Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Martin J. Moran
  • Patent number: 7614895
    Abstract: A coupling assembly is provided for an electrical busway having a first section and a second section. The coupling assembly includes at least one housing having first and second ends. A plurality of electrical conductors extend through such housing and electrically connect the first and second sections of the electrical busway. A plurality of electrical insulators surround at least some of the electrical conductors. A first coupling member couples the first end of the at least one housing to the first section of the electrical busway, and a second coupling member couples the second end of such housing to the second section of the electrical busway. The at least one housing and the electrical conductors extending therethrough are flexible, and the housing is electrically grounded. The coupling assembly electrically connects the first and second sections of the electrical busway, without a number of separate termination boxes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Arthur J. Jur, Stephen W. Oneufer, Phillip D. Miller, Douglas V. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7616431
    Abstract: A support assembly is provided for an electrical enclosure including a housing having first and second opposing sides, electrical bus members, and at least one electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. Each of the electrical bus members is electrically connectable to a corresponding one of the circuit breakers. The support assembly includes at least one support member having first and second opposing ends, first and second opposing edges, and a plurality of apertures extending from the first edge toward the second edge and receiving the electrical bus members. A fastener assembly supports the support member(s) between the first and second sides of the housing. Each support member extends only a portion of the width between the first and second sides of the housing, and supports the electrical bus members, without being attached to the housing at a location between the first and second sides thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Stanley E. Moore, Amy W. Rowell, Michael H. Abrahamsen
  • Patent number: 7614143
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods of manufacturing a bollard light assembly that provides a choice of light output by being size-adaptable depending on the choice of light output. The methods comprise, in pertinent part, selecting an elongated light and interposing a number of lens rings and light deflectors which correspond to the length of the selected elongated light. Also provided is a lighting bollard assembly manufactured according to the methods of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Paul D. Seff, Alston G. Brooks, Gregory S. Nailler
  • Patent number: 7615888
    Abstract: A loadcenter for supplying power to a critical load is capable of isolating a distribution panel distributing power to the critical load from another distribution panel distributing power to a non-critical load to enable the isolated distribution panels being supplied with power from separate generator power sources in response to power supplied by a utility power source to both distribution panels becoming unacceptable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Todd M. Lathrop, Jonathan A. Wehrli
  • Patent number: 7616432
    Abstract: An electrical distribution panel includes first and second power inputs, a first circuit breaker electrically between the first power input and a first load bus, a second load bus, an automatic transfer switch having a first input electrically connected to the first load bus, a second input electrically connected to the second power input, and an output electrically connected to the second load bus. The transfer switch selectively electrically connects one of the first and second inputs to the output thereof. Pairs of circuit breakers each includes a second breaker having a first terminal electrically connected to the first load bus, and a second terminal, a third breaker including a first terminal electrically connected to the second load bus, and a second terminal, a power output electrically connected to the second terminals, and an interlock cooperating with the circuit breaker pair to prevent both of them from being closed simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Charles J. Luebke, Mark A. Juds
  • Patent number: 7598467
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an electrical switching apparatus operating mechanism opening assembly wherein the toggle assembly stop/kicker pin has been separated into a kicker pin and a stop pin. By separating the functions of the stop/kicker pin into separate pins, the kicker pin may now be located at the pivot point of the associated link. Further, the kicker pin and the stop pin are now disposed upon a cradle assembly as opposed to an elongated link. The cradle assembly further supports one of the toggle assembly links. Thus, rotation of the cradle assembly causes the toggle assembly to move. The operating mechanism opening assembly is configured so that, when an associated latch assembly latch plate assembly is released, the cradle assembly rotates so that the toggle assembly is moved away from a closing assembly closing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Perry R. Gibson, Douglas C. Marks, Paul R. Rakus, Robert M. Slepian, David M. Olszewski
  • Patent number: 7598468
    Abstract: A time delay mechanism is provided for a circuit breaker stored energy assembly including a mount, a spring coupled to the mount, at least one charging mechanism for charging the spring to store energy, at least one actuator for releasing the stored energy, and a drive assembly for transferring the stored energy into movement of the circuit breaker operating mechanism. First and second trip shafts of the time delay mechanism are pivotably coupled to the mount. Linking elements interconnect the first and second trip shafts. A trip catch and a drive lever are coupled to the first trip shaft. The linking elements and a damper, which is connected to the drive lever, contribute to a delay from a first time that the first trip shaft initially moves, to a second time that the second trip shaft moves to release the trip catch. The damper is adjustable to adjust the delay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Z. Chen, James J. Benke, Collin C. Otis
