Patents Assigned to Leviton Manufacturing Co., In.
  • Circuit breaker with independent trip and reset lockout
    Patent number: 6717782
    Abstract: Resettable circuit breakers having an independent trip mechanism and a reset lockout are provided. The trip mechanism operates independently of the fault protection operations, and the reset lockout prevents the resetting of the circuit breaker if the fault protection is non-operational or if an open neutral condition exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas L. DiSalvo, William R. Ziegler, Frantz Germain, David Herzfeld, Stephen Stewart, Roger M. Bradley
  • Local network based multiple sensor device with electrical load control means and with temperature sensor and heat detector that is exposed to ambient air by diffusion
    Patent number: 6697757
    Abstract: A multifunction sensor device acts as a heat detector and performs various transducer functions for temperature sensing, ambient light sensing, motion detection, switching functions, and a mechanism to put the device in an on, off or auto mode. The device operates in diverse environments in which sensors are utilized for energy monitoring and control, end user convenience or HVAC control. Key elements include overcoming the difficulty of mounting diverse sensors or transducers within the same device or housing; permitting these various sensors to exist in a single package mounted to a wall; and eliminating the requirement of an air flow channel, thus minimizing any adverse effects on the motion detecting element or sensor as well as providing built in partial hysteresis. A temperature sensor is exposed neither to the flow of air in a room or area nor in an airflow channel where a chimney effect may occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: David P. Eckel, Gaetano Bonasia, James A. Porter
  • Two wire folder line plugs and connectors
    Patent number: 6695639
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly receives exposed ends of an electrical wire, and includes a foldable body with complementary first and second body portions and components for securely mounting a third body portion in the assembly using a single fastening screw, and for mounting the exposed ends to electrical contacts of an electrical connector device attached to the third body portion and securely mounted in the folded and assembled body portions. The components on the body portions include posts, ribs, and bridges for relieving strain on the electrical wire in the assembly, and other ribs and interlocking components prevent the electrical connector assembly from allowing the wires, the electrical connector device, and/or the third body portion from being removed from the folded and assembled electrical connector assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Cosmo Castaldo, Anthony Tufano, Jr.
  • Optical fiber cleaver
    Patent number: 6695191
    Abstract: A device for cleaving optical fibers is provided. The device includes a housing assembly having an opening therein for receiving an optical fiber to be cleaved, and housing bending and cutting members which are reciprocally moveable in a direction transversally and substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of an optical fiber inserted into and through the opening into the housing. The housing assembly optionally has a removeably connected receptacle for receiving the cut ends of a plurality of cleaved fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph W. Tabeling
  • IDCI with reset lockout and independent trip
    Patent number: 6693779
    Abstract: Resettable circuit interrupting devices, such as an IDCI, are provided having a reset lockout and independent trip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas L. DiSalvo
  • Data surge protection module
    Patent number: 6692270
    Abstract: A data surge protection module can be added to data and control networks not having such surge protection. The use of quick connect/disconnect connectors allows for the rapid installation and/or replacement of such modules. A built-in ground plate and a braided low impedance conductor offer alternative grounding for the module. The module employs two or more diode steering bridges and uses a diode as a surge suppression element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Bencivenga, Matthew Wakeham, Yoshiharu Sueoka, Pieter Loftus
  • Reset lockout mechanism and independent trip mechanism for center latch circuit interrupting device
    Patent number: 6671145
    Abstract: Resettable circuit interrupting devices, such as GFCI devices, that include a reset lockout mechanism, an independent trip mechanism and reverse wiring protection. A conical reset plunger is notched to force a successful test before reset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Frantz Germain, Stephen Stewart, Roger M. Bradley, David Y. Chan, Nichalas L. Disalvo, William R. Ziegler
  • Self heating thermal protector
    Patent number: 6670587
    Abstract: The present invention is a self heating thermal protector located in close proximity to an incandescent light fixture for controlling the flow of current to the associated lighting fixture by measuring the rate of heat flow from a dedicated heat source. Current is permitted to flow to the lighting fixture when the temperature of the self heating thermal detector is sufficient to avoid deterioration of electrical components such as plastic parts and wire insulation in the associated fixture. The thermal detector interrupts the flow of current to the associated fixture when the temperature of the self heating thermal protector increases to a temperature that is not safe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas L. DiSalvo
  • Reset lockout for circuit interrupting device
    Patent number: 6657834
    Abstract: Resettable circuit interrupting devices, such as GFCI devices, that include a reset lock-out mechanism are provided. The reset lock-out mechanism prevents the resetting of electrical connections between input and output conductors if the circuit interrupting mechanism used to break the connection is non-operational or if an open neutral condition exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas L. DiSalvo
  • Standard electronics rack-mounted dimming control system with plug-in power modules and common plug-in control module
    Patent number: 6653802
    Abstract: A standard electronics rack-mounted dimming control system includes a chassis having spaces for power modules and a control module which can be inserted into and removed from the chassis without removing the chassis from the rack. Control electronics for generating drive signals for power control devices in the power modules are consolidated in the control module, thereby reducing the per-channel cost of the power modules an protecting the control electronics from heat generating power devices in the power modules. A power module includes an integral chassis and heatsink which forms the top, bottom and side walls of the module. The integral chassis and heatsink includes fins running the length of the module so that cooling air can flow through grooves between the fins when two modules are arranged side by side in the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Terrence Leroy Nelson, Richard Alan Leinen
  • Circuit interrupting system with independent trip and reset lockout
    Patent number: 6646838
