Patents Represented by Attorney J. A. Crawford
  • Patent number: 5224054
    Abstract: A circuit monitoring system for a distributed power network employs waveform capturing techniques for efficient and highly accurate monitoring. The system includes a plurality of circuit monitors and a control station, which is coupled to each of the circuit monitors via a multi-drop communications link. Each of the circuit monitors is disposed adjacent an associated one of the branches in the network for sensing power parameters in the branches and for generating and transmitting data representing the power parameters to the control station. The control station is used for generating monitoring commands to each of the circuit monitors to provide the system with full system control and evaluation capability. The system is capable of simultaneously sensing the waveform at each branch and sampling the waveforms for a predetermined number of sample points over an integral number of cycles so as to provide an efficient yet accurate implementation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventor: Lee D. Wallis
  • Patent number: 5184278
    Abstract: A modular energy management circuit breaker (EMCB) system is adapted for installation with existing panelboards. It comprises a bus way that includes a connector that is coupled to an interface module connector. The interface module, which extends across the panelboard, makes connection with the power bus and is connected to the panelboard by snap-in means. A control module is adapted to interengage with another connector in the interface module and to control a plurality of EMCBs. A bus way includes a plurality of connectors adjacent a plurality of circuit breaker positions which are connected to suitable circuits in the control module for controlling the drivers for the EMCBs. A terminal box is formed at the end of the control module and has provision for connecting a plurality of control wires to suitable terminating devices for interfacing external controlling devices to the control module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Scott C. Jordan, Robert L. Wolf, Dennis W. Fleege, Jeffrey O. Sharp
  • Patent number: 5170360
    Abstract: A circuit breaker system uses a microprocessor for calculating at least one function of a measured current flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Thomas W. Porter, Craig G. Ross, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5170310
    Abstract: A solid state circuit interruption arrangement in a distributed power network provides fast and reliable circuit interruption. A common power source provides power to a plurality of loads via respective current paths. A main circuit breaker and a plurality of solid state circuit breakers are arranged to interrupt the current paths in response to command signals sent from a central controller. Current sensors and voltage sensors are coupled to the current paths for monitoring purposes. An automatic controller responds to any of the current sensors detecting a fault condition by automatically generating a command signal, which forces the associated solid state breaker to interrupt the associated current path. Thereafter, the controller automatically generates a signal to the main circuit breaker to interrupt the power provided from the common power source in the event that the associated current path is not interrupted by the solid state breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: George H. Studtmann, Donald H. Ward, James V. Fixemer, Julius M. Liptak
  • Patent number: 5164875
    Abstract: An addressable relay module is provided for controlling a plurality of relay outputs associated with an electronic circuit breaker system using a trip unit for monitoring system functions or network parameters. The relay module is linked to a multi-drop serial communications network through which data pertaining to system functions is relayed to and from a communications microcontroller which controls the operational status of relay contacts linked thereto. The microcontroller addresses specific ones of associated relay outputs in accordance with address information contained within the network data. The addressable relay module effectively maps the plurality of relay contact outputs linked thereto to a corresponding plurality of network device parameters received through the multi-drop network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Andy A. Haun, Earl J. Tessmer, Ronald L. Farrington
  • Patent number: 5162664
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement is used to interface a fault-powered circuit breaker trip unit to a communication network. The circuit arrangement includes a diode protected line which draws power from the trip unit, a battery acting as a backup power source and a control circuit, responsive to the trip unit, which detects a trip unit alarm condition, receives data from a circuit breaker trip unit and processes the data for subsequent use. In response to the control circuit detecting the trip unit alarm condition, a switch circuit enables the backup power source such that power is provided to the control circuit after the trip unit alarm condition is received so that the control circuit can process the received data after the power provided by the trip unit expires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Andy A. Haun, Earl J. Tessmer, Leon W. Durivage, III
  • Patent number: 5136457
