Patents Assigned to S & C Electric Co.
  • Patent number: 6720857
    Abstract: A fuse is provided that is suitable for operation in unusual environments and includes an operation indicator that is simple and reliable. A movable arcing tube is released during operation. As the arcing tube moves outside the fuse assembly, a latching spring moves into a receiving groove in the arcing tube to retain the arcing tube in the external operated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: S&C Electric Co.
    Inventors: Glenn R. Borchardt, Jorge R. Montante, Martin A. Warszawa
  • Patent number: 6714395
    Abstract: System and equipment protection is provided for an electrical power distribution system via one or more protection arrangements for detecting and responding to faults in electrical power distribution systems. The one or more protection arrangements detect whether faults are external or internal to a distribution equipment configuration in a power system via directional sensing. The protection arrangements also detect and respond to faults in a power distribution system utilizing various combinations of primary and back-up protection arrangements that are operational simultaneously and in both closed-loop and open-loop configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: S&C Electric Co.
    Inventors: Michael J. Meisinger, Sr., James K. Niemira
  • Patent number: 6696658
    Abstract: A single-pole circuit interrupter is provided that includes a sealed housing containing a pressurized gas, relatively movable contacts and an operating mechanism for operating the relatively movable contacts. The operating mechanism is responsive to a low-speed rotational charging input and includes energy storage means capable of being charged and storing operating energy and charging means responsive to the low-speed rotational charging input for charging the energy storage means. Thus, the only seal to the environment for the overall single-pole circuit interrupter is at the single low-speed charging input. The operating mechanism includes linear stored energy devices arranged so as to generally define one or more planes or arrays and a latch arrangement that is disposed intermediate the stored energy devices and operating in a direction substantially perpendicular to the one or more planes or arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: S & C Electric Co.
    Inventors: Henry W. Kowalyshen, Andrew C. Shum
  • Patent number: 6674027
    Abstract: An operating arrangement is provided for a mechanism or the like, e.g. an operating mechanism for a circuit interrupter for electrical power transmission and distribution systems where the operating mechanism operates on stored energy and requires a recharging operation after the stored energy is utilized to operate the circuit interrupter. The operating arrangement includes an operating member and a cooperating arrangement carried by the operating mechanism for retaining the operating member during a multi-turn charging operation. Initial operation of the operating member for one or more turns causes the operating member to be retained before any charging operation takes place. Subsequent operation of the operating member results in the charging of the operating mechanism. The operating member is then returned to an initial engagement position whereupon the operating member is released for removal from the operating mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: S&C Electric Co.
    Inventors: Henry W. Kowalyshen, Andrew C. Shum, John C. Opfer
  • Patent number: 6667601
    Abstract: A control arrangement and method is provided that monitors the condition and operating parameters of a power electronic system having power electronic devices and responds to various detected abnormalities via appropriate action to optimize operation of the power electronic system. The arrangement increases reliability of operation and optimizes the continuous supply of power to a load. For example, the arrangement responds to an overheated power electronic switch by switching to an alternate power electronic switch, the overheated power electronic switch being made available as a temporary alternate path. The arrangement also includes the capability for diagnosing the power electronic switches by measuring the temperature of the power electronics switches and communicating the temperature information in a coordinated fashion with information regarding the operating status of the power electronics switches. Additionally, shorted power electronic switches are detected and appropriate action taken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: S&C Electric Co.
    Inventors: Richard P. Mikosz, Ronald D. Atanus, Michael G. Ennis, Gregory C. Mears, Raymond P. O'Leary, Joseph W. Ruta
  • Patent number: 6668232
    Abstract: A control arrangement and method is provided for detecting and responding to disturbances in electrical power systems. In a preferred arrangement, an integration is initiated that is based on a comparison of actual voltage of a source and a reference voltage. When the integration exceeds a predetermined value, the source is considered unreliable. Also in a preferred arrangement, a determination is made as to whether or not the disturbance is a downstream fault condition. For example, this is useful for applications where a transfer is made from a first source to a second source when predetermined disturbances are detected. In this manner, the transfer of the load to a second source is avoided which would continue the supply of the downstream fault. Additionally, the arrangement distinguishes between various degrees of disturbances to permit appropriate response based on the severity and type of disturbance. For example, a first immediate response, i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: S&C Electric Co.
    Inventors: Michael G. Ennis, Raymond P. O'Leary, Joseph W. Ruta
  • Patent number: 6646216
    Abstract: A compact operating mechanism for switches and circuit interrupters provides improved input drive arrangement and more particularly to a quick-make quick-break operating mechanism for electrical circuit interrupters, i.e. load-interrupter switches and fault interrupters, the drive input arrangement being capable of either power or manual operation without the necessity of any coupling/decoupling or mode selection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: S&C Electric Co.
