Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Martin J. Moran
  • Patent number: 7319853
    Abstract: A home wellness system includes a headless base station having a first wireless communication port, a portable fob having a second wireless communication port, a user input device and a display, and plurality of sensors. Each of the sensors senses information and includes a third wireless communication port, which sends the sensed information to the first wireless communication port of the headless base station. The headless base station sends the sensed information for one, some or all of the sensors from its first wireless communication port to the second wireless communication port of the portable fob. The portable fob displays the sensed information for one, more or all of the sensors at its display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Easton Corporation
    Inventors: Charles John Luebke, Michael Andrew Higgins
  • Patent number: 7319373
    Abstract: An auxiliary switch terminal housing is provided for a telecommunication system circuit breaker including an enclosure, separable contacts inside the enclosure, line and load terminals in electrical communication with the separable contacts, an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts, and an auxiliary switch which is actuated by the operating mechanism. The auxiliary switch includes outputs and conductors electrically interconnected with the outputs. The terminal housing includes a first portion coupled to the enclosure of the circuit breaker proximate the line and load terminals, a second portion distal from the first portion, a plurality of terminals inside the second portion and electrically interconnected with the conductors and the outputs of the auxiliary switch, and a fastening mechanism, such as a pair of screws or rivets, fastening the terminal housing to the circuit breaker enclosure. An electrical switching apparatus employing a terminal housing is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Mark O. Zindler
  • Patent number: 7306470
    Abstract: A guard is provided for an electrical enclosure including a panel assembly coupled to the housing of the electrical enclosure and having a first securing mechanism at or about the first side of the panel assembly, and a second securing mechanism disposed at or about the second side of the panel assembly a distance from the first securing mechanism. The first and second securing mechanisms are structured to receive and secure a number of electrical components. The guard includes a shield member having first and second ends structured to be coupled to the first and second securing mechanisms of the panel assembly, an intermediate portion extending therebetween, and at least one pull tab to facilitate removal of the guard. When installed on the panel assembly, the shield member forms a protective arc which overlays and shields at least some of the electrical components from being undesirably painted or otherwise coated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7307504
    Abstract: A current transformer includes a CT core having a central opening, a height, a width, inner and outer radii, and a secondary winding disposed about the CT core. The CT core is formed from a winding of an elongated length of taped steel having a reluctance and a width. The CT core height corresponds to the taped steel width. The CT core width is equal to the difference between the outer and inner radii. An air gap having a reluctance, a width and a depth is disposed in the CT core. The depth is along a portion of the CT core height. The air gap width is substantially smaller than the CT core height and width. The air gap reluctance is substantially greater than the taped steel reluctance. The CT core has a permeability resulting from being annealed at a temperature of 1450 to 1550° F. for one hour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Harry J. Carlino, James L. Lagree, Todd M. Shaak
  • Patent number: 7307429
    Abstract: A test apparatus tests an arc fault circuit breaker with an arc fault generator having an input and an output. The test apparatus includes a first electrical connector electrically connected to the load side of an arc fault circuit interrupter. A second electrical connector is electrically connected to the input of the arc fault generator. A third electrical connector is electrically connected to the output of the arc fault generator. A plurality of fourth electrical connectors are electrically connected to one or more of a plurality of masking loads. A fifth electrical connector is electrically connected to another load. A two pole, plural position rotary selector switch provides a plurality of different configurations of at least the arc fault generator and the one or more masking loads downstream of the load side of the arc fault circuit breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin L. Parker, Dale L. Gass, Jerome K. Hastings
  • Patent number: 7307823
    Abstract: A surge suppressor module includes a power conductor, a ground conductor, and a housing including an opening and a plurality of dovetail groove mechanisms and arcuate ground bus bars for electrically and mechanically mounting a corresponding surge suppressor module. An alternating current surge suppressor circuit is housed by the housing. The circuit receives the power and ground conductors through the opening of the housing. The circuit electrically connects the ground conductor to the plurality of arcuate ground bus bars for electrically and mechanically mounting a corresponding surge suppressor module, in order to provide a common ground connection thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Henryk J. Dabrowski, Anthony-Cernan Mendoza, James Funke, John D. Towler, Dalibor Kladar, Mieczyslaw Bandura, David J. Speidelsbach
  • Patent number: 7294804
    Abstract: Within a closing assembly that utilizes a ram assembly having a spring driven ram body, an energy dissipating spring seat assembly is provided. The ram body is mounted on a guide assembly having at least one pin. The guide assembly also includes a base plate and a stop plate. A ram assembly spring is disposed between the ram body and the base plate and is structured to bias the ram body toward the stop plate. The spring seat assembly includes a spring seat bracket and a spring seat. The spring seat is, preferably, a generally flat, plate-like leaf spring that is disposed between the ram assembly springs and the base plate of the ram body. The spring seat is sufficiently rigid so as to not deflect fully under the force created by the compressed ram assembly springs, but not so rigid as to resist deflecting under the force created when the ram body impacts the stop plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew L. Gottschalk, Paul R. Rakus, David A. Parks
