For Electrical Power Distribution Systems And Devices Patents (Class 361/601)
  • Publication number: 20020054473
    Abstract: A power distributor comprising a power distribution circuit, and a housing 22 in which the power distribution circuit is housed, and a method of connecting a control circuit board 18 to the power distributor. A board support portion 32 for supporting the control circuit board 18 in an erect state is provided in the housing 22. The control circuit board 18 and the power distribution circuit are connected to each other through a wiring material 30 in the condition that the control circuit board 18 is supported by the board support portion 32. Then, the control circuit board 18 is toppled over to thereby be housed in the housing 22.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Applicant: Autonetworks Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeki Yamane
  • Patent number: 6373686
    Abstract: An object is to provide a key protection structure for an electronic apparatus which can prevent a preset value of a switch from being intentionally changed by the user or the like. When setting of a first switch 21 is ended, a tool shutter operation portion 72 of a lock key 70 is inserted into a first shutter operation hole 61. The tool shutter operation portion 72 is then engaged with an engaging recess 45 of a first shutter 40. Thereafter, the lock key 70 is rotated, so that the first shutter 40 is rotated. A covering portion 44 of the shutter is therefore moved immediately above the first switch 21 to close a first switch operation hole 58, whereby the first switch 21 can be locked (key-protected) so as not to be externally operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventors: Tadahiko Ogawa, Hajime Takakuwa, Hiroyuki Yamamoto, Kiyotaka Tomioka
  • Patent number: 6366448
    Abstract: The disclosed HV supply device has a first housing part (1) that serves as an outside cover. In addition, a second housing part (6) forming two sides is provided. On the first side is the high-voltage supply part (8), and on the second side is the low-voltage supply part (9) which is physically or spatially separated from the high-voltage supply part (8). The first side of the second housing part (6) has a first mounting rack (14) to receive electrical or electronic low-voltage (16) and high-voltage components (17), and the second side has a second mounting rack (13) to receive electrical or electronic low-voltage components (15), whereby the two mounting racks (13, 14) are connected by an electrical connecting line (11, 12) penetrating the second housing part (6). The second (6) and the first housing part (1) are designed so that the high-voltage supply part (8) is enclosed on all sides in an area within one of the two housing parts after the two housing parts (1, 6) are joined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Manfred Berndt, Volker Brombacher
  • Publication number: 20020030963
    Abstract: A portable, reusable apparatus for providing temporary electrical service. The apparatus includes a support structure with at least one service line, a meter base, and a breaker box secured thereto. One or more electrical receptacles may also be secured to the support structure. The apparatus may be configured to alternately connect to overhead and underground power supplies. A remote power supply apparatus is also disclosed. The remote power supply apparatus includes an electrical cord that is connectable to temporary electrical service. Systems that include these apparatus and methods of using the apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventor: Robert Karl Benson
  • Publication number: 20020015280
    Abstract: The hybrid high-voltage substation comprises firstly equipment implemented using metal-clad technology and constituted by at least one single or double busbar set, and secondly equipment implemented using conventional air-insulated technology so as to form feeders disposed in bays approximately perpendicular to said busbar set. The substation incorporates at least one air-insulated backup line approximately parallel to the busbar set and performing the function of backup phase to enable the substation to operate in “degraded” manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Applicant: ALSTOM
    Inventors: Jean Marmonier, Jean-Paul Audren
  • Patent number: 6337452
    Abstract: A gas insulated switchgear includes a bus unit, a breaker unit and a line side unit. An insulating spacer structure attaching at least two of the units together includes an inner flange on a first unit, an outer flange on a second unit, and an insulating spacer positioned between the first and second units. Closed end tapped holes are formed in the inner flange and idle holes are formed in the outer flange, and tapped holes with a larger diameter than that of the tapped holes of the inner flange are formed in the insulating spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiichi Tsuzura, Kazuhiko Takahashi, Junzo Kida, Minoru Yabuki
  • Patent number: 6317335
    Abstract: A protection device and a method for protecting an electrical component. The protection device has a protective housing and a terminal cap. The protective housing has a base with a contact hole therethrough for receiving an electrical terminal pin, and has a projecting shoulder extending from the base to a first distance from the base. The protective housing also has a retaining clip extending from the base to a second distance from the base, the second distance being greater than the first distance. The terminal cap has a first side and a second side, and in use, at least part of the first side of the terminal cap contacts the projecting shoulder and at least part of the second side of the terminal cap contacts the retaining clip. A method according to the present invention includes steps for assembling a battery and an electrical component housed within the protection device described above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Wilson Greatbatch Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert Zayatz
