Circuit Breaker Patents (Class 324/424)
  • Patent number: 11955608
    Abstract: A lithium precipitation detection method may include: sending, when a battery management module in the battery pack determines that a change in a charging voltage of the battery pack meets a predetermined condition, a charging request containing a first current to a charging pile for charging, and controlling the battery pack to be charged with the first current for a first predetermined duration and a second predetermined duration, where the first predetermined duration is equal to the second predetermined duration; obtaining, by the battery management module, a first voltage change amount within the first predetermined duration and a second voltage change amount within the second predetermined duration; and determining, when the battery management module determines that a difference between the second voltage change amount and the first voltage change amount is greater than a predetermined voltage threshold, that lithium precipitation occurs in the battery pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: CONTEMPORARY AMPEREX TECHNOLOGY CO., LIMITED
    Inventors: Lan Xie, Zhen Lin, Guangyu Xu, Shuai Song
  • Patent number: 11916370
    Abstract: A circuit interrupter device for selectively connecting a source of AC power from a line side to a load side of the circuit interrupter device includes a controller powered from a source of AC power from a line side. The controller initializes a self-test and determines whether the self-test was successful. The controller outputs a self-test result signal. An electrically-held relay of the device, which is in communication with the controller and is powered from the line side, stays in an OFF state until the self-test result signal indicates the self-test was successful, and enters an ON state if the self-test was successful. When in the OFF state, a load side of the circuit interrupter device is not in electrical communication with the source of AC power, and when in the ON state, the load side is in electrical communication with the source of AC power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Ostrovsky, John LiBretto
  • Patent number: 11901722
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods and apparatus that may collect information relating to a group of electrical power distribution wires, commonly referred to as an electrical branch circuit. Such methods can controllably cause a circuit breaker to open (clear) while keeping the branch circuit loaded within a predetermined set of parameters or specifications. Apparatus consistent with the present disclosure may use multiple high power resistive elements of different resistance values that are selectively connected to the branch circuit in a manner that provides a configurable limit to an available fault current when data relating to the branch circuit are collected and evaluated. Such methods can provide a positive indication to an electrician that allows the electrician to know that a particular electrical circuit has been de-energized before the electrician works on that particular electrical circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: TASCO, INC.
    Inventors: Steven Thomas McCasland, Ryan Charles Minnig
  • Patent number: 11855437
    Abstract: An electrical receptacle contains a plug outlet that has a pair of contacts for electrical connection to respective hot and neutral power lines. A controlled switch, such as a TRIAC, is connected in series relationship between the outlet contact and the hot power line. Sensors in the receptacle outputs signals to a processor having an output coupled to the control terminal of the controlled switch. The processor outputs an activation signal or a deactivation signal to the controlled switch in response to received sensor signals that are indicative of conditions relative to the first and second contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Brainwave Research Corporation
    Inventors: John Eriksen, Jean-Guy Gagne, Rene K. Pardo
  • Patent number: 11856343
    Abstract: A device for high-voltage or medium-voltage technology includes at least one connection configured for connection to a high-voltage or medium-voltage conductor; a sensor system configured to determine a plurality of different physical and/or chemical measurement values relating to the device and/or the conductor and/or the surroundings; and a communication system, in particular a wireless system, configured to receive the measurement values from the sensor system and to transmit them to an entity in a network. A method for high-voltage or medium-voltage technology is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Siemens Energy Global GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Johann Holzapfel, Alexander Rentschler, Christian Wallner, Uwe Weigt, Florian Schirrmacher
  • Patent number: 11774500
    Abstract: A method for detecting a tripping of a disconnection unit in an electrical enclosure, the electrical enclosure including at least one disconnection unit for disconnecting electric current and at least one switching unit for switching the electric current, the method including a learning phase configured to generate decision-making categories associated with an acoustic signature of the tripping of the at least one disconnection unit, and a phase of detecting the tripping of the disconnection unit, including: acquiring a unit noise signal generated by at least one of the disconnection units for disconnecting the electric current or at least one switching unit for switching the electric current, and comparing the unit noise signal with the decision-making categories in order to detect whether the unit noise signal corresponds to the tripping of the disconnection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventors: Abderrahmane Agnaou, Yannick Neyret, Laurent Goupil
