Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Dawn C. Wolff
  • Patent number: 8280654
    Abstract: An apparatus is for a conductor capable of conducting a current. The apparatus includes a global positioning system device structured to determine location of the global positioning system device, a coupling device structured to couple the global positioning system device to the conductor, and a power supply structured to power the global positioning system device responsive to a current conducted by the conductor. The global positioning system device is further structured to wirelessly communicate the determined location when powered by the power supply responsive to the current conducted by the conductor. The global positioning system device does not wirelessly communicate when current is not conducted by the conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Faulkner, Rodney L. Spottsville
  • Patent number: 8247715
    Abstract: A circuit breaker, comprising a locking device, a secondary cover and a tripbar operatively associated with the locking device. The locking device comprises a lock assembly and a piston assembly operatively coupled with the lock assembly. A through hole for the lock assembly is provided in the secondary cover. The lock assembly has a locked position and an unlocked position, and the piston assembly has a work position and a rest position respectively corresponding to the locked and unlocked positions. The piston assembly is configured to prevent the tripbar from moving to a relatch position when it is in the work position, such that the circuit breaker cannot be turned on. The locking device is configured to be installed on the circuit breaker through the through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Yu Yu
  • Patent number: 8247726
    Abstract: An arc chute assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus. The electrical switching apparatus includes a housing and separable contacts enclosed by the housing. An arc is generated in response to the separable contacts being separated. The housing includes a number of arc chambers each having a first side and a second side disposed opposite and spaced apart from the first side. The arc chute assembly includes a plurality of first arc plates extending outwardly from the first side of a corresponding one of the arc chambers toward the second side of the corresponding one of the arc chambers, and a plurality of second arc plates extending outwardly from the second side of the corresponding one of the arc chambers toward the first side of the arc chamber. None of the arc plates engages the opposing side of the arc chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Richard D. Prohaska, Jeffrey B. Ensley
  • Patent number: 8248761
    Abstract: A subunit is provided for a motor control center including an enclosure, a number of compartments, a plurality of power lines, and a number of covers for covering the compartments. The subunit includes a housing removably disposed within a corresponding one of the compartments, a plurality of electrical contacts movably coupled to the housing, and an actuating assembly for moving the electrical contacts into and out of electrical contact with the power lines. The subunit further includes at least one of a locking assembly, a panel assembly, and a secondary disconnect assembly. The locking assembly locks the position of the electrical contacts and restricts access to the actuating assembly. The panel assembly is pivotable and translatable with respect to the subunit housing. The secondary disconnect assembly is independent from the actuating assembly in order that movement of the electrical contacts does not move the secondary disconnect assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Jason Leeman, Edgar Yee, Robert Allan Morris, Marsha Jean Harris
  • Patent number: 8247716
    Abstract: A position indicator assembly is provided for a levering assembly of an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The levering assembly includes a drive shaft and a racking member movably coupled to the circuit breaker housing. The drive shaft cooperates with the racking member to facilitate racking the circuit breaker into and out of a cassette. The position indicator assembly includes a number of indicator gears cooperating with the drive shaft, an indication rack cooperating with the indicator gears, and an indicator cooperating with the indication rack to provide a visual indication indicative of the position of the circuit breaker with respect to the cassette. When the circuit breaker is moved with respect to the cassette, the drive shaft pivots. In response, the indicator gears move, thereby moving the indication rack and the indicator in order to provide the visual indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Nathan J. Weister, Erik R. Bogdon, Craig A. Rodgers
  • Patent number: 8248739
    Abstract: An electrical switching apparatus is for another apparatus including a number of insulators, a number of temperature sensors operatively associated with the number of insulators, and a number of conductors operatively associated with the number of insulators. The electrical switching apparatus includes a number of separable contacts, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, a number of sensors structured to sense a number of currents flowing through the separable contacts and through the conductors, a processor structured to input the sensed currents from the sensors, and an output. The processor calculates at least one of: (a) a thermal age of the other apparatus from a number of sensed temperatures from the temperature sensors, and (b) the thermal age of the other apparatus from the sensed currents. The output includes the thermal age of the other apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Lawrence B. Farr
  • Patent number: 8243422
    Abstract: A subunit is provided for a motor control center including an enclosure, a number of compartments, a plurality of power lines, and a number of covers for covering the compartments. The subunit includes a housing removably disposed within a corresponding one of the compartments, a plurality of electrical contacts movably coupled to the housing, and an actuating assembly for moving the electrical contacts into and out of electrical contact with the power lines. The subunit further includes at least one of a locking assembly, a panel assembly, and a secondary disconnect assembly. The locking assembly locks the position of the electrical contacts and restricts access to the actuating assembly. The panel assembly is pivotable and translatable with respect to the subunit housing. The secondary disconnect assembly is independent from the actuating assembly in order that movement of the electrical contacts does not move the secondary disconnect assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Jason Leeman, Edgar Yee, Robert Allan Morris, Marsha Jean Harris
  • Patent number: 8217290
    Abstract: A charging handle is provided for an electrical switching apparatus including a housing having an exterior, an interior and a recess extending from the exterior toward the interior, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts, and a charging assembly. A first end of the charging handle is coupled to the charging assembly within the interior of the housing. The second end includes a finger pull. An elongated body extends between the first and second ends and includes first and second sides, and inner and outer surfaces. The charging handle is movable among first and second positions. The finger pull is disposed on the outer surface of the elongated body at or about the second end of the charging handle, and is readily accessible from all of the second end and the first and second sides of the charging handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Paul R. Rakus, Valerie F. Odom, Andrew L. Gottschalk, Craig A. Rodgers, Nathan J. Weister, Erik R. Bogdon
  • Patent number: 8217291
