Transformer Patents (Class 340/646)
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Patent number: 6972686Abstract: A testing device is operative to sense or monitor a radiated field emitted by an igniter for heating equipment such as an oil burner and to indicate the detection corresponding to a normal operating state of the igniter.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2003Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Assignee: Sid Harvey Industries Inc.Inventor: Otto Schroeder
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Patent number: 6906630Abstract: A transformer management system and method involves using sensors to sense physical quantities associated with the operation of a transformer. Processing circuitry uses the sensed physical quantities to calculate values from mathematical models for representing behavior of the transformer. These calculated values are compared to threshold values and an output is generated based on the result of the comparison.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2001Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Bruno Georges, Mariana Barbulescu, Estelle Gagnon, Claude Beauchemin
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Patent number: 6842718Abstract: A portable auxiliary cooling system for cooling electrical power transformers is provided with an intelligent controller that is programmable for functioning in a plurality of different operational modes. A plurality of sensors monitor cooling system equipment operation, transformer top oil temperature and transformer current. The cooling system controller includes a user-interface panel, a modem and/or other digital communications circuitry, data storage memory and a computer or microprocessor that performs real-time heat removal rate computations and automatically controls heat pump and fan operation in response to the computed results. System performance data, sensor readings and alarm condition indications are indicated on a user-interface panel and may also be provided to a remote station or operator using conventional digital communication facilities.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2003Date of Patent: January 11, 2005Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Douglas S. Byrd, Thomas R. Anderson, Francis E. Ricard, Ken Lambach
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Publication number: 20040145488Abstract: A testing device is operative to sense or monitor a radiated field emitted by a solid state transformer/igniter and to indicate the detection corresponding to an operating state of the transformer/igniter.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2003Publication date: July 29, 2004Applicant: SID HARVEY INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventor: Otto Schroeder
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Patent number: 6727821Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring and controlling the operation of an electrical power transformer includes a processor with input transducers for providing to the processor inputs indicative of electrical current in a winding of the transformer and ambient temperature outside the transformer. The processor is arranged using an algorithm based upon heat transfer to repeatedly calculate a first prediction, based upon the present values of electrical current and ambient temperature, of a time period before the hot spot temperature exceeds a pre-set allowable maximum and a second prediction, based upon the current value of power, of a time period before the accumulated loss of life exceeds a pre-set allowable maximum. If the shorter time period of the two calculations is less than a pre-set value, for example one half hour, the processor generates an alarm signal and a display counting down the time remaining in the period, together with a second alarm signal at a shorter second time of for example one quarter hour.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2002Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: Perseus 2000, LLCInventors: Mark Anthony Weekes, Robert George Coish, Zhiying Zhang, Glenn William Swift
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Patent number: 6714022Abstract: The load current drawn from a power transformer is sensed to determine if and when the load current exceeds a predetermined threshold. The length of time the load current exceeds the threshold is also sensed. By monitoring the excess current flow and the length of time for which it flows, it is possible to anticipate a rise in the winding temperature of the power transformer and to initiate cooling before the windings have reached a critical temperature, as a function of the ambient temperature and/or the temperature of the transformer. Thus, systems embodying the invention include circuitry for sensing the current drawn from and/or by a transformer, determining when the current exceeds a predetermined value and timing circuits for sensing the length of time for which the excess current flows. The timing circuits are needed, in part, to differentiate between a transitory overload condition and a static, continuous, overload condition.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2002Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Inventor: Gary Hoffman
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Patent number: 6680616Abstract: A system and method for testing an on-line current transformer is provided. The current transformer includes a primary winding and a secondary winding. An operating current continues to flow through the primary winding during testing of the current transformer. A controllable load is applied to the current transformer secondary winding. The controllable load is varied over a range of load settings including a maximum current setting and a maximum voltage setting. At a plurality of load settings within the range of load settings, a current flowing through the current transformer secondary winding is measured. Also, a voltage across the current transformer secondary winding is measured. An actual excitation curve is generated from the measured currents and voltages corresponding to the plurality of load settings.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2002Date of Patent: January 20, 2004Assignee: Kuhlman Electric CorporationInventors: Vladimir M. Khalin, Melren V. Mathis, Hayes K. Wyatt