  • Patent number: 11747374
    Abstract: An overcurrent detector with an electric line and a sensor for monitoring an electric current in the line and outputting a measurement signal, and an integral-unit adapted to integrate an interval of consecutive values of the measurement signal and outputting an integrator-signal, the detector comprises a comparator unit for comparing a value of the integrator-signal with a threshold level and outputting a trigger signal, with the detector further comprises a threshold level determination unit, an input being connected to the sensor for receiving an actual measurement signal, and with an output being connected to the comparator unit, proving the comparator unit with the threshold level, and that the threshold level determination unit is adapted to determine the threshold level in dependence on the value of the actual measurement signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventor: Wolfgang Hauer
  • Patent number: 11742159
    Abstract: A switch that includes a sensor device capable of transmitting data related to a sensor signal of at least one sensor of the sensor device to an external unit through wireless communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Inventors: Bastiaan Brand, Cezanne de Heus
  • Patent number: 11668753
    Abstract: A contact measurement system for measuring a parameter of a contact of a switchgear includes: a first device for measuring an electrical resistance of the contact and mapping the electrical resistance spatially and/or dynamically; a second device for measuring an axial force of the contact and to map the axial force spatially and/or dynamically as a measured axial force; and a third device for measuring a position of the contact. The contact measurement system determines a position-depending force characteristic based on the measured axial force of the contact and the position of the contact. The contact measurement system determines a status of the contact based on a combination of the position-depending force characteristic with the electrical resistance of the contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Alexander Graf, Stefan Wildermuth, Holger Reutner, Thomas Stahl, Sebastian Breisch, Simon Penner
  • Patent number: 11569651
    Abstract: An electrical receptacle contains a plug outlet that has a pair of contacts for electrical connection to respective hot and neutral power lines. A controlled switch, such as a TRIAC, is connected in series relationship between the outlet contact and the hot power line. Sensors in the receptacle outputs signals to a processor having an output coupled to the control terminal of the controlled switch. The processor outputs an activation signal or a deactivation signal to the controlled switch in response to received sensor signals that are indicative of conditions relative to the first and second contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Brainwave Research Corporation
    Inventors: John Eriksen, Jean-Guy Gagne, Rene K. Pardo
  • Patent number: 11531066
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control unit for a medium voltage switching apparatus. The control unit is adapted to carry out a diagnostic method to check operating conditions of one or more components of said electric poles. The diagnostic method includes the following steps: basing on a selected ideal position curve, obtaining one or more first curves indicative of an ideal behaviour of said switching apparatus, during an opening manoeuvre or closing manoeuvre of the switching apparatus; basing on detection signals provided by a closed-loop control arrangement of said control unit, calculating one or more second curves indicative of an actual behaviour of said switching apparatus, during an opening manoeuvre or closing manoeuvre of said switching apparatus; and carrying out a comparison procedure among said first and second curves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: ABB SCHWEIZ AG
    Inventors: Andrea Bianco, Andrea Ricci, Elisabeth Lindell, Stefan Halén, Fabio Mannino
  • Patent number: 11501931
    Abstract: A circuit interrupter including a line conductor, a neutral conductor, a printed-circuit board coil, and a test circuit. The printed-circuit board coil has an aperture configured to receive the line conductor. The test circuit is electrically connected to the printed-circuit board coil. The test circuit is configured to determine an arc fault condition based on a signal of the printed-circuit board coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: John E. Brower
  • Patent number: 11482853
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a switch, a current monitor, and a controller. During operation, the switch controls an amount of current through the load. The current monitor samples a magnitude of the current through the load, a magnitude of which varies over time during a time duration. Based on integrating the sample magnitudes of the current through the load over the time duration, the current monitor produces a current sense value. The current sense value is representative of an amount of current through the load. The controller controls an operational state of the switch based upon a comparison of the current sense value with respect to an over-current threshold value. For example, in response to detecting a condition in which the current sense value is greater than the overcurrent threshold value, the controller turns OFF (deactivates) the switch, reducing or eliminating delivery of current through the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies Austria AG