  • Patent number: 6271468
    Abstract: An embeddable mounting device for permanently affixing a wall accessory to a concrete block wall. The embeddable mounting device is in the form of an embeddable block with an attachable faceplate. The embeddable mounting device preferably includes a metal block portion and a metal mounting portion. The metal block portion is designed to permanently affix the mounting device within the concrete wall. The metal mounting portion is designed to receive one of many different types of faceplates. In the illustrated embodiments, the metal block portion has two generally rectangular metal members, and two or three vertical spacer members. The vertical spacer members of the metal block portion are secured between the first and second rectangular metal plate member in a manner to create at least one reinforcing bar and cement receiving cavity between the first and second metal members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Steel Block, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry R. Layne
  • Patent number: 6252764
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing temporary electrical service. The apparatus includes a support structure having at least one service line, a meter base, and a breaker box secured thereto. One or more electrical receptacles can also be secured to the support structure. The support structure can be a trailer so as to facilitate the ready transport of the apparatus. The apparatus can also include a temporary service pole securable to the support structure, with a first service line for connecting to an overhead power supply extending through the service pole to a transfer switch. A second service line that can be connected to an underground power supply also connects to the transfer switch. The transfer switch can be positioned to permit electricity to flow from one of the service lines into the meter base, then into the breaker box. From the breaker box, electricity can flow into the electrical receptacles to facilitate the use of electrical equipment. Methods of using the apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventor: Robert Karl Benson
  • Patent number: 6247075
    Abstract: A mouse interface converter is provided, which allows a mouse to be connectable to a computer system, such as a personal computer (PC), installed with either an RS-232 serial port or a PS/2 port. This mouse interface converter allows the mouse to be connected directly to PS/2 port and via an adapter to RS-232 serial port. The mouse interface converter includes a mode-detection circuit for detecting which type of port the mouse is currently being connected. The mode-detection circuit can generate a mode-indicating signal indicative of the type of the currently connected port, which is then used to set a control circuit to convert the mouse data to the corresponding format. The mouse interface converter further includes a driving circuit that allows the mouse to be more compatible with various signals of either the PS/2 port or the RS-232 serial port. This feature allows the mouse to be considerably reduced in power consumption that allows the mouse to be suitable for use on notebook computers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Primax Electronics Ltd.
    Inventors: Han-Che Wang, Wen-Pin Chou, Tzu-Chiang Shih
  • Patent number: 6233136
    Abstract: The present invention of a water and dust-proof control box structure mainly comprises a semi-box and a side cover. The semi-box having a panel board, a side board, an upper board and a lower board. The panel board having few holes and mounting spaces for inserting a turning knob and a sliding button. The control box can accommodate few IC boards. A back board is disposed at the back of the side cover, the side cover also having an upper board and a lower board. Few positioning blocks are disposed on the inner wall of the panel board, screw holes are disposed inside the positioning blocks for fixing a positioning board. A control knob and a switch are mounted on the positioning board, the control knob and the switch are capped by a water-proof cap or a water-proof pad. The water-proof cap or the water-proof pad are pressed against to the inner wall of the panel board by the turning knob and the switch. A water-proof piece is stuck on outside the panel board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: Hsiu-Min Peng
  • Patent number: 6229707
    Abstract: Electrical equipment is housed in a cabinet and is protected against hurricane-force calamities by covering the electrical equipment with an inner door system inside the cabinet, and by closing an opening of the cabinet with an environmental door system, and overlaying that environmental door system with a calamity-proof door system that may be used as an on-site temporary roof for installation and service personnel in an upturned position, and that constitutes a protection against hurricane-force calamities in a closed position on the shut environmental door system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Hendry Mechanical Works
    Inventors: James J. Keenan, Richard W. Sevier