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Patent number: 6609079Abstract: In a method for ascertaining temperatures (tqm, tqh, tom, tok) in an oil-cooled transformer, the transformer terminal voltages (2), the winding currents (3) and the ambient temperature (6) are measured. Furthermore, the status (5) of fans and pumps and the switch position (4) of a stepping switch are established. The measured and established variables (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) are fed to a thermohydraulic model (7), in which state variables (19) are calculated with auxiliary variables (9), which are losses (10) in the transformer, heat transfer parameters (11), flow resistances (13) and the oil flow (12), and a hydraulic network of the oil circuit, which has branches and nodes. The state variables (19) are the average temperatures (tqm) and the hotspot temperatures (tqh) in loss-producing parts of the transformer and the average oil temperatures in branches (tom) and in nodes (tok) of the hydraulic network of the oil circuit.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2000Date of Patent: August 19, 2003Assignee: Va Tech Elin Transformatoren GmbHInventor: Walter Seitlinger
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Publication number: 20020180611Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring and controlling the operation of an electrical power transformer includes a processor with input transducers for providing to the processor inputs indicative of electrical current in a winding of the transformer and ambient temperature outside the transformer. The processor is arranged using an algorithm based upon heat transfer to repeatedly calculate a first prediction, based upon the present values of electrical current and ambient temperature, of a time period before the hot spot temperature exceeds a pre-set allowable maximum and a second prediction, based upon the current value of power, of a time period before the accumulated loss of life exceeds a pre-set allowable maximum. If the shorter time period of the two calculations is less than a pre-set value, for example one half hour, the processor generates an alarm signal and a display counting down the time remaining in the period, together with a second alarm signal at a shorter second time of for example one quarter hour.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2002Publication date: December 5, 2002Inventors: Mark Anthony Weekes, Robert George Coish, Zhiying Zhang, Glenn William Swift
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Patent number: 6424266Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring and controlling the operation of an electrical power transformer includes a processor with input transducers for providing to the processor inputs indicative of electrical current in a winding of the transformer and ambient temperature outside the transformer. The processor is arranged using an algorithm based upon heat transfer to repeatedly calculate a first prediction, based upon the present values of electrical current and ambient temperature, of a time period before the hot spot temperature exceeds a pre-set allowable maximum and a second prediction, based upon the current value of power, of a time period before the accumulated loss of life exceeds a pre-set allowable maximum. If the shorter time period of the two calculations is less than a pre-set value, for example one half hour, the processor generates an alarm signal and a display counting down the time remaining in the period, together with a second alarm signal at a shorter second time of for example one quarter hour.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: NxtPhase Technology SRLInventors: Mark Anthony Weekes, Robert George Coish, Zhiying Zhang, Glenn William Swift
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Patent number: 6400277Abstract: A monitor for detecting failures in the installation of neon gas sign transformers has an electronic circuit in the transformer compartment to turn the transformer off in the event any failure occurs. The monitor uses a programmed digital micro-controller connected to the transformer and supplies an exciting current to a “TRIAC” that turns on/off the primary coil of the transformer under an AC voltage of the distribution network and also supplies a current to turn on a red LED when failures occur and a green LED that indicates if any power is being fed from the distribution network. When the sign lights properly, the TRIAC is activated, the transformer remains activated and the red LED remains inactivated while the green LED remains activated. When there is any failure the monitor detects the failure immediately and the transformer is turned off and six seconds later it is automatically turned on again. If the cause of the failure disappears, the transformer continues operating regularly.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2001Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignee: Industria Electro Mecanica Linsa Ltda.Inventor: Jose Carlos Guedes
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Patent number: 6323655Abstract: A method and device for detecting partial discharges in an electrical apparatus placed in a tank filled with oil, wherein the tank wall is provided with at least one drain tap. The device includes a probe mounted on a carrier that is movable through the opened drain tap into the tank. To move the probe into the tank while avoiding leakage of the oil, a sleeve maybe coupled to a flange of the drain tap an the carrier may be moved within the sleeve. The probe may be moved so that it at least coincides with the inner surface of the tank wall, or even further, and then measurements may be performed to detect partial discharges.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1999Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: N.V. KemaInventors: Yan Hong Fu, Wijnand Reijer Rutgers
