Patents by Inventor Roger N. Castonguay

Roger N. Castonguay 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: 6853277
    Abstract: An auxiliary magnetic trip system for a circuit breaker, the auxiliary magnetic trip system includes a strap configured to conduct a first level of electrical current and a second level of electrical current; a u-shape collar with a first pole face, the u-shape collar disposed around the strap; a trip lever rotatably mounted on an axis; and a holdback system releasably coupled to the trip lever, wherein the holdback system prevents movement of the trip lever at the first level of electrical current and releases the trip lever at the second level of electrical current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, David Arnold
  • Patent number: 6700467
    Abstract: An operating mechanism controls and trips a separable contact structure arranged in a protected circuit. The mechanism includes a frame, a drive member pivotally coupled to the frame, a spring pivotally connecting the drive member to a drive connector, an upper link pivotally seated on the drive connector, a lower link member pivotally coupled to the drive connector, a crank member pivotally coupled to the lower link member for interfacing the separable contact structure, and a cradle member pivotally secured to the frame and pivotally securing the upper link. The cradle member is configured for being releasably engaged by a latch assembly, which is displaced upon occurrence of a predetermined condition in the circuit such as a trip condition. The mechanism is movable between a tripped position, a reset position, an off position, and an on position. Spacers are operatively positioned between movable members, and protrusions are operatively formed on the enclosure of the contact structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Dave S. Christensen, Randy Greenberg, Girish Hassan, Dean A. Robarge
  • Patent number: 6639168
    Abstract: A circuit breaker cassette comprises a housing having a fixed contact, and a movable contact on a contact arm. The contact arm is positionable in a closed position and an open position, wherein the contact arm is closed when the movable contact is in contact with said fixed contact. A spring biases the movable contact arm towards the closed position A kinetic energy-absorbing stop is positioned to absorb kinetic energy of the contact arm resulting from magnetic repulsive forces forcing the movable contact and the fixed contact apart during a short circuit condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Dean A. Robarge
  • Patent number: 6590482
    Abstract: A circuit breaker operating mechanism for separating a pair of electrical contacts within an electrical circuit breaker includes a lower link operatively connected to one of the electrical contacts. An upper link includes first and second legs extending from a central portion. The first leg is pivotally secured to the lower link, and the second leg includes a cam surface formed thereon. A roller is in intimate contact with the cam surface, and the cam surface is configured such that movement of the upper link relative to the roller causes the upper link to pivot about the central portion. Pivoting of the upper link about the central portion moves the lower link causing the second contact to move away from the first contact. An operating spring is configured to provide a force for separating the electrical contacts when the operating mechanism is tripped. An operating handle includes a void disposed therein, and an end of the spring is secured to the operating handle within the void.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Dave Christensen
  • Publication number: 20030034864
    Abstract: An auxiliary magnetic trip system for a circuit breaker, the auxiliary magnetic trip system includes a strap configured to conduct a first level of electrical current and a second level of electrical current; a u-shape collar with a first pole face, the u-shape collar disposed around the strap; a trip lever rotatably mounted on an axis; and a holdback system releasably coupled to the trip lever, wherein the holdback system prevents movement of the trip lever at the first level of electrical current and releases the trip lever at the second level of electrical current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, David Arnold
  • Patent number: 6507256
    Abstract: An auxiliary magnetic trip system for a circuit breaker, the auxiliary magnetic trip system includes a strap configured to conduct a first level of electrical current and a second level of electrical current; a u-shape collar with a first pole face, the u-shape collar disposed around the strap; a trip lever rotatably mounted on an axis; and a holdback system releasably coupled to the trip lever, wherein the holdback system prevents movement of the trip lever at the first level of electrical current and releases the trip lever at the second level of electrical current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, David Arnold
  • Patent number: 6479774
    Abstract: A circuit breaker operating mechanism comprises a movable handle yoke, a mechanism spring extending in tension from the handle yoke to a pin, and a lower link extending from the pin to a crank operably connected to a contact arm bearing a movable contact. The crank is positionable in open and closed positions, being in an open position when the movable contact is separated from an associated fixed contact and being in a closed position when the movable contact is mated to said associated fixed contact. The circuit breaker further comprises an interface formed on said crank and a blocking prop having a first surface that engages said interface, the first surface preventing the crank from rotating towards the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Dave Christensen
  • Patent number: 6476337
