Arc Suppression At Switching Point (i.e., Includes Solid-state Switch) Patents (Class 361/2)
  • Publication number: 20110096444
    Abstract: A system is presented. The system includes a micro-electromechanical system switch. Further, the system includes a balanced diode bridge configured to suppress arc formation between contacts of the micro-electromechanical system switch. A pulse circuit is coupled to the balanced diode bridge to form a pulse signal in response to a fault condition. An energy-absorbing circuitry is coupled in a parallel circuit with the pulse circuit and is adapted to absorb electrical energy resulting from the fault condition without affecting a pulse signal formation by the pulse circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Joshua Isaac Wright, Kanakasabapathi Subramanian, William James Premerlani, John Norton Park
  • Patent number: 7929260
    Abstract: A method of eliminating arc flash in a motor control center is disclosed. The method includes sensing an arc flash corresponding to the motor control center. In response to sensing the arc flash, and subsequent to a delay, determining whether the arc flash continues, and in response to determining that the arc flash continues, triggering an arc crowbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: George William Roscoe, Thangavelu Asokan, Adnan Kutubuddin Bohori
  • Patent number: 7924535
    Abstract: An electronic switch structure capable of extinguishing arcs is provided. A device capable of extinguishing arcs generated when an electric switch is turned on or off is in a following structure. Two silicon controlled rectifiers are connected in inverse parallel. Trigger ports of the silicon controlled rectifiers are connected to triggering current limiting circuits each formed by a diode and a resistor connected in series, respectively. Positive poles and negative poles of the silicon controlled rectifiers are connected to a voltage dependent resistor and a resistance-capacitance absorption circuit for over voltage protection in parallel. A triggering end of the device is connected to a contact bridge of the switch. Two ends connected in inverse parallel of the silicon controlled rectifiers are connected to two ends of fixed contacts of the switch respectively. Thus, an electronic arc extinguishing device having a simple structure, a small volume, and high reliability is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Goodwell Electric Corp.
    Inventor: Sui-Chan Kao
  • Patent number: 7904266
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for calculating the separation time of the arcing contacts of a high-voltage switchgear which is operatively coupled to a synchronous switching device and to an auxiliary switch having auxiliary contacts operatively connected to the arcing contacts. During execution of a predefined test condition the separation time of the arcing contacts and of the auxiliary contacts is measured. The time delay between the measured separation time of the arcing contacts and of the auxiliary contacts is calculated. Upon separation of the arcing contacts under an operating condition other than the predefined test condition, the separation time of the auxiliary contacts is measured. Then, the separation time of the arcing contacts is calculated as the difference between the separation time of the auxiliary contacts measured during the operating condition other than the predefined test condition and the calculated time delay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: Michael Mendik, Anton Poeltl
  • Patent number: 7885043
    Abstract: The present invention provides a remote operable over-current protection apparatus. The apparatus includes control circuitry integrally arranged on a current path and a micro electromechanical system (MEMS) switch disposed on the current path, the MEMS switch responsive to the control circuitry to facilitate the interruption of an electrical current passing through the current path. The apparatus further includes a communication connection in signal connection with the control circuitry such that the control circuitry is responsive to a control signal on the communication connection to control a state of the MEMS switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Brent Charles Kumfer, William James Premerlani, Robert Joseph Caggiano, Kanakasabapathi Subramanian, Christopher Fred Keimel, Charles Stephan Pitzen, David James Lesslie, Parag Thakre
  • Patent number: 7876538
    Abstract: A system is presented. The system includes a micro-electromechanical system switch. Further, the system includes a balanced diode bridge configured to suppress arc formation between contacts of the micro-electromechanical system switch. A pulse circuit is coupled to the balanced diode bridge to form a pulse signal in response to a fault condition. An energy-absorbing circuitry is coupled in a parallel circuit with the pulse circuit and is adapted to absorb electrical energy resulting from the fault condition without affecting a pulse signal formation by the pulse circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Joshua Isaac Wright, Kanakasabapathi Subramanian, William James Premerlani, John Norton Park
  • Patent number: 7869937