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Patent number: 6292069Abstract: A loosely coupled rotary transformer includes a resonant circuit, such as a resonating capacitor connected to a power MOS transistor, coupled across the primary coil of the transformer. The resonant circuit is connected and disconnected from the transformer during a power transfer mode and a data transfer mode, respectively. During the power transfer mode, stored energy in the leakage inductance of the primary coil is used for power coupling, via the resonant circuit, instead of being dissipated as heat. The resonant circuit is disconnected from the rotary transformer during the data transfer mode to maximize bandwidth for two-way data transfer between the primary and secondary sides of the transformer. Including the resonant circuit in the loosely coupled transformer optimizes data and power transfer without requiring the use of high-cost, high-efficiency magnetic structures in the core of the transformer.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Paul A. Michaels, Irvin B. Rea
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Patent number: 6052060Abstract: Insulating oil in electric power transmission switchgear such as a load tap changer for a transformer is filtered for removal of accumulated water and carbon particles. The filter and associated circulation pump is usually located in a separate cabinet external to the switchgear with circulation conduits connecting the filter, the pump and the switchgear reservoir. To prevent or minimize equipment damage that is presaged by excessive insulating oil temperature, oil flow within the oil circulation conduits is monitored for temperature excesses. Alarms are issued and electrical loads are disconnected upon detection of an excess temperature event. If desired, provision may be made for disconnected the jeopardized equipment from its respective service load.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1998Date of Patent: April 18, 2000Assignee: Filmax, Inc.Inventors: David McMahan Butler, Johnny James Clark
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Patent number: 6016104Abstract: An arrangement allowing a definite and reliable determination of a load resistance connected to the secondary side of a transformer includes devices, which measure exclusively the inductance of the transformer on the primary side and signal a load malfunction in the case of deviation from a predefined value.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1998Date of Patent: January 18, 2000Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Klaus Dobler, Erich Zabler, Anton Dukart, Thomas Herrmann
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Patent number: 5949343Abstract: There is provided at least one pressure detector for detecting a change in pressure of an insulating medium, a vibration detector for detecting vibration of an oil-filled electric equipment, and a determination processor for determining, based on information detected by the pressure detector and the vibration detector, whether an internal short circuit has occurred in the oil-filled electrical equipment.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 1998Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takashi Sesekura, Yuji Hase, Satoru Inoue, Takashi Hirai, Takashi Shindoi
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Patent number: 5908453Abstract: A control apparatus by which a duty ratio in consideration of how energy stored in storage cells is consumed is set to ensure a steady traveling feeling, a regeneration brake which can produce stable braking forces regardless of how storage cells are consumed, and a protective device by which a plurality of operation stop levels are set to be able to cancel the stop operation effected for the first time and to ensure reliable alarming, are provided. In the first and second embodiments, a chopper duty ratio is compensated depending on how storage cells are consumed, to provide a steady agreeable traveling feeling. In the third embodiment, regenerated electric power is consumed by a motor driving circuit to stabilize operation of a regeneration brake regardless of how storage cells are consumed, and improve performance thereof.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 1998Date of Patent: June 1, 1999Assignees: Seiko Epson Corporation, Tokyo R&D Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kunio Tabata, Minoru Kozaki
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Patent number: 5717338Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing flyback transformers counts the number of cycles of a decaying ringing signal generated in a resonant circuit including the secondary winding of the flyback transformer beginning with the second cycle and ending with the cycle where the amplitude of the ringing signal falls below twenty-five percent of the amplitude of the second cycle of the ringing signal.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1995Date of Patent: February 10, 1998Assignee: Sencore, Inc.Inventor: Terry D. Cook
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Patent number: 5710542Abstract: A method for measuring the current in an AC power transmission network, where a measurement quantity is obtained by means of a current transformer and digital samples are converted. To prevent faulty detection of the current due to a decaying DC component of the current transformer, two initial auxiliary measurement quantities that are normal to one another are formed from the digital samples by means of at least two FIR filters, and together with two additional auxiliary measurement quantities that are normal to each other, are used to produce a measured value corresponding to the amplitude of the current. The additional auxiliary measurement quantities are produced from samples formed from an older measurement quantity obtained earlier by a quarter period of the current to be measured. The differential angle is formed from the two measurement quantities. An output signal is generated from the two measured values in an evaluation device when the measured values exceed preset threshold values.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1996Date of Patent: January 20, 1998Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Andreas Jurisch