    Abstract: A status indicating assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker includes a housing, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The operating mechanism comprises a stored energy mechanism and a primary latch. The primary latch is pivotable between a latched position corresponding to the stored energy mechanism being chargeable, and an unlatched position corresponding to the stored energy mechanism being discharged. The status indicating assembly includes a first indicator for indicating whether the separable contacts are open or closed, a second indicator for indicating whether the stored energy mechanism is charged or discharged, and a third indicator for indicating whether or not the circuit breaker is ready to close the separable contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Lawrence Gottschalk, Robert Michael Slepian
  • Patent number: 8203088
    Abstract: A close latch interlock assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker, which includes a stored energy mechanism, such as a closing spring. The close latch interlock assembly includes a close D-shaft pivotable between a latched and unlatched positions corresponding to the closing spring being chargeable and discharged, respectively. An actuator is movable between an unactuated position corresponding to the close D-shaft being disposed in the latched position, and an actuated position corresponding to the close D-shaft being movable toward the unlatched position. A release member cooperates with the actuator and is pivotably coupled to the first end of a transfer link. The second end of the transfer link extends toward the close D-shaft. When the actuator is moved toward the actuated position, it moves the release member, thereby moving the transfer link and pivoting the close D-shaft toward the unlatched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew L. Gottschalk, Perry R. Gibson, Robert M. Slepian
  • Patent number: 6817127
    Abstract: A movable advertising system and method that can be produced inexpensively in a wide variety of shapes, colors, and sizes and easily installed in consumer purchasing locations. The movable advertising system is designed to attract the attention of the purchasing public and enhance the sales of advertised product. The unique feature of the system is a self-contained support mechanism that reinforces the system and provides sufficient support to enable the advertising system to carry a tear-pad for sweepstakes, coupons, and/or other consumer offers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Anheuser-Busch, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Gottlieb, Gregory Litwicki
  • Patent number: 6748835
    Abstract: An improved apparatus for trimming an irregular open end of a container body is disclosed. The improved trimmer cartridge includes a sealed gear housing, for retention of interior lubricant and to reduce contamination. An adjustment mechanism, accessible from the exterior of the housing, is provided to adjust a gap between two blades of the trimmer cartridge. The adjustment mechanism provides improved control over the gap width, which is between 8-25% of the can metal thickness. Additionally, a tang that is removably connected to a shaft for a first blade provides rotational power for the trimmer. The tang is replaceable without requiring the housing to be opened or requiring replacement of the blade shaft. Another blade shaft is provided for a second blade, with the two blade shafts having substantially equal mass. The trimmer also includes spur gears, which do not have the thrust load associated with prior art helical gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Metal Container Corporation, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas C. Dickey
  • Patent number: 6739411
    Abstract: A hollow auger head assembly for penetrating geological formations that utilizes drill bit assemblies to which both blades and finger bits are attached. The method of securing the individual drill bit assemblies to the auger head reduces incidents of the drill bit assembly becoming detached from the auger head during drilling operations. Additionally, a rust-resistant attachment mechanism is used attach the drill bit assemblies to the auger head, which makes the drill bit assemblies easier to remove and replace. The configuration and arrangement of the bits improves cutting efficiency, increases wear life and reduces the likelihood of the bits breaking during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Good Earth Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond W. Burns, Anthony James Regna
  • Patent number: 6702142
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the disclosed can lid has a center panel having a central axis that is perpendicular to a diameter of the outer rim, or peripheral curl portion, of the can lid, an annular countersink surrounding the center panel, an arcuate chuckwall extending radially outward from the annular countersink, an arcuate step portion extending radially outward from the arcuate chuckwall, a transitional portion extending radially outward from the arcuate step portion, and a peripheral curl portion extending outwardly from the transitional portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Metal Container Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher G. Neiner
  • Patent number: 6663006
    Abstract: A financial transaction system that does not require the need for cash, checks or credit cards to carry out financial transactions. In return for prepayment of specified sum, a bar coded wristband is issued to a customer. On issuance of the wristband, a data base record is created that is cross-referenced with the bar code number, as well as an account number, an issue date and a present balance of the account. When the user wishes to purchase goods or services, the bar code of the wristband is scanned, and the amount of the transaction is then placed into the system. The corresponding account is debited. The wristband is constructed so as to be waterproof, and includes an adhesive strip with small tear strips for fastening around the user's wrist. An attempted removal of the wristband is effective to substantially destroy it and render it unusable to other persons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Busch Entertainment Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph M. Mullins, Donald W. Mills, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6648601
    Abstract: Attaching a labyrinth seal composed of wear-resistant material to the surfaces of rotating equipment subject to wear can increase the life of the rotating equipment and reduce downtime for equipment maintenance and repairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Good Earth Tools, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward Williams
  • Patent number: 6561004
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the disclosed can lid has a center panel having a central axis that is perpendicular to a diameter of the outer rim, or peripheral curl portion, of the can lid, an annular countersink surrounding the center panel, an arcuate portion extending radially outward from the annular countersink, a step portion extending radially upward and outward from the arcuate portion, a first transitional portion extending radially outward from the step portion, a second transitional portion extending radially outward and upward from the first transitional portion, and a peripheral curl portion extending outwardly from the second transitional portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Metal Container Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher G. Neiner, James Reed
  • Patent number: 6499622
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the disclosed can lid has a center panel having a central axis that is perpendicular to a diameter of the outer rim, or peripheral curl portion, of the can lid, an annular countersink surrounding the center panel, an arcuate chuckwall extending radially outward from the annular countersink, an arcuate step portion extending radially outward from the arcuate chuckwall, a transitional portion extending radially outward from the arcuate step portion, and a peripheral curl portion extending outwardly from the transitional portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Metal Container Corporation, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher G. Neiner