Patents by Inventor Andrew L. Gottschalk
Andrew L. Gottschalk has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20220344115Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a vacuum interrupter. The interrupter includes a first movable electrode to which a first contact is connected and a second movable electrode to which a second contact is connected. The interrupter is operable between an open state and a closed state. In the open state, the first contact and the second contact are separated by a contact gap distance. In the closed state, the first contact and the second contact touch each other. The circuit breaker includes an ultrafast actuator operatively connected to each of the first and second movable electrodes. The ultrafast actuator is configured to change the vacuum interrupter from the closed state to the open state by simultaneously moving the first contact in a first direction along a first distance portion of the contact gap, and the second contact in a second direction along a second distance portion of the contact gap.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2021Publication date: October 27, 2022Inventors: Asish Das, Santhosh Kumar Chamarajanagar Govinda Nayaka, Andrew L. Gottschalk, R. Michael Slepian, Jayaraman Muniyappan
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Publication number: 20220270839Abstract: A closing spring assembly for an electrical switching device is provided. The closing spring assembly is configured to exert a closing force on a moving contact of the switching device. The closing force helps to maintain physical and electrical contact between the moving contact and an associated stationary contact, so that the moving and stationary contacts form a path for conducing electric current through the switching device. The closing spring assembly is configured so that the closing force remains constant or decreases as the moving contact is driven away from the stationary contact during switching of the current path away from the moving and stationary contacts.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2021Publication date: August 25, 2022Inventors: Andrew L. Gottschalk, R. Michael Slepian, Xin Zhou, Santhosh Kumar Chamarajanagar Govinda Nayaka
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Publication number: 20220255309Abstract: A circuit interrupter including a current sensor having a normal sensor output and an over current detection output, a solid state switch module structured to have a closed state to allow current to flow through the circuit interrupter and an open state to interrupt current flowing through the circuit interrupter, a gate driver structured to control the solid state switch module including a desaturation function output, wherein the gate driver is structured to cause the solid state switch module to interrupt current flowing through the circuit interrupter when the DESAT function output changes to the on state, and an electronic trip circuit structured to output a trip signal to the gate driver when the normal sensor output reaches a first threshold level or the overcurrent detection output changes to the on state.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2022Publication date: August 11, 2022Applicant: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITEDInventors: Xin Zhou, Brian E. Carlson, Yanjun Feng, Jianyang Liu, Michael Slepian, Andrew L. Gottschalk, Santhosh Kumar Chamarajanagar Govinda Nayaka
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Patent number: 11349294Abstract: A circuit interrupter including a current sensor having a normal sensor output and an over current detection output, a solid state switch module structured to have a closed state to allow current to flow through the circuit interrupter and an open state to interrupt current flowing through the circuit interrupter, a gate driver structured to control the solid state switch module including a desaturation function output, wherein the gate driver is structured to cause the solid state switch module to interrupt current flowing through the circuit interrupter when the DESAT function output changes to the on state, and an electronic trip circuit structured to output a tri when the normal sensor output reaches a first threshold level or the overcurrent detection output changes to the on state.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2020Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITEDInventors: Xin Zhou, Brian E. Carlson, Yanjun Feng, Jianyang Liu, Michael Slepian, Andrew L. Gottschalk, Santhosh Kumar Chamarajanagar Govinda Nayaka
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Publication number: 20220084768Abstract: A multi-level feedback actuator assembly for a circuit breaker assembly includes a rotary solenoid, an electric actuator assembly and a manual actuator assembly. The electric actuator assembly includes a switch assembly with an actuator. The manual actuator assembly includes a number of primary actuators, a linkage assembly, and a cam assembly. The number of primary actuators includes a first actuator with a body. The first actuator body is structured to move over a path having at least a first portion and a second portion. The rotary solenoid is operatively coupled to the linkage assembly. The linkage assembly is further operatively coupled to an operating mechanism crossbar. In this configuration, the linkage assembly is structured to apply at least a first bias and a second bias to the first actuator body. Further, the first bias is noticeably different from said second bias.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2021Publication date: March 17, 2022Applicant: Eaton Intelligent Power LimitedInventors: Andrew L. Gottschalk, Robert Michael Slepian