  • Patent number: 7292433
    Abstract: An adjustment assembly adjustably couples enclosures, such as a meter breaker panelboard and a load distribution panelboard, in a back-to-back configuration within a structure, such as a wall. The adjustment assembly includes a first end member at or about the top end of one of the enclosures, a second end member at or about the bottom end of the other enclosure, and at least one fastener coupling the end members together. A number of elongated apertures in at least one of the end members, such as slots and arcuate apertures, provide translational and pivotal adjustment, respectively. The fastener, which may comprise bolts and wingnuts to enable such adjustment without requiring separate tools, extends from one enclosure through at least one of the elongated apertures in the end member of the other enclosure in order to couple the enclosures together while enabling adjustment of one enclosure with respect to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Johnson, Syed M. Karim
  • Patent number: 7291042
    Abstract: A meter socket base assembly that includes a base bracket, at least one non-conductive base member, at least one lug, and at least one jaw assembly. The base bracket has a planar member with a plurality of openings, the base bracket openings defining a retaining device first component. The base member is coupled to the base bracket. The non-conductive base member has a body with an upper side and a lower side, the base member body lower side has a plurality of pins extending therefrom. The pins are structured to align with, and pass through, the base bracket openings and have a retaining device second component. The at least one lug is coupled to the base member and the at least one jaw assembly is coupled to the at least one lug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7287582
    Abstract: A shore power HVAC system for a vehicle is provided. The vehicle has a vehicular HVAC system with an engine compressor, a condenser, and an expansion valve and an evaporator coupled to each other in series by a plurality of conduits. The shore power HVAC system includes an electric compressor structured to compress a coolant fluid and a diverter valve structured to allow fluid to pass through a selected fluid path. The electric compressor is coupled to, and in fluid communication with the evaporator and the diverter valve. The diverter valve is further coupled to the engine compressor. Thus, a first coolant fluid loop and a second coolant fluid loop are created. The first coolant fluid loop passes through, in series, the engine compressor, the diverter valve, the condenser, the expansion valve, and the evaporator. The second coolant fluid loop passes through, in series, the electric compressor, the diverter valve, the condenser, the expansion valve and the evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: David Turner, James Lester Oliver
  • Patent number: 7289016
    Abstract: A home system includes a server having a first wireless communication port, and a plurality of devices, such as sensors. Each one of the devices includes a corresponding second wireless communication port. One or more of the devices is a timer/reminder sensor device associated with an object of interest. The timer/reminder sensor device includes a timer mechanism having a time input and an output. The timer mechanism is associated with the object and is adapted to input a time interval from the time input, time for the time interval and then responsively output to the output. The timer mechanism communicates the time input and the output of the timer mechanism between the second wireless communication port of the timer/reminder sensor device and the first wireless communication port of the server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Charles J. Luebke, Michael L. McManus, John A. Kolojejchick
  • Patent number: 7286340
    Abstract: An adapter is for mounting an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker, on the back panel of an enclosure, such as a switchgear cabinet. The back panel has at least one aperture. The adapter includes a first end portion coupled at or about the aperture of the back panel, an engaging portion engaging and securing the circuit breaker to the adapter, a fastener, and a second end portion disposed distal from the first end portion and including an elongated slot. The elongated slot receives the fastener in order to couple the adapter to the back panel when the fastener is fastened, while enabling adjustment of the adapter and the circuit breaker coupled thereto, with respect to the back panel, when the fastener is unfastened. The first end portion, the engaging portion and the second end portion form a single piece adapter. An enclosure assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Syed M. Karim, James L. Gehlbach
  • Patent number: 7280338
    Abstract: A back-pack power supply module is for a circuit interrupter including an elongated line conductor. The back-pack power supply module includes a housing having an opening therethrough. The opening receives the elongated line conductor, which passes through the opening. A power supply circuit is housed by the housing and is adapted to input a line voltage from the elongated line conductor and output direct current voltages. A capacitive divider circuit includes two capacitors electrically connected in series between a first terminal and an output of the capacitive divider circuit. One of these two capacitors receives the line voltage. The two capacitors are embedded in insulation within one portion of the housing. Another capacitor is electrically connected between a second terminal and the capacitive divider circuit output. The other capacitor is disposed in another portion of the housing opposite the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Juds, Joseph C. Engel, Ian T. Wallace, Steven C. Schmalz
  • Patent number: 7280018
