Patents by Inventor Brian Todd Steinbrecher
Brian Todd Steinbrecher 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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Patent number: 8415579Abstract: Insulated vacuum switchgear and active switchgear elements therefor are provided with a rigid support structure mechanically isolating a vacuum insulator from axial loads in use without reinforcing or insulating encapsulations. At least one of the elastomeric insulating housing and the support structure directly contacts an outer surface of the insulator. Systems and methods for assembling the switchgear are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2009Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Cooper Technologies CompanyInventors: Frank John Muench, Michael Patrick Culhane, Brian Todd Steinbrecher, Paul Newcomb Stoving, John Mitchell Makal, Paul Michael Roscizewski
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Patent number: 8038457Abstract: A separable loadbreak connector system includes mating electrical connectors. At least one of the electrical connectors includes an electrically-resistive housing having a generally conically-shaped interior bore. A semiconductive insert is disposed within a portion of the interior bore and presents an inner radial surface that defines a generally conically-shaped recess. An elongated probe assembly is disposed within the housing and includes a probe and a sheath of insulative material disposed over at least a portion of a length of the probe. A portion of the sheath extends in a radially outward direction from a base of the probe. An electrically-resistive insulative layer extends from the conically-shaped interior bore, along at least a portion of the inner radial surface of the semiconductive insert. The insulative layer extends radially inwardly in overlapping engagement with a portion of the sheath.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2010Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Cooper Technologies CompanyInventors: David Charles Hughes, Brian Todd Steinbrecher
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Patent number: 7950939Abstract: Medium voltage separable insulated connector system for power distribution systems and configured to make and break energized connections at rated voltage but in the absence of load current.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2007Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Cooper Technologies CompanyInventors: David Charles Hughes, Brian Todd Steinbrecher, John Mitchell Makal, Frank John Muench
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Publication number: 20110081793Abstract: A separable loadbreak connector system includes mating electrical connectors. At least one of the electrical connectors includes an electrically-resistive housing having a generally conically-shaped interior bore. A semiconductive insert is disposed within a portion of the interior bore and presents an inner radial surface that defines a generally conically-shaped recess. An elongated probe assembly is disposed within the housing and includes a probe and a sheath of insulative material disposed over at least a portion of a length of the probe. A portion of the sheath extends in a radially outward direction from a base of the probe. An electrically-resistive insulative layer extends from the conically-shaped interior bore, along at least a portion of the inner radial surface of the semiconductive insert. The insulative layer extends radially inwardly in overlapping engagement with a portion of the sheath.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2010Publication date: April 7, 2011Applicant: COOPER TECHNOLOGIES COMPANYInventors: David Charles Hughes, Brian Todd Steinbrecher
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Patent number: 7731514Abstract: A loadbreak connector system and methods for visible break include first and second mating connector assemblies configured to make or break an electrical connection under energized circuit conditions, the first and second mating connectors selectively positionable relative to one another. One of the first and second mating connectors includes an arc follower, and the other of the first and second mating connectors includes an arc interrupter. The arc interrupter is configured to receive the arc follower, and the first and second meting connectors are positionable in an disconnected position wherein the arc follower remains engaged to and is located within the arc interrupter. Arc energy is distributed among multiple locations to reduce arc intensity.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2008Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Cooper Technologies CompanyInventors: David Charles Hughes, Brian Todd Steinbrecher
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Patent number: 7633741Abstract: Apparatus, method, and system for rigidly supporting a switchgear bus assembly through the use of one or more support plates, thereby providing the primary support for the other active modules and bushings.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2007Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: Cooper Technologies CompanyInventors: David Charles Hughes, Brian Todd Steinbrecher, Dan Wycklendt, Timothy A. Myers
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Patent number: 7572133Abstract: Separable loadbreak connectors include an overlapping insulation joint and interchangeable preconfigured connector assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2007Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: Cooper Technologies CompanyInventors: David Charles Hughes, Brian Todd Steinbrecher
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Publication number: 20090119899Abstract: Insulated vacuum switchgear and active switchgear elements therefor are provided with a rigid support structure mechanically isolating a vacuum insulator from axial loads in use without reinforcing or insulating encapsulations. At least one of the elastomeric insulating housing and the support structure directly contacts an outer surface of the insulator. Systems and methods for assembling the switchgear are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2009Publication date: May 14, 2009Inventors: Frank John Muench, Michael Patrick Culhane, Brian Todd Steinbrecher, Paul Newcomb Stoving, John Mitchell Makal, Paul Michael Roscizewski
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Publication number: 20090081896Abstract: A separable loadbreak connector system includes mating electrical connectors. At least one of the electrical connectors includes an electrically-resistive housing having a generally conically-shaped interior bore. A semiconductive insert is disposed within a portion of the interior bore and presents an inner radial surface that defines a generally conically-shaped recess. An elongated probe assembly is disposed within the housing and includes a probe and a sheath of insulative material disposed over at least a portion of a length of the probe. A portion of the sheath extends in a radially outward direction from a base of the probe. An electrically-resistive insulative layer extends from the conically-shaped interior bore, along at least a portion of the inner radial surface of the semiconductive insert. The insulative layer extends radially inwardly in overlapping engagement with a portion of the sheath.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2008Publication date: March 26, 2009Applicant: COOPER TECHNOLOGIES COMPANYInventors: David Charles Hughes, Brian Todd Steinbrecher