  • Patent number: 6222718
    Abstract: A power delivery system for providing energy to sustain a plasma in a plasma processing chamber configured for processing substrates. The power delivery system includes a metallic enclosure having an input port, a first output port, a second output port, and a third output port. There is further included a power distribution box disposed within the enclosure. The power distribution box includes a first AC input port for receiving AC power from external of the metallic enclosure through the input port and for providing AC power to AC loads external to the metallic enclosure via the first output port. There is also included a DC power supply electrically coupled to the power distribution box. The DC power supply is configured to receive the AC power from the power distribution box and to output DC power. The DC power supply is disposed within the metallic enclosure. The DC power is supplied to DC loads external of the metallic enclosure via the second output port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventor: Robert D. Dible
  • Patent number: 6195253
    Abstract: A substation for high voltage switching and a method of building the same. The substation includes an air-insulated high voltage switchgear station, a transformer and a medium voltage switchgear station. The high voltage switchgear station is arranged inside of a building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: ABB AB
    Inventors: Erik Fahlgren, Lars Hjort
  • Patent number: 6188034
    Abstract: A gas insulated switchgear includes a bus unit, a breaker unit and a line side unit. An insulating spacer structure attaching at least two of the units together includes an inner flange on a first unit, an outer flange on a second unit, and an insulating spacer positioned between the first and second units. Closed end tapped holes are formed in the inner flange and idle holes are formed in the outer flange, and tapped holes with a larger diameter than that of the tapped holes of the inner flange are formed in the insulating spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiichi Tsuzura, Kazuhiko Takahashi, Junzo Kida, Minoru Yabuki
  • Patent number: 6185010
    Abstract: An image forming system including a printer unit connected to a scanner unit, each having their own housing. The scanner unit includes a display for displaying the states including error conditions of both the scanner unit as well as the printer unit. A user interface of the scanner unit inputs operation parameters and commands for the entire image forming system. The printer section includes an LED display section for displaying errors and the status of the printer unit. The printer unit and scanner unit are connected to each other using a single integrated cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsushi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6163449
    Abstract: A power transfer device adapted for interconnection with the electrical system of a building includes a cabinet, a set of switches mounted to the cabinet, and a first set of wires for connecting the switches to an electrical distribution panel associated with the building electrical system. The power transfer device includes a terminal compartment associated with the cabinet, a set of power input terminals located within the terminal compartment, and a cover removably connected to the cabinet for alternatively preventing and permitting access to the terminal compartment. The cover is provided with an optional power input and meter arrangement adapted to be interconnected with the power input terminals for selectively supplying and measuring levels of power provided from a source of auxiliary power connected to the power input terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Reliance Controls Corporation
    Inventor: David D. Flegel
  • Patent number: 6150737
    Abstract: A power supply is adapted to be powered from an ordinary electric utility power line, or alternately from a standby storage battery, and is operable to provide a power-line-isolated output of 120 Volt RMS at a frequency of about 30 kHz. The Volt-Ampere product available from this power supply is limited to be no more than 100 Volt-Ampere. Due to the high frequency, the electric shock hazard associated with this 120 Volt/30 kHz power supply is not higher than it is for a power supply voltage a voltage of only 30 Volt RMS at 60 Hz.The power supply is used to provide shock-hazard-free and fire-initiation-hazard-free electric power for an auxiliary power distribution system in a home. Due to the Volt-Ampere limitation and the absence of shock-hazard, the power distribution can safely be done by way of so-called bell wire installation and without requiring the services of a licensed electrician.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventor: Ole K. Nilssen
  • Patent number: 6118334
    Abstract: An improved semiconductor integrated circuit and power supply wiring designing method and system is described in which the wiring resources have been effectively used without oppressing the same. The semiconductor integrated circuit in accordance with the present invention comprising: a semiconductor chip; an integrated circuit formed within the semiconductor chip; a first power supply pad; a first power supply wiring having a cyclic pattern formed on the integrated circuit for the purpose of supplying power to the integrated circuit from the first the power supply pad; a second power supply pad; and a second power supply wiring having an acyclic pattern formed on the integrated circuit for the purpose of supplying supplementary power to the integrated circuit from the second power supply pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hiroshi Tanaka, Masami Murakata
