Patents by Inventor Benjamin Avery Freer

Benjamin Avery Freer 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).

  • Publication number: 20190304649
    Abstract: A system comprises an industrial enclosure, first and second magnetic controls in close proximity to one another, and a magnetic field sensor. The first and second magnetic controls are secured to an outer surface of a cover of the industrial enclosure without penetrating an inner surface of the cover. The magnetic field sensor within the industrial enclosure senses a characteristic of the first magnetic control and a characteristic of the second magnetic control, and generates a signal corresponding to each of the characteristics. The signal is used by a controller to identify a setting of each of the first and second magnetic controls. Each of the first and second magnetic controls are positioned proximate to one another and each has a polarity and/or magnetic field strength that does not interfere with the detection of the others respective characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2019
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Inventors: Benjamin Avery Freer, Stephan P. Iannce, Joseph Michael Manahan
  • Patent number: 10386401
    Abstract: An electrical system can include a diagnostic device that generates a first test signal. The electrical system can also include multiple energy transfer links coupled to the diagnostic device, where the first test signals flows through a first subset of the energy transfer links. The electrical system can further include a first monitoring device coupled to the first subset of energy transfer links, where the first monitoring device receives the first test signal from the diagnostic device through the first subset of the energy transfer links. The electrical system can also include a first electrical device coupled to the first monitoring device. The first monitoring device can implement a first test procedure based on the first test signal, where the first test procedure helps determine a first condition of the first electrical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Benjamin Avery Freer, Joseph Michael Manahan
  • Patent number: 10371576
    Abstract: A thermal monitoring system includes at least one of an infrared sensor and a plurality of infrared sensors arranged in an array. Each infrared sensor has a resolution including a plurality of pixels. A controller is configured to create a thermal image of an area to be monitored based at least in part on the plurality of pixels of each infrared sensor. A thermal monitoring assembly includes an electrical panel including a plurality of electrical components located within the electrical panel. The at least one of an infrared sensor and the plurality of infrared sensors arranged in an array, either alone or in combination with additional sensors, are located inside the electrical panel. Methods of monitoring various parameters including a temperature of the plurality of electrical components located inside the electrical panel are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Benjamin Avery Freer, Stephan P. Iannce, Joseph Michael Manahan, Rick Rothenberger, John Bonaccio
  • Patent number: 10361516
    Abstract: An electrical connector includes a housing with a plurality of electrical contacts, including a ground contact, extending therefrom. The connector has a shell with the housing positioned therein. A monitor circuit is positioned in the housing and configured to determine continuity between the shell and the ground contact. In some examples, the monitor circuit includes an output connected to an indicator that is configured to output a signal in response to the continuity determination to indicate the condition of the connection between the ground contact and the connector shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventor: Benjamin Avery Freer
  • Patent number: 10312908
    Abstract: A system comprises an industrial enclosure, a first magnetic control and a second magnetic control. The industrial enclosure has a cover with an outer surface. The second magnetic control is nested within the first magnetic control, and the nested magnetic controls are secured to the outer surface of the cover of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Benjamin Avery Freer, Stephan P. Iannce, Joseph Michael Manahan
  • Publication number: 20190159007
    Abstract: A control system for hazardous environments decreases flame paths, decreases punctures to the control system when installing interfaces, and increases safety. The control system may be characterized as a “one size fits all” controller that is able to automatically recognize a plurality of user interfaces. The controller has an enclosure to which the interfaces can be attached. The interfaces may interact with control electronics wholly contained in the enclosure using a variety of “wireless” mechanisms. Such mechanisms include reflecting light waves, infrared (IR) communication, radio-frequency identification, inductive coils, short-range wireless communication, camera images, piezoelectricity, and magnetism, and the like. The interfaces may include switches, indicator lights, smoke detectors, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Joseph Michael Manahan, Adikaramge Jayawardena, Stephan Iannce, Benjamin Avery Freer
  • Patent number: 10295439