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for processing a multimedia broadcasting in a portable terminal having a navigation module, while a vehicle is being driven. The method includes steps of: proceeding to a vehicle driving mode, if it is recognized that the vehicle is currently being driven when the multimedia broadcasting data is outputted; confirming at least one vehicle driving function set as the vehicle driving mode in the vehicle driving mode and driving navigation module, and then acquiring vehicle driving information; and reflecting the acquired vehicle driving information in the vehicle driving function and then outputting the multimedia broadcasting data after applying the vehicle driving function to the multimedia broadcasting data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Soon-Jin Kim
  • Patent number: 7864491
    Abstract: Pilot switch circuitry coupled across first and second terminals of a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) switch is provided to reduce or eliminate arcing between a cantilever contact and a terminal contact when the MEMS switch is opened or closed. The pilot switch circuitry establishes a common potential at the first and second terminals prior to, and preferably until, the cantilever contact and terminal contact come into contact with one another when the MEMS switch is closed. The pilot switch circuitry may also establish a common potential at the first and second terminals prior to, and preferably after, the cantilever contact and terminal contact separate from one another when the MEMS switch is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: RF Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Ruediger Bauder, David Durgin Coons, David C. Dening, Jon D. Jorgenson
  • Publication number: 20100321836
    Abstract: A multi-pole circuit breaker having the same number of sensors and controllers as poles. One pole is monitored by a first sensor and a first controller, which are disposed on a first circuit board. Another pole is monitored by a second sensor and a second controller, which are disposed on a second circuit board that is cable-connected to the first circuit board. A ground-fault sensor monitors the sum of current flowing through the line conductors and a neutral conductor, and the output of the ground-fault sensor is provided to one or both of the controllers. Each controller is operable to detect arc faults on the respective line that it is monitoring, and at least one is operable to detect ground faults. A push-to-test algorithm is executed in relay fashion, with one controller executing the test before passing the result of the test onto the next controller, which in turns executes the test.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: Square D Company
    Inventors: Robert F. Dvorak, Brett Larson
  • Patent number: 7854832
    Abstract: An input terminal is electrically connected to a contact point. An anti-corrosion current supplying section is operable to supply an anti-corrosion current to the contact point through the input terminal so as to remove corrosion in the contact point. A series resistor is electrically interposed between the input terminal of the signal processing circuit and the contact point. The anti-corrosion current is supplied to the contact point through the series resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Komatsu, Keisuke Kido, Kouji Oonishi
  • Patent number: 7852605
    Abstract: An arc-flash hazard protection system for a three-phase electrical distribution system having a plurality of switchgear interconnected with a plurality of distribution buses is disclosed. The protection system includes a plurality of first and second current transformers in signal communication with respective first and second phases of each of the plurality of switchgear, and a bus differential relay connected to receive output signals from each of the first and second current transformers of each of the plurality of switchgear to establish a bus differential protection scheme utilizing only two of the three available phases for each of the plurality of switchgear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Hill
  • Patent number: 7817382
    Abstract: A contactor may operate to interrupt current in a circuit while the circuit is operating under load. A shunt is provided to by-pass surge power current around contacts to reduce arcing. The shunt includes a solid-state switch that may be operated in a series of pulses during movement of the contacts. The pulse control unit may detect a potential for arcing and then provide for periodic pulsing operation of the shunt. Because the solid-state switch may operate discontinuously, the contactor may be constructed with a switch that is selected on a basis of its pulse rating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Wenjiang Yu, Zhenning Liu, Shaobin Cheng
  • Patent number: 7796369
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise an electrical bypass conductor adapted for installation in a circuit breaker. The electrical bypass conductor can be adapted to be operatively electrically coupled to a load side of the circuit breaker. The electrical bypass conductor adapted to transfer electrical energy from a source of electrical power to the load side of the circuit breaker during a short circuit event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Timothy McCoy, Thomas William Holland
  • Patent number: 7791846