    Inventors: Aliaksandr Subotski, David Grant Cox, Jorge Arturo Ramirez Rivero
  • Patent number: 11467212
    Abstract: A battery pack including first and second battery contactors respectively having first ends electrically connected to positive and negative electrode terminals of a battery; first and second charging contactors respectively having first ends electrically connected to second ends of the first and second battery contactors; a second power connector of a charger having first and second output terminals respectively electrically connected to the first and second input terminals being connected to the first power connector; and a control unit configured to, when a charger is connected and a charging request is received, control the first and second charging contactors to both be in a turn-on state or a turn-off state at the same time, and diagnosing a fault of each of the first charging contactor and the second charging contactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Inventor: Sang-Hyeok Ham
  • Patent number: 11462899
    Abstract: An electrical receptacle contains a plug outlet that has a pair of contacts for electrical connection to respective hot and neutral power lines. A controlled switch, such as a TRIAC, is connected in series relationship between the outlet contact and the hot power line. Sensors in the receptacle outputs signals to a processor having an output coupled to the control terminal of the controlled switch. The processor outputs an activation signal or a deactivation signal to the controlled switch in response to received sensor signals that are indicative of conditions relative to the first and second contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Brainwave Research Corporation
    Inventors: John Eriksen, Jean-Guy Gagne, James W. Rogers, Patrick Belanger, Rene K. Pardo
  • Patent number: 11402457
    Abstract: A system and a method for an integrated test on a primary-secondary pole-mounted breaker. The method includes: establishing an electrical connection between the system and the primary-secondary pole-mounted breaker; establishing a communication connection between the system and the primary-secondary pole-mounted breaker; applying, by the system, a voltage signal and a current signal to the primary-secondary pole-mounted breaker through the electrical connection, to generate a voltage and a current on the primary-secondary pole-mounted breaker; collecting, by the system, signals of the voltage and the current fed back from the primary-secondary pole-mounted breaker through the communication connection; performing, by the system, an integrated accuracy test and an integrated protection test; outputting a test result of the accuracy test and a test result of the integrated protection test to the industrial control machine, to generate the test report.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignees: ZHEJIANG HUADIAN EQUIPMENT TESTING INSTITUTE CO., LTD., STATE GRID ZHEJIANG HAIYAN COUNTY POWER SUPPLY CO., LTD., STATE GRID ZHEJIANG ELECTRIC POWER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zhi Li, Jingbo Hu, Zhiyao Zheng, Yibo Gao, Shaofeng Yu, Yifang Su, Gang Wu, Jianqin Lin, Hanpeng Yang, Weiliang Bian, Aimin Xu
  • Patent number: 11361926
    Abstract: A system is described herein, including an activation circuit configured to generate a signal indicative of an alarm condition. A residual current device trigger circuit is coupled to the activation circuit and a residual current device. The residual current device trigger circuit is configured to provide a simulated earth leakage current condition to trigger the residual current device on receiving the signal indicative of the alarm condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Inventor: Hong Cheng
  • Patent number: 11300617
    Abstract: Implementations of ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) self-test circuits may include: a current transformer coupled to a controller, a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) test loop coupled to the controller, a ground fault test loop coupled to the controller, and a solenoid coupled to the controller. The SCR test loop may be configured to conduct an SCR self-test during a first half wave portion of a phase and the ground fault test loop may be configured to conduct a ground fault self-test during a second half wave portion of a phase. An SCR may be configured to activate the solenoid to deny power to a load upon one of the SCR self-test or the ground fault self-test being identified as failing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce G. Armstrong, Rishi Pratap Singh, Sanath Kumar Kondur Surya Kumar, Riley Beck
  • Patent number: 11290101
    Abstract: A solid state power switch device comprises a switch unit comprising at least one switch element configured to provide power supply to a load of a vehicle while the switch element is in close state; a switch control unit in communication with the switch unit, and configured to control in open/close state the switch element; the switch control unit comprising a built in self-test module of the switch element configured to control a self-test sequence of the switch element and to check failure/success of the self-test sequence of the switch element such that the switch unit is self-tested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Aptiv Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Peter P. Ebbinghaus, Detlef Boll, Emmanuel Boudoux, Sebastian Yousef
  • Patent number: 11258246
