Patents by Inventor Randall J. Gass
Randall J. Gass 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: 11385300Abstract: The line power and neutral conductors for a circuit interrupter such as a miniature circuit breaker, using ground fault sensing via a current transformer, are arranged as a rigid conductor formed from a flat plate and surrounding and holding an insulated flexible conductor when passing through the Ground Fault Interrupter current transformer. The rigid conductor can provide a shaped current path to maximize the effectiveness of the current transformer.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2020Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.Inventors: Dennis W. Fleege, Chad Mittelstadt, Randall J. Gass, Douglas P. Vanwaart, Jason Potratz
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Publication number: 20210072293Abstract: The line power and neutral conductors for a circuit interrupter such as a miniature circuit breaker, using ground fault sensing via a current transformer, are arranged as a rigid conductor formed from a flat plate and surrounding and holding an insulated flexible conductor when passing through the Ground Fault Interrupter current transformer. The rigid conductor can provide a shaped current path to maximize the effectiveness of the current transformer.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2020Publication date: March 11, 2021Applicant: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.Inventors: Dennis W. FLEEGE, Chad MITTELSTADT, Randall J. GASS, Douglas P. VANWAART, Jason POTRATZ
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Patent number: 10852326Abstract: The line power and neutral conductors for a circuit interrupter such as a miniature circuit breaker, using ground fault sensing via a current transformer, are arranged as a rigid conductor formed from a flat plate and surrounding and holding an insulated flexible conductor when passing through the Ground Fault Interrupter current transformer. The rigid conductor can provide a shaped current path to maximize the effectiveness of the current transformer.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2017Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC USA, INC.Inventors: Dennis W Fleege, Chad Mittelstadt, Randall J Gass, Douglas P Vanwaart, Jason Potratz
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Patent number: 10622800Abstract: The line power and neutral conductors for an arc fault sensing circuit interrupter such as in a miniature circuit breaker are arranged as a rigid conductor surrounding and holding an insulated flexible conductor when passing through the Ground Fault Interrupter current transformer. Voltage metering takes place across the rigid conductor to enable arc fault detection and ground fault detection in the miniature circuit breaker within the space of a single current transformer.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2017Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.Inventors: Randall J Gass, Jason Potratz, Dennis W Fleege
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Publication number: 20190052072Abstract: The line power and neutral conductors for an arc fault sensing circuit interrupter such as in a miniature circuit breaker are arranged as a rigid conductor surrounding and holding an insulated flexible conductor when passing through the Ground Fault Interrupter current transformer. Voltage metering takes place across the rigid conductor to enable arc fault detection and ground fault detection in the miniature circuit breaker within the space of a single current transformer.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2017Publication date: February 14, 2019Applicant: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC USA, INC.Inventors: Randall J. Gass, Jason Potratz, Dennis W. Fleege
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Publication number: 20190049489Abstract: The line power and neutral conductors for a circuit interrupter such as a miniature circuit breaker, using ground fault sensing via a current transformer, are arranged as a rigid conductor formed from a flat plate and surrounding and holding an insulated flexible conductor when passing through the Ground Fault Interrupter current transformer. The rigid conductor can provide a shaped current path to maximize the effectiveness of the current transformer.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2017Publication date: February 14, 2019Applicant: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC USA, INC.Inventors: Dennis W. FLEEGE, Chad MITTELSTADT, Randall J. GASS, Douglas P. VANWAART, Jason POTRATZ
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Patent number: 10126346Abstract: Method and system for implementing multiple user-initiated self-test sequences in a multifunction circuit breaker device uses a single test input to initiate both arc fault and ground fault testing while at the same time allowing the multifunction circuit breaker device to continue detecting actual arc faults and ground faults in near real time. Having one test input for multiple self-test sequences significantly reduces the number of mechanical and electrical components required by the circuit breaker device. The multifunction circuit breaker device also distinguishes between a simulated ground fault and an actual ground fault and avoids automatically tripping upon successful completion of the ground fault self-test sequence unless and until all self-test sequences have passed. In this way, users are not given a potentially incorrect indication that the multifunction circuit breaker device is working properly.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2013Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.Inventors: Randall J. Gass, Issa V. Drame