    Abstract: An arc flash system for a circuit breaker and a method of operation is provided. The arc flash system includes a first sensor such as a photo-detector and a second sensor that detects a circuit breaker parameter. The arc flash system is responsive to signals from the first sensor and second sensor to determine if an arc flash event is occurring to avoid nuisance tripping of the circuit breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: George William Roscoe, Thomas Frederick Papallo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7782578
    Abstract: The provided relay system includes a load having a first terminal and a second terminal, a relay coupled to a common ground and the first terminal of the load and a relay protection circuit eliminating an arc generated by the relay. The relay protection circuit has an energy storage element with a first terminal coupled to the first terminal of the load and a second terminal and electrically connected to the relay in parallel for storing and releasing an electrical power, and a high-impedance element coupled to the second terminal of the load to cause the energy storage element to have a relatively speedy charge and a relatively slow discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Chi-Ming Tao
  • Publication number: 20100171062
    Abstract: A method for suppressing an electric arc or corona discharge includes providing a device capable of storing, transmitting, or generating an electrical current or field; and enveloping at least a portion of said device with a dielectric gas consisting essentially of: sulfur hexafluoride; a second component selected from the group consisting of nitrous oxide; carbon dioxide; trifluoromethane (R32); trifluoroiodomethane; octafluoropropane (R218); 1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoroethane (R125); propane (R290); 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234yf); 1,2,3,3-tetrafluoro-2-propene (HFO-1234yc); 1,1,3,3-tetrafluoro-2-propene (HFO-1234zc); 1,1,1,3-tetrafluoro-2-propene (HFO-1234ze); 1,1,2,3-tetrafluoro-2-propene (HFO-1234ye); 1,1,1,2,3-pentafluoropropene (HFO-1225ye); 1,1,2,3,3-pentafluoropropene (HFO-1225yc); 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropene (HFO-1225zc); (Z)1,1,1,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234zeZ); (Z)1,1,2,3-tetrafluoro-2-propene (HFO-1234yeZ); (E)1,1,1,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234zeE); (E)1,1,2,3-tetrafluoro-2-propene (HFO-12
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Matthew H. Luly, Rajiv R. Singh, Robert G. Richard
  • Publication number: 20100157486
    Abstract: An arc fault circuit interrupter includes separable contacts, an operating mechanism and an arc fault detector structured to detect an arc fault condition operatively associated with the contacts. The arc fault detector includes a tuned current sensor structured to sense broadband noise of a current flowing through the contacts, a compression circuit including an input of the sensed broadband noise and an output. The compression circuit compresses the dynamic range of the sensed broadband noise. A minimum detector includes an input of the compression circuit output and an output of the minimum value of the minimum detector input. A processor includes a number of inputs and an output. One of the inputs is the output of the minimum value of the minimum detector. A trip mechanism cooperates with the output of the processor and the operating mechanism to trip open the contacts responsive to the detected arc fault condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Kevin L. Parker, Theodore J. Miller
  • Patent number: 7714240
    Abstract: A microfabricated vacuum switch is disclosed which includes a substrate upon which an anode, cathode and trigger electrode are located. A cover is sealed over the substrate under vacuum to complete the vacuum switch. In some embodiments of the present invention, a metal cover can be used in place of the trigger electrode on the substrate. Materials used for the vacuum switch are compatible with high vacuum, relatively high temperature processing. These materials include molybdenum, niobium, copper, tungsten, aluminum and alloys thereof for the anode and cathode. Carbon in the form of graphitic carbon, a diamond-like material, or carbon nanotubes can be used in the trigger electrode. Channels can be optionally formed in the substrate to mitigate against surface breakdown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander W. Roesler, Joshua M. Schare, Kyle Bunch
  • Patent number: 7711502
    Abstract: A power switching control apparatus for acquiring pieces of making operation time information of individual phase switches more precisely according to loads and making instants. Making operation time information detecting means outputs the making operation time information of at least one of individual phase switches on the basis of the motion of the movable contact of the phase switch, and outputs the making operation time information of at least another of the individual phase switches on the basis of the phase current of the phase switch. Moreover, the making operation time information detecting means outputs the making operation time information ITA, ITB and ITC of an A-phase switch, a B-phase switch and a C-phase switch individually on the basis of either the detected output of a contact operation sensor and the detected output of a phase current sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Haruhiko Koyama, Tomohito Mori, Kenji Kamei, Sadayuki Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 7697247
