Patents Assigned to Square D
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Publication number: 20040077410Abstract: A bi-directional torque-limiting interface for rotary operating devices is shown and described. The interface includes a first section receiving torque from a source, a second section delivering the received torque to a rotary operating device and a coupler operably connecting the first and second sections. The coupler is preloaded to a predetermined value and maintains a particular angular relationship between the first and second sections under normal operating conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2002Publication date: April 22, 2004Applicant: Square D CompanyInventors: Donald G. Gibbons, Jackie C. Sullivan
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Patent number: 6717076Abstract: A medium voltage controller for electrical equipment, having cast fuse holders, a disconnect switch, a switch illuminator, low power current transformers, and an optical temperature measuring system. The fuse holder includes a cast housing with smooth rounded surfaces that reduce corona. The disconnect switch has cast components that provide terminal points, mounting surfaces, and contact surfaces. The switch illuminator provides illumination of the disconnect switch internals. The contactor assembly is mounted in a truck and moves on a rail system that includes a pull-down handle with rails. The truck rolls out of the cabinet on the extended rails for easy removal from the cabinet. The truck, and contactor assembly, is racked in by pushing the truck into the cabinet and then raising the handle, which forces the draw-out fingers to engage the contact stabs.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2001Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Square D CompanyInventors: Antanas V. Narusevicius, Eldridge R. Byron, Eugenio A. Alvarez
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Patent number: 6714881Abstract: A method for time reference compensation in a power metering system, the method comprising monitoring a time-dependent characteristic of incoming AC power over a predetermined local time interval, comparing the monitored characteristic over the predetermined local time interval with the expected value of the characteristic based upon the nominal frequency of the AC power, and calculating a correction to one or more of local real-time and time-based measurements of the power metering system, based on the comparing.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2001Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: Square D CompanyInventors: David C. Carlson, Michael J. Devaney
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Patent number: 6713997Abstract: A metering module for use in a power circuit monitoring system including a circuit monitor having a processor for processing data related to power signals, said metering module comprising at least one sensor for sensing a predetermined property of a power signal and for producing a corresponding sensor signal, and a modular metering circuit for producing data corresponding to said sensor signal for input into said circuit monitor, wherein said metering module is selectively detachable and replaceable relative to said circuit monitor to permit one or more of testing, calibration and repair of said metering module thereby minimizing any interruption in operation of said circuit monitor.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2001Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: Square D CompanyInventors: David C. Carlson, M. Jason Thurmond, Jeffrey J. Farago, Kenneth L. McMahon, Thomas J. Seifert, Robert C. Ditmore, Avery D. Long
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Patent number: 6711509Abstract: An on-board self test system for an electrical power monitoring device includes a test signal circuit in an electronic circuit of the monitoring device, and responsive to a programmable test input signal for producing an analog signal simulating an electrical power waveform, and a programmable memory in an electronic circuit of the monitoring device and operatively coupled with the test signal circuit for storing and reproducing upon command, one or more of the programmable test input signals.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2001Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Square D CompanyInventor: Ronald J. Bilas
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Patent number: 6709615Abstract: A method of manufacturing an improved comb for a disk wound transformer. The method comprises the steps of providing a web of cellulose material; removing a portion of the cellulose material to create a plurality of longitudinal slits along the length of the web, wherein the longitudinal slits have a fixed length and width; and folding the web along a line proximate the midpoint of the length of each of the longitudinal slits such that the cellulose material adjacent the longitudinal slits defines a plurality of tooth members.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2001Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Square D CompanyInventor: Noah David Hay
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Patent number: 6708124Abstract: An impulsive transient detection and data acquisition coprocessor for use with a power monitoring device having a processor for performing data sampling and reporting at a given rate. The coprocessor has a processor, an interface for accessing data from the processor, a plurality of channels for monitoring for transients, and at least two independent, switchable memory banks for simultaneous real-time storage and analyses of an incoming transient data stream.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2001Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Square D CompanyInventors: Ronald J. Bilas, Avery D. Long, M. Jason Thurmond