    Abstract: Ground fault circuit interrupter is provided, including a transformer, a protection switch, a residual current protection control unit, a residual current simulation unit and a self-test unit, wherein the self-test unit is coupled with the line where the protection switch is located; in a self-test state, the self-test unit is configured to control the residual current simulation unit to generate a simulated residual current, detect a level change on the line where the protection switch is located, and control the protection switch to be disconnected from the residual current protection control unit or to make the line where the protection switch is located be conducted after a preset protection time period of receiving the residual current signal higher than a preset operating threshold. Improper actions of the ground fault circuit interrupter caused by a large electromotive force generated when a simulated residual current disappears are avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Shanghai Fudan Microelectronics Group Company Limited
    Inventors: Chunyong Wu, Lei Shen, Jiwen Gong, Yang Liu, Shusen Hao
  • Patent number: 11228168
    Abstract: In one example, an arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) is provided. The AFCI may include a plurality of current arc signature detection blocks configured to output a plurality of corresponding current arc signatures, and a processor. The processor may be configured to receive each of the plurality of current arc signature from each of plurality of current arc signature detection blocks, respectively, and generate a first trigger signal. The processor may be further configured to assess each of the current arc signatures, determine whether an arc fault exists based on the assessment, and generate the first trigger signal if an arc fault is determined to exist. A method for detecting an arc fault is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Inventor: Ze Chen
  • Patent number: 11101635
    Abstract: A protective relay test equipment operation device according to an embodiment of the present invention may comprise: a switch unit for, upon reception of a trip signal or a close signal from a protective relay, changing an electrical connection state between a first port configured to be electrically connected to test equipment that generates a test signal and a second port configured to be electrically connected to the protective relay; a measurement unit for measuring a voltage and a current between the first port and the second port during a test period in which an operation time point of the switch unit is a start time point or an end time point; and a calculation unit for calculating a plurality of time point-specific impedance values within the test period according to a measurement result of the measurement unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: KOREA ELECTRIC POWER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Young-Hun Kwon, Ki-Seob YuN, Guk-Tae Kim
  • Patent number: 11088527
    Abstract: An arc fault identification unit for an electrical three-phase alternating current circuit with three phase conductors and a neutral conductor. The identification unit includes voltage sensors to periodically determine phase/neutral conductor voltage values and phase/phase voltage values current sensors to periodically determine phase conductor current variables which are used to determine the phase conductor current value and a value for the change in the electrical current over time per phase, and an evaluation unit connected to the voltage and current sensors. A current root mean square is compared with a current threshold value in each case and an excess current signal is emitted if the threshold value is exceeded; arc voltages are calculated and are compared with threshold values, with the result that arc fault identification signals are output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Joerg Meyer, Peter Schegner, Karsten Wenzlaff, Stefan Widmann
  • Patent number: 11047921
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to electrical wiring device that includes: a housing including a cover and a back body, the housing further including a plurality of line terminals and a plurality of feed-through load terminals, a plurality of receptacle load terminals substantially aligned with a plurality of receptacle openings; a fault protection circuit disposed inside the housing, having sensing components mounted to one side of a first PCB, the fault protection circuit being configured to provide a fault detection signal in response to detecting at least one type of predetermined fault condition; a circuit interrupter disposed inside the housing, the circuit interrupter being configured to couple the plurality respective terminals in response to a reset stimulus being applied to a reset button, the circuit interrupter being configured to decouple the respective plurality of terminals in a second state when the latching element and a reset pin are decoupled in response to the fault detection signal; and
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Weeks
  • Patent number: 10971918
    Abstract: In accordance with example embodiments, an automated ground fault interrupter includes means for resetting itself following detection of a ground fault. In accordance with example embodiments, when a ground fault is detected, a relay switch opens and breaks the conducting path between an AC input and a plug for connecting devices for a set amount of time after which the relay switch is closed again, restoring the conducting path between the plug and the AC input. Following restoration of the conducting path, the relay switch is opened again if a ground fault is detected. In accordance with example embodiments, the automated ground fault interrupter automatically tests itself at predetermined intervals. In accordance with example embodiments, the ground fault interrupter is automatically reset following the automatic test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: ARCONAS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Albert Mardianto Kurniawan
