Patents Assigned to ABB Power T&D Company Inc.
  • Patent number: 5598420
    Abstract: Method and System for providing a gateway between a communications device and data receiving device which corrects a data signal produced by the communications device by reducing the data errors produced by the communications device by replacing the data signal with a guard signal when the error exceeds a bandwidth and by controlling the communications device so that it provides predictable propagation delays by resetting an adaptive component of the communications device to perform a major convergence and by setting the coefficients used by the adaptive component to predetermined initial values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: ABB Power T&D Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Barry M. Kaufman
  • Patent number: 5585611
    Abstract: An interrupter assembly comprises an interrupter switch and at least one condition sensing device embedded within a body of solid dielectric material. Preferably, the solid dielectric material is a polymer concrete or an epoxy-concrete. The condition sensing device may comprise a current sensor and/or a voltage sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: ABB Power T&D Company Inc.
    Inventors: Ian J. Harvey, Lexie W. Crowe, Keith E. Lindsey
  • Patent number: 5584379
    Abstract: A double-sided break switch is provided which is operated by a double motion mechanism that rotates the blade about its own axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: ABB Power T&D Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Bischoping, George Iliff
  • Patent number: 5585610
    Abstract: A steel plate of area greater than the area of the output of a nozzle in a puffer gas interrupter is fixed to but is spaced from the downstream end of the nozzle and causes turbulence in the hot interrupter gases flowing through the nozzle to improve mixing with cooler downstream gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: ABB Power T&D Company Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffry R. Meyer, Joachim Stechbarth, Kurt Kaltenegger
  • Patent number: 5576523
    Abstract: A mechanical linkage for independently opening and closing a plurality of associated switches is provided by the invention. The linkage comprises a plurality of connecting rods that provide the initial driving force to open or close the switch, cranks for opening and closing the contacts of respective switches, linking elements which couple together the connecting rods and the cranks, and a number of lever assemblies having a bearing ring interfaced thereto. The bearing rings provide a supportive interface between two linking element but permit the linking elements to rotate independently from one another. The lever assemblies also provide an interface for the connecting rods and linking element. According to a method of the present invention, a connecting rod is actuated in response to a signal to cause the lever assembly to pivot. The linking rod interfaced with the connecting rod via the lever assembly is then rotated in response to the pivoting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: ABB Power T&D Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffry R. Meyer
  • Patent number: 5576618
    Abstract: A numerical comparator is disclosed. The numerical comparator employs numerical techniques based upon the behavior of the cylinder unit to compare phasors in real time. In one application of this invention, the torque signal generated by the numerical comparator, M.sub.k+1, is employed to determine whether a fault has occurred in a transmission line. Another application involves employing the output M.sub.k+1 to determine the direction of power flow in the transmission line. In yet another application, the output M.sub.k+1 is used to determine whether a voltage or current has exceeded a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: ABB Power T&D Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Fernando Calero
  • Patent number: 5574624
    Abstract: An improved arc-resistant switchgear enclosure is disclosed. The disclosed arc-resistant switchgear enclosure provides a cost effective means to collect and channel the pressure and hot exhaust gases from lower compartments and safely vent these gases through the switchgear enclosure. In preferred embodiments, an internal arc chamber is formed by assembling modules and creating a void within the center of the switchgear enclosure. As multiple compartments or modules for a switchgear enclosure are connected, an arc chamber is created within the enclosure. Upon initiation of an arc fault within a particular compartment, a relief flap or cover for that particular compartment opens to channel the pressure and the gases into the internal arc chamber or directly through the top of the enclosure. Pressure and gases vented into the internal arc chamber flow horizontally through the arc chamber until a path to the top of the switchgear enclosure is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: ABB Power T&D Company Inc.