  • Patent number: 6111197
    Abstract: An embeddable mounting device for permanently affixing a fixture to a concrete block wall. The embeddable mounting device of the first embodiment is in the form of an electrical box block. The electrical box block preferably includes three generally rectangular metal members, four vertical spacer members and two horizontal metal members. The first rectangular metal member and the second rectangular metal member preferably have equal dimensions. A first pair of vertical spacer members is secured between the first and second rectangular metal plate member in a manner to create at least one reinforcing bar and cement receiving cavity between the first and second metal members. The two of the vertical spacer members and the two horizontal metal members are attached to the third rectangular metal member to form an electrical housing or box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventor: Harry R. Layne
  • Patent number: 6069797
    Abstract: A power distribution assembly (100) that comprises at least two direct current power supplies (106, 107), at least three signal splitter modules (102-104), wherein each signal splitter modules comprises a signal splitter and a radio frequency amplifier, a centerplane board (110) coupled to the at least three signal splitter modules (102-104) and to the at least two direct current power supply modules(106, 107), wherein the centerplane board (110) provides a plurality of electrical paths among a plurality of modules contained in the power distribution assembly (100), and a chassis (101) to which the modules (102-104, 106, 107) and the centerplane board (110) are mounted, and has an overall volume of at most 0.009 cubic meters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. Widmayer, Stephen P. Flood, Joseph P. Luptak, III
  • Patent number: 6046904
    Abstract: A cabinet for housing first and second pieces of electrical equipment and having a first compartment adjacent a second compartment for housing the respective first and second pieces of electrical equipment. The cabinet has a first cover member overlying at least a portion of the first compartment and a second cover member overlying at least a portion of the second compartment and defining a seam therebetween. The cabinet also has a barrier positioned between the first and second compartments and extending generally transverse to the cover members. The barrier includes a wall and a drip channel, where the drip channel is integrally formed with the wall and extends longitudinally adjacent the seam to resist penetration of water into the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Michael A. Kubat
  • Patent number: 6034865
    Abstract: Arrangement for connecting power supply lines to an electronic device and a cubicle with such an arrangement The invention concerns an arrangement for connecting power supply lines (14, 24, 25) to an electronic device with terminals (4), forming the end of a rigid electric conductor (2), a plurality of which is arranged side-by-side in a receiving device (1) and combined with said device to form a terminal unit, as well as a cubicle with such an arrangement. The terminals (4) can be arranged offset in relation to one another and can be easily removed due to a two-part design of the rigid electric conductor (2). The novel arrangement advantageously provides low-loss and compact connection of power supply lines to an electronic device, making it also possible to supply an extension device in parallel. The invention is applied in electronic cubicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Roster, Reinhard Schmitt
  • Patent number: 5982049
    Abstract: A control module, in particular for a control circuit in a motor vehicle, is configured in such a way that it can be produced economically. The control module has a two-part housing which includes a lower part and an upper part. The lower part is configured as a plate, having a connector member for a downstream device, which can be joined flat to a circuit board. The circuit board is populated on a front side with components which can be soldered with the reflow method to connector parts of the circuit board. The upper part, which is configured as a cover, has an opening to receive a plug connector, and can be snap-locked onto the plate. The control module is preferably used in automobile engineering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Gert Jakob, Frank Kurfiss, Elisabeth Abendroth
  • Patent number: 5932933
    Abstract: A power supply system which is designed to control the power supply to, for example, a building-block private branch exchange (PBX) system is provided which includes main and extension cabinets having disposed therein AC power supply units, respectively, and a power supply control circuit. The main and extension cabinets are supplied with AC power from an external power source and provide DC outputs. The power supply control circuit includes a first and a second switching circuit. The first switching circuit allows the supply of AC power to the AC power supply unit of the extension cabinet when the power supply system is turned on and interrupts it when the power supply system is turned off. The second switching circuit establishes communication between the AC power supply unit of the extension cabinet and a backup battery when the power supply system is turned on and blocks it when the power supply system is turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Satoru Asanuma