  • Patent number: 7600010
    Abstract: A method of network communication includes employing a communication network protocol stack having a plurality of independent communication layers providing a plurality of different corresponding services. A buffer manager is employed for a plurality of communication buffers. The buffer manager is independent of the independent communication layers. An application framework provides asynchronous communications among the buffer manager and the independent communication layers. For a plurality of pairs of the buffer manager and one of the independent communication layers and for a plurality of pairs of the independent communication layers, the method provides subscribing by the buffer manager and by the independent communication layers to a plurality of events through the application framework and publishing by the buffer manager and by the independent communication layers a plurality of corresponding events through the application framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Sujit R. Das, Jose A. Gutierrez, Charles J. Luebke, Marco Naeve, Luis R. Pereira
  • Patent number: 7598834
    Abstract: An accessory tray is provided for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker, including a housing, an operating mechanism, and a number of accessories. The housing has a cavity with a first end and the second end, and is disposed beneath the operating mechanism. The accessory tray includes an elongated member including first and second ends and is structured to receive the circuit breaker accessories. A guide mechanism guides the elongated member into and out of the cavity, in order to install the circuit breaker accessories beneath the operating mechanism. When the elongated member is disposed within the cavity, the first end is disposed at or about the cavity first end and the second end is disposed at or about the cavity second end. The accessory tray may be a single-piece molded member having a plurality of mounting portions for removably securing a plurality of circuit breaker accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Whitaker, Erik R. Bogdon, Ronald W. Brand, Robert S. Estok, James M. Smeltzer
  • Patent number: 7598833
    Abstract: An arc chute assembly is for an electrical switching apparatus including a housing and an arc hood coupled thereto, the arc hood being structured to exhaust arc gases from the housing. The arc chute assembly includes a vent portion structured to exhaust arc gases from the housing into the arc hood and a frame portion adjacent the vent portion. The frame portion being structured to be movably coupled to the housing. The arc chute assembly being structured to be movable from a first position to a different second position relative to the housing responsive to the exhaust arc gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Hodges, Paul R. Rakus
  • Patent number: 7599324
    Abstract: A wireless system includes a headless base station having a first wireless communication port, a fob having a user input device, a display and a second wireless communication port structured to communicate with the first wireless communication port of the base station, and various wireless nodes different than the fob. The wireless nodes include a sensor node, a device node and a range extender node. The wireless nodes have a third wireless communication port structured to send information to or receive information from the first wireless communication port of the base station. The fob is structured to respond to the user input device and determine if the fob is in range or out of range of wireless communication with the base station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Charles J. Luebke, Michael L. McManus
  • Patent number: 7598830
    Abstract: An electromagnetic coil apparatus includes a ferrous coil frame having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A coil assembly includes a conduit, a number of coils within the ferrous coil frame and being disposed on the conduit, and a ferrous plunger movable in the conduit. A first ferrous heel member is disposed proximate the first end of the ferrous coil frame. A second ferrous top plate member has an opening and is disposed proximate the second end of the ferrous coil frame. A magnetic flux enhancer is external to the conduit and is at least partially external to the ferrous coil frame. The magnetic flux enhancer includes a ferrous conduit coupled to the second ferrous top plate member and cooperates with the opening thereof to form a passageway. A portion of the ferrous plunger of the coil assembly passes through the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Erik R. Bogdon, Thomas A. Whitaker, Mark A. Juds
  • Patent number: 7599171
    Abstract: A load center includes an enclosure, a first power input, a second power input, a first circuit breaker having a line terminal electrically connected to the first power input and a load terminal, a first bus electrically connected to the load terminal, a number of independent second circuit breakers powered from the first bus, a second bus, a number of independent third circuit breakers powered from the second bus, and a transfer switch having a first input electrically connected to the first bus, a second input electrically connected to the second power input, and an output electrically connected to the second bus. The transfer switch selectively electrically connects one of its first and second inputs to its output. The first bus and the second circuit breakers power only a number of non-critical loads. The second bus and the third circuit breakers power only a number of critical loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Scot E. Remmert
  • Patent number: 7586037