    Abstract: A rating plug circuit is used in a processor-based circuit breaker tripping system having a current sensor for sensing current from a current path. The rating plug circuit includes a printed circuit board and a resistor that is connected to the printed circuit board for establishing a designated voltage in the presence of a predetermined amount of sensed current. A connector, having a plurality of conductive contact points, interconnects the printed circuit board with the tripping system, and a plurality of printed circuit paths are included on the printed circuit board to provide a binary code at the contact points. The binary code indicates the value of the resistor and is read by the processor to analyze the current in the current path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventor: Leon W. Durivage, III
  • Patent number: 5136458
    Abstract: A processor-based tripping system uses a precise three phase current detection circuit using a minimal number of components. A set of current sensors is situated adjacent the current path to sense respective phases of current therein. The current sensors provide respective current signals therefrom which are fed to a ground fault transformer. The ground fault transformer includes input inductors connected to respective ones of the current sensors such that current flowing through each respective current sensor also flows through one of the input inductors. An output inductor in the ground fault transformer is coupled with the input inductors for adding the current signals from the current sensors and for producing an output current signal in the presence of a ground fault. The output current signal is then rectified to provide a rectified signal corresponding to the output current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventor: Leon W. Durivage, III
  • Patent number: 5134543
    Abstract: An electrical distribution load center consists of a non-conductive enclosure and a circuit breaker bus bar support panel that are interconnected by interlock members that can be snap-fitted to secure the two panels to each other. The support panel also has a latch member so that the bus bars can be mounted onto the panel in a heat-staking, insert-molded or snap-fit arrangement. The support panel also has elements for locking the circuit breakers onto the panels in conducting contact with the bus bars. The enclosure and the support panel are enclosed by a non-metallilc trim panel that has a non-metallic door hinged thereto and which carries a latch for latching the door to the trim panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey O. Sharp, Michael R. Harris, Robert J. Cooper, Steve M. Ledbetter, Ronald H. Reed, Ronald W. Chaffin
  • Patent number: 5130684
    Abstract: A bimetallic thermal release element (34) for use in a thermally actuated tripping mechanism, and in particular used in electrical circuit breakers (10) wherein the load current is passed through the bimetallic element has a self-aligning floating latch member (141) configured to engage the release member and to disengage therefrom when the bimetallic element bows a sufficient amount at a given temperature or current. The bimetallic element is preferably an elongated member supported at its ends (128, 130) by side members (28, 42). An increased sensitivity is imparted to the bimetallic element by mounting the side members for rotation to accommodate the bowing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Gary W. Scott, Christopher K. Goble, David Pearson
  • Patent number: 5131048
    Abstract: A signal distribution and communication arrangement controls the broadcast of different types of signals through speakers located in various zones. The arrangement includes an audio receiver circuit which responds to a music signal from an external music source, and an associated threshold detection circuit which provides a music mute function. Further, a page interface circuit, responds to a page signal generated from a telephone handset, which generates a paging control signal and serves as a power source to the telephone handset; and a doorbell interface circuit responds to any of a plurality of doorbell signal sources at differing locations by generating a doorbell control signal and activating a corresponding door bell tone sequence which identifies the location of the doorbell signal source. Finally, a control circuit, responds to these various circuits by selecting which of the corresponding signals should be broadcast by the speakers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Robert Farenelli, Bruce B. Stevenson, Bill R. Unseld
  • Patent number: 5021878
    Abstract: A system includes a control station for remotely controlling an animated character. Radio frequencies are used to transfer audio, video and other control signals to the animated character to provide speech, hearing, vision and practically any movement in real-time. A camera is used in the head of the animated character, and microphones are used in its ears to provide vision and hearing to a monitoring operator at the control station. A speaker is co-located with the animated character to generate sound from the operator. Servo control units are included within the animated character to provide a plurality of body movements. Other aspects of the animated character includes a multi-layer skin composite to make it appear more life-like, and an audio driver circuit for controlling the mouth of the animated character in proportion to the level of an audio signal generated at the control station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Assignee: Semborg-Recrob, Corp.