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Publication number: 20220060013Abstract: A circuit interrupter including a current sensor having a normal sensor output and an over current detection output, a solid state switch module structured to have a closed state to allow current to flow through the circuit interrupter and an open state to interrupt current flowing through the circuit interrupter, a gate driver structured to control the solid state switch module including a desaturation function output, wherein the gate driver is structured to cause the solid state switch module to interrupt current flowing through the circuit interrupter when the DESAT function output changes to the on state, and an electronic trip circuit structured to output a trip signal to the gate driver when the normal sensor output reaches a first threshold level or the overcurrent detection output changes to the on state.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2021Publication date: February 24, 2022Applicant: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITEDInventors: Xin Zhou, Brian E. Carlson, Yanjun Feng, Jianyang Liu, Michael Slepian, Andrew L. Gottschalk, Santosh Kumar Chamarajanagar Govinda Nayaka
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Patent number: 11239649Abstract: A circuit interrupter including a current sensor having a normal sensor output and an over current detection output, a solid state switch module structured to have a closed state to allow current to flow through the circuit interrupter and an open state to interrupt current flowing through the circuit interrupter, a gate driver structured to control the solid state switch module including a desaturation function output, wherein the gate driver is structured to cause the solid state switch module to interrupt current flowing through the circuit interrupter when the DESAT function output changes to the on state, and an electronic trip circuit structured to output a trip signal to the gate driver when the normal sensor output reaches a first threshold level or the overcurrent detection output changes to the on state.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2020Date of Patent: February 1, 2022Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITEDInventors: Xin Zhou, Brian E. Carlson, Yanjun Feng, Jianyang Liu, Michael Slepian, Andrew L. Gottschalk, Santosh Kumar Chamarajanagar Govinda Nayaka
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Publication number: 20220028640Abstract: A multi-level feedback actuator assembly for a circuit breaker assembly including an interlock system. The interlock system for the multi-level feedback actuator assembly is structured to maintain the multi-level feedback actuator assembly, and elements thereof, in a safe configuration. The interlock system for the multi-level feedback actuator assembly includes an interlock assembly structured to configure the rotary solenoid and at least one of the first actuator or the second actuator in a safe configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2021Publication date: January 27, 2022Applicant: Eaton Intelligent Power LimitedInventors: Andrew L. Gottschalk, Robert Michael Slepian
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Patent number: 11211219Abstract: A multi-level feedback actuator assembly for a circuit breaker assembly includes a rotary solenoid, an electric actuator assembly and a manual actuator assembly. The electric actuator assembly includes a switch assembly with an actuator. The manual actuator assembly includes a number of primary actuators, a linkage assembly, and a cam assembly. The number of primary actuators includes a first actuator with a body. The first actuator body is structured to move over a path having at least a first portion and a second portion. The rotary solenoid is operatively coupled to the linkage assembly. The linkage assembly is further operatively coupled to an operating mechanism crossbar. In this configuration, the linkage assembly is structured to apply at least a first bias and a second bias to the first actuator body. Further, the first bias is noticeably different from said second bias.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2019Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITEDInventors: Andrew L. Gottschalk, Robert Michael Slepian
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Patent number: 11158473Abstract: A multi-level feedback actuator assembly for a circuit breaker assembly including an interlock system. The interlock system for the multi-level feedback actuator assembly is structured to maintain the multi-level feedback actuator assembly, and elements thereof, in a safe configuration. The interlock system for the multi-level feedback actuator assembly includes an interlock assembly structured to configure the rotary solenoid and at least one of the first actuator or the second actuator in a safe configuration.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2020Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITEDInventors: Andrew L. Gottschalk, Robert Michael Slepian