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Patent number: 5691706Abstract: Insulating oil in electric power transmission devices such as a transformer is filtered for removal of accumulated water and carbon particles. The filter and circulation pump are usually located in a separate cabinet external to the transformer with circulation conduits connecting the filter, the pump and the transformer. To prevent or minimize environmental contamination by leaks or ruptures in the oil circulation conduits, oil flow within the pump suction conduit is monitored independently of oil pressure within the pump discharge conduit. A flow rate or discharge pressure below a predetermined minimum operates motor control relays to terminate the pump drive motor operation and transmit appropriate alarms. Additionally, an accumulation of oil in the dry sump volume of a pump and filter housing also activates motor terminating relays and transmits an alarm.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 1996Date of Patent: November 25, 1997Assignee: Filmax, Inc.Inventors: David McMahan Butler, Johnny James Clark
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Light transparent multilayer moisture barrier for electrochemical celltester and cell employing same
Patent number: 5681666Abstract: A light transparent moisture barrier useful for preventing moisture from destroying the effectiveness of a moisture sensitive cell condition tester on an electrochemical cell comprises a plurality of very thin; alternating layers of an inorganic material and an organic material on a flexible, polymeric substrate. The layers are not laminated, but are formed on the substrate by a deposition or coating process and the thickness of any layer is less than 5 microns.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1996Date of Patent: October 28, 1997Assignee: Duracell Inc.Inventors: Jack Treger, Bryan Christopher Lagos, John B. Fenn, H. Frank Gibbard, Guang Wei -
Patent number: 5581173Abstract: A microcontroller-based tap-changer controller including apparatus for keeping track of an electrically closed tap position and for automatically changing the tap setting of load tap-changing transformers and regulators; the tap-changer controller further utilizes the "keep-track" tap position to calculate the source voltage of the regulator for reverse power operations; and, a method for paralleling tap-changing transformers and regulators utilizing the circulating current of the units.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1993Date of Patent: December 3, 1996Assignee: Beckwith Electric Co., Inc.Inventors: Murty V. V. S. Yalla, Robert W. Beckwith, Andrew P. Craig, David C. Vescovi, James H. Harlow, Timothy J. Bryant
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Patent number: 5546010Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring a resistance value in a network incorporated in an electrical apparatus, wherein the network has at least two accessible terminals, the network has at least two time constants differing mutually by at least one order of magnitude, and the resistance value can be related to the voltage applied to the terminal clips and the current flowing through the apparatus.Such control switches are poorly accessible.Direct measurement is time-consuming as a result of the large value of the time constants. These problems are diminished by applying a step-like change of the voltage to the terminal clips, measuring the current flowing through the terminal clips before the change has taken place and after the transient phenomenon related to the smallest time constant and caused by applying the change is damped, and calculating the first resistance value from the measured values of the current.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 1995Date of Patent: August 13, 1996Assignee: N.V. KemaInventor: Henricus F. A. Verhaart
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Patent number: 5534853Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic apparatus fastened on an oil transformer, which measures with precision, continuously and simultaneously the value of the temperature, of the level of the dielectric liquid contained in the transformer, of the pressure inside the transformer and of the current-strength at the transformer secondary. With this measure of the four parameters are associated the continuous memorization of these measures over 24 hours, the visualization of these memorized measures on the apparatus or at distance on a peripheral equipment connected to the apparatus as well as the control of an alarm system and of a stop system of the transformer for each parameter.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 1993Date of Patent: July 9, 1996Assignee: Pioch S.A.Inventor: Olivier Pioch
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Patent number: 5522252Abstract: A detection device for detecting excessive wear of a carbon brush of an autotransformer includes a winding wound on a toroidal iron core, a shaft secured by the iron core, a rotary arm extending from the shaft with a hole facing the iron core, a copper block slidably received within the hole of the rotary arm with a flange for preventing the block from passing through the hole of the rotary arm, a carbon brush mounted under the copper block in contact with the winding, a wire connected to the copper block, and a detection means secured on the rotary arm and under the flange for contacting the flange when the carbon brush is excessively worn.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 1995Date of Patent: June 4, 1996Inventors: Jinn-huei Tsai, Yueh-chuan Wu