  • Patent number: 10896788
    Abstract: An electronic trip unit is for a low-voltage circuit breaker of a three-phase AC circuit. The electronic trip unit includes a housing with a front, rear, left-hand, right-hand, top and bottom face; a controller to compare current measurement values of the three-phase AC circuit with at least one of current limit values, current period limit values and time period limit values and to output a tripping signal, for interrupting the three-phase AC circuit, upon the values being exceeded. The electronic trip unit further includes a receptacle to provide a connection between the electronic trip unit and the module, the module being receivable by the left-hand, right-hand, top or bottom side face of the housing. At least one function of the electronic trip unit is activated upon the module being received. The front face of the housing includes a viewing window. At least a portion of a received module is visible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Gerd Mueller, Gerhard Tietz
  • Patent number: 10890345
    Abstract: A method of facilitating configuration of at least one sensor with a data transmitter communicatively coupled to an analysis engine for a building management system, wherein the application is configured to be run on a mobile device and interact with the at least one sensor during the installation. The method includes communicating, by the application, with the at least one sensor to display a visual indicator, capturing, by a camera of the mobile device, visual data representative of the visual indicator, and associating the at least one sensor with a circuit of a building power system based on the captured visual data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Verdigris Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniela Li, Michael Roberts, Joe Phaneuf, William Chan
  • Patent number: 10852355
    Abstract: An electrical protection apparatus includes at least one first or main electrical protection function able to be carried out by a microcontroller and a button termed a test button intended to be actuated by a user to give rise to the implementation of the testing of at least one second electrical function, this implementation of the test being intended to give rise to the tripping of the protection apparatus D. The electrical protection apparatus includes a device for pooling the actuation of this test button with at least one action intended to carry out a third function, as a function of various types of action exerted on the test button, these actions being detected by the microcontroller, the aim being for the latter to give the order to carry out one of the third functions or else the testing of one of the second functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventor: Jean-Baptiste Bernard
  • Patent number: 10802052
    Abstract: Systems and methods can be used in connection with a circuit multi-tester including phase rotation-measurement circuitry. A power-testing device comprising a plug and an enclosure with circuitry can be used to display various power characteristics of a receptacle. The plug of the power-testing device can be received into a compatible power receptacle. The reception of the plug into the receptacle can allow for power communication from a power source supplying power to the power receptacle and the power-testing device for power measurement purposes. The power-testing device can include an enclosure with circuitry that can measure phase rotation information and can detect the presence of power on power lines of the receptacle. Based on the detected presence of power and phase rotation information, the power-testing device can output a visual indicator to the technician that represents the presence of the power and phase rotation orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Truist Bank
    Inventor: William Henry Karnes
  • Patent number: 10777996
    Abstract: An electronic overload current breaker supports arc-fault and ground-fault (AFGF) detection along with built-in shunt calibration (BISC™). The breaker may include a current sensing shunt and a control circuit electrically coupled to the current sensing shunt. This control circuit is configured to calibrate the current sensing shunt in response to application of a calibration current to the breaker. The control circuit can: (i) determine a magnitude of the calibration current applied to the breaker, (ii) map the magnitude of the calibration current to a first one of a plurality of current ratings for the breaker, and (iii) set the breaker to monitor overload conditions at the first one of the plurality of current ratings. The plurality of current ratings for the breaker can be less than the magnitude of the calibration current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Jian Jiao, Jason Kohei Okerman, Sandy Omar Jimenez
  • Patent number: 10605867
    Abstract: In order to test substations from different manufacturers and of different types in a simple manner, it is provided that a control unit (6) for a switching device (5) of a substation (4) is connected via an adapter cable (11) to a test device (10), which simulates the switching device (5) for the test and the test device (10) reads configuration-specific data from a memory unit (15) on the adapter cable (11) and the test unit (10) thus configures its signal inputs (BE) and signal outputs (BA, AA) that are required for conducting the test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: OMICRON ELECTRONICS GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Jochum, Stephan Geiger, Rainer Kueng