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Publication number: 20210296060Abstract: A solid state circuit interrupter provides structures which can manually move an isolation switch of a pole from the ON state to the OFF state without the use of auxiliary power but that advantageously additionally provides an interlock apparatus that avoids manually moving the isolation switch from the ON state to the OFF state until certain conditions exist. One such condition is to ensure that some action is taken, such as by switching a physical interlock between one state and another state. Such a change in state of the physical interlock might additionally result in a change in state of an electronic interlock that would resist the solid state switch being moved to its ON state while the isolation switch is capable of being manually switched to its OFF state. The physical interlock might additionally resist the isolation switch from being manually switched into its ON state.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2020Publication date: September 23, 2021Applicant: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITEDInventors: Andrew L. Gottschalk, Xin Zhou, Robert Michael Slepian, David Arisumi, Santhosh Kumar
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Patent number: 11107647Abstract: A solid state circuit interrupter provides structures which can manually move an isolation switch of a pole from the ON state to the OFF state without the use of auxiliary power but that advantageously additionally provides an interlock apparatus that avoids manually moving the isolation switch from the ON state to the OFF state until certain conditions exist. One such condition is to ensure that some action is taken, such as by switching a physical interlock between one state and another state. Such a change in state of the physical interlock might additionally result in a change in state of an electronic interlock that would resist the solid state switch being moved to its ON state while the isolation switch is capable of being manually switched to its OFF state. The physical interlock might additionally resist the isolation switch from being manually switched into its ON state.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2020Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITEDInventors: Andrew L. Gottschalk, Xin Zhou, Robert Michael Slepian, David Arisumi, Santhosh Kumar
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Publication number: 20210234361Abstract: A circuit interrupter including a current sensor having a normal sensor output and an over current detection output, a solid state switch module structured to have a closed state to allow current to flow through the circuit interrupter and an open state to interrupt current flowing through the circuit interrupter, a gate driver structured to control the solid state switch module including a desaturation function output, wherein the gate driver is structured to cause the solid state switch module to interrupt current flowing through the circuit interrupter when the DESAT function output changes to the on state, and an electronic trip circuit structured to output a trip signal to the gate driver when the normal sensor output reaches a first threshold level or the overcurrent detection output changes to the on state.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2020Publication date: July 29, 2021Applicant: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITEDInventors: Xin Zhou, Brian E. Carlson, Yanjun Feng, Johnny Liu, Michael Slepian, Andrew L. Gottschalk, Santosh Kumar Chamarajanagar Govinda Nayaka
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Publication number: 20210234358Abstract: A circuit interrupter including a current sensor having a normal sensor output and an over current detection output, a solid state switch module structured to have a closed state to allow current to flow through the circuit interrupter and an open state to interrupt current flowing through the circuit interrupter, a gate driver structured to control the solid state switch module including a desaturation function output, wherein the gate driver is structured to cause the solid state switch module to interrupt current flowing through the circuit interrupter when the DESAT function output changes to the on state, and an electronic trip circuit structured to output a tri when the normal sensor output reaches a first threshold level or the overcurrent detection output changes to the on state.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2020Publication date: July 29, 2021Applicant: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITEDInventors: Xin Zhou, Brian E. Carlson, Yanjun Feng, Johnny Liu, Michael Slepian, Andrew L. Gottschalk, Santhosh Kumar Chamarajanagar Govinda Nayaka