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Patent number: 5500598Abstract: The apparatus comprises a plurality of connectors (9, 10, 11, 12 . . .) for connecting to the component to be tested (e.g. a transformer), a signal generator (19), a measuring system (23) and control means (22) which is arranged to control which of the connectors (9, 10, 11, 12 . . .) are connected to the signal generator (19) and the measuring system {23) and arranged to control the function of the signal generator (19) and the measuring system (23) so that the same signal generator (19) and measuring system (23) can be used to carry out a variety of different tests on the component, the signal generator (19) also being arranged to provide a synchronising signal (28) to the measuring system (23) so that the phase relationship between measurements at different times can be calculated by comparing the phase relationships of those measurements with the synchronising signal (28).Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1994Date of Patent: March 19, 1996Assignee: Voltech Instruments LimitedInventor: John S. Ford
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Patent number: 5475371Abstract: A faulted circuit detector having an electrically isolated and remotely positioned indicator detects fault currents in a monitored conductor. When a fault of a predetermined magnitude is detected, a light pulse is transmitted from the detector to the indicator via a fiber optic cable where, upon receipt, the pulse is converted to an electrical pulse causing the indicator to indicate a "fault" state. A reset circuit within the indicator resets the indicator at regular intervals to the "normal" state as long as a predetermined minimum voltage is present on the monitored conductor. The detector includes a temperature compensation circuit and low pass filter circuit so as to prevent misoperation due to varying ambient temperatures or high frequency transients. A test circuit is also provided to allow service personnel to field-test the device with the monitored conductor in an energized state.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1992Date of Patent: December 12, 1995Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.Inventors: Michael P. Dunk, Gary D. Rector, John F. Banting
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Patent number: 5455506Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for safely testing an autotransformer of power distribution lines which has an identified centre tap ground connector, a primary winding terminal and a secondary winding terminal. The method for safely testing the autotransformer includes the steps of disconnecting the terminals and connector of the autotransformer from the distribution lines, applying a first testing AC voltage having a maximum value of substantially one volt only between a first of the terminals and the ground connector, measuring a first value of an AC voltage between the first terminal and the ground connector, and measuring a second value of an AC voltage between the second of the terminals and the ground connector.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 1994Date of Patent: October 3, 1995Assignee: Copek Electro LteeInventors: Yvan Mimeault, Jacques Kirouac, Yves Tremblay, Roland Caron
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Patent number: 5276402Abstract: Three-phase transformer testing method and system enabling convenient performance of ANSI-required checking of polarity and phase-relation and also enabling measurements of core loss, load loss and transformer ratio to be performed conveniently. Only a total of six test leads are needed, being connected one each to three high-voltage transformer terminals H1, H2 and H3 and being connected one each to three low-voltage terminals X1, X2 and X3. Since only six test leads are needed, it is easy to arrange them and to connect them without confusion to the six transformer terminals.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1992Date of Patent: January 4, 1994Assignee: Hipotronics, Inc.Inventor: Donald M. Schucht
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Patent number: 5200737Abstract: A system and method for detecting partial discharge of gas-insulated switchgear wherein a high-frequency component and the fundamental wave component of the voltage applied to the conductor of the gas-insulated switchgear are detected, the zero-cross point of the fundamental wave component is set as the starting point for the voltage, and the presence of partial discharge and the reason for the occurrence of partial discharge are ascertained based on the phase difference between the phase of the detected high-frequency component and the phase of the starting point of the voltage.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1991Date of Patent: April 6, 1993Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Katsumi Konishi, Takaaki Sakakibara
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Patent number: 5159319Abstract: A faulted circuit detector having an electrically isolated and remotely positioned indicator detects fault currents in a monitored conductor. When a fault of a predetermined magnitude is detected, a light pulse is transmitted from the detector to the indicator via a fiber optic cable where, upon receipt, the pulse is converted to an electrical pulse causing the indicator to indicate a "fault" state. A reset circuit within the indicator resets the indicator at regular intervals to the "normal" state as long as a predetermined minimum voltage is present on the monitored conductor. A test circuit is also provided to allow service personnel to field test the device with the monitored conductor in an energized state.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1990Date of Patent: October 27, 1992Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.Inventors: Michael P. Dunk, Gary D. Rector, John F. Banting