    Abstract: An arc suppression circuit in a protection relay having trip contacts is used to turn off a battery-powered solenoid and trip an AC power circuit breaker. The arc suppression circuit uses a switch-control circuit to control the turning off of a semi-conductor switch so that the semi-conductor switch provides a current path around the trip contacts, and is carrying all, or substantially all, of the load current, before the trip contacts are opened. When the trip contacts begin to open, the switch-control circuit holds the semi-conductor switch on for a sufficient time to prevent an arc from becoming established before turning the semi-conductor switch off. In a second embodiment, the arc suppression circuit provides a second switch-control circuit. This second switch-control circuit is configured to accept control signals from a microprocessor within a protection relay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: Mohamed Maharsi, Douglas A. Voda, Mark C. Glacobbe, Dela Salah-Eldin Sayoumi, Douglas A. Wood
  • Patent number: 7688556
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an arc-discharge detection device, which is used to detect the arc discharge persistently occurring in between an inverter and a load during an abnormal power transmission state. The inverter is arranged in a circuit board, and a carbonized loop is defined in an arc-discharge reaction area of the circuit board. In the present invention, a power-variation detection unit is electrically coupled to the carbonized loop and detects the power-level variation caused by the carbonized loop and generates a power-variation signal; an interpretation unit receives the power-variation signal and utilizes a decision level to determine whether the power variation is caused by arc discharge and outputs an abnormal-power signal if the interpretation result is positive; and a trigger unit is driven by the abnormal-power signal to interrupt the inverter's outputting high-voltage power to the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Zippy Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Ying-Chang Cheng, Chin-Biau Chung
  • Patent number: 7672095
    Abstract: A relay controller for connecting a power source includes at least one relay having at least two contacts. The relay controller includes a processing device operable to selectively switch the relay contacts, and a feedback circuit adapted to identify an actual state of the relay contacts. The processing device is configured to recognize a fault contact condition of a disparity between an expected state of the relay contacts and the actual state of the relay contacts. The processing device is also configured to responsively communicate information relating to the relay fault condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Dean A. Drake, Gregg Mueller, George E. Hendrix
  • Patent number: 7660083
    Abstract: An electromechanical/solid-state AC relay has an electromechanical winding coil that moves an armature to force mechanical contacts to open or close. Electrical arcing across the mechanical contacts that occur as the contacts are opening or closing can damage and severely reduce the lifetime of the relay. Contact arcing is prevented by pulsing a triac on for a short period of time just before and after the mechanical contacts make or break contact. The triac limits the voltage difference across the mechanical contacts to less than one volt to prevent arcing. The triac is turned off after the mechanical contacts finish moving, reducing the heating and average power through the triac. A zero-sampling circuit that detects when the AC input voltage switches across 0 volts and activates a control integrated circuit to switch on the triac during zero-crossings to minimize power surges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Pericom Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Li Yao, Shu Peng Chen, Yong Wei
  • Patent number: 7643256
    Abstract: A switching system is provided. The switching system includes electromechanical switching circuitry, such as a micro-electromechanical system switching circuitry. The system may further include solid state switching circuitry coupled in a parallel circuit with the electromechanical switching circuitry, and a controller coupled to the electromechanical switching circuitry and the solid state switching circuitry. The controller may be configured to perform selective switching of a load current between the electromechanical switching circuitry and the solid state switching circuitry in response to a load current condition appropriate to an operational capability of a respective one of the switching circuitries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Joshua Isaac Wright, Kanakasabapathi Subramanian, William James Premerlani, John Norton Park, Edward Keith Howell
  • Patent number: 7640120
    Abstract: An arc detection means for detecting arcs in a plasma process includes at least one comparator to which an evaluation signal such as an output signal or an internal signal of an AC generator relating to the output signal and a reference value are supplied. The comparator is connected to a logic component that generates a signal for an arc suppression device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Huettinger Elektronik GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Sven Axenbeck, Markus Bannwarth, Martin Steuber, Peter Wiedemuth, Lothar Wolf