    Abstract: An auxiliary switch activation mechanism is provided for use with a circuit breaker having an auxiliary switch and an operating mechanism for opening and closing main electrical contacts. The auxiliary switch activation mechanism includes a lever having a first end removably connectable to the operating mechanism, a second end of said lever removably connectable to the auxiliary switch, and a spring, mechanically coupled to the lever, which imparts a rotational bias on the lever. The lever provides an assisting force to the operating mechanism for opening the main electrical contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, David S. Christensen, Girish Hassan, Dean A. Robarge
  • Patent number: 6466117
    Abstract: An operating mechanism controls and trips a separable contact structure arranged in a protected circuit. The mechanism includes a frame, a drive member pivotally coupled to the frame, a spring pivotally connecting the drive member to a drive connector, an upper link pivotally seated on the drive connector, a lower link member pivotally coupled to the drive connector, a crank member pivotally coupled to the lower link member for interfacing the separable contact structure, and a cradle member pivotally secured to the frame and pivotally securing the upper link. The cradle member is configured for being releasably engaged by a latch assembly, which is displaced upon occurrence of a predetermined condition in the circuit such as a trip condition. The mechanism is movable between a tripped position, a reset position, an off position, and an on position. Spacers are operatively positioned between movable members, and protrusions are operatively formed on the enclosure of the contact structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Dave S. Christensen, Randy Greenberg, Girish Hassan, Dean A. Robarge
  • Patent number: 6459059
    Abstract: A return spring mechanism is arranged to operate with a circuit breaker operating mechanism during a trip condition. The circuit breaker operating mechanism is movable between a tripped position, a reset position, an off position and an on position. The return spring mechanism is attached to the exterior of the circuit breaker frame and includes a return spring with a fixed end attached to the frame. When the circuit breaker is tripped, the return spring mechanism operates to provide an additional force to the handle yoke. The additional force applied by the return spring is predetermined to position the handle yoke intermediate to the handle yoke positions when the circuit breaker is off and on. Thus, the movement of the handle yoke to the intermediate position provides clear indication that the circuit breaker is in the tripped condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Randy Greenberg, Roger N. Castonguay, Dave Christensen, Hassan Girish
  • Patent number: 6448521
    Abstract: A blocking apparatus for blocking a contact structure from closing in a circuit breaker is provided. The apparatus includes a link extending from the circuit breaker and connected to a movable contact arm. The contact structure, being operated by an operating mechanism, remains in a separated position even when the operating mechanism is in the “ON” position due to the connection with the link of the blocking apparatus. A release assembly releases the link when it is desired to close the movable contact arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, James L. Rosen
  • Publication number: 20020117387
    Abstract: An auxiliary switch activation mechanism is provided for use with a circuit breaker having an auxiliary switch and an operating mechanism for opening and closing main electrical contacts. The auxiliary switch activation mechanism includes a lever having a first end removably connectable to the operating mechanism, a second end of said lever removably connectable to the auxiliary switch, and a spring, mechanically coupled to the lever, which imparts a rotational bias on the lever. The lever provides an assisting force to the operating mechanism for opening the main electrical contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Dave S. Christensen, Girish Hassan, Dean A. Robarge
  • Patent number: 6437670
    Abstract: A magnetic release system for a circuit breaker, the magnetic release system includes a contact structure; a strap configured to conduct a first level of electrical current and a second level of electrical current; a u-shaped collar having a pole face, the u-shaped collar disposed around the strap; a release lever disposed proximate the pole face, the release lever rotatably mounted on the strap; wherein the release lever is releasably engaged with the contact structure; and wherein the release lever prevents movement of the contact structure at the first level of electrical current and releases the contact structure at the second level of electrical current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, David Arnold
  • Patent number: 6421217
    Abstract: An accessory includes a trip arm biased by a spring to pivot in a clockwise direction about a trip arm pivot. A latch is arranged to pivot about a latch pivot and has the trip arm acting on a latch surface on the latch to bias the latch in a counter clockwise direction about the latch pivot. An electromechanical device including a plunger acts on the latch pulling it clockwise about the latch pivot. When a signal is provided to the electromechanical device, the plunger is released allowing the trip arm to pivot clockwise about the trip arm pivot due to the spring and actuates the operating mechanism. To reset the trip arm and the latch, a reset lever is arranged to pivot about the latch pivot. The reset lever includes a tab portion configured for interfacing the operating mechanism, and a drive portion for interfacing the trip arm. This, when the operating mechanism is reset, a portion extending from an operating handle interfaces the tab portion to pivot the reset lever clockwise about the latch pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, James L. Rosen
