser
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Patent number: 4569349Abstract: A child's teething aid article includes a teething portion constructed and arranged in the form of a helical coil spring from a cord-like length of resilient, nontoxic plastic material jacketing a flexible core member. The coil spring has an exterior diameter adapted to be received in the mouth of the child and presents a resilient mechanical force additional to the resilience of the material, against the compressive bite of the child applied normal to the coil spring axis. The teething portion is connected to a one or two part handle portion for manipulation of the article.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1984Date of Patent: February 11, 1986Inventor: Kari L. McKee
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Patent number: 4489295Abstract: A multiple pole circuit breaker comprises stationary and movable contacts in each pole, with a cross bar extending between the poles and causing concerted movement of the movable contacts. An operating mechanism effects movement of the movable contacts between open and closed positions, and a resettable undervoltage release mechanism cooperates with the operating mechanism to effect movement of the movable contacts. The undervoltage release mechanism operates to move the movable contacts from the closed to open position upon the occurrence of voltage levels less than a predetermined value, with the undervoltage release mechanism being reset by physical contact with the cross bar as the cross bar moves with the movable contacts from the closed to open positions.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1982Date of Patent: December 18, 1984Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.Inventors: James N. Altenhof, Jr., Jere L. McKee, William E. Beatty, Jr.
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Patent number: 4240543Abstract: A document display piece comprises front and rear transparent plates joined at their lower ends to support a document inserted therebetween. Suspension means is formed integrally with the rear plate and extends upwardly therefrom. Thus, the display piece may be hung from any suitable support. The rear plate also contains a finger notch to facilitate document extraction.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1979Date of Patent: December 23, 1980Inventor: Phyllis L. McKee
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Patent number: 4169559Abstract: A distributor for a particulate material is mountable on a portable container having a rear discharge chute, and includes a hopper for receiving material from the discharge chute, and spreader means mounted below the hopper for spreading the material. The distributor further includes means for pivotally securing the hopper to the discharge chute, so that the hopper and spreader are movable as a unit between an operating position, in which the hopper and spreader depend from the discharge chute, and an elevated storage position, in which the hopper and spreader are located above the base of the container. A winch and cable assembly moves the hopper and spreader between the operating position and the storage position.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 1978Date of Patent: October 2, 1979Assignee: Henderson Mfg. Co.Inventor: Walter L. McKee