Patents Assigned to Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
  • Patent number: 7609024
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can comprise a system comprising an electric drive system for a machine. The system can comprise a rectifier adapted to convert AC power from an alternator to DC power. The system can comprise an inverter adapted to receive DC power from the rectifier and provide power to a traction motor and/or auxiliary devices. Certain exemplary embodiments can comprise a system and method for dissipating excess energy from a machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Raed H. Ahmad, Ekkehard Pittius
  • Patent number: 7603332
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a computer-based translation method that translates source information into target information using knowledge that arises from relationships between elements of the source information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Hogan
  • Publication number: 20090251852
    Abstract: A field rephaseable metering device is provided including at least three distribution buses including two side buses and a center bus, the center bus having a vertical center line. At least one meter socket is provided having a vertical center line offset from the vertical center line of said center bus, each meter socket including a first line terminal and a second line terminal. At least two line straps are provided, each having a first end configured for connecting with one of the first or second line terminals, and a second elongate end configured to be selectively connectable to one of the side buses associated with its line terminal or the center bus. When each line strap is positioned to connect one of the line terminals with one of the distribution buses, a longitudinal axis of each line strap is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of each distribution bus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Fan Zhang, Brian J. Rusch, Arthur Kevin Shumate, James R. Tirrell, Carey D. Harnois, Robert E. Henry, JR.
  • Patent number: 7599173
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a system comprising an enclosure structure configured to restrict access to an electrical meter. The system can comprise a meter cover configured to cover and/or restrict access to the meter. One of the meter cover and the enclosure structure can comprise an opposing pair of prongs. Each of the prongs can be configured to be received by a corresponding dogleg slot from a pair of dogleg slots. Each of the prongs, when engaged with the corresponding dogleg slot, can be configured to restrain motion of the meter cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Fan Zhang, James Tirrell
  • Patent number: 7599818
    Abstract: A method of monitoring a power delivery system includes receiving a gating signal packet from a power cell or other component of the power delivery system. The received packet includes bits that correspond to the status of one or more devices within the component. The packet also includes one or more bits that contain a subset of stored data that was retrieved from a component memory. Optionally, the method also may include repeating the receiving until multiple gating signal packets are received. The multiple gating signal packets collectively contain the stored data, so that the subsets of the data point may be assembled into the stored data. Optionally, the one or more bits that contain a subset of stored data may be mode bits of the gating signal packet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: John Channing Bousfield, III, Albert Roc
  • Publication number: 20090248329
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an arc fault root-cause finder apparatus and method for determining the root-cause of an arc fault condition. In one embodiment, the arc fault root-cause finder apparatus has a sensing base module mounted to a load panel box having at least one circuit breaker that protects a corresponding branch circuit. The sensing base module has sensing electronics that are electrically connected to the at least one circuit breaker and are configured to sense the occurrence of arcing events in the branch circuit. The sensing base module includes wireless communication electronics to (i) effect transmission of electrical signals that provide information about the occurrence or absence of arcing events in the branch circuit, and (ii) to receive command signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Carlos Restrepo
  • Publication number: 20090244816
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a load center. More particularly, the invention encompasses a generator ready load center (GRLC). The present invention is also directed to a novel generator ready load center (GRLC) that operates as a standard load center but is ready to accommodate an automatic transfer switch (ATS) for a standby generator, or a manual transfer switch (MTS) for a portable generator. Further the generator ready load center provides an automatic and manual transfer between primary and secondary power sources. The generator ready load center solves the problem of dangerous back-feeding between the primary power source and the secondary power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey K. Hudgins, JR., Brian Rusch, Kris Robinson, Jon Pickens, Carey Harnois, James Washburn
  • Publication number: 20090242366
    Abstract: A circuit breaker enables selective left, right or a combination of both side connection to a power conductor, such as a cable or wire. Side connection eliminates the need for large radius U-bends of the power conductor that is normally required when using top connection circuit breakers. An electrically non-conductive cavity commonly defined by left and right sides of the circuit breaker housing receives the power conductor in a connector such as a lug. The circuit breaker may have a visualization window oriented to observe whether excessive cable is projecting out of the lug, so as to confirm compliance with electrical code over surface spacing requirements. In some embodiments, the circuit breaker lugs are vertically oriented above its front cover surface in a receptacle portion of the housing. The receptacle may be constructed for selective lug orientation in horizontal or vertical positions by the installer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Roy Simmons
  • Publication number: 20090247005
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to multi-position metering apparatus. More particularly, the invention encompasses a wire distributed 5th jaw system for multi-position metering. The present invention is also directed to a novel multi-position metering device with multiple optional 5th terminals. The invention further provides a way to use a single wire as potential to connect all 5th terminals in a multi-position metering device. A single wire with insulation, one end of which is connected to line neutral, is laid out to pass by all meter sockets through designated channel on each meter socket base. The single wire is then stripped on a specified area when it passes on each meter socket for electrical connection to a 5th terminal through a potential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Fan Zhang, Brian J. Rusch
  • Patent number: 7595970
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise an apparatus comprising, a circuit breaker comprising: an integral thermo-magnetic trip device adapted to trip said circuit breaker upon an occurrence of a current overload; an integral electronic trip device adapted to trip said circuit breaker upon detection of a ground fault and adapted to trip said circuit breaker upon detection of an arc fault; and a trip indicator adapted to visually indicate an occurrence of a trip of only said electronic trip device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Timothy McCoy
  • Patent number: 7596462
    Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a method comprising obtaining a first frequency and a second frequency. The method also comprises creating a table of values comprising a plurality of target frequencies intermediate to the first and second frequencies, the table of values also comprising a pulse width, a pulse count and a differential pulse width corresponding to each of the target frequencies from the plurality of target frequencies. The method further comprises outputting at least a portion of the values to a motion device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan D. McNutt
  • Patent number: 7595710
    Abstract: An electrical contact assembly includes a magnetic latch solenoid for actuating a moveable contact of a contact pair. The magnetic latch solenoid includes a magnet that latches the contact assembly in an open position, and a coil that moves an armature to the latched position under current in one polarity, and disrupts the permanent magnet field to release the armature from the latched position under current in a reverse polarity. A spring biases the contacts to the closed position. The spring is separate from the magnetic latch solenoid. The contact assembly may also include a printed circuit board for providing pulses to the coil to operate the assembly. The contact assembly is part of a remote operated circuit breaker assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: John DeBoer, Brian Timothy McCoy
  • Publication number: 20090237026
    Abstract: Method and system for backlash control in gear trains that are driven by electric drives controlled by a drive controller. The drive controller causes the drives to generate continuously opposing torques and adjusts torque rotational offsets so as to maintain desired backlash and gross motion of the driven gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Razvan Panaitescu, Markus Geyer, Jose Mendez
  • Patent number: 7589294
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting articles to a delivery point sequence includes at least one article sorter adapted to sort articles and a conveying system operable to arrange and convey containers of articles sorted in a first sort pass to an induct of the article sorter for a second sort pass or process of the articles. The system or method automatically sorts and conveys trays containing sorted articles from a discharge of at least one sorting assembly to an induct of the at least one sorting assembly. The conveying assembly may have a generally continuous conveying track and is operable to automatically provide the trays to the induct of the at least one sorting assembly in a sequenced manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary P. Burns, Douglas E. Olson, Robert L. Stone
  • Publication number: 20090223793
    Abstract: A movable arm assembly for a circuit breaker includes a unitary structure having two blade portions being connected by a bend location. The bend location forms a gapless surface region. A contact is connected to the unitary structure wherein the gapless surface region and a contact surface of the contact are connected to form a joint therebetween. A method for forming a movable arm assembly includes forming a blank from a conductive sheet, the blank including a unitary structure having two blade portions, bending the blade portion at a bend location to form a gapless surface region at the bend location and joining a contact to the unitary structure on the gapless surface region at the bend location to form a movable arm assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: W. Dale Robbins, Karsten Freundt, Eduardo Vidal
  • Publication number: 20090218980
    Abstract: A system, method, and device for monitoring an AC induction motor are disclosed. The exemplary system provides the architecture of an intelligent motor controller. On one hand, the controller has self-commission and adaptive tuning capability and can provide smooth start and stop for motor driven systems. On the other hand, the controller can provide fault detection, power metering, and history data logging, to ensure motor operates under optimal conditions. The exemplary system may have one or more sensors for monitoring characteristics of the AC induction motor and producing one or more inputs from the characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: SIEMENS ENERGY & AUTOMATION, INC.
    Inventors: Mario Bilac, Chun Fan, Paul Terricciano
  • Patent number: 7584088
    Abstract: A system and method for simulating a stress or failure in a network of a plurality of simulated networked program logic controllers includes simulating a plurality of networked program logic controllers in a network, the networked program logic controllers each having network information defining a node, the network information being selected from a type of program logic controller, an I/O connected to the program logic controller and a type of connection for the program logic controller; providing an interface in communication with each of the networked program logic controllers for simulating a network error; and activating the interface for inducing one of a stress or failure in the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Martin, C. Eric Gibson, Scott Phillips, Harry A. Brian, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090211883
    Abstract: A multi-pole handle lock having a base plate and movable locking plate assembly that is adapted to mount on to at least two circuit breakers. A handle restrictor plate is mounted on the base plate for translational movement while maintaining the circuit breaker handles in the same position as each other. The handle restrictor plate allows each handle to independently move to the tripped position, while allowing the restricted circuit breakers to operate as a logical group. The low profile of the plates, allows visual inspection of the handle ends to determine their tie status.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Timothy McCoy, John D. Stephenson
  • Publication number: 20090212022
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a switchgear apparatus. More particularly, the invention encompasses a circuit breaker compartment arc flash venting system for a switchgear apparatus. The present invention also relates to enclosures for switchgear, panel boards, circuit breakers, and more particularly to an enclosure for low voltage switchgear and switchboard assemblies. The enclosure can be a walk-in type enclosure or a non-walk-in type enclosure. This invention further provides a method and apparatus for channeling plasma (hot arc gasses) that are generated from an arc. The circuit breaker compartment arc flash venting system is an integral part of an arc resistant switchgear assembly. The arc flash venting system works in conjunction with the bus insulation and ventilation systems in the switchgear apparatus to channel hot arc gasses (plasma) from a breaker compartment in the event of an internal arcing fault in the breaker compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry W. Josten, Keith Flowers, Rahul Rajvanshi
  • Publication number: 20090212724
    Abstract: A system for braking a motor. The system includes at least one resistor and a contactor connected to the at least one resistor and a motor. The system further includes a variable frequency drive electrically connected to the motor, wherein the variable frequency drive comprises a controller operably connected to the contactor, wherein at least a portion of the contactor closes connecting the at least one resistor to the motor in response to a command from the controller. The variable frequency drive is configured such that motor flux levels may be maintained at a relatively high level as motor torque current is reduced, resulting in a consistently high motor flux level as the motor speed decreases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard H. Osman, Mukul Rastogi