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Patent number: 5075629Abstract: A partial discharge detecting device for transformers includes an antenna disposed in a metallic insulation gas filled tank enclosing a core and coil assembly and a signal processing circuit for processing an output signal from the antenna. The antenna includes a magnetic core and a single coil or two coils differently operated. An electromagnetic wave due to the partial discharge is detected by the antenna. A detection signal from the antenna is supplied to the signal processing circuit, which determines whether or not the partial discharge has taken place, based on the detection signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 1990Date of Patent: December 24, 1991Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Tokihiro Umemura, Keiichi Abe
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Patent number: 5041817Abstract: An arrangement for the inductive querying of and supplying of power to an isolated circuit having an electrical consuming device. The arrangement uses two isolating transformers each with a read winding to simultaneously compare the resistance of the consuming device with that of a simulation device when powered by a low alternating test current. Te arrangement has two outputs for test voltages corresponding to resistance deviations of the consuming device and the reference element, deviate in opposite directions. A bidirectional crosswise transmission of the testing power and the testing signal for the consuming device and the simulation compensates for tolerances of the transformers. When an increased alternating current is fed, the arrangement also causes the efficient supplying of power to the consuming device and a limiting of the power loss at the simulation.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 1989Date of Patent: August 20, 1991Assignee: Daimler-Benz AGInventor: Max Reeb
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Patent number: 4937561Abstract: A system for detecting load has a first detector for detecting load on a generator based on the voltage in a circuit of an armature of the generator, and a second detector for detecting the load on the generator based on the voltage in a circuit inductively coupled to the armature circuit. An output of the first detector is compared with a first reference value by a first comparator and a first overload signal is produced when exceeding the first reference value. A second comparator is provided for producing a second overload signal when exceeding a second reference value. In response to the first and second overload signals alarm lamps are turned on for providing an alarm of the overload.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 1989Date of Patent: June 26, 1990Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Asao Sasaki, Masami Minegishi
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Patent number: 4868547Abstract: The present invention is a transformer alarm annunciator which discloses a system that transmits a general alarm signal to a central location in response to one of a plurality of alarm conditions without blocking the signal path, so that in the event of system failure the alarm signal will still be transmitted as a transformer alarm. The device provides a means to disable a particular alarm condition while allowing the remaining alarms to be monitored.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 1988Date of Patent: September 19, 1989Assignee: Georgia Power CompanyInventors: Clifford R. Thomas, John P. Johnson
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Patent number: 4843310Abstract: A device for use in connection with electricity meters incorporating current transformers is disclosed. The device detects saturation incidents of the magnetic cores of the transformers, thereby reducing measurement errors.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 1986Date of Patent: June 27, 1989Assignee: LGZ Landis & GYR ZUG AGInventor: Richard Friedl
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Patent number: 4839770Abstract: An arrangement is provided for checking the validity of a sensed-current signal from a current-sensing device. The sensed-current signal represents the current in a line. An associated control circuit utilizes the sensed-current signal to indicate or predict the presence of undesired overcurrent conditions. When such conditions may be present, the sensed-current signal is checked to determine if the sensed-current signal is valid; i.e., whether the sensed-current signal accurately represents the current in the line. If the sensed-current signal is invalid, no trip signal is generated to interrupt the current. If the sensed-current signal is valid, the control circuit generates a trip signal to control operation of a circuit-interrupting device. In a particular arrangement, the load on the current-sensing device is changed to determine if the sensed-current signal is valid.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 1988Date of Patent: June 13, 1989Assignee: S&C Electric CompanyInventor: Joseph W. Ruta
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Patent number: 4796143Abstract: A transformer for use on an underground mining machine, such as a shearer loader. The transformer is cylindrical in shape and contains a central cavity extending therethrough to allow positioning of the transformer about a drive shaft of the motor of the mining machine. A tubular housing surrounds a cylindrical iron core with such housing containing a helically wound coolant duct to allow coolant fluid to flow therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 1988Date of Patent: January 3, 1989Assignee: Gebr. Eickhoff Maschinenfabrik u. EisengieBerei mbHInventors: Horst Odenkirchen, Klaus Lodwig
