Patents by Inventor Carl J. Wentzel

Carl J. Wentzel 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: 11604215
    Abstract: A sensor for a separable connector comprises a plug body comprising an insulating resin, the plug body configured to be inserted into the separable connector to encase a high voltage conductor disposed in the separable connector. The sensor also includes one or more high voltage capacitors encased by the insulating resin and configured to be electrically coupled to the separable connector at a first end portion when the plug body is inserted and one or more low voltage capacitors electrically coupled in series to the one or more high voltage capacitors to form a capacitive voltage divider. The sensor also includes a low voltage connection configured to provide a low voltage signal corresponding to a high voltage signal present in the separable connector, the low voltage connection comprising a coaxial contact having a first metal contact and a second metal contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Christopher R. Wilson, Laszlo Markos, Carl J. Wentzel, Richard D. Twigg
  • Patent number: 11525843
    Abstract: A sensor for a separable connector includes a plug body, one or more high voltage capacitors, one or more low voltage capacitors, and a low voltage connection. The plug body includes an insulating resin. The plug body can be inserted into the separable connector to encase a high voltage conductor disposed in the separable connector. The one or more high voltage capacitors are encased by the insulating resin and can be electrically coupled to the separable connector at a first end portion when the plug body is inserted. The one or more low to voltage capacitors are electrically coupled in series to the one or more high voltage capacitors to form a capacitive voltage divider. The low voltage connection provides a low voltage signal corresponding to a high voltage signal present in the separable connector. Signal conditioning electronics or a memory may also be included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jaylon D. Loyd, Christopher R. Wilson, Carl J. Wentzel
  • Patent number: 11262387
    Abstract: A device to measure the voltage at a test point, also referred to as a test point voltage sensor, comprises a housing formed from a first material and a second material, wherein the first material comprises an insulating material and the second material comprises a conductive or semiconductive material. The housing includes an opening configured to cover a test point of a cable accessory. The device further includes a pressure pad, disposed in the housing, having a conductive mating surface configured to contact a test point of the basic insulation plug or end plug. The device further includes a low side capacitor embedded in the housing and electrically coupled to the conductive mating surface. The device further includes a signal wire electrically coupled to the low side capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David V. Mahoney, Carl J. Wentzel, