Patents Represented by Attorney Richard A. Menelly

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  • Electrical port safety guard mechanism
    Patent number: 5497287
    Abstract: An electrical port safety guard mechanism in the form of a shutter assembly is positioned between the vertical power bus conductors in an electric motor control center and the electric components contained therein. The shutter assembly allows access to the busbar conductors when the electrical components are inserted within the motor control center and prevents electrical access to the busbar conductors when the electrical components are removed therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Edgar Yee, Richard G. DeTuccio, Kevin F. Nolan, Lloyd E. Wentler
  • Circuit breaker with improved magnetic trip response
    Patent number: 5495219
    Abstract: An industrial-rated circuit breaker includes an electronic trip unit for long time, short time and instantaneous overcurrent protection. Current transformers contained within the circuit breaker enclosure sample the circuit current and supply the trip unit with signals indicative of the circuit current in real time. Upon receipt of an overcurrent condition the trip unit actuates the circuit breaker operating mechanism to separate the circuit breaker contacts for circuit interruption. A supplemental magnet trip actuator interacts with the current transformer and the operating mechanism to provide enhanced short circuit response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: David Arnold
  • Handle interlock arrangement for high ampere-rated circuit breaker operating handles
    Patent number: 5495082
    Abstract: This invention relates to a high ampere-rated circuit breaker which meets the electrical code requirements of the world market. The charging of the powerful operating springs controlling the circuit breaker contacts is made manually by means of an operating handle and a ratchet and pawl assembly. A two-stage latching arrangement controls the retention and release of the pawl to retain and discharge the operating springs. The operating springs cannot become discharged until and unless the operating handle is in a fully retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mark A. Zaffetti, Roger N. Castonguay, James L. Rosen
  • Circuit breaker trip unit connector clips
    Patent number: 5495396
    Abstract: Collector clips arranged on a circuit breaker trip unit printed circuit board allow removable connection between the trip unit circuit and the circuit within a field-installable rating plug as well as other auxiliary electrical devices. The connector clips are oriented to the rating plug and the trip unit to prevent cold flow of the solder at the junction between the ends of the connector clips and the receiving holes formed within the trip unit circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robin L. Mendick, Ira B. Goldman
  • Assembly for high ampere-rated circuit breaker
    Patent number: 5493088
    Abstract: This invention relates to a high ampere-rated circuit breaker which meets the electrical code requirements of the world market. The powerful operating springs controlling the circuit breaker contacts are restrained by the interaction of a cradle operator and a two stage latching assembly. The latching assembly includes a primary and a secondary latch to insure against nuisance tripping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, James L. Rosen, Mark A. Zaffetti
  • Handle operator assembly for high ampere-rated circuit breaker
    Patent number: 5489755
    Abstract: This invention relates to a high ampere-rated circuit breaker which meets the electrical code requirements of the world market. The charging of the powerful operating springs controlling the circuit breaker contacts is made manually by means of an externally accessible handle operator assembly. A ratchet and pawl assembly allows the application of a large spring charging force by virtue of a short displacement of the handle operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, James L. Rosen, Mark A. Zaffetti, Thomas A. Murphy
  • Electronic trip assembly for high ampere-rated circuit breaker
    Patent number: 5488338
    Abstract: A high ampere-rated circuit breaker which meets the electrical code requirements of the world market. The electronic trip unit is contained within the circuit breaker cover and is configured to prevent access to the accessory unit selection switches. Rejection pins on the back of the trip unit insure correct correlation between the trip unit and circuit breaker ratings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Raymond K. Seymour, Paul T. Rajotte, Elaine B. Bogue
  • Rating module unit for high ampere-rated circuit breaker
    Patent number: 5486667
    Abstract: This invention relates to a high ampere-rated circuit breaker which meets the electrical code requirements of the world market. The operating springs controlling the CLOSED state of the circuit breaker contacts are contained within a module unit which can be installed both in the field as well as in the factory. A separate module provides the spring bias forces required for each of the circuit breaker ampere ratings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, James L. Rosen, Mark A. Zaffetti
  • Digital circuit interrupter with battery back-up facility
    Patent number: 5485343
    Abstract: A digital circuit interrupter utilizing current transformers for operating power is provided with a re-chargeable battery to power-up the trip unit as well as to power the display after an overcurrent trip occurrence to enable an operator to determine both the magnitude as well as the cause of the overcurrent condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Esteban Santos, Hanns P. Sailer, Paul H. Singer, Indrajit Purkayastha
  • Auxiliary switch accessory module unit for high ampere-rated circuit breaker
    Patent number: 5485134
    Abstract: A high ampere-rated circuit breaker which meets the electrical code requirements of the world market. The circuit breaker electronic trip unit is contained within a trip unit recess in the circuit breaker cover. Accessory units are contained within an adjoining accessory compartment recess. A separate auxiliary switch accessory module is positioned within the trip unit recess to interface with the circuit breaker operating mechanism and provide external indication as to a trip occurrence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Raymond K. Seymour, Elaine B. Bogue
  • Circuit breaker closing and opening interlock assembly
    Patent number: 5478979
    Abstract: This invention relates to a high ampere-rated circuit breaker which meets the electrical code requirements of the world market. The closing springs controlling the CLOSED state and the opening springs controlling the OPENED state of the circuit breaker contacts are interlocked to prevent operation of both springs at the same time. The closing lever and the opening lever interact in such a manner that only one of the levers can release the associated closing or opening springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, James L. Rosen, Mark A. Zaffetti
  • Environmental electric switch enclosure with viewing window
    Patent number: 5473129
    Abstract: An electric disconnect switch enclosure for outdoor applications includes a viewing window to visually ascertain the ON-OFF conditions of the switch contacts without having to motivate the switch handle or open the enclosure door. The viewing window can be formed in the enclosure door in an automated manufacturing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert G. Markowski, Jon P. McCuin, Gary P. Michaelis, George J. Boucher
  • Flux shifter assembly for circuit breaker accessories
    Patent number: 5453724
    Abstract: A flux shifter unit with increased magnetic susceptibility for use with a combined bell alarm and lock-out accessory is connected with the electronic trip unit that controls a high ampere rated circuit breaker. The flux shifter unit is configured to eliminate nuisance tripping due to the vibration of the associated electrical equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: General Electric
    Inventors: Raymond K. Seymour, Michael C. Guerrette
  • Circuit breaker support saddle for automated assembly
    Patent number: 5450282
    Abstract: A circuit breaker support saddle is assembled automatically from three plastic support pieces without welding or using separate fasteners to secure the pieces together. The metal circuit breaker support rails are positioned onto blocks integrally formed on the two outermost pieces to mechanically hold the pieces together as a single unit. The circuit breaker stab support busses are retained within elongated slots formed within the outer edges of the central support piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Timothy W. Webber, Robert G. Markowski, Peter F. Cavanaugh
  • Circuit breaker operating handle interlock
    Patent number: 5449867
    Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker handle interlock unit is arranged on the top surface of the circuit breaker to lockingly prevent intentional displacement of the circuit breaker operating handle from either the ON or OFF positions. The movable clip on the unit is attached to the circuit breaker handle to prevent tampering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Joseph B. Kelaita, Jr., Roger N. Castonguay, Edwin J. Collin
  • Molded case circuit breaker auxiliary power supply plug
    Patent number: 5446386
    Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker containing a digital trip unit is field-tested for both electronically-induced as well as mechanically-induced test conditions by means of a portable test kit unit. The test kit circuit components are contained within a miniature test plug that temporarily connects with the circuit breaker trip unit by insertion within the rating plug receptacle formed within the circuit breaker cover. A compact power supply plug is received within the test plug to provide operating power to the circuit breaker trip unit components and associated accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John A. Pollman, Daniel J. DellaVecchia, Ira B. Goldman, John T. Lewandoski, Paul T. Rajotte
  • Industrial-rated circuit breaker having universal application
    Patent number: 5440284
    Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker enclosure and operating components are provided with additional features to enable compliance with a variety of international electrical requirements for sales in the world market. The circuit breaker operating handle is prevented from returning to the OFF position upon contact welding as one example. Another modification includes a reinforcement and rejection pin used with the enclosure case. A further modification includes a shield used with the movable contact arm to prevent the arc gas contaminants from contacting the circuit breaker operating springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David A. Ferullo, Roger J. Morgan, James L. Rosen, Donna DeRosier, Roger N. Castonguay
  • Wiring junction box for switchboards and panelboards
    Patent number: D365327
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Eric B. Reed, Daniel J. Dellavecchia, Dennis J. Balickie
  • Compact electronic trip unit
    Patent number: D365329
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Raymond K. Seymour, Paul T. Rajotte, Esteban Santos, Paul H. Singer
  • Electronic power meter and display
    Patent number: D366434
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Donald R. Brown, III, Roy Watson