  • Patent number: 5920734
    Abstract: A system permits the shared use of lines in a cursor control device coupled to a PS/2 interface or a serial interface. A computer pointing device such as a mouse can be coupled to either the PS/2 interface or the serial interface. The current supplied by the serial interface is limited by conventional circuitry within the interface itself. However, a clock line, normally used when the pointing device is coupled to the PS/2 interface, can be used to supply additional current to the pointing device when coupled to a serial interface. A Schottky diode is coupled in series between a V.sub.cc /RTS line and a power supply node within the pointing device. A second Schottky diode is coupled from a CLK/DTR line to the power supply node. When the pointing device is coupled to the PS/2 interface, the first Schottky diode provides current from a V.sub.cc source within the PS/2 interface. The second Schottky diode is not active when the pointing device is coupled to the PS/2 interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Todd E. Holmdahl
  • Patent number: 5905631
    Abstract: Guide members to guide the guide edges of plug-in units upon insertion of the plug-in units into the U-shaped bus duct of a low voltage switchgear assembly. The guide fittings are arranged on the inside of the side legs of the U-shaped bus duct, and the plug-in units are held between the side legs of the bus duct. Each of the guide members extends from and is made of the same material continuous with its corresponding side wall of the bus duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Klockner-Moeller GmbH
    Inventor: Johannes Winkler
  • Patent number: 5901033
    Abstract: An equipment/distribution cabinet which contains electrical/electronic device modules. The cabinet allows for front, side and rear access for replacement, servicing and maintenance of the modules carried by the cabinet. The cabinet further includes mounting units which creates areas within which the modules are mounted within the cabinet. The mounting units connect to corner supports assisting in the front, side and rear access. The mounting units further include integrated wire and cable passage ways and tie bars allowing for organization of the wiring within the cabinet. The cabinet is produced to allow either top or bottom access and can accept a plurality of input voltage levels. The cabinet is constructed so that modules having a variety of different functional characteristics and sizes may be intermixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Reltec Corporation
    Inventors: William A. Crawford, David J. Michlovic
  • Patent number: 5889648
    Abstract: A seismic cabinet for containing electronic equipment. The cabinet includes a support bracket for attachment to the electronic equipment. Rails inside the cabinet allow attachment of the equipment and associated fanout panels to the cabinet. A removable screenlike top portion allows cable access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Storage Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Alan Heavirland, Darrel W. Spiczka, Jerome F. Kemp
  • Patent number: 5877936
    Abstract: A circuit body (4) is received in an S-shaped configuration in a receiver (3) in a door. A protector (5) with a connector (6) is outwardly slidably provided inside the receiver (3). A circuit body fixing member (12) is provided at a front portion of the receiver (3), and a guide roller (15) is provided at a rear portion of the protector. The circuit body is wired from the fixing member (12) via the guide roller (15) into the protector and to the connector (6).Alternatively, a circuit body fixing member (12) and a guide roller (23) may be provided at a front portion of a receiver (10), the latter in such a manner as to be positioned inside the protector 27. The circuit body is held down by the guide roller (23) inside the protector.The circuit body is smoothly expanded and contracted with the opening and closing of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Keizo Nishitani, Yasuyoshi Serizawa, Satoru Unno
  • Patent number: 5870278
    Abstract: A motor starter assembly made up of sub-assemblies each formed from a circuit breaker 40 and a contactor 60 and positioned on a baseplate 20 with which a set of power bars 23 is associated. The baseplate includes a support area 21 for the sub-assemblies and a connection are preferably a bracket 22 that is overhanging in relation to the support area. The baseplate further includes power connection elements and or control connection elements provided on the bracket and the connection area to permit plugging in of the sub-assemblies on the baseplate along an engagement direction Z approximately parallel with the support area and perpendicular to a direction X of a set of bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Schneider Electric SA
    Inventors: Michel Girard, Emmanuel Latour, Didier Sibille
  • Patent number: 5870277
    Abstract: An assembly of electrical equipment having devices, such as circuit breakers and contactors grouped in pairs, included on a supporting baseplate. Each pair of devices includes a circuit breaker 40 and a contactor 60 and a baseplate 20 having power pins and control pins that cooperate with respective power and control terminals of the devices. Auxiliary units 50,70 are fixed to one of the devices 40,60 while being connected to control terminals 45,65,66 of the one device. The units 50,70 are connected to a linkage with a bus or a control and command system by plugging units 50,70 into control pins 81,82 of the baseplate 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Schneider Electric SA