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Publication number: 20210005415Abstract: A multi-level feedback actuator assembly for a circuit breaker assembly includes a rotary solenoid, an electric actuator assembly and a manual actuator assembly. The electric actuator assembly includes a switch assembly with an actuator. The manual actuator assembly includes a number of primary actuators, a linkage assembly, and a cam assembly. The number of primary actuators includes a first actuator with a body. The first actuator body is structured to move over a path having at least a first portion and a second portion. The rotary solenoid is operatively coupled to the linkage assembly. The linkage assembly is further operatively coupled to an operating mechanism crossbar. In this configuration, the linkage assembly is structured to apply at least a first bias and a second bias to the first actuator body. Further, the first bias is noticeably different from said second bias.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2019Publication date: January 7, 2021Inventors: Andrew L. Gottschalk, Robert Michael Slepian
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Publication number: 20210005413Abstract: A multi-level feedback actuator assembly for a circuit breaker assembly including an interlock system. The interlock system for the multi-level feedback actuator assembly is structured to maintain the multi-level feedback actuator assembly, and elements thereof, in a safe configuration. The interlock system for the multi-level feedback actuator assembly includes an interlock assembly structured to configure the rotary solenoid and at least one of the first actuator or the second actuator in a safe configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2020Publication date: January 7, 2021Applicant: Eaton Intelligent Power LimitedInventors: Andrew L. Gottschalk, Robert Michael Slepian
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Patent number: 9685292Abstract: A pole shaft catch assembly is for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker includes a housing, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The operating mechanism includes a pole shaft pivotably coupled to the housing and a yoke assembly coupled to the pole shaft. The pole shaft catch assembly includes a catch arm. The catch arm moves between an engaged position in which the catch arm engages the yoke assembly to restrict movement of the yoke assembly and the pole shaft, and a disengaged position in which the catch arm disengages the yoke assembly. A biasing element biases the catch arm toward the disengaged position. A trigger translates movement of the yoke assembly into movement of the catch arm.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2016Date of Patent: June 20, 2017Assignee: EATON CORPORATIONInventors: Andrew L. Gottschalk, Paul R. Rakus, Erik R. Bogdon
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Publication number: 20170053766Abstract: A pole shaft catch assembly is for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker includes a housing, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The operating mechanism includes a pole shaft pivotably coupled to the housing and a yoke assembly coupled to the pole shaft. The pole shaft catch assembly includes a catch arm. The catch arm moves between an engaged position in which the catch arm engages the yoke assembly to restrict movement of the yoke assembly and the pole shaft, and a disengaged position in which the catch arm disengages the yoke assembly. A biasing element biases the catch arm toward the disengaged position. A trigger translates movement of the yoke assembly into movement of the catch arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2016Publication date: February 23, 2017Applicant: EATON CORPORATIONInventors: ANDREW L. GOTTSCHALK, PAUL R. RAKUS, ERIK R. BOGDON
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Patent number: 9536694Abstract: A pole shaft catch assembly is for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker includes a housing, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The operating mechanism includes a pole shaft pivotably coupled to the housing and a yoke assembly coupled to the pole shaft. The pole shaft catch assembly includes a catch arm. The catch arm moves between an engaged position in which the catch arm engages the yoke assembly to restrict movement of the yoke assembly and the pole shaft, and a disengaged position in which the catch arm disengages the yoke assembly. A biasing element biases the catch arm toward the disengaged position. A trigger translates movement of the yoke assembly into movement of the catch arm.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2014Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: EATON CORPORATIONInventors: Andrew L. Gottschalk, Paul R. Rakus, Erik R. Bogdon
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Publication number: 20160163489Abstract: A pole shaft catch assembly is for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker includes a housing, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The operating mechanism includes a pole shaft pivotably coupled to the housing and a yoke assembly coupled to the pole shaft. The pole shaft catch assembly includes a catch arm. The catch arm moves between an engaged position in which the catch arm engages the yoke assembly to restrict movement of the yoke assembly and the pole shaft, and a disengaged position in which the catch arm disengages the yoke assembly. A biasing element biases the catch arm toward the disengaged position. A trigger translates movement of the yoke assembly into movement of the catch arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2014Publication date: June 9, 2016Applicant: EATON CORPORATIONInventors: ANDREW L. GOTTSCHALK, PAUL R. RAKUS, ERIK R. BOGDON