  • Patent number: 10598731
    Abstract: A circuit interrupter includes a sensor structured to output a sensor signal, a control unit structured to receive an external control signal, the control unit including: a communication interface structured to receive the external control signal, and a waveform generator structured to generate a waveform equivalent to the sensor signal in response to the external control, and a signal processing circuit structured to receive and process the sensor signal or the generated waveform and to output the processed sensor signal or generated waveform to the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Theodore J. Miller, Lothar Jagusch
  • Patent number: 10571504
    Abstract: An electric power equipment comprises: a display module; a sensor module for outputting measurement data including a first noise signal measured from inside of the electric power equipment, a second noise signal measured from outside of the electric power equipment, a temperature signal of the electric power equipment, and a humidity signal of the electric power equipment; and a control module for diagnosing whether a partial discharge has occurred based on the measurement data, wherein the control module includes: a determination unit for determining whether a signal magnitude of the first noise signal is within a preset first reference range; an analysis unit for diagnosing an occurrence of the partial discharge, and for analyzing the signals according to the analysis algorithm; and a control unit for controlling a result information of the analyzing, and a maintenance and repair information, to be displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: LSIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jinho Lee
  • Patent number: 10543554
    Abstract: A welding or cutting system is provided that uses welding cables between a wire feeder and a power supply for high-speed data communications between the wire feeder and the power supply. A system designed as discussed herein eliminates the need for voltage and/or current sense leads for communication arc voltages/currents detected at the welding operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: LINCOLN GLOBAL, INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas Trinnes, William T Matthews
  • Patent number: 10546675
    Abstract: A method for detecting a fault of an actuator of a recloser, the actuator controlled by a coil to move between a first position and a second position, the method including: controlling the coil to move the actuator from the first position to the second position; monitoring, for a period of time, either or both of a current flowing through the coil and a voltage across the coil when the actuator is moving from the first position to the second position; and detecting the fault when the monitored current or the monitored voltage fails a predetermined condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventor: Remi Forcet
  • Patent number: 10498129
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an electrical device, an electrical system and a corresponding terminal device. The electrical device comprises a sensing unit for sensing operational data of the electrical device during its operation, the operational data including at a voltage, a current for an electric component of the electrical device, a temperature of the electrical device during its operation, and combinations thereof. The electrical device further comprises a storage unit for storing the operational data so that a cause of failure is analyzed by means of the stored operational data when a failure occurs in the electrical device. The electrical device provided by embodiments of the invention can alleviate or mitigate the problem that that it is difficult in the prior art to determine the cause of failure after a failure occurs in the electrical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Wenting Dang
  • Patent number: 10473729
    Abstract: To reduce the rate at which a false alternating current (“AC”) loss alarming signal is generated, but at the same time detect an actual AC loss situation in a timely manner, the disclosed method describes an AC line power loss detection and active verification method. If the AC line input voltage dips momentarily lower than a standard sine wave amplitude, the AC line may not be considered lost as long as it still has energy to drive a load. The method inserts a momentary load across the AC line and compares the AC line voltage before and after the extra load is applied. If the AC power is present, this extra loading will increase the AC loading current momentarily, but will not affect the AC line voltage. However, if the AC power is lost, such loading will lower the AC line voltage, indicating a loss of power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Xiqun Zhu, Sung Kee Baek, Robert Gregory Twiss
  • Patent number: 10468866
    Abstract: A circuit interrupting device including a fault detection circuit and an auto-monitoring circuit. The fault detection circuit is configured to detect a fault condition of the circuit interrupting device, and output a fault detection signal in response to detecting the fault condition. Wherein the fault detection signal is configured to place the circuit interrupting device in a tripped condition. The fault detection circuit is further configured to output a pre-trigger signal, wherein the pre-trigger signal is configured to not place the circuit interrupting device in the tripped condition. The auto-monitoring circuit is configured to monitor an auto-monitoring input signal, wherein the value of the auto-monitoring signal is at least partially determined by a value of a pre-trigger signal generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Stephen Paul Simonin