    Inventors: Michel Girard, Philippe Rix
  • Patent number: 5861683
    Abstract: A panelboard for power lines and loads includes a housing; a plurality of circuit breakers housed by the housing; and a panelboard controller substantially housed by the housing. Some of the circuit breakers, which switch a circuit from one or more of the power lines to the loads, include remotely controllable actuating circuits for actuating the circuit breakers and switching a circuit from one or more of the power lines to one or more of the loads. The panelboard controller includes a monitoring circuit for monitoring power or energy consumed in the circuits of the circuit breakers and a control circuit for controlling the remotely controllable actuating circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph C. Engel, Mark F. Rusnak, John C. Schlotterer
  • Patent number: 5838533
    Abstract: A housing assembly for electrical components includes a plurality of tubular housing sections which are fixedly interconnected. Portions of the housing sections are then removed to form openings in the housing assembly. The openings formed in the housing assembly may be formed in either interior or exterior walls of the housing assembly. Each of the tubular housing sections forms a compartment in which an electrical component may be mounted. By removing portions of a plurality of the interior walls of the housing assembly, a chamber which extends across end portions of a plurality of the compartments is formed. Front and rear end plates may be connected with the housing assembly. In addition, covers may be provided for openings formed in the exterior of the housing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Berdj N. Yazaryan, Vanacan Tatavoosian
  • Patent number: 5831550
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a centralized system and process for measuring, registering, reading and billing data referring to electric energy consumption of a plurality of consumers (14-17), which receive the electric energy through a plurality of respective consumer connecting cables (18-21), connected to a main electric energy inlet cable (12) which, in turn, is connected to the electric energy distributing network (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Centro de Pesquisas de Energia Eletrica - Cepel
    Inventors: Reynaldo Sigiliao Da Costa, Landulfo Mosqueira Alvarenga, Roberto Pereira Caldas, Ary Vaz Pinto Junior, Julio Cesar Gomes Pimentel, Cesar Jorge Bandim, Fabio Cavaliere De Souza
  • Patent number: 5828554
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes a power unit communicating power between a turbine alternator, flywheel and traction motor. The power unit stores DC power in capacitors and places the power on a DC bus for use in driving the induction machines. A housing includes at least one wall forming an enclosed perimeter, the wall including a plurality of fastener members extending therethrough. The power unit comprising a DC storage unit and DC bus and power switches connected with a heat exchanger provide signals to an AC bus wherein each is connected to each other to form a structural unit. The fastener members are connected through the wall and to the power unit for installation as a single unit in a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin J. Donegan, Dennis E. Hartzell, Gary P. Millas
  • Patent number: 5828544
    Abstract: A lid of an electronic unit box has a plurality of first fixing ribs and a plurality of second fixing ribs on the top wall thereof which are arranged parallel. The first and second fixing ribs have step-shaped cuts in such a manner that the cuts are opposite to each other, so that when the box body is covered with the lid, the cuts of the fixing ribs are abutted against the opposite edges of the electronic unit to fixedly hold the electronic unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Matsuda
  • Patent number: 5821636
    Abstract: A power distribution system, for use in computer systems and switchable to distribute uninterruptable power received from either of a first or a second power supply, includes a first and a second power input receptacle each being connected to the first and second power supplies respectively. A switch is connected to both the first and the second power input receptacles and is for switching between power received at the first power input receptacle from the first power supply and power received at the second input power receptacle from the second power supply. Two outputs, each with multiple outlet connectors, are connected to the switch and are used for distributing and outputting the power received from either of the first or second power supplies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Compaq Computer Corp.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Baker, Kelsey R. Walker
  • Patent number: 5808876
    Abstract: A power distribution system utilizing a power distribution circuit board having a front and back side with at least one connector on each side. The connector on the front side is disposed to mate with a selected power supply and the connector on the back side is disposed to mate with a substantially identical power supply. The connector on the back side is rotated 180.degree. so that substantially identical power supplies can be located in close proximity to each other while maintaining required conductor spacing in order to provide an improved power distribution system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Scott Mullenbach, Jan Douglas Smid
