Patents by Inventor Benjamin Neiger
Benjamin Neiger 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: 20060285262Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) with built in intelligence is described that includes circuitry to automatically indicate a device miswiring condition. When a GFCI is wired with its AC and LOAD terminals reversed, downstream devices are still protected in the event of a ground fault but the duplex receptacle on the GFCI itself is not. The invention incorporates miswiring sense circuitry that automatically triggers the generation of visual and audible alarms in the event a miswiring condition is sensed. The invention employs an alarm inhibiting technique that incorporates sense circuitry connected to the AC terminals on one side of the internal GFCI switches or relays and alarm generation circuitry connected to the LOAD terminals on the opposite side.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2006Publication date: December 21, 2006Inventor: Benjamin Neiger
-
Patent number: 7099129Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) with built in intelligence is described that includes circuitry to automatically indicate a device miswiring condition. When a GFCI is wired with its AC and LOAD terminals reversed, downstream devices are still protected in the event of a ground fault but the duplex receptacle on the GFCI itself is not. The invention incorporates miswiring sense circuitry that automatically triggers the generation of visual and audible alarms in the event a miswiring condition is sensed. The invention employs an alarm inhibiting technique that incorporates sense circuitry connected to the AC terminals on one side of the internal GFCI switches or relays and alarm generation circuitry connected to the LOAD terminals on the opposite side.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2003Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Neiger, Saul Rosenbaum, Bernard Gershen
-
Publication number: 20040257724Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) with built in intelligence is described that includes circuitry to automatically indicate a device miswiring condition. When a GFCI is wired with its AC and LOAD terminals reversed, downstream devices are still protected in the event of a ground fault but the duplex receptacle on the GFCI itself is not. The invention incorporates miswiring sense circuitry that automatically triggers the generation of visual and audible alarms in the event a miswiring condition is sensed. The invention employs an alarm inhibiting technique that incorporates sense circuitry connected to the AC terminals on one side of the internal GFCI switches or relays and alarm generation circuitry connected to the LOAD terminals on the opposite side.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2003Publication date: December 23, 2004Inventors: Benjamin Neiger, Saul Rosenbaum, Bernard Gershen
-
Patent number: 6611406Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) with built in intelligence is described that includes circuitry to automatically indicate a device miswiring condition. When a GFCI is wired with its AC and LOAD terminals reversed, downstream devices are still protected in the event of a ground fault but the duplex receptacle on the GFCI itself is not. The invention incorporates miswiring sense circuitry that automatically triggers the generation of visual and audible alarms in the event a miswiring condition is sensed. The invention employs an alarm inhibiting technique that incorporates sense circuitry connected to the AC terminals on one side of the internal GFCI switches or relays and alarm generation circuitry connected to the LOAD terminals on the opposite side.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2001Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Neiger, Saul Rosenbaum, Bernard Gershen
-
Publication number: 20020054464Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) with built in intelligence is described that includes circuitry to automatically indicate a device miswiring condition. When a GFCI is wired with its AC and LOAD terminals reversed, downstream devices are still protected in the event of a ground fault but the duplex receptacle on the GFCI itself is not. The invention incorporates miswiring sense circuitry that automatically triggers the generation of visual and audible alarms in the event a miswiring condition is sensed. The invention employs an alarm inhibiting technique that incorporates sense circuitry connected to the AC terminals on one side of the internal GFCI switches or relays and alarm generation circuitry connected to the LOAD terminals on the opposite side.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2001Publication date: May 9, 2002Inventors: Benjamin Neiger, Saul Rosenbaum, Bernard Gershen
-
Patent number: 6226161Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) with built in intelligence is described that includes circuitry to automatically indicate a device miswiring condition. When a GFCI is wired with its AC and LOAD terminals reversed, downstream devices are still protected in the event of a ground fault but the duplex receptacle on the GFCI itself is not. The invention incorporates miswiring sense circuitry that automatically triggers the generation of visual and audible alarms in the event a miswiring condition is sensed. The invention employs an alarm inhibiting technique that incorporates sense circuitry connected to the AC terminals on one side of the internal GFCI switches or relays and alarm generation circuitry connected to the LOAD terminals on the opposite side.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Neiger, Saul Rosenbaum, Bernard Gershen
-
Patent number: 6111733Abstract: An intelligent circuit interrupt system is electrically connected between an AC source and a load for interrupting a flow of AC from the source to the load upon detection of an interrupt condition. A circuit interrupter electrically connected to phase and neutral terminals of the AC source defines the interrupt condition. A relay switch with a relay coil and phase and neutral contacts is included such that line and load ends of the phase contact are electrically connected, respectively, between the interrupt means load side phase port and a phase terminal of the load. Line and load ends of the neutral contact are electrically connected, respectively, between the interrupt neutral port and a neutral terminal of the load. The relay coil is electrically coupled between load sides of said phase and neutral contacts for controlling the contacts in response to the interrupt signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 1998Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Neiger, Bernard Gershen, Saul Rosenbaum