    Inventors: Thomas O. Fanta, Robert H. Ward, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6636101
    Abstract: A control arrangement and method is provided for electronic devices in which an electronic switch is maintained in a conducting state at all times other than when it is desired to render the electronic switch nonconducting. In a specific embodiment, a latched control signal is utilized which is changed by the receipt of a momentary signal to change the conducting state of the electronic switch. For example, according to one specific arrangement, the momentary signal is a secure, complex signal such that appropriate decoding and detection of the proper signal is required to change the conducting state of the electronic switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: S&C Electric Co.
    Inventors: Ronald D. Atanus, Gregory C. Mears, Richard P. Mikosz, Raymond P. O'Leary, Michael G. Ennis, Joseph W. Ruta
  • Patent number: 6628494
    Abstract: A multi-pole protective device and system for electrical power transmission and distribution systems is provided that operates a multi-pole tripping system at ground level from a line-potential tripping device contained within each pole of the multi-pole system. The system includes multiple pole-unit assemblies each of which is totally self-contained and generates a tripping signal in response to overcurrent conditions to operate a ground-potential operating mechanism. In one arrangement, the pole units each include an internal line-potential tripping arrangement that communicates a trip signal to a ground-potential operating mechanism of the pole unit and associated pole units of the protective device arrangement. In a preferred arrangement, the line-potential tripping arrangement includes an insulated member that is moved to transmit the trip signal from line potential to ground potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: S&C Electric Co.
    Inventors: John C. Opfer, Henry W. Kowalyshen, Joseph P. Moninski, Arno J. Tapani
  • Patent number: 6601002
    Abstract: A control arrangement and method is provided for detecting and responding to disturbances in electrical power systems. In a preferred arrangement, an integration is initiated that is based on a comparison of actual voltage of a source and a reference voltage. When the integration exceeds a predetermined value, the source is considered unreliable. Also in a preferred arrangement, a determination is made as to whether or not the disturbance is a downstream fault condition. For example, this is useful for applications where a transfer is made from a first source to a second source when predetermined disturbances are detected. In this manner, the transfer of the load to a second source is avoided which would continue the supply of the downstream fault. Additionally, the arrangement distinguishes between various degrees of disturbances to permit appropriate response based on the severity and type of disturbance. For example, a first immediate response, i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: S&C Electric Co.
    Inventors: Michael G Ennis, Raymond P. O'Leary, Joseph W. Ruta
  • Patent number: 6538422
    Abstract: A voltage sensing apparatus includes an output for a voltage tap point that is useful in representing the voltage on a conductor that passes through the voltage sensing apparatus. The voltage sensing apparatus also performs the function of a separable insulated conductor, e.g. a conventional bushing or bushing insert as utilized in the electrical power distribution field. The voltage sensing apparatus includes a molded body having an embedded capacitance screen that provides the output. The body is molded about the capacitance screen. An arrangement is provided for locating the capacitance screen within the molded body. In a preferred embodiment, the capacitance screen is molded from a conductive plastic preferably formed with an open mesh or screen structure that permits the free flow of molding material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: S & C Electric Co.
    Inventors: David E. Potter, Timothy J. Mulligan, James A. Rutkowski, Roy T. Swanson, Daniel M. Terhune
  • Patent number: 6486426
    Abstract: A contact arrangement is provided, e.g. of the type that functions as a wiping contact for a moving contact such as a pivotally mounted switch blade in an electrical power distribution switch. The contact arrangement in an illustrative embodiment includes spaced apart contact members that are biased toward each other to define predetermined contact pressure/force characteristics with respect to the interposed moving contact. The contact members in a preferred embodiment include predetermined contact areas and predetermined structural features to minimize deformation due to magnetic forces experienced in the presence of high currents. The structural features are also arranged to define current paths that increase the contact pressure. In a particular embodiment the contact areas are formed on the contact members so as to minimize the size of the moving contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: S&C Electric Co.
    Inventor: Roy T. Swanson
  • Patent number: 6483067
    Abstract: An electrical power distribution switch includes an operating member that carries a first plurality of spaced switch contacts and a support arrangement for pivotally supporting the operating member. One of the ends of the operating member includes a circumferential bearing surface. The support arrangement cooperates with the circumferential bearing surface. In a preferred arrangement, electrical connections to the spaced switch contacts carried by the operating member are oriented to provide clearance to cable terminations while also simplifying the electrical connection components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: S & C Electric Co.
    Inventors: Ginger B. Kamber, Keith La Cour, Walter A. Tyrjan
  • Patent number: 6429393
    Abstract: A current transfer arrangement is provided for a circuit interrupter that provides support for the contacts of the circuit interrupter and also provides current transfer between the contacts of the circuit interrupter and the external circuit terminal connection points directly through the end flanges/fittings thereof. The current transfer arrangement includes a first member assembled onto each of the circuit interrupter contacts and clamping members for securing the first member to the end flange. The end flanges include receiving grooves cooperating with the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: S&C Electric Co.