  • Patent number: 7639460
    Abstract: The switching apparatus and the method are for varying the impedance of a phase line of a segment of an electrical power line. The phase line includes n conductors electrically insulated from each other and short-circuited together at two ends of the segment. The apparatus comprises at least one first vacuum interrupter connected in series with at least one of the conductors; at least one first controllable motor for selectively opening and closing the at least one first vacuum interrupter; a detector for detecting a parameter representative of current operating conditions of the phase line; and a controller for controlling the at least one first controllable motor according to the parameter detected by the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Hydro-Quebec
    Inventors: Pierre Couture, Jacques Leduc
  • Publication number: 20090316310
    Abstract: An arc-flash hazard protection system for a three-phase electrical distribution system having a plurality of switchgear interconnected with a plurality of distribution buses is disclosed. The protection system includes a plurality of first and second current transformers in signal communication with respective first and second phases of each of the plurality of switchgear, and a bus differential relay connected to receive output signals from each of the first and second current transformers of each of the plurality of switchgear to establish a bus differential protection scheme utilizing only two of the three available phases for each of the plurality of switchgear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Hill
  • Patent number: 7626286
    Abstract: The method for mains-synchronous switching of circuit breakers comprises the following method steps: measurement of the current flowing through a circuit breaker (9) and measurement of a mains voltage on a first side of the circuit breaker (9), additional voltage measurement on a second side of the circuit breaker (9), feeding of all the measurement signals to a control device (18), deciding in the control device (18), on the basis of the characteristic data stored there, which measurement signal will be used as the reference value for the mains-synchronous tripping of the circuit breaker (9), generating a switching command, which initiates the mains-synchronous switching of the circuit breaker (9) on the basis of this decision, and carrying out the switching command by the circuit breaker (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventor: Michael Stanek
  • Patent number: 7612971
    Abstract: HVAC systems implementing micro-electromechanical system based switching devices. Exemplary embodiments include a HVAC system, including a load motor, a main breaker micro electromechanical system (MEMS) switch, and a variable frequency drive (VFD) disposed between and electrically coupled to the load motor and the main breaker MEMS switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: William James Premerlani, Kanakasabapathi Subramanian, Daniel Takashi Nakano
  • Patent number: 7593198
    Abstract: A switching circuit for connecting a power source to a load is described. The circuit comprises a first relay and at least one second relay in parallel arrangement with the first relay. The switching circuit is arranged such that in the event of a fault condition occurring that requires the disconnection of the power source from the load, the at least one second relay opens while the first relay remains closed. In this manner, a reliable disconnection of the load from the switching circuit is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: P G Drives Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard Peter Brereton, Duncan Hamilton, Daniel Robert Rees
  • Patent number: 7589942
    Abstract: A motor starter is disclosed. The motor starter includes control circuitry integrally arranged with at least one current path and a processor included in the control circuitry. The motor starter further includes at least one processor algorithm residing on the processor, the at least one processor algorithm containing instructions to monitor characteristics of current on the at least one current path and to provide data pertaining to a condition of the at least one current path. The motor starter further includes a micro electromechanical system (MEMS) switch disposed on the at least one current path, the MEMS switch responsive to the control circuitry to facilitate the control of an electrical current, passing through the at least one current path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Brent Charles Kumfer, William James Premerlani, Robert Joseph Cagglano, Kanakasabapathi Subramanian, David James Lesslie
  • Patent number: 7580232
    Abstract: A system for identifying an arcing event in electrical distribution systems is provided. The system comprises a sensor configured to detect ultraviolet light and to generate a signal indicative of the arcing event propagating from the electrical distribution system. A processor coupled to the sensor and configured to analyze an ultraviolet light characteristic from the signal and generate an arc fault signal. A protective device configured to receive the arc fault signal and to mitigate the arcing event in the electrical distribution system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Caggiano, Thangavelu Asokan, Satyanarayana Murphy Ungarala, George William Roscoe