    Inventors: Jon S. Rennie, David S. Komives
  • Patent number: 5569891
    Abstract: The invention provides a high performance circuit breaker with an independent pole operation linkage and conical composite bushings. A mechanical linkage for independently opening and closing a plurality of associated switches is provided by the invention. The linkage comprises a plurality of connecting rods that provide the initial driving force to open or close the switch, cranks for opening and closing the contacts of respective switches, linking elements which couple together the connecting rods and the cranks, and a number of lever assemblies having a bearing ring interfaced thereto. The bearing rings provide a supportive interface between two linking element but permit the linking elements to rotate independently from one another. The lever assemblies also provide an interface for the connecting rods and linking element. According to a method of the present invention, a connecting rod is actuated in response to a signal to cause the lever assembly to pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: ABB Power T&D Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Willie B. Freeman, David S. Johnson, Jeffry R. Meyer
  • Patent number: 5555508
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for metering electrical energy are disclosed in an electronic meter. Such meter includes a first processor for determining electrical energy from voltage and current signals and for generating an energy signal representative of the electrical energy determination and a second processor for receiving the energy signal and for generating an indication signal representative of said energy signal. An option connector is connected to the first and second processors, whereby the energy signal is provided to the option connector and a communication connection is provided between the option connector and the second processor. It is preferred for the option connector to be provided power signals such used by the meter in order to power any electronic components which may be connected to the option connector. It is also preferred to provide the option connector with certain operation signals such as a power fail signal, a master reset signal, an end of demand signal, and a KYZ signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: ABB Power T&D Company Inc.
    Inventors: Mark L. Munday, Rodney C. Hemminger
  • Patent number: 5548527
    Abstract: A meter and method are described for metering electrical energy. The meter employs a processor having an associated memory for receiving an input of analog voltage and current signals and for processing these signals to generate data representative of electricity measurements and related information. A non-volatile memory is coupled to the processor for storing calibration constants and energy formula associated with various meter forms. At least some of the energy formula and calibration constants are downloaded from the non-volatile memory to the associated memory. The electricity measurements are based on the energy formula and calibration constants downloaded to the associated memory. The method described of metering electrical energy includes: storing energy formula related to various meter forms and associated calibration constants in the non-volatile memory. At least some of the energy formula and associated calibration constants are downloaded to the associated memory of the processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: ABB Power T&D Company Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney C. Hemminger, Mark L. Munday
  • Patent number: 5544089
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for metering electrical energy are disclosed in an electronic meter. Such meter includes a first processor for determining electrical energy from voltage and current signals and for generating an energy signal representative of the electrical energy determination and a second processor for receiving the energy signal and for generating an indication signal representative of said energy signal. An option connector is connected to the first and second processors, whereby the energy signal is provided to the option connector and a communication connection is provided between the option connector and the second processor. It is preferred for the option connector to be provided power signals such used by the meter in order to power any electronic components which may be connected to the option connector. It is also preferred to provide the option connector with certain operation signals such as a power fail signal, a master reset signal, an end of demand signal, and a KYZ signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: ABB Power T&D Company Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney C. Hemminger, Mark L. Munday
  • Patent number: 5537333
    Abstract: A method is described for metering electrical energy. The method includes sensing each phase of a circuit to generate analog voltage signals and analog current signals associated with each phase. The analog voltage signals and said analog current signals are converted into digital voltage signals and digital current signals, respectively, using time division multiplexing to provide three digital outputs. The digital outputs comprise at least one digital voltage signal and at least one digital current signal associated with the same phase. The digital outputs are processed to generate signals representative of real power, the magnitude of reactive power, and apparent power, wherein the signals representative of the magnitude of reactive power are generated from the signals representative of real power and the signals representative of apparent power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: ABB Power T&D Company Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney C. Hemminger, Mark L. Munday
  • Patent number: 5537029
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for electronically displaying metered electrical energy are disclosed. A first processor receives voltage and current signals, determines electrical energy and generates an energy signal representative of the electrical energy determination. A second processor receives the energy signal and generates a display signal representative of electrical energy information. A display receives the display signal and displays the electrical energy information. In a first embodiment, it is preferred for the first processor to determine units of electrical energy and the rate at which the units are determined. The second processor generates a display signal representative of the units and the rate. The second processor may also generate a disk signal representative of an equivalent rate of disk rotation in relation to the rate at which the units are determined and energy flow direction information for display. A converter may also be provided for converting an electrical output signal to light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: ABB Power T&D Company Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney C. Hemminger, Mark L. Munday
  • Patent number: 5530366
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a partial discharge in a high voltage transformer comprising a live tank comprises a metal box detachably connected to the tank; a first acoustic sensor inside the box for converting acoustic waves in a first frequency band to a first electrical output signal; signal conditioning circuitry inside the box for amplifying and filtering the first electrical signal; an electrical to optical converter, inside the box, for converting the amplified and filtered electrical signal to an optical signal; a fiber optic link for carrying the optical signal to a location remote from the transformer; and an optical to electrical converter at the remote location for converting the optical signal to a second electrical signal, the second electrical signal being indicative of a partial discharge inside the tank. The second electrical signal may be fed to an oscilloscope or recording equipment for determination of the occurrence of a partial discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: ABB Power T&D Company Inc.