  • Patent number: 6403902
    Abstract: A combination air circuit breaker bell alarm reset and lock-out accessory unit interacts with the circuit breaker closing system to prevent charging of the circuit breaker closing spring until and unless the bell alarm module has been manually reset in one option and allows automatic reset of the bell alarm module prior to charging of the closing spring in a further option. The orientation of the bell alarm module on the combination reset and lock-out accessory unit support plate determines the reset or lock-out option selection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Dean A Robarge
  • Patent number: 6400245
    Abstract: A draw out interlock mechanism comprises a draw out trip arm pivotally attached in a draw out circuit breaker and an interlock activating assembly attached to a the draw out circuit breaker. The draw out trip arm comprises a first extension on a first end and a second extension on a second end. The first extension is positioned to interact with a trip latch of the operating mechanism. The interlock activating assembly comprises an extended arm and a camming arm, which are pivotally attached to a pin supported by a mounting bracket attached to the draw out circuit breaker. The extended arm extends through an aperture in the draw out circuit breaker with an end thereof proximate to the second extension of the draw out trip arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Girish Hassan, Dave S. Christensen
  • Patent number: 6388547
    Abstract: An operating mechanism controls and trips a separable contact structure arranged in a protected circuit. The mechanism includes a frame, a drive member pivotally coupled to the frame, a spring pivotally connecting the drive member to a drive connector, an upper link pivotally seated on the drive connector, a lower link member pivotally coupled to the drive connector, a crank member pivotally coupled to the lower link member for interfacing the separable contact structure, and a cradle member pivotally secured to the frame and pivotally securing the upper link. The cradle member is configured for being releasably engaged by a latch assembly, which is displaced upon occurrence of a predetermined condition in the circuit such as a trip condition. The mechanism is movable between a tripped position, a reset position, an off position, and an on position. Spacers are operatively positioned between movable members, and protrusions are operatively formed on the enclosure of the contact structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Dave S. Christensen, Randy Greenberg, Girish Hassan, Dean A. Robarge
  • Patent number: 6379196
    Abstract: A termination connector for a circuit breaker is disclosed. The termination connector preferably includes a plurality of single pole screw receiving members integrally attached by a molded housing for unitary attachment to a line or load end of a circuit breaker to assist in holding a nut or nut plate adjacent each screw hole in the circuit breaker's terminal straps. The molded housing preferably includes a line of perforations between each single pole screw receiving member so that the correct number of single pole screw receiving members can be retained and the others can be knocked off along the line of perforations. Provisions are disclosed for adaption of the connector to metric or English standard nut hardware. In addition, the termination connector and circuit breaker are provided with mating attachment devices for providing a simple yet secure connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Randy Greenberg, David Arnold, Roger N. Castonguay, Dave Christensen, Matthias Reichard
  • Publication number: 20020030569
    Abstract: An operating mechanism controls and trips a separable contact structure arranged in a protected circuit. The mechanism includes a frame, a drive member pivotally coupled to the frame, a spring pivotally connecting the drive member to a drive connector, an upper link pivotally seated on the drive connector, a lower link member pivotally coupled to the drive connector, a crank member pivotally coupled to the lower link member for interfacing the separable contact structure, and a cradle member pivotally secured to the frame and pivotally securing the upper link. The cradle member is configured for being releasably engaged by a latch assembly, which is displaced upon occurrence of a predetermined condition in the circuit such as a trip condition. The mechanism is movable between a tripped position, a reset position, an off position, and an on position. Spacers are operatively positioned between movable members, and protrusions are operatively formed on the enclosure of the contact structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Dave S. Christensen, Randy Greenberg, Girish Hassan, Dean A. Robarge
  • Publication number: 20020030568
    Abstract: An operating mechanism controls and trips a separable contact structure arranged in a protected circuit. The mechanism includes a frame, a drive member pivotally coupled to the frame, a spring pivotally connecting the drive member to a drive connector, an upper link pivotally seated on the drive connector, a lower link member pivotally coupled to the drive connector, a crank member pivotally coupled to the lower link member for interfacing the separable contact structure, and a cradle member pivotally secured to the frame and pivotally securing the upper link. The cradle member is configured for being releasably engaged by a latch assembly, which is displaced upon occurrence of a predetermined condition in the circuit such as a trip condition. The mechanism is movable between a tripped position, a reset position, an off position, and an on position. Spacers are operatively positioned between movable members, and protrusions are operatively formed on the enclosure of the contact structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Dave S. Christensen, Randy Greenberg, Girish Hassan, Dean A. Robarge