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Patent number: 10031173Abstract: Method and system for performing arc fault and ground fault detection in a dual function CAFI/GFCI circuit breaker uses two analog-to-digital converters (ADC), one for performing arc fault sampling and one for performing ground fault sampling. Each ADC operates independently of the other ADC and may be accessed as needed by the microcontroller without interfering with the operation of the other ADC. Such simultaneous use of multiple ADCs minimizes or eliminates the need for complex time slicing and similar control schemes, thus freeing up the microcontroller for other operations and fault detection related tasks.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2015Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.Inventors: Brennan T. Lentz, Joseph R. Beierschmitt, Randall J. Gass, Issa V. Dramé
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Publication number: 20160334454Abstract: Method and system for performing arc fault and ground fault detection in a dual function CAFI/GFCI circuit breaker uses two analog-to-digital converters (ADC), one for performing arc fault sampling and one for performing ground fault sampling. Each ADC operates independently of the other ADC and may be accessed as needed by the microcontroller without interfering with the operation of the other ADC. Such simultaneous use of multiple ADCs minimizes or eliminates the need for complex time slicing and similar control schemes, thus freeing up the microcontroller for other operations and fault detection related tasks.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2015Publication date: November 17, 2016Inventors: Brennan T. Lentz, Joseph R. Beierschmitt, Randall J. Gass, Issa V. DRAMÉ
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Publication number: 20160306002Abstract: Method and system for implementing multiple user-initiated self-test sequences in a multifunction circuit breaker device uses a single test input to initiate both arc fault and ground fault testing while at the same time allowing the multifunction circuit breaker device to continue detecting actual arc faults and ground faults in near real time. Having one test input for multiple self-test sequences significantly reduces the number of mechanical and electrical components required by the circuit breaker device. The multifunction circuit breaker device also distinguishes between a simulated ground fault and an actual ground fault and avoids automatically tripping upon successful completion of the ground fault self-test sequence unless and until all self-test sequences have passed. In this way, users are not given a potentially incorrect indication that the multifunction circuit breaker device is working properly.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2013Publication date: October 20, 2016Applicant: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC USA, INC.Inventors: Randall J. GASS, Issa V. DRAME
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Patent number: 8649143Abstract: A method of tripping a circuit breaker including sampling an AC line voltage at regular intervals during a first time period to generate a plurality of AC line voltage samples. Each sample of the set of AC line voltage samples is summed to generate a voltage area value. A controller determines whether the voltage area value exceeds a threshold. In response to the voltage area value exceeding the threshold, an amount determined as a function of the voltage area value is added to a count value. The circuit breaker is caused to trip in response to the count value equaling or exceeding a maximum count value. An improper line-to-neutral voltage can be detected by monitoring the line-to-neutral voltage and comparing it to a function such as a trip curve. Thus, components downstream from a circuit breaker, as well as the circuit breaker itself, can be protected from prolonged exposure to improper voltages, which can lead to component failure.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2008Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.Inventors: Randall J. Gass, Issa Drame, Gary Scott
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Patent number: 8111504Abstract: A current-sensing assembly comprising a housing and first and second current transformers contained in and fixed in position by the housing. The assembly includes at least one conducting pin corresponding to each of the first and second current transformers and inserted through the housing to expose a top end and a bottom end. The top end of the pin is electrically coupled to an end of the conducting wire of the corresponding current transformer through a window in the housing coinciding with the current transformer. The top end of a common pin is electrically coupled through the window to the opposite end of the coil conductor. The bottom end of each pin is configured to be coupled to a printed circuit board. The housing includes first and second elongated rings passing substantially through the centers of the current transformers and configured to accept first and second current lines.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.Inventors: Rodney Powell, Jerry Scheel, Randall J. Gass