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a molded base and cover, with at least one of the base and cover being a molded member including a pair of end walls, a pair of side walls, and an opening between the side walls. A strengthening member engages the base and cover between the side walls at the opening, engages at least one of the side walls and is an interior wall of the molded member. The base and cover are made of a first material, such as glass polyester or a suitably high strength plastic, and the strengthening member is made of a second dissimilar material, such as aluminum or steel, which has greater strength than the first material. An operating mechanism coupled to separable contacts is structured to move the contacts between open and closed positions. A trip mechanism coupled to the operating mechanism is structured to actuate the operating mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Robert W. Mueller
  • Patent number: 7280337
    Abstract: A controllable circuit breaker includes a housing, first and second inputs adapted to receive respective external close and open signals, a third input adapted to receive a control voltage, a set of main contacts, an operating mechanism for opening and closing those contacts; a set of secondary contacts connected in series with the main contacts, and a latching solenoid including a plunger latchable to a first position which closes the secondary contacts and to a second position which opens the secondary contacts. When separately energized, first and second coils operate the plunger to respective first and second positions. The first and second coils have a common node which is electrically connected to the third input. A non-mechanical, electronic control circuit within the housing is adapted to receive the external close and open signals and responsively energize the first and second coils, respectively, for a predetermined time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph C. Engel
  • Patent number: 7280344
    Abstract: The present invention which provides for a consolidated circuit breaker support insulator and bus alignment piece having a molded body and at least one horizontal bus. Preferably, there are three horizontal buses. Each horizontal bus is structured to extend between, and be in electrical communication with, a socket bus horizontal terminal and a vertical conductor. The molded support includes a non-conductive body has a vertical plate member and a horizontal plate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Paul D. Seff, Michael J. Ranta
  • Patent number: 7267576
    Abstract: A meter socket assembly includes a base member, a meter and at least one electrical bus member. The base member is coupled to the panel member of a meter center and includes first and second ends, a first side having protrusions, and a second side including meter jaws for receiving the meter. Each electrical bus member includes a first end extending outwardly from the first end of the base member, a second end distal from the first end and electrically connected to at least one of the meter jaws, and a plurality of bends between the first and second ends to define a first portion disposed at or about the first end, a second portion disposed at or about the second end, and an intermediate portion extending therebetween. Recesses on the intermediate portion engage the protrusions of the base member to couple the electrical bus member to the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Paul D. Seff, James L. Gehlbach
  • Patent number: 7268652
    Abstract: An opening assist mechanism is for the cradle assembly of a circuit breaker including a housing enclosing separable contacts, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The operating mechanism includes a trip bar and a cradle assembly. The cradle assembly includes a first toggle link, a second toggle link pivotally coupled to the first toggle link by a first pivot, and a cradle member pivotally coupled to the second toggle link by a second pivot. The cradle member includes a third pivot and a latching portion structured to engage the trip bar when the cradle assembly is disposed in a position corresponding to the separable contacts being closed or otherwise closeable. The opening assist mechanism comprises an actuator, such as a kicker pin, disposed on the cradle member and structured to engage and move at least one of the first and second toggle links in response to an actuation of the operating mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventors: Douglas C. Marks, Robert M. Slepian, David C. Turner
  • Patent number: 7265960
    Abstract: A drive circuit, such as an electronic trip device, is for a shunt trip coil of a network protector. The drive circuit includes an alternating current input adapted to receive an alternating current voltage and a first half-wave rectifier adapted to provide a plurality of direct current voltages from the alternating current input. An energy store, such as a plurality of electrolytic capacitors, is adapted to provide a first direct current output from the direct current voltages of the first half-wave rectifier. A sensor circuit monitors the alternating current input and the first direct current output and provides a second output from one of the alternating current input and the first direct current output. A second full-wave rectifier responds to the second output and the trip signal to provide a third direct current output adapted to drive the network protector shunt trip coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald T. Zipagan
  • Patent number: 7265311
    Abstract: An arc chamber barrier for a circuit breaker is provided. The arc chamber barrier has a body with a first interlock component that is structured to engage a second interlock component disposed in the circuit breaker primary cover. The arc chamber barrier body is further structured to be disposed in an elongated contact chamber at the interface of an arc chamber portion and an operating mechanism portion. In this configuration, the arc chamber barrier first interlock component resists displacement of the arc chamber barrier body when a pair of separable contacts moves between the second, closed position and the first, open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Caton Corporation
    Inventors: Brian John Schaltenbrand, Robert William Mueller, Mark Anthony Janusek, Keith Edward Thomas