  • Patent number: 7579581
    Abstract: A system for optically detecting an electrical arc in a power supply. The system includes a light pipe, a photodetector optically coupled to the light pipe, and a signal processor connected to the photodetector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc F. Aiello, Edward Alan Cheesman, Xuan Zhang
  • Patent number: 7577534
    Abstract: A method for assessing metal vapor arcing risk for a component is provided. The method comprises acquiring a current variable value associated with an operation of the component; comparing the current variable value with a threshold value for the variable; evaluating compared variable data to determine the metal vapor arcing risk in the component; and generating a risk assessment status for the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Monika C. Hill, Henning W. Leidecker
  • Patent number: 7576957
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a circuit breaker housing and a plurality of independent poles. Each of the independent poles includes separable contacts, a voltage sensor mounted on or within the circuit breaker housing and being structured to sense voltage operatively associated with the separable contacts, and an electro-magnetic actuator structured to open and close the separable contacts. A point-on-wave controller is housed by the circuit breaker housing and cooperates with the sensors and the actuators of the independent poles to independently and synchronously open and close the separable contacts of the independent poles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Xin Zhou, Brad R. Leccia, Lian Q. Zou, James J. Benke
  • Patent number: 7542250
    Abstract: A motor starter is provided. The motor starter includes micro-electromechanical system switching circuitry. The system may further include solid state switching circuitry coupled in a parallel circuit with the electromechanical switching circuitry, and a controller coupled to the electromechanical switching circuitry and the solid state switching circuitry. The controller may be configured to perform selective switching of a load current from a motor connected to the motor starter. The switching may be performed between the electromechanical switching circuitry and the solid state switching circuitry in response to a load current condition appropriate to an operational capability of a respective one of the switching circuitries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: William James Premerlani, Fengfeng Tao, Joshua Isaac Wright, Kanakasabapathi Subramanian, John Norton Park, Robert Joseph Caggiano, David James Lesslie, Brent Charles Kumfer, Charles Stephan Pitzen, Kathleen Ann O'Brien, Edward Keith Howell
  • Patent number: 7538991
    Abstract: Disclosed is a half-wave expulsion type superconducting fault-current limiter having an integral high speed switch module. The fault-current limiter has minimum superconducting elements and a circuit of which is formed in a hybrid type with an integral high speed switch module. The fault-current limiter supplies an electric power supplied from a power feeder to a system without loss thereof according to unique characteristics of the superconducting element when a normal current flows, and restricts an over current through a high speed switching contact point integrally inter-working with a driving coil and an arc changeover switch past a half period in a case that the over-current is generated by accidents such that electric power appliances, including circuit breakers in an electric power system, can be normally operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: LS Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kwon-bae Park, Bang-wook Lee
  • Patent number: 7538990
    Abstract: An apparatus, and a method of opening and closing electrical power feed lines using a hybrid contactor, which combines a traditional set of mechanical main contacts with a high voltage solid state switch. The solid state switch provides a parallel current path around the main contacts. When the main contacts are to be opened or closed, the solid state switch is first closed, diverting current away from the main contacts to prevent arc formation when the main contacts are being opened or closed. Once the main contacts are opened or closed, the solid state switch is opened, as the parallel current path is no longer needed. Optional auxiliary contacts are connected in series with the solid state switch to provide galvanic isolation between an input terminal and an output terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Francis C. Belisle, Eric A. Carter, Mark W. Metzler, Jeffrey T. Wavering
  • Publication number: 20090120773