-
Patent number: 5963408Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) with built in intelligence is described that includes circuitry to automatically indicate a device miswiring condition. When a GFCI is wired with its AC and LOAD terminals reversed, downstream devices are still protected in the event of a ground fault but the duplex receptacle on the GFCI itself is not. The invention incorporates miswiring sense circuitry that automatically triggers the generation of visual and audible alarms in the event a miswiring condition is sensed. The invention employs an alarm inhibiting technique that incorporates sense circuitry connected to the AC terminals on one side of the internal GFCI switches or relays and alarm generation circuitry connected to the LOAD terminals on the opposite side.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 1997Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Neiger, Saul Rosenbaum, Bernard Gershen
-
Patent number: 5789894Abstract: A solid state motor speed control is described that is capable of controlling a motor so that it operates quietly, eliminating annoying buzzing noises that would otherwise be generated by the motor's windings. The invention provides for motor speed control with infinitely variable speed control settings. Rather than use triacs that generate RFI noise and cause motor windings to buzz due to their inherent avalanche switching, the invention utilizes power FETs or IGBTs to provide the switching function to control power delivery to the motor load . The power switches are controlled by an oscillator that generates a pulse train with a duty cycle controllable by the user. A filter shapes this signal into a trapezoidal control signal that drives the gate input of the power FET or IGBT switch. A kick start circuit turns the motor on initially for two to three seconds to overcome the inertia of the motor and its load.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1997Date of Patent: August 4, 1998Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Neiger, Douglas R. Watson, Roger Bradley, Saul Rosenbaum
-
Patent number: 5729417Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) with built in intelligence is described that includes circuitry to automatically indicate a device miswiring condition. When a GFCI is wired with its AC and LOAD terminals reversed, downstream devices are still protected in the event of a ground fault but the duplex receptacle on the GFCI itself is not. The invention incorporates miswiring sense circuitry that automatically triggers the generation of visual and audible alarms in the event a miswiring condition is sensed. The invention employs an alarm inhibiting technique that incorporates sense circuitry connected to the AC terminals on one side of the internal GFCI switches or relays and alarm generation circuitry connected to the LOAD terminals on the opposite side.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1995Date of Patent: March 17, 1998Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Neiger, Saul Rosenbaum, Bernard Gershen
-
Patent number: 5715125Abstract: An intelligent circuit interrupt system is electrically connected between an AC source and a load for interrupting a flow of AC from the source to the load upon detection of an interrupt condition. A circuit interrupter electrically connected to phase and neutral terminals of the AC source defines the interrupt condition. A relay switch with a relay coil and phase and neutral contacts is included such that line and load ends of the phase contact are electrically connected, respectively, between the interrupt means load side phase port and a phase terminal of the load. Line and load ends of the neutral contact are electrically connected, respectively, between the interrupt neutral port and a neutral terminal of the load. The relay coil is electrically coupled between load sides of said phase and neutral contacts for controlling the contacts in response to the interrupt signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 1997Date of Patent: February 3, 1998Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Neiger, Bernard Gershen, Saul Rosenbaum
-
Patent number: 5706155Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) with built in intelligence is described that includes circuitry to automatically indicate a device miswiring condition. When a GFCI is wired with its AC and LOAD terminals reversed, downstream devices are still protected in the event of a ground fault but the duplex receptacle on the GFCI itself is not. The invention incorporates miswiring sense circuitry that automatically triggers the generation of visual and audible alarms in the event a miswiring condition is sensed. The invention employs an alarm inhibiting technique that incorporates sense circuitry connected to the AC terminals on one side of the internal GFCI switches or relays and alarm generation circuitry connected to the LOAD terminals on the opposite side.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1996Date of Patent: January 6, 1998Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Neiger, Saul Rosenbaum, Bernard Gershen
-
Patent number: 5703458Abstract: A quiet motor speed controller is disclosed which varies an amplitude of an AC voltage signal provided from an AC source to drive an AC motor. The controller includes a first impedance in series connection between the source and the motor. A second impedance is electrically connectable with the first impedance in accordance with settings of a switch such that the total impedance interposed between the source and the load is varied by switching. The first and second impedances are substantially defined by first and second capacitive values, preferably including resistive elements to limit current flow at charging and discharging.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 1995Date of Patent: December 30, 1997Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Bernard Gershen, Edward Krajci, Benjamin Neiger
-
Patent number: 5684376Abstract: A solid state motor speed control is described that is capable of controlling a motor so that it operates quietly, eliminating annoying buzzing noises that would otherwise be generated by the motor's windings. The invention provides for motor speed control with infinitely variable speed control settings. Rather than use triacs that generate RFI noise and cause motor windings to buzz due to their inherent avalanche switching, the invention utilizes power FETs or IGBTs to provide the switching function to control power delivery to the motor load. The power switches are controlled by an oscillator that generates a pulse train with a duty cycle controllable by the user. A filter shapes this signal into a trapezoidal control signal that drives the gate input of the power FET or IGBT switch. A kick start circuit turns the motor on initially for two to three seconds to overcome the inertia of the motor and its load.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1995Date of Patent: November 4, 1997Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Neiger, Douglas R. Watson, Roger Bradley, Saul Rosenbaum