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Patent number: 7488916Abstract: Insulated vacuum switchgear and active switchgear elements therefor are provided with a rigid support structure mechanically isolating a vacuum insulator from axial loads in use without reinforcing or insulating encapsulations. At least one of the elastomeric insulating housing and the support structure directly contacts an outer surface of the insulator. Systems and methods for assembling the switchgear are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2005Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: Cooper Technologies CompanyInventors: Frank John Muench, Michael Patrick Culhane, Brian Todd Steinbrecher, Paul Newcomb Stoving, John Mitchell Makal, Paul Michael Roscizewski
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Publication number: 20080301937Abstract: In one aspect, an electrical connector assembly can be removably coupled to a second electrical connector assembly. The electrical connector assembly includes an elastomeric insulative layer and a rigid conductive sleeve disposed within the insulative layer. One or both of the rigid conductive sleeve and the insulative layer have interior surfaces that define an opening. A conductive contact is disposed within the opening and a conductive or semi-conductive exterior layer at least partially covers the insulative layer. The rigid conductive sleeve is configured to act as a voltage shield and the conductive or semi-conductive exterior layer is configured to act as a ground shield.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2008Publication date: December 11, 2008Applicant: Cooper Technologies CompanyInventors: David Charles Hughes, Allen LeRoy Johnson, Brian Todd Steinbrecher
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Publication number: 20080259532Abstract: Apparatus, method, and system for rigidly supporting a switchgear bus assembly through the use of one or more support plates, thereby providing the primary support for the other active modules and bushings.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2007Publication date: October 23, 2008Inventors: David Charles Hughes, Brian Todd Steinbrecher, Dan Wycklendt, Timothy A. Myers
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Publication number: 20080207022Abstract: Medium voltage separable insulated connector system for power distribution systems and configured to make and break energized connections at rated voltage but in the absence of load current.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2007Publication date: August 28, 2008Inventors: David Charles Hughes, Brian Todd Steinbrecher, John Mitchell Makal, Frank John Muench
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Patent number: 7413455Abstract: In one aspect, an electrical connector assembly can be removably coupled to a second electrical connector assembly. The electrical connector assembly includes an elastomeric insulative layer and a rigid conductive sleeve disposed within the insulative layer. One or both of the rigid conductive sleeve and the insulative layer have interior surfaces that define an opening. A conductive contact is disposed within the opening and a conductive or semi-conductive exterior layer at least partially covers the insulative layer. The rigid conductive sleeve is configured to act as a voltage shield and the conductive or semi-conductive exterior layer is configured to act as a ground shield.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2005Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Cooper Technologies CompanyInventors: David Charles Hughes, Allen Leroy Johnson, Brian Todd Steinbrecher
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Patent number: 7384287Abstract: A loadbreak connector system and methods for visible break include first and second mating connector assemblies configured to make or break an electrical connection under energized circuit conditions, the first and second mating connectors selectively postionable relative to one another. One of the first and second mating connectors includes an arc follower, and the other of the first and second mating connectors includes an arc interrupter. The arc interrupter is configured to receive the arc follower, and the first and second meting connectors are positionable in an disconnected position wherein the arc follower remains engaged to and is located within the arc interrupter. Arc energy is distributed among multiple locations to reduce arc intensity.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2005Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: Cooper Technologies CompanyInventors: David Charles Hughes, Brian Todd Steinbrecher
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Patent number: 7182647Abstract: A device includes a first conductive member configured to be electrically coupled to a first component and a second conductive member configured to be electrically coupled to a second component. The second conductive member is separated from the first conductive member by a gap. A conductive connecting member is moveable to make an electrical connection between the first and second conductive members across the gap. A housing receives the first conductive member, the second conductive member, and the connecting member. The housing includes an insulating layer and a conductive layer. The movement of the connecting member to make the electrical connection is visible through at least a portion of the insulating layer and the conductive layer.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2004Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: Cooper Technologies CompanyInventors: Frank John Muench, Brian Todd Steinbrecher, Edine Mary Heinig, David Charles Hughes
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Patent number: 6744255Abstract: A grounding and testing device for power distribution systems includes an electrically insulated housing with a bore that extends from an aperture at a front of the housing towards a rear of the housing. An electrical contact is disposed at least partially within the bore, and the bore, aperture, and conductive contact are adapted to mate with a bushing. A current interrupter, such as a current limiting fuse, is electrically connected between the contact and a grounding cable. An annunciator is connected to the current interrupter such that the annunciator provides an indication when a current flows through the current interrupter. A lead is electrically connected to the contact to provide a connection point for a permanent ground connection.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2002Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: McGraw -Edison CompanyInventors: Brian Todd Steinbrecher, Frank John Muench, Jr., John Mitchell Makal, David Charles Hughes