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Patent number: 4772978Abstract: In a transformer protection system, data of voltages and currents detected at individual terminals of a transformer connected to an electric power system are supplied to a computer. The computer computes driving point admittances or shunt admittances of the transformer on the basis of the voltage and current data and predetermined transfer admittances of the transformer and decides that an internal fault has occurred in the transformer when the values of the driving point admittances or shunt admittances deviate from pre-set reference values, thereby disconnecting the transformer from the electric power system.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1986Date of Patent: September 20, 1988Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., The Tokyo Electric Power Co.Inventors: Yoshifumi Oura, Kunio Matsuzawa, Kazuyoshi Yoshida, Keizo Inagaki, Hiroyuki Kudo, Yoshihiro Sano
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Patent number: 4754405Abstract: A method and system for indicating and controlling the temperature of liquid cooled multi-phase power transformers. The winding temperatures of a transformer are electronically computed from the actual top oil temperature and the incremental additional temperatures resulting from the highest transformer load current to determine the hottest spot temperature. One curve from a family of curves representing the incremental temperature for various transformers may be selected or programmed by adjustments made which simulate the incremental additional temperature which results from transformer winding current. In this way the input current range, winding bias setpoint, winding bias curve, and time-constant can be chosen independently so that any electric power transformer may be simulated.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 1986Date of Patent: June 28, 1988Assignee: Qualitrol CorporationInventor: Joseph F. Foster
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Patent number: 4745571Abstract: A method and system for controlling the temperature of liquid cooled power transformers. The winding temperature of a transformer winding is electronically computed from the actual top oil temperature and the incremental additional temperature resulting from transformer load current. One curve from a family of curves representing the incremental temperature for various transformers may be selected or calibrated by adjustments made which simulate the incremental additional temperature which results from transformer winding current. The total temperature value resulting from the addition of both the top oil temperature and the incremental temperature are used to control indicators, cooling fans, circuit trips and retain an indication of the highest temperature occuring during the time period of interest.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1985Date of Patent: May 17, 1988Assignee: Qualitrol CorporationInventor: Joseph F. Foster
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Patent number: 4737775Abstract: The apparatus for monitoring an insulation deterioration of an insulation layer surrounding an outer surface of a coil conductor comprises a semiconductor layer of 10.sup.2 to 10.sup.7 ohm-cm formed within the insulation layer of the coil, an electric field sensor such as Pockels element or ferroelectric element mounted on the coil insulation layer. The semiconductor layer is so formed as to divide the insulation layer into inner and outer layers. When the inner layer deteriorates, a high electric field is sensed, while the outer layer deteriorates, a low electric field is sensed. Therefore, it is possible to discriminate the insulation deterioration positions on the basis of the change in electric field detected by the sensor element. In case of deterioration, alarms are produced or the power supply of machine is turned off for safety.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1985Date of Patent: April 12, 1988Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha MeidenshaInventors: Takao Tokuda, Hisashi Suwahara, Yasuaki Nozu
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Patent number: 4689570Abstract: A digital protective relay monitoring system for testing the analog input section of the relay by application of a monitoring signal, with a frequency different from the power frequency, superimposed on the line voltage and current sensor signals. After the signals have been sampled in the form of digital data, the monitoring signal component is extracted through the digital filtering process and compared with the reference value, and a fault in the analog input section of the relay is detected on the basis of the result of comparison.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 1985Date of Patent: August 25, 1987Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kenji Ohgaki, Hiroshi Sato
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Patent number: 4654806Abstract: A microprocessor-based transformer monitoring system to provide continuous on-line monitoring and analysis of transformer operation. The transformer monitoring system periodically monitors various parameters related to transformer load and condition. Maximum, minimum, and instantaneous values of the parameters are stored and analzyed. To perform the analysis, a hierarchy of thresholds is associated with each parameter. When a parameter exceeds any one of the thresholds, a response is produced by the transformer monitoring system. The type of response depends on the level of the exceeded threshold in the hierarchy. The range of response produced by the transformer monitoring system includes: continuing normal periodic data collection and analysis, increasing the rate of data collection and analysis, recommending an on-site physical check of the monitored transformer, reducing transformer load, and taking the transformer off line.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1984Date of Patent: March 31, 1987Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.Inventors: Thomas D. Poyser, Randall N. Avery, John W. Bankoske, John D. Borst, Clive W. Kimblin, Albert H. Maxwell, David W. McElroy, Charles A. Peterson, Joseph R. Rostron, David R. Smith, William H. South, Michael W. Thomas