    Abstract: An enclosure diagnostic and control system is described herein. The system can include a controller having a storage repository, where the storage repository includes at least one threshold value and at least one algorithm. The system can also include an enclosure communicably coupled to the controller and electrically coupled to a field device. The system can further include a number of sensors communicably coupled to the controller, where the sensors measure a number of field values of a number of parameters associated with the field device. The controller can evaluate the field values using the at least one algorithm to generate an evaluated value. The controller can output a control signal based on the evaluated value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Joseph Michael Manahan, Stephan P. Iannce, Richard E. Rothenberger, John M. Bonaccio, Benjamin Avery Freer
  • Patent number: 10237710
    Abstract: A control system for hazardous environments decreases flame paths, decreases punctures to the control system when installing interfaces, and increases safety. The control system may be characterized as a “one size fits all” controller that is able to automatically recognize a plurality of user interfaces. The controller has an enclosure to which the interfaces can be attached. The interfaces may interact with control electronics wholly contained in the enclosure using a variety of “wireless” mechanisms. Such mechanisms include reflecting light waves, infrared (IR) communication, radio-frequency identification, inductive coils, short-range wireless communication, camera images, piezoelectricity, and magnetism, and the like. The interfaces may include switches, indicator lights, smoke detectors, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Joseph Michael Manahan, Adikaramge Asiri Jayawardena, Stephan Iannce, Benjamin Avery Freer
  • Patent number: 10230232
    Abstract: A system includes a hot wire and a neutral wire configured to establish a closed circuit between a power source and a load. The system further includes first and second transformers as well as a sensor. The first current transformer is coupled to the hot wire and is configured to introduce a first test current, with a first polarity, into the hot wire. The second current transformer is coupled to the neutral wire and configured to substantially simultaneously introduce a second test current into the neutral wire. The second test current has the same polarity as the first test current. The sensor is configured to sense an asymmetry between the first and second test currents and is further configured to cause interruption of the closed circuit upon sensing the asymmetry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Benjamin Avery Freer, Stephan P. Iannce, Joseph Michael Manahan
  • Publication number: 20180299396
    Abstract: A system to determine the ground impedance of a conduit system includes a conductive sheath and a resistor of known value. The conductive sheath is configured to surround a portion of a conductor housed within a conduit system. Capacitive coupling occurs between the sheath and the conductor to establish a voltage source. The resistor is electrically coupled between the voltage source and a metal component of the conduit system, and a voltage drop is read across the resistor to determine the health of the ground impedance of the conduit system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2017
    Publication date: October 18, 2018
    Inventors: Benjamin Avery Freer, Joseph Michael Manahan
  • Publication number: 20180213621
    Abstract: A device can include multiple light loads, where each light load includes at least one light source. The device can also include multiple switches coupled to the light loads. The device can further include a controller coupled to the switches, where the controller actively operates the switches multiple times within each cycle to control delivery of power to the light loads. Active operation of the switches by the controller is performed on a dynamic schedule, where the dynamic schedule is based on multiple environmental conditions, and where the controller bypasses a forward voltage of the light loads when actively operating the switches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2018
    Publication date: July 26, 2018
    Inventors: Benjamin Avery Freer, Andrew Francis Scarlata
  • Publication number: 20180156437
    Abstract: A light fixture can include a housing comprising at least one wall that forms a cavity, wherein the housing complies with applicable standards for a hazardous environment. The light fixture can also include an antenna assembly disposed on an outer surface of the housing. The antenna assembly can provide communication with another device within the hazardous environment without compromising the applicable standards for the hazardous environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2017
    Publication date: June 7, 2018
    Inventors: Benjamin Avery Freer, Daniel Robert Treible, JR., Joseph Michael Manahan, Andrew Francis Scarlata, Adikaramge Asiri Jayawardena
  • Patent number: 9976987
    Abstract: A corrosion tracking system within an enclosure can include an electrical circuit through which a first current flows, where the first current creates a magnetic field. The system can also include a target component disposed proximate to the electrical circuit, where the magnetic field induces a number of second currents to flow within the target component. The system can further include a sensor that measures the plurality of second currents flowing within the target component to generate a plurality of measurements. The measurements can indicate whether the target component is experiencing corrosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Benjamin Avery Freer, Jesse Wade Taylor
  • Publication number: 20180069392