    Abstract: On embodiment of the disclosed invention provides an electrical equipment cubicle having at least one removable side panel. The removable side panel is not fixed to the electrical equipment cubicle. Instead, the removable side panel is removably coupled to the frame assembly by an easily separable coupling device such as, but not limited to, a tab-and-receptacle device and/or easily accessible fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Kimball Parker, James Edward Smith, Paul Anthony Colbaugh, Ronald Alan Carder, Marcy Dawn Scialabba
  • Patent number: 7586055
    Abstract: An over running clutch assembly for an electrical switching apparatus is provided. The over running clutch assembly includes a sprocket and a hub assembly. The hub assembly is rotatably coupled to the sprocket and structured to rotate in a charging direction relative to the sprocket. The sprocket is fixed to a motor shaft. The hub assembly is structured to be disengagably fixed to a cam shaft in the charging assembly. A manual charging handle is also coupled to the cam shaft and is structured to rotate the cam shaft in a charging direction. In this configuration, an operator may charge the closing springs of the electrical switching apparatus using either the handle assembly or the motor. When the handle assembly is used to charge the closing springs, the cam shaft causes the hub assembly to rotate over the sprocket. Thus, the rotation of the cam shaft is not transferred to the motor. When the motor is used, the motor turns both the sprocket and the hub assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Jones, Craig A. Rodgers, Erik R. Bogdon, James M. Smeltzer
  • Patent number: 7586394
    Abstract: A lever arm assembly is provided for a circuit breaker trip actuator reset assembly including a cradle assembly pivotably coupled to the circuit breaker pole shaft, a reset lever pivotably coupled to the circuit breaker housing, and a trip actuator including an actuating element, which moves the reset lever in response to a trip condition. The lever arm assembly includes at least one linking element including a first end pivotably coupled to the cradle assembly, a second end, a pivot, and a deflection assembly having a deflection member. When the cradle assembly moves from a first position toward a second position, it moves the linking element, thereby moving the deflection member into engagement with the reset lever. This pivots the reset lever to reset the trip actuator. After the trip actuator has been reset, the deflection assembly is deflectable to accommodate excess motion of the cradle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Yuri Spitsberg, Nathan J. Weister
  • Patent number: 7586058
    Abstract: A chimney is provided for a circuit breaker arc hood assembly. The circuit breaker housing includes a number of arc chute vents structured to exhaust arc gases. The arc hood assembly includes a body having a first side facing the housing, and a second side opposite the first side. The first side includes a number of apertures. The chimney includes a base disposed at or about a corresponding one of the arc chute vents, a duct extending outwardly from the base and through a corresponding one of the apertures, and a plurality of resilient protrusions movably coupling the chimney to the first side of the body at or about the corresponding one of the apertures. The resilient protrusions bias the base toward engagement with the housing to resist the arc gases being undesirably discharged between the base and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Aaron T. Kozar, Frank K. Ostrowski, Ronald W. Brand
  • Patent number: 7586395
    Abstract: A trip actuator assembly is provided for a circuit breaker including a housing having a mounting surface, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, and an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts. The trip actuator assembly includes a trip actuator cooperable with the operating mechanism, and a planar member having first and second ends, first and second edges, and an aperture. The trip actuator is at least partially disposed within the aperture and is further disposed between the planar member and the mounting surface of the housing. The first edge of the planar member is removably coupled to the mounting surface, thereby removably coupling the trip actuator to the housing. The circuit breaker may include an accessory tray which is insertable on and is removable from the mounting surface. When inserted, the accessory tray abuts the body of the trip actuator enclosure further securing the trip actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Nathan J. Weister, Lance Gula
  • Patent number: 7586738
    Abstract: A chimney assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker including a housing and a number of poles. The chimney assembly includes a frame, an intake, a duct and an exhaust. A first side of the frame is coupled to the circuit breaker housing proximate the poles of the circuit breaker, and the intake and exhaust are respectively disposed at first and second ends of the frame. A first portion of the duct is coupled to the circuit breaker housing above the poles, and a second portion is coupled to the first side of the frame. The chimney assembly draws a volume of air through the intake into the circuit breaker housing, circulates the volume of air through the poles of the circuit breaker, and discharges the volume of air out of the circuit breaker housing through the duct and the exhaust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald D. Hartzel, James E. Smith, Douglas M. Brandt, Anthony T. Ricciuti, James J. Benke
  • Patent number: 7576957
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a circuit breaker housing and a plurality of independent poles. Each of the independent poles includes separable contacts, a voltage sensor mounted on or within the circuit breaker housing and being structured to sense voltage operatively associated with the separable contacts, and an electro-magnetic actuator structured to open and close the separable contacts. A point-on-wave controller is housed by the circuit breaker housing and cooperates with the sensors and the actuators of the independent poles to independently and synchronously open and close the separable contacts of the independent poles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Xin Zhou, Brad R. Leccia, Lian Q. Zou, James J. Benke