  • Patent number: 5789828
    Abstract: A low voltage power supply and distribution center comprises a housing and a housing door. The housing door is removably mounted to the housing and may be repositioned between a service position and a closed position. In the service or open position, the housing door is hingely mounted to the housing and provides easy access to circuit components. All of the circuit components of the low voltage power supply and distribution center are directly mounted to the housing door, and access to many of the circuit components, such as switches, fuses and circuit breakers, may be provided directly through the housing door. The housing door is manufactured of a material that efficiently dissipates heat through radiation such that it acts as a heat sink for the circuit components mounted thereon. Vents having adjustable dampers are formed in the housing door and the position of the dampers may be adjusted to meet code requirements associated with a specific installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventors: Susan C. Tremaine, John M. Tremaine
  • Patent number: 5768091
    Abstract: A circuit breaker mounting bracket is comprised of a generally upright support member, a base member extending generally perpendicularly from a bottom of the support member, a flange depending from a distal end of the base member at an angle less than 90.degree., and a brace member depending obliquely from the back of the support member. The flange is adapted to be secured to a support surface, such as a deck within an air conditioning or furnace cabinet. The brace member and the flange cooperate to maintain the bracket in a rigid, upright position within the cabinet. The bracket includes a din rail comprising two generally L-shaped flanges integrally formed with the support member, whereby one or more circuit breakers are mountable in a fixed position relative to the bracket. A C-shaped channel is formed on the support member between the L-shaped flanges for receiving two retaining members, which inhibit lateral movement of the circuit breaker(s) mounted on the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Lennox Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Hugh E. Vinson, Gary L. Sapp, Kevin A. Albers
  • Patent number: 5726507
    Abstract: An electrical interface provides a permanent electrical facility electrically connected to a temporary electrical facility which provides electrical utilities to construction sites which can be activated by a non-utility qualified individual. The electrical interface generally comprises (a) permanent electrical facilities that provide electrical power to a residential neighborhood; and (b) temporary electrical facility electrically connected to the permanent electrical facilities. The temporary electrical facility provide electrical utilities to construction sites which can be activated by a non-utility qualified individual(s). The temporary electrical facility further comprises a non-conductive housing and a base, electrical connectors, and a electrical converter. The nonconductive housing fits over and doses the base. Alternate temporary electrical facilities comprise a pole, electrical connectors, and an electrical converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Basic Resources, Inc.
    Inventor: James D. Tipton
  • Patent number: 5705862
    Abstract: A panelboard apparatus includes an enclosure; a first plurality of circuit breakers including a remotely controllable solenoid for actuating the circuit breaker and switching a circuit from a power line through a load; a holder for holding in the enclosure up to a second plurality of circuit breakers including the first plurality of circuit breakers; a controller for controlling up to the second plurality of circuit breakers; a printed circuit connection mechanism for connecting up to the second plurality of circuit breakers to the controller in one of a plurality of configurations, including printed circuit boards having a plurality of interfaces for up to the second plurality of circuit breakers; and a switch selection circuit for selecting one of the configurations in order to determine a location in the enclosure of a first one of the second plurality of circuit breakers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Lutz, Mark A. Satterthwaite, Daniel B. Yount, Bruce L. Brodsky, David L. Davidson, Daniel W. Shafer
  • Patent number: 5615079
    Abstract: A modular control system for automated buildings includes an assembly of terminal blocks mounted as a unit on a mounting block for supplying electrical power and control signals to and from circuits contained in an electronics module mounted on a support rail, thereby to operate associated components of the building. The terminal block assembly includes symmetrical ground, power-supply, control-signal and end-support terminal blocks connected together as a unit. Signal feed-in occurs on both sides of an electronic module arranged on the terminal block assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Weidmueller Interface GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Gerhard Eggert, Walter Hanning, Uwe Fiene, Michael Schnatwinkel, Rudolf Steinmeier, Manfred Wilmes
  • Patent number: 5563450