    Inventor: Chaoukat N. Nasrallah
  • Patent number: 5508487
    Abstract: A circuit switching mechanism for use in a high voltage circuit breaker is disclosed. The disclosed mechanism comprises a charging system (12); trip latch mechanism (14); an opening spring (16); a closing spring (18) positioned coaxially with the opening spring; a support structure (22) supporting the open and closing springs; and a first rod member (24) operatively associated with a circuit interrupter, the first rod member being operatively coupled to the open and closing springs such that discharging of the opening spring effects the movement of the first rod member in a first direction and discharging of the closing spring effects the movement of the first rod member in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: ABB Power T&D Company Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Smith, Jeffry R. Meyer
  • Patent number: 5507322
    Abstract: A device and process which automatically forms centripetal transformer windings wound from outside diameter to inside diameter. The device includes an adjustable diameter ring which surrounds a mandril and can be clamped to or released from the mandril. Motors located on the ring each include a spacer arm which engages the mandril and a second arm which contacts and positions a wire at an adjusted radius as it is being wound into a turn of a transformer winding. The ring is vertically movable and the position of the second arm with respect to the mandril is also adjustable in order to form the turns of the transformer winding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: ABB Power T&D Company Inc.
    Inventor: Chaoukat Nasrallah
  • Patent number: 5504289
    Abstract: A circuit switching mechanism for use in a high voltage circuit breaker is disclosed. The disclosed mechanism comprises a charging system (12); trip latch mechanism (14); an opening spring (16); a closing spring (18) positioned coaxially with the opening spring; a support structure (22) supporting the open and closing springs; and a first rod member (24) operatively associated with a circuit interrupter, the first rod member being operatively coupled to the open and closing springs such that discharging of the opening spring effects the movement of the first rod member in a first direction and discharging of the closing spring effects the movement of the first rod member in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: ABB Power T&D Company Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Smith, Jeffry R. Meyer, Tomas B. Otterberg
  • Patent number: 5495084
    Abstract: The movable contact of a puffer interrupter contains a movable conductive tubular sleeve which is electrically connected to and is slidably mounted within a hollow conductive adapter which is supported from the end of a bushing insulator. An insulation rod flexibly connects the adapter to the housing. A pair of flexible rods connect the end of the interrupter to the end of the housing. The puffer interrupter is mounted within a dead tank housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: ABB Power T&D Company Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffry R. Meyer, Tomas B. Otterberg
  • Patent number: 5493090
    Abstract: An operating mechanism for a combined interrupter and disconnect switch comprises an operating crank and an interrupter support housing which are separately rotatable about a common pivotal axis. The interrupter switch is part of a disconnect switch arm and is secured to the support housing. The interrupter contacts are operated by a linearly movable rod which has an end connected to a lever extending from the operating crank and is movable thereby. A crank arm connected to said operating crank is connected to and moved by a linearly movable operating shaft. A spring-biased latch lever is pivotally mounted to the interrupter support housing and releasably engages the free end of the crank arm lever so that the housing rotates with the crank for a first portion of the rotation of the crank and closes the disconnect switch. When the disconnect switch closes, the latch releases and the crank rotates relative to the housing to operate the linearly movable rod which operates the interrupter switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: ABB Power T&D Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Markus Vestner, Tomas Otterberg
  • Patent number: 5488565
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are claimed for detecting tampering with a load management terminal, wherein the terminal has a load control relay coupled to a power line for selectably decoupling the load from the power line. One embodiment of the claimed apparatus for detecting tampering comprises a current sensor coupled to the load control relay for sensing whether load current is flowing through the load control relay contacts when the contacts are closed. A timer is provided for measuring elapsed time during which no current is sensed flowing through the closed contacts. An indicator provides an indication of tampering when the elapsed time measured by the timer exceeds a pre-determined time limit. Preferably, in this embodiment, the current sensor comprises a voltage detector coupled to the control coil of the relay for detecting whether an AC voltage has been induced in the control coil by the load current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: ABB Power T&D Company Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry M. Kennon, Michael A. Murphy, Kenneth C. Shuey