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Patent number: 8106670Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring line voltage in a circuit breakor includes a controller configured to calculate a voltage difference between the neutral voltage and the AC line voltage of positive polarity based on a first signal and a second signal and assign, using a polarity signal, the voltage difference value to the AC line voltage of positive polarity and the second signal to the AC line voltage of negative polarity. Because the AC line voltage of positive polarity can be calculated based on the first signal and the second signal, the number of signals requiring A/D conversion is reduced, and the number of circuit components needed to measure the AC line voltage is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2008Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.Inventors: Randall J. Gass, Issa Drame
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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: 20100148901Abstract: A current-sensing assembly comprising a housing and first and second current transformers contained in and fixed in position by the housing. The assembly includes at least one conducting pin corresponding to each of the first and second current transformers and inserted through the housing to expose a top end and a bottom end. The top end of the pin is electrically coupled to an end of the conducting wire of the corresponding current transformer through a window in the housing coinciding with the current transformer. The top end of a common pin is electrically coupled through the window to the opposite end of the coil conductor. The bottom end of each pin is configured to be coupled to a printed circuit board. The housing includes first and second elongated rings passing substantially through the centers of the current transformers and configured to accept first and second current lines.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2009Publication date: June 17, 2010Applicant: Square D CompanyInventors: Rodney Powell, Jerry Scheel, Randall J. Gass
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Publication number: 20100127691Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring line voltage in a circuit breaker includes a controller, a neutral input for receiving a neutral voltage, a first input for receiving a first alternating current (AC) line voltage that periodically changes polarity with respect to the neutral voltage, and a second input for receiving a second AC line voltage that periodically changes polarity with respect to the neutral voltage and is 180 degrees out of phase from the first AC line voltage. The apparatus also includes a first circuit coupled to the first input, the second input, and the controller. The first circuit is configured to output to the controller a first signal representing the voltage difference between the first AC line voltage and the second AC line voltage. The apparatus also includes a second circuit coupled to the neutral input and the controller configured to output to the controller a second signal representing the difference between the neutral input voltage and the AC line voltage of negative polarity.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2008Publication date: May 27, 2010Applicant: Square D Company - Schneider ElectricInventors: Randall J. Gass, Issa Drame
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Publication number: 20100128404Abstract: A method of tripping a circuit breaker including sampling an AC line voltage at regular intervals during a first time period to generate a plurality of AC line voltage samples. Each sample of the set of AC line voltage samples is summed to generate a voltage area value. A controller determines whether the voltage area value exceeds a threshold. In response to the voltage area value exceeding the threshold, an amount determined as a function of the voltage area value is added to a count value. The circuit breaker is caused to trip in response to the count value equaling or exceeding a maximum count value. An improper line-to-neutral voltage can be detected by monitoring the line-to-neutral voltage and comparing it to a function such as a trip curve. Thus, components downstream from a circuit breaker, as well as the circuit breaker itself, can be protected from prolonged exposure to improper voltages, which can lead to component failure.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2008Publication date: May 27, 2010Applicant: Square D Company-Schneider ElectricInventors: Randall J. Gass, Issa Drame, Gary 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: 7193827Abstract: A microcontroller-based temperature compensated circuit for ground-fault circuit interrupter to meet the requirements of UL 943 using a single sensor to detect both ground-fault and grounded-neutral fault conditions in both full-wave and half-wave AC power supplies as part of a ground-fault circuit breaker or a receptacle device.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2003Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: Square D CompanyInventors: Paul A. Reid, Randall J. Gass, Steve M. Meehleder
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Patent number: 6583997Abstract: A wide input range switching power supply for a circuit protection device includes a rectifier circuit for rectifying an AC line voltage at a supply input, and a switch-mode DC-to-DC converter coupled to the rectifier circuit for providing a low voltage DC power to a load at a supply output. The converter includes a switch having an open state and a closed state and a control circuit for controlling the state of the switch. The control circuit is operatively coupled to receive operating power from the supply output.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2002Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Square D CompanyInventors: Paul A. Reid, Randall J. Gass