Patents by Inventor Bruce F. Macbeth

Bruce F. Macbeth 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).

  • Patent number: 10476254
    Abstract: An electrical wiring device including: a housing, a plurality of terminals electrically connected to a contact structure including a conductive member having at least one contact, wherein in response to a make-force each contact structure is configured to perform a first movement to electrically connect each of the contacts on each contact structure to one of the contacts on a different one of the fixed contact structures in the reset state, thereby electrically connecting the terminals in the reset state; a circuit interrupting assembly being configured to perform a first linear movement in response to a break-force in order to cause each contact structure to perform a second movement in a direction opposite the first movement to decouple each of the contacts on each contact structure from one of the contacts on a different one of the fixed contact structures thereby decoupling the terminals to effect a tripped state; a protective electrical assembly, and a latching element configured to restrain the circuit
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Weeks, Kent R. Morgan, Jeffrey C. Richards, Gerald R. Savicki, Jr., Bruce F. Macbeth
  • Patent number: 10012718
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes a test circuit that is configured to generate a recurring simulated fault signal. A detection circuit is configured to generate a test detection signal in response to the recurring simulated fault signal. An end-of-life monitor circuit is configured to generate an end-of-life detection signal if the test detection signal is not generated within a first predetermined period of time. At least one indicator is configured to emit an indication signal in response to the end-of-life detection signal. A response mechanism is configured to decouple the plurality of line terminals from the plurality of load terminals after a second predetermined period of time has elapsed following the end-of-life detection signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: PASS & SEYMOUR, INC.
    Inventors: Bruce F. Macbeth, David A. Finlay, Sr., Jeffrey C. Richards
  • Publication number: 20180145500
    Abstract: An electrical wiring device including: a housing, a plurality of terminals electrically connected to a contact structure including a conductive member having at least one contact, wherein in response to a make-force each contact structure is configured to perform a first movement to electrically connect each of the contacts on each contact structure to one of the contacts on a different one of the fixed contact structures in the reset state, thereby electrically connecting the terminals in the reset state; a circuit interrupting assembly being configured to perform a first linear movement in response to a break-force in order to cause each contact structure to perform a second movement in a direction opposite the first movement to decouple each of the contacts on each contact structure from one of the contacts on a different one of the fixed contact structures thereby decoupling the terminals to effect a tripped state; a protective electrical assembly, and a latching element configured to restrain the circuit
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Publication date: May 24, 2018
    Applicant: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Weeks, Kent R. Morgan, Jeffrey C. Richards, Gerald R. Savicki, Bruce F. Macbeth
  • Patent number: 9876345
    Abstract: An electrical wiring device including: a housing, a plurality of line terminals, feed-through load terminals and receptacle load terminals electrically connected to a pivotable contact structure or to a fixed contact structure comprising a conductive member having at least one contact positioned thereon, wherein in response to a make-force each pivotable contact structure is configured to perform a first pivotable movement to electrically connect each of the contacts on each pivotable contact structure to one of the contacts on a different one of the fixed contact structures in the reset state, thereby electrically connecting the terminals in the reset state; a circuit interrupting assembly including at least one breaking element being configured to perform a first linear movement in a first direction in response to a break-force in order to cause each pivotable contact structure to perform a second pivotable movement in a direction opposite the first pivotable movement to decouple each of the contacts on eac
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Weeks, Kent R. Morgan, Jeffrey C. Richards, Gerald R. Savicki, Jr., Bruce F. Macbeth
  • Publication number: 20170244237
    Abstract: An electrical wiring device including: a housing, a plurality of line terminals, feed-through load terminals and receptacle load terminals electrically connected to a pivotable contact structure or to a fixed contact structure comprising a conductive member having at least one contact positioned thereon, wherein in response to a make-force each pivotable contact structure is configured to perform a first pivotable movement to electrically connect each of the contacts on each pivotable contact structure to one of the contacts on a different one of the fixed contact structures in the reset state, thereby electrically connecting the terminals in the reset state; a circuit interrupting assembly including at least one breaking element being configured to perform a first linear movement in a first direction in response to a break-force in order to cause each pivotable contact structure to perform a second pivotable movement in a direction opposite the first pivotable movement to decouple each of the contacts on eac
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicant: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Weeks, Kent R. Morgan, Jeffrey C. Richards, Gerald R. Savicki, JR., Bruce F. Macbeth
  • Patent number: 9647447
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes a circuit interrupter assembly coupled to a solenoid actuator and configured to move along an assembly axis in a direction normal to a major surface of the electrical isolation member to provide electrical continuity between the plurality of line terminals, the plurality of load terminals and the plurality of receptacle contact structures in a reset state and to interrupt the electrical continuity to effect a tripped state. The circuit interrupter assembly including at least one portion configured to pivot relative to the assembly axis to effect the reset state or the tripped state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: PASS & SEYMOUR, INC.