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electrical protection system , including a breaker enclosure and associated terminals, and the methods of use therefor that allow for a circuit breaker or other electrical protection device to be safely added or removed from a circuit while power is supplied to at least one of the terminals. The disclosed enclosure and terminals include a series of interrelated safety features that prevent a user from accidentally completing the circuit from one terminal to another when the electrical protection system would be in an unsafe state. The combination of features described herein allow for a replaceable electrical protection device for equipment under load to be realized, thus improving user safety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph Michael Manahan, Benjamin Avery Freer
  • Publication number: 20180026845
    Abstract: An electrical device of a network of electrical devices can include an auto-commissioning device having a transceiver and an auto-commissioning engine, where the transceiver communicates with an adjacent transceiver of an adjacent electrical device, where the auto-commissioning engine, based on communication between the transceiver and the adjacent transceiver, identifies and commissions the adjacent electrical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Stephan P. Iannce, Benjamin Avery Freer, Joseph Michael Manahan
  • Publication number: 20180011134
    Abstract: An electrical system can include a diagnostic device that generates a first test signal. The electrical system can also include multiple energy transfer links coupled to the diagnostic device, where the first test signals flows through a first subset of the energy transfer links. The electrical system can further include a first monitoring device coupled to the first subset of energy transfer links, where the first monitoring device receives the first test signal from the diagnostic device through the first subset of the energy transfer links. The electrical system can also include a first electrical device coupled to the first monitoring device. The first monitoring device can implement a first test procedure based on the first test signal, where the first test procedure helps determine a first condition of the first electrical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: Benjamin Avery Freer, Joseph Michael Manahan
  • Publication number: 20180011132
    Abstract: An electrical system can include a diagnostic device that generates a first test signal at a first time. The electrical system can also include at least one energy transfer link coupled to the diagnostic device, where the first test signal flows through the at least one energy transfer link at the first time. The electrical system can further include a portable electrical load coupled to the at least one energy transfer link. The electrical system can also include a monitoring device coupled to the at least one energy transfer link, where the monitoring device is disposed between the diagnostic device and the portable electrical load. The first monitoring device can receive the first test signal, where the monitoring device executes, in response to the first test signal, a test procedure on the portable electrical load. The portable electrical load is portable relative to the diagnostic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: Benjamin Avery Freer, Joseph Michael Manahan
  • Publication number: 20170363553
    Abstract: Apparatus, assembly and method for investigating the integrity of a seal and sealant contained in a sealing fitting used in hazardous locations. The apparatus/assembly can include signal transmitters and signal receivers provided on a conduit system on either side of a sealing fitting. The apparatus/assembly can include probes placed on either side of a sealant within a sealing fitting, the probes placed in probe ports provided through the wall of the sealing fitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Andrew Francis Scarlata, Jesse Wade Taylor, Benjamin Avery Freer, Adikaramge A. Jayawardena, Joseph Michael Manahan
  • Publication number: 20170347473
    Abstract: An enclosure system can include an enclosure comprising at least one wall forming a first cavity. The enclosure system can further include a moisture control system in communication with the enclosure, wherein the moisture control system controls at least one condition within the cavity of the enclosure, where the at least one condition affects an amount of moisture within the first cavity. The moisture control system can include a sensor that measures an amount of moisture in desiccant disposed within a desiccant vessel. The moisture control system can include a structural filter and a desiccant vessel, where the structural filter is coupled to an enclosure and disposed within a cavity formed by the enclosure, where the desiccant vessel is removably coupled to the structural filter, and where the desiccant vessel is accessible from outside the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Benjamin Avery Freer, Jesse Wade Taylor, Andrew Francis Scarlata, Joseph Michael Manahan
  • Publication number: 20170276702
    Abstract: An adapter for testing electrical equipment can include a first receptacle end having at least one first coupling feature, where the at least one first coupling feature is configured to couple to a power source and a first electrical device, where the first receptacle end is configured to receive from the power source at least one first test signal and send the at least one first test signal to the first electrical device. The adapter can also include a sensing device configured to receive at least one first response signal from the first electrical device, where the at least one first response signal is in response to and based on the first electrical device receiving the at least one first test signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Inventor: Benjamin Avery Freer