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for quenching a fault arc in a medium-voltage and high-voltage switchgear assembly, in which at least one shorting element is connected between the phases of a three-phase distribution board. In order to allow more reliable fault arc quenching in this case, the disclosure proposes that the fault arc is detected by means of sensors and an explosive charge which acts directly on the shorting switching element fires the shorting switching element at a conical contact structure which is connected to the three-phase conductors and is configured in a complementary manner to the shorting switching element, in such a manner that the complementary contours of the shorting switching element and of the three-phase conductors result in self-locking retention in the shorting position, without any holding force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: ABB TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventors: Dietmar GENTSCH, Harald Fink
  • Publication number: 20090086414
    Abstract: A system and method for connecting supply power to motor control components includes use of a motor control center subunit with moveable supply power contacts. After a motor control center subunit is secured into a motor control center compartment, the supply power contacts may be advanced to engage supply power buses. For disconnection, the supply power contacts may be retracted and isolated from the buses before physical removal of the subunit. A free wheeling mechanism prevents supply power contacts from advancing and retracting past a preset travel range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventors: Edgar Yee, Robert A. Morris, Daniel J. Leeman, Daniel B. Kroushl, George Norman Russ
  • Publication number: 20090079273
    Abstract: A circuit for servicing a load connectable with a power supply is disclosed. The circuit includes a plurality of three-terminal switches and one control supply. The three-terminal switches define a series conduction path connectable between the power supply and the load. Each of the plurality of three terminal switches includes a source terminal, a drain terminal, and a gate terminal. The control supply is productive of a control voltage and in power connection between the gate terminal and source terminal of each of the plurality of three-terminal switches. Each of the plurality of three-terminal switches is responsive to the control voltage at its respective gate terminal to close a connection between the respective source terminal and respective drain terminal of each of the plurality of three-terminal switches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Brent Charles Kumfer, Robert Keith Hollenbeck
  • Patent number: 7508636
    Abstract: This invention relates to a circuit breaker device comprising a main branch (1) comprising a mechanical switch element (2) and an auxiliary branch (3) containing a semiconductor breaking cell (4), this auxiliary branch (3) being mounted in parallel with the main branch (1). The main branch (1) comprises a serial switching assistance module (M2) in series with the mechanical switch element (2), comprising a semiconductor breaking cell (5) controllable in opening in parallel with an impedance (Z1). The auxiliary branch (3) comprises a parallel switching assistance module (M4) comprising an impedance (Z2), this impedance (Z2) including at least one capacitor type element (C).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Societe Techique Pour l'Energie Atomique Technicatome
    Inventors: Pierre Sellier, Ronan Besrest, Claudio Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 7489051
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and system using a power protector, such as an uninterruptible power supply (power protector) or a power line conditioner. An input of the power protector can be coupled to an output of one or more of circuit breakers using electrical buss bars for unique modularity and easy installation and replacement. Further, an input of a second set of circuit breakers can be coupled to an output of the power protector to backfeed the power through the second set of circuit breakers and out through the buss bar to one or more electrical loads. Additional power protectors can be used for capacity and/or redundancy. A stacked buss bar system can be used that consolidates the system into a compact assembly heretofore unknown in the industry. In at least some embodiments, the system can be compatible with standard panelboards having circuit breakers disposed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Liebert Corporation
    Inventors: John S. Fuchik, James K. Martin, Russell E. Shetler, Jr., William A. Barcus, Peter A. Panfil
  • Publication number: 20080310057
    Abstract: A motor starter is disclosed. The motor starter includes control circuitry integrally arranged with at least one current path and a processor included in the control circuitry. The motor starter further includes at least one processor algorithm residing on the processor, the at least one processor algorithm containing instructions to monitor characteristics of current on the at least one current path and to provide data pertaining to a condition of the at least one current path. The motor starter further includes a micro electromechanical system (MEMS) switch disposed on the at least one current path, the MEMS switch responsive to the control circuitry to facilitate the control of an electrical current, passing through the at least one current path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Brent Charles Kumfer, William James Premerlani, Robert Joseph Caggiano, Kanakasabapathi Subramanian, David James Lesslie
  • Patent number: 7466528