    Inventors: John C. Opfer, Henry W. Kowalyshen
  • Patent number: 6426616
    Abstract: A phasing and indicator arrangement is provided for switchgear or the like that responds to electrical sources and provides voltage indicator functions, phasing determinations, and self-test features. Phasing provisions are responsive to two or more voltage sensors proximate respective electrical sources to provide an output that represents the phase difference, i.e. time relationship, between the electrical sources as an alternating-current voltage measurable by a voltmeter. The output is relatively independent of the voltage of the electrical sources. The indicator arrangement is operable in a test mode to test the integrity of one or more voltage indicators while clearly identifying that the indicator arrangement is in a test mode. In a preferred arrangement, the indicator arrangement in the self-test mode is powered by a photocell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: S&C Electric Co.
    Inventors: Gregory C. Mears, Brian P. Mugalian
  • Patent number: 6324073
    Abstract: A clamping arrangement is provided for compression mounted power electronic devices that is assembled from component parts to form a clamping module. The clamping module provides suitable clamping force to a power electronic device interposed between two heat sink arrangements. The clamping arrangement utilizes clamping beams disposed on either side of the two heat sinks and the interposed power electronic device, elongated members that span and retain each end of each clamping beam against relative movement, and an arrangement for applying a desired clamping force to the heat sinks and the power electronic device. The kit of component parts can be assembled into a clamping module about a power electronic device disposed between two heat sinks and is easily assembled or field disassembled from economical parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: S&C Electric Co.
    Inventors: Richard P. Mikosz, Ronald D. Atanus, Raymond P. O'Leary
  • Patent number: 6137191
    Abstract: A control arrangement and method is provided for source-transfer switching systems including a high-speed control arrangement and high-speed switches to control the transfer of a load from one source to another with minimal transfer delays. The system supplies an electrical load with alternating current from either a first source or a second source via respective first and second switches. The system also includes a controller that samples the voltage waveforms of each of the first and second sources to detect when transfer between the sources is desirable, e.g. power outages, voltage levels that are either too low or too high, or reverse currents that indicate an upstream fault. The controller provides appropriate control signals to control operation of the switches and transfer supply of the load therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: S&C Electric Co.
    Inventors: Raymond P. O'Leary, Thomas J. Tobin
  • Patent number: 6127637
    Abstract: A disconnect feature is provided for a circuit interrupter that is conveniently incorporated with the circuit interrupter. The disconnect feature is operable between closed and open positions, providing a visible open gap in the open position. The disconnect feature includes a pivotally mounted contact arrangement that is supported with respect to the circuit interrupter. The pivotally mounted contact arrangement cooperates with an interengaging contact carried by a contact terminal of the circuit interrupter. In specific arrangements, interlock features are provided to disable operation of the circuit interrupter when the disconnect feature is moved out of the closed position. In one arrangement, the disconnect feature is blocked from operation until the circuit interrupter is operated to an open circuit position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: S&C Electric Co.
    Inventors: John W. Estey, John C. Opfer
  • Patent number: 6114642
    Abstract: Switchgear is provided that includes a housing enclosing electrical components having switch blades that establish visible open gaps in an open position. The switchgear includes an array of operating controls and viewing provisions to observe the open switch blades. The operating controls and viewing provisions are accessible from a first direction and are arranged at a first area of the housing while cable interconnection provisions are accessible from a second direction and are arranged at a second area of the housing. Thus, operating personnel can utilize the viewing provisions and the operating controls without being exposed to the area of the cable interconnections. In one specific arrangement, an array of operational displays is provided, with the displays overlying the viewing provisions and being movable to permit use of the viewing provisions. In a preferred arrangement, the switchgear includes multi-pole switchgear assemblies which are assembled from individual pole-unit assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: S&C Electric Co.
    Inventors: Thomas G. French, Raphael H. Guio, Henry W. Kowalyshen, Buddy B. McGlone, Gregory C. Mears, John C. Opfer
  • Patent number: 4142078
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for electrical switching elements oppositely mounts together the switching elements in a pair. Each switching element, which may be a high-voltage fuse, a disconnect blade, or the like, has a first and a second support point. A central support, which may be dihedral, mounts two insulators, the free ends of which extend away from each other. The free ends are attachable to the first support point on respective switching elements. A third insulator is mounted to the support opposite from the other two insulators so that a free end thereof is generally oppositely directed from the other insulators, producing a "Y" configuration. The end of the third insulator is attachable to the second support point on both switching elements. The assembly permits both compact, opposed mounting of a pair of switching elements, as well as one less insulator than used in typical mounting assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1979
    Assignee: S & C Electric Co.
    Inventor: Arvydas J. Kalvaitis