  • Patent number: 10442108
    Abstract: Table saws are disclosed. The table saws can include a blade, an arbor, an arbor block, an elevation carriage, and a latch that connects the arbor block and the elevation carriage. The arbor block can have a first position in which the latch connects the arbor block and the elevation carriage, and a second position in which the latch does not connect the arbor block and the elevation carriage. The arbor block can pivot from the first position to the second position upon the occurrence of a retraction force. The table saw can include an actuator to cause the occurrence of the retraction force, and detection electronics to detect contact between the blade and a person. Woodworking machines with detection and reaction systems are also disclosed. A reaction system can include an explosive that causes retraction of a cutting tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: SawStop Holding LLC
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, J. David Fulmer, David A. Fanning
  • Patent number: 10423755
    Abstract: Motor control centers are designed and configured by a series of interface screens that are served to a configuration computer. The system configuration may be based on a default configuration, and customization is made based upon user selection or input of data via the interface screens. The particular screens presented and the type and detail of data presented may be adapted so that more or less is available based upon a security access model. The system may be fully integrated with various other systems, such as enterprise resource planning tools. The system may be online, such that the interface, data, offerings, options and so forth may be easily adapted and updated, and design and configuration may be made by different parties at different locations with a minimum of specialized configuration computer programming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Shane Dean Cleasby, Elizabeth Walmsley Schrock, Steven Louis Fischer, Ken Sriri Rangsy, Donald Dennis Skarda
  • Patent number: 10276331
    Abstract: A blocking member for an actuator having a movable arm for effecting a quick-make feature, includes for example, an elongated member having a first end and a second end, and wherein a portion of said elongated member being configured so that said blocking member disposed in a first position engages a portion of the movable arm of the actuator to restrain movement of the movable arm, and so that said blocking member disposed in a second position disengages from the portion of the movable arm of the actuator to permit movement of the movable arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: David Peter Mika, Linda Yvonne Jacobs, Daniel Edward Delfino, Nagesh V. Tumu, Dmitry Povolotskiy
  • Patent number: 10236681
    Abstract: A power cable assembly includes a power cable extending between a first end and a second end having a hot conductor and a neutral conductor. The power cable assembly includes a circuit protection device along the power cable between the first and second ends. The circuit protection device has a ground fault circuit interrupt (GFCI) device configured to sense a current difference on the hot and neutral conductors to initiate a triggering event. The circuit protection device has a high-power relay device connected to the GFCI device. The high-power relay device is connected to the hot conductor and is configured to open the hot line when the triggering event is initiated by the GFCI device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: TE CONNECTIVITY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Roger Lee Thrush, Sean Delaney O'Brien, Thomas Michael Banas
  • Patent number: 10132852
    Abstract: An apparatus that includes a power amplifier; a load that is operatively connected to be electrically driven from the power amplifier; and an impedance monitor that is configured to in real-time identify a favorable segment within an output waveform of the power amplifier, model the baseline power spectral density of a load driven by the power amplifier during the identified segment of the output waveform, sample an empirical power spectral density of the load during the identified segment of the output waveform, and indicate a load fault in the event that the empirical power spectral density deviates from the baseline power spectral density beyond at least one pre-determined error criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Margaret Ann Wiza, Louis Martin Frigo, Melissa Jean Freeman, Douglas Link, Michael Thomas Rose, Andrew John Panos
  • Patent number: 10126358
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and a corresponding circuit for the fault detection of an electrical circuit, wherein the electrical circuit includes a first inductive interface, at least a first branch, and a second branch, wherein the first and the second branches are connected in parallel, wherein the first branch includes two parallel and counter-currently-connected diodes, and wherein the first and second branches are connected to the first inductive interface. The method includes applying an alternating voltage or an alternating current across the first inductive interface via a second inductive interface, wherein the applied voltage or current is low enough that essentially no current flows through either the first or the second diode; measuring the impedance across the first inductive interface via the second inductive interface; and determining whether a fault is present in the second branch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Endress+Hauser Conducta GmbH+Co. KG