    Inventors: Richard Weeks, Kent R. Morgan, Jeffrey C. Richards, Gerald R. Savicki, Jr., Bruce F. Macbeth
  • Patent number: 9484735
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes a circuit interrupter assembly coupled to a solenoid actuator and configured to move along an assembly axis in a direction normal to a major surface of the electrical isolation member to provide electrical continuity between the plurality of line terminals, the plurality of load terminals and the plurality of receptacle contact structures in a reset state and to interrupt the electrical continuity to effect a tripped state. The circuit interrupter assembly including at least one portion configured to pivot relative to the assembly axis to effect the reset state or the tripped state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Weeks, Kent R. Morgan, Jeffrey C. Richards, Gerald R. Savicki, Jr., Bruce F. Macbeth
  • Publication number: 20160240341
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes a circuit interrupter assembly coupled to a solenoid actuator and configured to move along an assembly axis in a direction normal to a major surface of the electrical isolation member to provide electrical continuity between the plurality of line terminals, the plurality of load terminals and the plurality of receptacle contact structures in a reset state and to interrupt the electrical continuity to effect a tripped state. The circuit interrupter assembly including at least one portion configured to pivot relative to the assembly axis to effect the reset state or the tripped state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicant: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Weeks, Kent R. Morgan, Jeffrey C. Richards, Gerald R. Savicki, JR., Bruce F. Macbeth
  • Publication number: 20160211659
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes a circuit interrupter assembly coupled to a solenoid actuator and configured to move along an assembly axis in a direction normal to a major surface of the electrical isolation member to provide electrical continuity between the plurality of line terminals, the plurality of load terminals and the plurality of receptacle contact structures in a reset state and to interrupt the electrical continuity to effect a tripped state. The circuit interrupter assembly including at least one portion configured to pivot relative to the assembly axis to effect the reset state or the tripped state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Applicant: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Weeks, Kent R. Morgan, Jeffrey C. Richards, Gerald R. Savicki, JR., Bruce F. Macbeth
  • Patent number: 9362077
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes a plurality of line terminals, a plurality of feed-through load terminals, and at least one set of receptacle load terminals. A circuit interrupter assembly includes a plurality of movable interconnection members. Each movable interconnection member includes a first interconnecting contact disposed on a first side thereof and a second interconnecting contact disposed on a second side thereof. The first interconnecting contact and the second interconnecting contact are offset from one another in a direction substantially orthogonal to a direction of movement. The movable interconnection members are movable in the direction of movement between a reset position wherein the line terminals, the feed-through load terminals and the receptacle load terminals are electrically connected, and a tripped position wherein the the various terminals are electrically disconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: PASS & SEYMOUR, INC.
    Inventors: David A. Finlay, Sr., Bruce F. Macbeth, Kent R. Morgan, Patrick J. Murphy, Thomas N. Packard, Jeffrey C Richards, Gerald R. Savicki, Jr., Richard Weeks
  • Patent number: 9299521
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes a circuit interrupter assembly coupled to a solenoid actuator and configured to move along an assembly axis in a direction normal to a major surface of the electrical isolation member to provide electrical continuity between the plurality of line terminals, the plurality of load terminals and the plurality of receptacle contact structures in a reset state and to interrupt the electrical continuity to effect a tripped state. The circuit interrupter assembly including at least one portion configured to pivot relative to the assembly axis to effect the reset state or the tripped state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Weeks, Kent R. Morgan, Jeffrey C. Richards, Gerald R. Savicki, Jr., Bruce F. Macbeth
  • Publication number: 20150219740
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes a test circuit that is configured to generate a recurring simulated fault signal. A detection circuit is configured to generate a test detection signal in response to the recurring simulated fault signal. An end-of-life monitor circuit is configured to generate an end-of-life detection signal if the test detection signal is not generated within a first predetermined period of time. At least one indicator is configured to emit an indication signal in response to the end-of-life detection signal. A response mechanism is configured to decouple the plurality of line terminals from the plurality of load terminals after a second predetermined period of time has elapsed following the end-of-life detection signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Publication date: August 6, 2015
    Applicant: PASS & SEYMOUR, INC.