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Patent number: 6703572Abstract: A switch-lock assembly for securing a circuit breaker in one of a plurality of circuit breaker positions, comprising a switch-lock attachment and an anti-twist insert. The switch-lock attachment includes a spring member adapted to engage a retaining area of the circuit breaker, a support member adapted to accommodate the spring member, and a locking member connected with the support member via the spring member. The insert includes a securing end adapted to engage a first area of the circuit breaker for limiting the movement of the insert relative to the circuit breaker, and an interface area adapted to engage the switch-lock attachment for limiting the movement of the switch-lock attachment relative to the insert.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Square D CompanyInventor: William J. Broghammer
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Patent number: 6689969Abstract: An enclosure and operating handle apparatus for a double throw switch is disclosed. An operating handle support defines two distinct switch compartments within the enclosure and supports an operating handle apparatus configured for selectively operating only one of two switches inside the enclosure at a time.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2002Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: Square D CompanyInventors: Hamid S. Abroy, Henry B. Joines
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Patent number: 6687100Abstract: A method of rapidly dissipating energy from a contactor controlled by a switching device, the steps comprising: operably connecting a metal oxide varistor to the switching device; interrupting electrical current to the contactor; absorbing energy from the contactor; and, limiting the amount of voltage across the switching device.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1999Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: Square D CompanyInventors: Julius Isaiah Rice, Roger Alan Plemmons
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Publication number: 20030232532Abstract: A field convertible tap-off base for an electrical busway distribution fitting. The field convertible tap-off base includes an AC phase termination side and a field configurable side having first and second configurable electrical terminals. The AC phase termination side provides terminals for connecting three AC phase conductors of a busway electrical distribution system to any one of a number of load bases configured for electrical components such as circuit breakers, switches, fuses, lugs or other special functions. The first and second configurable terminals permit two additional busway electrical conductors to be used for neutral, high current capacity neutral, secondary ground, DC current or other special functions which might be defined in the busway electrical distribution system.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2002Publication date: December 18, 2003Applicant: Square D Company.Inventors: Rodney J. West, Glenn S. O'Nan
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Publication number: 20030230426Abstract: A sprinkler and drip resistant tap-off base for an electrical busway distribution system. The tap-off base includes an overmolded perimeter seal providing a liquid resistant seal between the busway housing and the tap-off base and between the tap-off base and a tap-off unit installed on the tap-off base.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2002Publication date: December 18, 2003Applicant: Square D CompanyInventors: Rodney J. West, Glenn S. O'Nan
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Patent number: 6654217Abstract: An assembly and method is provided for a tripping mechanism of an circuit breaker to limit the damage to a protected circuit breaker and other associated equipment such as enclosures, bus way, etc. from the high forces that result from high currents and prevent unwanted tripping of a circuit breaker due to rapidly decreasing currents. A trip system for a circuit breaker including a sensor to determine a rate of change in the current level. A positive detector is connected to the sensor to determine a positive current direction. A negative detector is connected to the sensor to determine a negative current direction. An electronic switch connected to the positive and negative sensors to activate the tripping mechanism of the circuit breaker. A power supply is connected to the tripping mechanism and electronic switch.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2000Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: Square D CompanyInventors: Henry J. Zylstra, Charles D. Bettis, David J. Dunne
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Publication number: 20030206087Abstract: A core for a three-phase transformer, the core comprising a centrally-disposed flux collector and three generally C-shaped core leg sections peripherally arranged about the flux collector in an angularly spaced relationship and connected to the flux collector. The three core leg sections are each adapted to support a transformer coil and the flux collector is adapted to provide a low reluctance path to magnetically link the coils of the transformer.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2002Publication date: November 6, 2003Applicant: Square D CompanyInventor: Vadim Raff
