Patents Examined by Lucy M. Thomas
  • Patent number: 10211622
    Abstract: An electrical system includes an operation MEMS switch operable in on and off states to enable and disable current flow to a load and a fault interruption MEMS switch positioned in series with the operation MEMS switch. The fault interruption MEMS switch is operable in on and off states to enable and disable current flow to the electrical load, with operation of the fault interruption MEMS switch in the off state disabling current flow to the load regardless of the state of the operation MEMS switch. A fault sensor control system operate to sense a system variable, analyze the system variable to detect if a fault is affecting the electrical system and, upon detection of a fault, switch the fault interruption MEMS switch from the on state to the off state to interrupt current flowing through the operation MEMS switch to the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Stanton Earl Weaver, Richard St-Pierre, Glenn Scott Claydon
  • Patent number: 7280337
    Abstract: A controllable circuit breaker includes a housing, first and second inputs adapted to receive respective external close and open signals, a third input adapted to receive a control voltage, a set of main contacts, an operating mechanism for opening and closing those contacts; a set of secondary contacts connected in series with the main contacts, and a latching solenoid including a plunger latchable to a first position which closes the secondary contacts and to a second position which opens the secondary contacts. When separately energized, first and second coils operate the plunger to respective first and second positions. The first and second coils have a common node which is electrically connected to the third input. A non-mechanical, electronic control circuit within the housing is adapted to receive the external close and open signals and responsively energize the first and second coils, respectively, for a predetermined time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph C. Engel