-
Patent number: 5621283Abstract: A key touch dimmer includes a switching device through which AC line current is passed to brighten a lamp in response to a control signal generated by a microprocessor. The microprocessor receives an input indicative of the zero crossing points of the AC line current and synchronizes this input with its own internal clock circuitry to generate a firing signal for the switching device at the correct phase angle in the next half cycle of the AC line current. The dimmer has memory capability whereby the lamp, when turned back on, will brighten to a preset level. This brightening is accomplished in a gradual manner. Likewise, a turned off lamp will fade to zero brightness, with the dimmer retaining the preset brightness level. The microprocessor shuts down quickly in the event of a power outage to preserve memory. An optional display includes a plurality of LEDs for indicating light level. Other options include providing the dimmer with several keys, each of which can be adjusted to a respective preset level.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 1996Date of Patent: April 15, 1997Inventors: Douglas R. Watson, Lev Bogorad, Albert Lombardi, Benjamin Neiger, Lester Rivera, Joseph G. Justiniano, Zvi Aluma
-
Patent number: 5600524Abstract: An intelligent circuit interrupt system is electrically connected between an AC source and a load for interrupting a flow of AC from the source to the load upon detection of an interrupt condition. A circuit interrupter electrically connected to phase and neutral terminals of the AC source defines the interrupt condition. A relay switch with a relay coil and phase and neutral contacts is included such that line and load ends of the phase contact are electrically connected, respectively, between the interrupt means load side phase port and a phase terminal of the load. Line and load ends of the neutral contact are electrically connected, respectively, between the interrupt neutral port and a neutral terminal of the load. The relay coil is electrically coupled between load sides of said phase and neutral contacts for controlling the contacts in response to the interrupt signal.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1995Date of Patent: February 4, 1997Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Neiger, Bernard Gershen, Saul Rosenbaum
-
Patent number: 5485058Abstract: A key touch dimmer includes a switching device through which AC line current is passed to brighten a lamp in response to a control signal generated by a microprocessor. The microprocessor receives an input indicative of the zero crossing points of the AC line current and synchronizes this input with its own internal clock circuitry to generate a firing signal for the switching device at the correct phase angle in the next half cycle of the AC line current. The dimmer has memory capability whereby the lamp, when turned back on, will brighten to a preset level. This brightening is accomplished in a gradual manner. Likewise, a turned off lamp will fade to zero brightness, with the dimmer retaining the preset brightness level. The microprocessor shuts down quickly in the event of a power outage to preserve memory. An optional display includes a plurality of LEDs for indicating light level. Other options include providing the dimmer with several keys, each of which can be adjusted to a respective preset level.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1994Date of Patent: January 16, 1996Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Douglas R. Watson, Lev Bogorad, Albert Lombardi, Benjamin Neiger, Lester Rivera, Joseph G. Justiniano, Zvi Aluma
-
Patent number: 5477412Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) with built in intelligence is described that includes circuitry to automatically indicate a device miswiring condition. When a GFCI is wired with its AC and LOAD terminals reversed, downstream devices are still protected in the event of a ground fault but the duplex receptacle on the GFCI itself is not. The invention incorporates miswiring sense circuitry that automatically triggers the generation of visual and audible alarms in the event a miswiring condition is sensed. The invention employs an alarm inhibiting technique that incorporates sense circuitry connected to the AC terminals on one side of the internal GFCI switches or relays and alarm generation circuitry connected to the LOAD terminals on the opposite side.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 1993Date of Patent: December 19, 1995Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Neiger, Saul Rosenbaum, Bernard Gershen
-
Patent number: 5336979Abstract: A key touch dimmer includes a switching device through which AC line current is passed to brighten a lamp in response to a control signal generated by a microprocessor. The microprocessor receives an input indicative of the zero crossing points of the AC line current and synchronizes this input with its own internal clock circuitry to generate a firing signal for the switching device at the correct phase angle in the next half cycle of the AC line current. The dimmer has memory capability whereby the lamp, when turned back on, will brighten to a preset level. This brightening is accomplished in a gradual manner. Likewise, a turned off lamp will fade to zero brightness, with the dimmer retaining the preset brightness level. The microprocessor shuts down quickly in the event of a power outage to preserve memory. An optional display includes a plurality of LEDs for indicating light level. Other options include providing the dimmer with several keys, each of which can be adjusted to a respective preset level.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1992Date of Patent: August 9, 1994Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Douglas R. Watson, Lev Bogorad, Albert Lombardi, Benjamin Neiger, Lester Rivera, Joseph G. Justiniano, Zvi Aluma
-
Patent number: D336894Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 1991Date of Patent: June 29, 1993Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Albert Zaretsky, Saul Rosenbaum, Lester Rivera, Benjamin Neiger