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Patent number: 4623265Abstract: A hot-spot temperature monitor for determining the hot-spot temperature of a transformer. The hot-spot temperature monitor determines the largest current flowing in the transformer and using this value calculates a temperature gradient. The temperature gradient represents the difference in temperature between the hot spot and the top-oil temperature. The top-oil temperature is also measured. The hot-spot temperature is calculated by adding the temperature gradient to the top-oil temperature. The hot-spot temperature sensor controls the transformer cooling units and can activate various alarms and indicators as desired.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1984Date of Patent: November 18, 1986Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.Inventor: Thomas D. Poyser
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Patent number: 4611167Abstract: A flux shunt includes a pickup plate parallel to, and closely spaced from, an outer surface of a voltage stator winding of a voltage stator for an electric meter drive apparatus. A flux-return tab of the flux shunt passes through an auxiliary coil and enters a flux-return slot in the voltage stator core of the voltage stator. The flux-return tab is biased into intimate mechanical contact with a surface of the flux-return slot both to prevent buzzing and to provide a low-reluctance return path for flux picked up by the pickup plate. The return flux, passing through the auxiliary coil induces a voltage in windings thereof for powering meter accessories such as, for example, a light-emitting diode whose illunination is indiciative of excitation of the core material of the voltage stator.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 1985Date of Patent: September 9, 1986Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Christopher W. Ten Haagen
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Patent number: 4502047Abstract: Two substrates respectively mounting electric parts are disposed so that parts-mounting faces of the two substrates oppose each other. The opposed substrates are connected at the respective opposing side edges thereof to each other by means of respective cover plates. High voltage electric parts are mounted on one of the substrates, while heat/electromagnetic wave generating electric parts are mounted on the other of the substrates to obtain heat radiation and electromagnetic wave shielding.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1981Date of Patent: February 26, 1985Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Kaisaku Fujiwara, Shigenori Yokooji, Yasuji Morishita
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Patent number: 4419619Abstract: A voltage regulating transformer utilizing a microprocessor and a versatile multipurpose set of hardware modules and software modules it is described. A standard tap changing mechanism is driven in response to an analog control signal to change the output voltage of the transformer in response to digitally sampled values of voltage and current which have been transformed from the time domain to the frequency domain through a software program using Fourier transform techniques. The output current is also transformed and digitally processed to determine the power factor and the direction of power flow through the transformer. By inserting the digital values of the line characteristics to the load, line drop compensation is provided for. The difference in voltage across the input and output transformers is transformed to a digital signal and internally processed to provide an indication of the position of the tap changing mechanism without relying upon mechanical devices.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 1981Date of Patent: December 6, 1983Assignee: McGraw-Edison CompanyInventors: James A. Jindrick, James R. Hurley, Clyde Gilker, Naresh K. Nohria, James A. Baranowski, Thomas G. Dolnik
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Patent number: 4350971Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring system includes a tuned circuit with a pressure sensitive switch which is closed when the tire pressure is normal, connected across it, the tuned circuit and switch being mounted on the vehicle wheel. Mounted on a part of the vehicle is a detector circuit including an oscillator which includes an inductor which is at least intermittently coupled to the inductor of the tuned circuit. When the switch is closed the oscillator runs normally and its output is detected to indicate that all is well. When switch is open, however, the oscillator output is suppressed whenever the inductors are coupled together. The circuit can also be used in other applications where it is required to detect the state of an isolated switch.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1980Date of Patent: September 21, 1982Assignee: Lucas Industries LimitedInventors: John S. Forrester, David F. Swindell, Michael A. Wildsmith
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Patent number: 4337820Abstract: A vaporization cooled transformer of the type comprising a transformer tank in combination with a heat exchanger employs temperature sensing means in both the tank and the heat exchanger for sensing a predetermined temperature differential to indicate the presence of air in the transformer. When the temperature differential exceeds a predetermined range, an alarm and a transformer disconnect relay become actuated. The temperature differential sensor can also be calibrated to provide excess moisture indication above a threshold moisture content caused by the saturation of the molecular sieve water scavenger within the transformer assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 1980Date of Patent: July 6, 1982Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Linden W. Pierce