    Abstract: A protective device for an electrical installation, having at least two electrodes between which an electric arc can form, and a device for interrupting (6) the arc, extending between an upstream end (6A) and a downstream end (6B), with an entry region (E) for the arc at the upstream end (6A) thereof, at which point the arc enters the breaker device (6). The breaker device (6) has an insulation means (10) which permit the arc to enter the breaker device (6) while forming an obstacle to reaching the exit for the arc. The insulation means (10) are formed by one or more flexible ribbons which form a partial insulation barrier between the electrodes and the upstream end (6A). The invention further relates to overload and short-circuit protection devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: ABB France
    Inventor: Guy Lafon
  • Patent number: 7463460
    Abstract: A device for protecting against arcing events solar array panels and control equipment supplying a main power bus is provided. The control equipment comprises a regulator for controlling a solar array voltage (Vs) and includes a power dump stage for shunting the solar array voltage as a function of a control signal. The device comprises a voltage drop detection circuit for generating a voltage drop detection signal (VD) when a voltage drop is detected in the solar array voltage (Vs), and an arc-quenching circuit comprising a system for generating an output signal (Vo) which is applied as the control signal to the power dump stage so as to shunt the solar array voltage (Vs) when a voltage drop is detected by the voltage drop detection circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: European Space Agency
    Inventor: James Edward Haines
  • Patent number: 7441173
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a system that comprises an application specific integrated circuit configured to provide an output signal. The output signal can be configured to trip a device in an electrical circuit responsive to a detected fault. The application specific integrated circuit can comprise a temperature sensor. The application specific integrated circuit can be configured to correct at least one measured electrical value responsive to a temperature measured by the temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos Restrepo, Bin Zhang
  • Publication number: 20080253040
    Abstract: A plasma gun with two gap electrodes on opposite ends of a chamber of ablative material such as an ablative polymer. The gun ejects an ablative plasma at supersonic speed. A divergent nozzle spreads the plasma jet to fill a gap between electrodes of a main arc device, such as an arc crowbar or a high voltage power switch. The plasma triggers the main arc device by lowering the impedance of the main arc gap via the ablative plasma to provide a conductive path between the main electrodes. This provides faster triggering and requires less trigger energy than previous arc triggers. It also provides a more conductive initial main arc than previously possible. The initial properties of the main arc are controllable by the plasma properties, which are in turn controllable by design parameters of the ablative plasma gun.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Thangavelu Asokan, Gopichand Bopparaju, Adnan Kutubuddin Bohori
  • Publication number: 20080225445
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an arc-discharge protection device with a temperature detection mode, which is used to detect the arc discharge persistently occurring in between an inverter and a load during an abnormal power transmission state and is arranged in a connector coupling said inverter and said load and implementing the high-voltage power transmission therebetween. In the present invention, a temperature signal sampling unit is used to detect a temperature change of the connector and generate a temperature-change signal; next, an interpretation unit receives the temperature-change signal and utilizes a decision level to determine whether the temperature change is the abnormal high temperature phenomenon caused by arc discharge and outputs an abnormal-temperature signal if the interpretation result is positive; and a trigger unit is driven by the abnormal-temperature signal to interrupt the inverter's outputting high-voltage power to the load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Ying-Chang Cheng, Chin-Biau Chung
  • Publication number: 20080225444
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an arc-discharge detection device, which is used to detect the arc discharge persistently occurring in between an inverter and a load during an abnormal power transmission state. The inverter is arranged in a circuit board, and a carbonized loop is defined in an arc-discharge reaction area of the circuit board. In the present invention, a power-variation detection unit is electrically coupled to the carbonized loop and detects the power-level variation caused by the carbonized loop and generates a power-variation signal; an interpretation unit receives the power-variation signal and utilizes a decision level to determine whether the power variation is caused by arc discharge and outputs an abnormal-power signal if the interpretation result is positive; and a trigger unit is driven by the abnormal-power signal to interrupt the inverter's outputting high-voltage power to the load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Ying-Chang Cheng, Chin-Biau Chung