    Inventors: Bruce F. Macbeth, David A. Finlay, SR., Jeffrey C. Richards
  • Patent number: 9007063
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes a test circuit that is configured to generate a recurring simulated fault signal. A detection circuit is configured to generate a test detection signal in response to the recurring simulated fault signal. An end-of-life monitor circuit is configured to generate an end-of-life detection signal if the test detection signal is not generated within a first predetermined period of time. At least one indicator is configured to emit an indication signal in response to the end-of-life detection signal. A response mechanism is configured to decouple the plurality of line terminals from the plurality of load terminals after a second predetermined period of time has elapsed following the end-of-life detection signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce F. Macbeth, Jeffrey C. Richards, David A. Finlay, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8446151
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes at least one user accessible input mechanism and a test assembly configured to initiate a self-test in response to stimulus signal. The self test determines whether a sensor, a fault detection circuit or a circuit interrupter assembly are in an operational mode or are in a failure mode, the reset stimulus being provided in the operational mode and a reset lockout stimulus being provided in the failure mode. The device also including a reset lockout mechanism coupled to the circuit interrupter assembly and the test assembly. The reset lockout mechanism is configured to disable the reset stimulus in response to the reset lockout stimulus if any one of the at least one sensor, at least one fault detection circuit, or circuit interrupter assembly is determined to be in the failure mode after a predetermined time elapses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: Dejan Radosavljevic, Thomas N. Packard, Bruce F. Macbeth, James P. Romano
  • Patent number: 8299799
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes an actuator assembly that is responsive to the fault detection signal. The actuator assembly includes a breaker coil configured to generate an actuation force in response to being energized. A circuit interrupter includes four sets of movable contacts configured to be driven into a reset state in response to a reset stimulus, the four sets of movable contacts being configured to be driven into a tripped state in response to the actuation force. A self-test circuit is coupled to the plurality of line terminals or the at least one sensor. The self-test circuit is configured to automatically generate a test signal from time to time during a predetermined portion of an AC power line cycle. The self-test circuit is configured such that the test signal is sensed by the at least one sensor when the at least one sensor is operational, the sensor output signal being a function of the test signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Finlay, Sr., Bruce F. Macbeth, Kent R. Morgan, Patrick J. Murphy, Thomas N. Packard, Jeffrey C. Richards, Gerald R. Savicki, Jr., Richard Weeks
  • Publication number: 20120217970
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes a test circuit that is configured to generate a recurring simulated fault signal. A detection circuit is configured to generate a test detection signal in response to the recurring simulated fault signal. An end-of-life monitor circuit is configured to generate an end-of-life detection signal if the test detection signal is not generated within a first predetermined period of time. At least one indicator is configured to emit an indication signal in response to the end-of-life detection signal. A response mechanism is configured to decouple the plurality of line terminals from the plurality of load terminals after a second predetermined period of time has elapsed following the end-of-life detection signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: PASS & SEYMOUR, INC.
    Inventors: Bruce F. Macbeth, Jeffrey C. Richards, David A. Finlay, SR.
  • Publication number: 20120140369
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes at least one user accessible input mechanism and a test assembly configured to initiate a self-test in response to stimulus signal. The self test determines whether a sensor, a fault detection circuit or a circuit interrupter assembly are in an operational mode or are in a failure mode, the reset stimulus being provided in the operational mode and a reset lockout stimulus being provided in the failure mode. The device also including a reset lockout mechanism coupled to the circuit interrupter assembly and the test assembly. The reset lockout mechanism is configured to disable the reset stimulus in response to the reset lockout stimulus if any one of the at least one sensor, at least one fault detection circuit, or circuit interrupter assembly is determined to be in the failure mode after a predetermined time elapses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: PASS & SEYMOUR, INC.
    Inventors: Dejan Radosavljevic, Thomas N. Packard, Bruce F. Macbeth
  • Patent number: 8125228
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes at least one sensor that provides a sensor output signal corresponding to electrical perturbations propagating on the plurality of line terminals or the plurality of load terminals. A protective circuit assembly configured to detect a fault condition when the sensor output signal substantially corresponds to at least one predetermined fault criterion and generate a trip actuation signal in response thereto. A solenoid coil is configured to generate a trip actuation force in response to the trip actuation signal. A circuit interrupter assembly includes movable contacts configured to be driven into a tripped state in response to the trip actuation force. An automatic fault simulation circuit is configured to generate a self-test signal without execution of software code. The self-test signal is generated such that it is sensed by the at least one sensor if the at least one sensor is operational.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Richards, David A. Finlay, Sr., Bruce F. Macbeth
  • Patent number: 8072718
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a protective device that includes a plurality of line terminals and a plurality of load terminals, the plurality of load terminals including a plurality of hot load terminals and a plurality of neutral load terminals. The device also includes a circuit interrupter having four sets of moveable contacts, the four sets of moveable contacts being configured to couple the plurality of line terminal to the plurality of load terminals in a reset state and to decouple the plurality of line terminals from the plurality of load terminals in a tripped state. A test circuit includes an end of life detection circuit coupled to the plurality of line terminals or the plurality of load terminals by a switch mechanism associated with the four sets of moveable contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: Dejan Radosavljevic, Thomas N. Packard, Bruce F. Macbeth
  • Publication number: 20110148423
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes at least one sensor that provides a sensor output signal corresponding to electrical perturbations propagating on the plurality of line terminals or the plurality of load terminals. A protective circuit assembly configured to detect a fault condition when the sensor output signal substantially corresponds to at least one predetermined fault criterion and generate a trip actuation signal in response thereto. A solenoid coil is configured to generate a trip actuation force in response to the trip actuation signal. A circuit interrupter assembly includes movable contacts configured to be driven into a tripped state in response to the trip actuation force. An automatic fault simulation circuit is configured to generate a self-test signal without execution of software code. The self-test signal is generated such that it is sensed by the at least one sensor if the at least one sensor is operational.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Richards, David A. Finlay, SR., Bruce F. Macbeth, Thomas N. Packard