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Patent number: 6639518Abstract: A circuit monitor monitors one or more metered values in an electrical circuit, and includes a system for selecting alarm setpoints based upon learned characteristics of normal operation of metered values. The circuit monitor includes a controller and a memory. The memory includes a test register of alarms selected to be part of a learning process. The controller includes summaries and characterizes the one or more metered values as histogram formatted data corresponding to metered values identified by a test register of alarms selected to be part of a learning process. The controller stores the histogram formatted data in the memory and organizes the stored data into a plurality of memory locations, each covering a fixed range of time duration. The controller selects setpoints which produce a minimum product of metered value multiplied by time duration for Over Alarms or a maximum product of metered value multiplied by time duration for Under Alarms.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2002Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: Square D CompanyInventor: Larry E. Curtis
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Patent number: 6638116Abstract: A medium voltage controller for electrical equipment, such as motors, transformers, reactors, and capacitors, having an arc resistant cabinet, swaged internal electrical connections, a one-piece self-aligning withdrawable finger cluster, a pull-out instrument compartment, a load discharge device, cast fuse holders, disconnect switch, a switch illuminator, low power current transformers, and an optical temperature measuring system. The one-piece self-aligning withdrawable finger cluster includes a plurality of members formed to surround a mating stab for making a removable electrical connection. The throat of the finger cluster is smaller than the mating stab, and, when mated with the stab, opposing members are biased against the stab.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2001Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: Square D CompanyInventors: Eldridge R. Byron, Joseph G. Hildebrandt, Eugenio A. Alvarez, Thomas A. Clark
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Patent number: 6636133Abstract: A circuit breaker comprises a line terminal, a middle terminal, and a load terminal, at least one of which is constructed from a positive temperature coefficient material and configured for introducing a predetermined resistance into the current path of the circuit breaker. The predetermined resistance is intended to limit current reaching a bi-metallic trip element as temperature rises so as to protect the bi-metallic trip element from excessive thermal stress, where the predetermined resistance increases with the increased temperature.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Square D CompanyInventors: Rodney Raabe, Scott E. Rogers
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Patent number: 6633168Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a partial discharge in a voltage transformer, the transformer having a first voltage winding and a second voltage winding. A grounded electrostatic shield being operably attached to the transformer, preferably between the windings. A radio frequency current transformer is operably connected to the electrostatic shield wherein the partial discharge occurring within the voltage transformer is detected.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2001Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Assignee: Square D CompanyInventors: Philip J. Hopkinson, Vadim Raff
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Patent number: 6628185Abstract: A circuit breaker for interrupting the flow of current upon the detection of excess current or temperature is provided that has a current conducting blade mounted on a blade cross bar, which has a blade biasing spring for urging the blade to a first pivotal position on the blade cross bar during the open, closed, and tripped operation of the breaker, and for latching the blade in a second pivotal position on the blade cross bar upon the occurrence of a blown-open action of the breaker. The spring is a torsion spring that is coiled around a spring mounting pin, having a first end leg extending outwardly and formed into a hook anchored in a hook accommodating opening, and having a second end leg extending outwardly and cantilevered in contact with a spring follower pin. The second end of this leg is bent away from the spring follower pin to reduce the spring force exerted between the blade cross bar and the blade upon the occurrence of a blow-open action of the circuit breaker.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2001Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: Square D CompanyInventors: Rodney Raabe, Jason Colsch, Laurent L. Previeux
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Patent number: 6625550Abstract: An arc fault detector system detects arcing faults in an electrical distribution system by monitoring one or more conductors and producing an input signal representing one or more electrical signal conditions in the circuit to be monitored. This input signal is processed to develop signals representing the electrical current flow through the monitored circuit and broadband noise signal components. The system analyzes these signals to determine whether an arcing fault is present, and if so, outputs a trip signal which may be used directly or indirectly to trip a circuit breaker or other circuit interruption device.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1999Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: Square D CompanyInventors: Gary W. Scott, Kon B. Wong