    Abstract: A peripheral card includes a two-part metal cover mounting a printed wiring board on a U-shaped plastic frame. The wiring board is spaced from inside surfaces of the cover preferably by a pair spring clips mountable on side edges of the wiring board, each clip having an apertured intermediate bight portion overlying and in aperture burr scraped contact with ground contact pads on the board. Barbed-end spring fingers extend integrally from the bight portion preferably toward the board side edge to which it affixed and into scraped contact with respective ones of the metal cover parts as the metal cover parts are assembled together. The clips hold the board from movement in the cover and electrically ground any static electrical charges on the metal cover parts to the contact pads and to a ground socket in the frame, and electrically ground the metal cover parts to provide electromagnetic shielding of the electrical circuitry on the wiring board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald S. Bader, Michael W. Patterson
  • Patent number: 5555189
    Abstract: A communication system is provided in electric devices such as refrigerators. Refrigerators include a plurality of output units such as electric fans, electric dampers, and output units such as sensors, thermistors, etc. The communication system is provided in the vicinity of the input and output units. The communication system includes a plurality of sub-control sections for controlling operations of the output units, a main control section for controlling the electric device by controlling operations of each sub-control section, a single communication-use cable for connecting the main control section and the sub-control sections so as to permit communications between them. The communication system permits a reduction in the number of cables required for connecting the main control section to the input and output units and simplified processes for routing the cables. As a result, compact size electric devices and reduction in manufacturing costs are enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hisao Yamazato, Naoki Tani, Naohiko Aoki, Jyunzou Kasihara, Yasunari Uramoto
  • Patent number: 5548086
    Abstract: A utility center for use in combination with a raised floor for accommodating data and telecommunications wiring in an area between the raised floor and a supporting subfloor is provided. The utility center is located intermediate a communications wiring closet and at least one workstation of a workgroup for distributing wiring to communications equipment of the at least one workstation. The utility center includes a base mounted on the subfloor. The base includes an access opening therein for receiving wiring from the communications wiring closet, and for delivering wiring from the utility center to the at least one workstation of the workgroup. A vertical support is connected to the base. A distribution panel is carried by the support for operatively interconnecting wiring of the wiring closet and the communications equipment of the at least one workstation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventors: Sherwood S. Greenfield, Kevin J. Voll
  • Patent number: 5532512
    Abstract: Power semiconductor device structures and assemblies with improved heat dissipation characteristics and low impedance interconnections include a thermally-conductive dielectric layer, such as diamondlike carbon (DLC) overlying at least portions of the active major surface of a semiconductor chip, with vias formed in the dielectric layer in alignment with contact pads on the active major surface. A patterned metallization layer is formed over the thermally-conductive dielectric layer, with portions of the metallization layer extending through the vias into electrical contact with the chip contact pads. A metal structure is electrically and thermally coupled to selected areas of the patterned metallization, such as by solder bonding or by a eutectic bonding process. In different embodiments, the metal structure may comprise a metal conductor bonded to the opposite major surface of another power semiconductor device structure, a heat-dissipating device-mounting structure, or simply a low-impedance lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Raymond A. Fillion, Eric J. Wildi, Charles S. Korman, Sayed-Amr El-Hamamsy, Steven M. Gasworth, Michael W. DeVre, James F. Burgess
  • Patent number: 5530297
    Abstract: An improved current mode coupler comprising a base (100), a housing (300) mountable to a panel. The coupler base (100) includes a pair of wire retainers (200) for securing the wires (230,231) of a twisted pair cable within wire receiving channels (204,205) of a wire nest (202) of the coupler base (100). Each wire retainer (200) has an arm (232), a strut (236) extending from one end thereof to a cylindrical hinge (234) disposed in a pivot region of the coupler base (100), a vertical section (240) proximate the other end including a latch (242), and a wedge (244) on the lower surface of the arm (232). Upon rotation of the wire retainer about hinge (234) to a closed position, wedge (244) is engageable with a lower one of the conductors (230) to urge it fully into a deeper one of the channels (204) adjacent a channel intersect ion proximate a conductor crossover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Rudy, Jr., Howard R. Shaffer, Daniel E. Stahl
  • Patent number: 5502162
    Abstract: Problems resulting from contamination of electronic apparatus used with silicone keypads can be eliminated or substantially reduced by soaking such keypads prior to assembly in a low molecular weight liquid hydrocarbon, particularly n-hexane. Such soaking removes low molecular weight unreactive cyclics from the keypad which might otherwise contaminate the electronic apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: AT&T Corp.
    Inventor: Ching-Ping Wong