    Inventor: Victor H. Lang
  • Patent number: 5019936
    Abstract: A voltage-to-frequency converter is provided for generating a frequency which is proportional to the square of the input voltage provided to the converter. Since the input voltage is correlative to current flowing in a conductor, the output frequency exhibits a proportionality similar to the relationship between the temperature of the conductor and the current flowing in it. The arrangement includes two charging circuits which receive the input voltage and are alternately charged as a function of the input voltage. While the first charging circuit charges to a predetermined voltage, the second charging circuit discharges. Upon exceeding the predetermined voltage, the output of a flip flop is set to discharge the first charging circuit, and to charge the second charging circuit. When the second charging circuit charges to a predetermined voltage, the output of the flip flop is reset, so that the first charging circuit charges again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Henry J. Zylstra, Steven J. Flock
  • Patent number: 4954948
    Abstract: Disclosed is a microprocessor operating system having a program which includes a plurality of tasks requiring periodic execution by the system, and wherein each task is comprised of a plurality of associated subtasks. The system executes the tasks in a orderly fashion by: (A) providing a time variable which is periodically updated to represent a measurement of time; (B) setting the time variable to a predetermined time period during which a first task may be executed; (C) determining whether or not the predetermined time period has lapsed; (D) executing at least one of the subtasks of the first task if the predetermined time period has not lapsed, and then proceeding to step c; and (e) executing another portion of program if the predetermined time period has lapsed, and then proceeding to step c before executing another subtask associated with the first task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald M. Hira, Dana M. Sheahen, Pamela L. Wilson, Michael P. Nolan
  • Patent number: 4860228
    Abstract: Disclosed is a technique for storing a count of incrementally increasing data exclusively in EEPROM using semaphores to avoid significant losses, as a result of power downs, greater than a single least significant bit in accuracy. The disclosed embodiment includes a first EEPROM register, comprised of 256 bits, for storing 256 incremental count increases, each bit is used to record an incremental count increase. A pair of 16 bit EEPROM registers is provided for incrementally storing updated count information in response to the first EEPROM register overflowing. Semaphores are provided for indicating whether or not the incrementally increasing count information has been at least partially stored in the pair of registers. Once an overflow from the first register is detected, the semaphores are checked to determine in what stage the update to the pair of registers was left (in case of power down).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher J. Carroll
  • Patent number: 4823098
    Abstract: A ceramic filter includes a multiple zero bandstop filter function. The ceramic filter has a dielectric block with top and bottom surfaces and at least two holes, including a first hole and a second hole, extending from the top surface toward the bottom surface of the block. The block is selectively covered with a conductive material to provide a transmission line resonator for each of the two holes. The filter also includes an input electrode coupled to the dielectric means at a predetermined distance from the first hole, and an output electrode coupled to the dielectric means at a predetermined distance from the second hole. Finally, conductive plating, in the form of a transmission line, is contiguously disposed on the dielectric means adjacent the two holes and coupled thereto to provide a bandstop filter function with a zero represented at each hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1989
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. DeMuro, Darioush Agahi-Kesheh
  • Patent number: 4814704
    Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, an angle measuring device is described for measuring the angle of a rotating rotor having a plurality of markings spaced thereabout. The device comprises: a sensor positioned adjacent the rotor for detecting the markings and generating a sensor signal in response thereto; an indicator device, responsive to the sensor signal, for generating a position signal indicative of the angular position of the rotor. Additionally, a timing circuit is used for measuring the time between contiguous sensor signals; and a comparator is used for comparing at least one of the measured times against at least one predetermined value and for generating a comparison output signal indicative thereof. Finally, a correction circuit is used, in response to the comparison output signal, for correcting the position signal to avoid inaccuracies due to such problems as unequal spacing between the markings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald W. Zerrien, Jr., James W. Kopec
  • Patent number: 4812677
    Abstract: An circuit arrangement acts in response to an external wake signal to provide fail-safe, battery saving control to a power supply. The arrangement includes a power supply, a microcomputer which is responsive to the external wake signal for providing a shutdown indication to indicate when the power supply should be disabled, and a power supply controller which is responsive to the external wake signal and to the shutdown indication for controlling the inactivation of the power supply. The controller validates the shutdown indication by comparing it to the status of the wake signal so as to provide fall-safe power supply control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1989
    Assignee: Motorola
    Inventor: Richard D. Perry
  • Patent number: 4811380
    Abstract: An improved cellular telephone communication system is described having operational steps which prevent a call from being dropped due to a radiotelephone not receiving a handoff instruction from its host base site. The system includes a switch controller for determining that the radiotelephone requires a handoff from a first base site coverage area to a second base site coverage area and for communicating a handoff message to the associated first and second base site equipment. The first base site equipment then transmits the handoff message to the radiotelephone. If the radiotelephone does not receive the message, it determines that the call has been lost, siezes a signalling channel from the second base site, and requests, via the second base site a call reconnection by transmitting a special message. The second base site then informs the radiotelephone of the handoff instruction and the handoff is completed with a successful reconnection of the call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1989
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen L. Spear
  • Patent number: D322953
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Brown, Jr., Bahattin Erturk