    Abstract: Resettable circuit interrupting devices, such as GFCI devices, that include an independent trip mechanism and a reset lockout mechanism are provided. The trip mechanism operates independently of a circuit interrupting mechanism used to break the connection, and the reset lockout mechanism prevents the resetting of electrical connections between input and output conductors if the circuit interrupting mechanism is non-operational or if an open neutral condition exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Ziegler, Nicholas L. DiSalvo
  • Electrical connector jack
    Patent number: 6641443
    Abstract: A connector jack usable with a plug having a plurality of plug contacts. The jack includes a body having a receptacle sized and configured to receive the plug therein, a circuit board, and a plurality of contact tines extending within the receptacle. Each tine has a first end fixedly attached to the circuit board and a second free end, and is positioned in the receptacle for contact by a corresponding one of the plug contacts and moved in response thereto in a first direction as the plug is inserted into the receptacle. The jack also includes a plurality of resilient spring members extending within the receptacle, each positioned adjacent to a corresponding one of the tines to be engaged thereby when moved in the first direction by the corresponding plug contact as the plug is inserted into the receptacle, and apply a supplemental force thereon to increase contact force and tine resiliency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Michael M. Itano, William D. Regester, John M. Redfield
  • Arc fault detector with circuit interrupter
    Patent number: 6639769
    Abstract: An arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) device functions to provide protection from potentially dangerous arc faults. The arc fault detector can be used stand alone or in combination with circuit interrupting devices such as IDCIs and ALCIs. The AFCI device detects both AC line frequencies and high frequencies associated with arcing. Both average and instantaneous values of both AC line frequency and high frequency arcing signals are processed to generate an arc fault signal. The trip mechanism of the device trips on the occurrence of either an arc fault or a ground fault. The device allows the arc detector to differentiate between destructive high level arcing and low level arcing such as generated by typical household appliances and equipment. This serves to decrease the occurrence of false tripping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin B. Neiger, Roger M. Bradley, James N. Pearse, William J. Rose, Steve Campolo
  • Insulation displacement electrical connector with contact retaining arms
    Patent number: 6626694
    Abstract: An electrical connector having a body with a plurality of contact cavities therein, and a plurality of insulation penetrating beam contacts received within the cavities. Each contact has a first end portion to engage a wire located at a first cavity end and a second end portion with a protrusion at a second cavity end. The connector also includes a plurality of resilient spring arms positioned adjacent to the contact cavities. Each arm has a hinge portion attached to the body and a resiliently movable free end portion with a receiving aperture receiving therein the contact protrusion when the contact is in the contact cavity at which the spring arm is positioned. The second cavity end is open and the spring arm is resiliently movable to permit insertion and removal of the contact through the open end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell W. Zielke, Philip R. Mansur
  • Adapter for optical fiber cleaver
    Patent number: 6628879
    Abstract: An adapter for an optical fiber cleaver for cleaving optical fiber. The optical fiber cleaver includes an opening therein for receiving a connector ferrule of a first category fiber connector containing an unsheathed optical fiber end portion extending therebeyond. The optical fiber cleaver is designed to cleave a portion of the unsheathed optical fiber end portion extending beyond the connector ferrule. The adapter has a tail piece which can hold an unsheathed optical fiber end portion to be cleaved to a selected length prior to insertion into a second category fiber connector. The tail piece has a diameter similar to the ferrule for insertion into the cleaver opening and a length selected to produce a cleaved unsheathed optical fiber end portion of a length needed for the second category fiber connector different than the length cut by the cleaver for the first category fiber connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Thomas Robinson, Michael Masatsugu Itano
  • Shock hazard protection system
    Patent number: 6621671
    Abstract: A system protects people and property against electrical shock, using immersion detecting circuits, broken wire test circuits, electromechanical circuit breaking devices including coil/plunger arrangements, and relay circuit breaking mechanisms cooperative with associated circuitry, all of which are able to be incorporated as a system wholly within the load or appliance, and its associated cord set, including a plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard Gershen, Saul Rosenbaum, James N. Pearse
  • Ground fault circuit interrupter incorporating miswiring prevention circuitry
    Patent number: 6611406
    Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) with built in intelligence is described that includes circuitry to automatically indicate a device miswiring condition. When a GFCI is wired with its AC and LOAD terminals reversed, downstream devices are still protected in the event of a ground fault but the duplex receptacle on the GFCI itself is not. The invention incorporates miswiring sense circuitry that automatically triggers the generation of visual and audible alarms in the event a miswiring condition is sensed. The invention employs an alarm inhibiting technique that incorporates sense circuitry connected to the AC terminals on one side of the internal GFCI switches or relays and alarm generation circuitry connected to the LOAD terminals on the opposite side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Neiger, Saul Rosenbaum, Bernard Gershen
  • Dimming control system with distributed command processing
    Patent number: 6603276
    Abstract: A dimming control system includes dimmer modules which receive dimming level information from a control module. Each dimmer modules includes a microprocessor which provides internal intelligence for controlling power to a load in response to the dimming level information. The control module receives industry standard protocol dimming information from various sources, converts it to dimming level information, and communicates the dimming level information to the dimmer modules through serial communication lines. The dimmer modules and control module are mounted in a rack which includes a backplane having nonvolatile memory device that retains configuration data even if the control module is removed from the rack. The dimmer modules implement a zero cross prediction method which includes detecting an actual zero cross, calculating an error, and adding the error to the period of a line power signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard M Chansky, Ken Vannice, Craig LeVasseur
  • Dual rotary dimmer and fan speed control
    Patent number: D477286
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Krajci, Fred Meiners, Michael Khleb, Selin Glickman, Alfred J. Lombardi
  • Rotary dimmer and fan speed control
    Patent number: D479205
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Krajci, Fred Meiners, Michael Khleb, Selin Glickman, Alfred J. Lombardi