    Inventor: Stefan Pilz
  • Patent number: 10033180
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a ground fault protection circuit and a ground fault circuit interrupter. A ground fault protection circuit may include a power supply circuit, a ground fault detection circuit, a signal amplifying and shaping circuit, a microcontroller control circuit, a power supply detection and indicator circuit, a tripping mechanism control circuit, and a reverse grounding detection and execution circuit. A ground fault circuit interrupter may comprise an interrupter body with a ground fault protection circuit in the interrupter body. The practice of the present disclosure may address installation safety risks of conventional ground fault circuit interrupters and arc fault circuit interrupter and improve the safety of ground fault circuit interrupters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Inventor: Ze Chen
  • Patent number: 9991695
    Abstract: A charging circuit interrupting device for applying an input voltage provided by first and second input power lines of a power system to first and second output power lines of an output system includes a current-detecting unit, a self-test device, and a controller. The current-detecting unit executes a leakage-detection function and generates a leakage signal when the current difference between the first and second power lines is detected. The self-test device generates a bypass path according to the detection enable signal so that there is a current difference between the first and the second input power lines. When operating in a self-test mode, the controller generates the detection enable signal, determines that the leakage-detecting function is normal, and enters a normal mode to apply the input voltage to the output system when the leakage signal is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Ming-Whang Wang
  • Patent number: 9923377
    Abstract: An electrical equipment cabinet has a standby battery to supply current when a mains connection is not available. In normal operation the battery is maintained charged by the mains supply. In order to test the condition of the battery, a measuring system is arranged to operation in co-operation with a test of a residual current detection device, which temporarily disconnects the mains supply, thus measuring the condition of the battery, when under load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: British Telecommunications Public Limited Company
    Inventor: John Warren
  • Patent number: 9906014
    Abstract: A circuit protection device with self fault detection function comprises a ground fault protection unit and a self fault detection unit, the ground fault protection unit can achieve the ground fault detection and protection function for AC power source power circuit and electrical appliance. The self fault detection unit is provided with two delay circuits which can achieve the fault detection at an early stage of power-on and periodically fault detection function. The ground fault protection circuit and the self fault detection unit can operate in time sharing, and achieve self fault detection without interruption of power supply. The self fault detection unit and the ground fault protection unit are separated from high impedance. Any fault occurred on any element in the self fault detection unit may not impair the protection ability of the ground fault protection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: ZHEJIANG TRIMONE ELECTRIC SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shaohua Gao, Gaoke Zheng
  • Patent number: 9864009
    Abstract: A ZSI testing apparatus includes a fault generation circuit, a plurality of cable assemblies coupled to the fault generation circuit, wherein the cable assemblies are structured to be selectively coupled to selected circuit interrupters, a human machine interface, and a controller coupled. The controller is configured to: (i) selectively cause a fault current to be provided to a number of the cable assemblies, (ii) receive an input from each circuit interrupter that is coupled to one of the cable assemblies, each input being indicative of a trip signal output of the circuit interrupter, (iii) determine based on the received inputs (a) that an error has occurred with respect to operation of the circuit interrupters and (b) a recommendation for fixing the error, and (iv) cause an output indicative of the error and the recommendation to be provided on the human machine interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Alec Dane Burkle
  • Patent number: 9797953
    Abstract: A self-test module of an electronic circuit breaker includes a power supply assembly with a rechargeable battery, a self-test enablement assembly, an induced power supply assembly, a boost power supply, and a micro control unit (MCU). The self-test enablement assembly is connected to the rechargeable battery and includes an enablement button, a capacitor and a first power chip connected in series. The induced power supply assembly includes a buck chip. The boost power supply includes a second power chip and a boost chip connected in series. The MCU includes a plurality of pins that are connected to the first and second power chips, the buck chip, and the boost chip. The self-test module has two working modes; the electronic circuit breaker may be provided with or without a load current. The MCU operates the self-test procedure, indicates the self-test status, and maintains the indication for a period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignees: SEARI ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., ZHEJIANG CHINT ELECTRICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yinglong Hu, Lijun Chen, Xianjun Yi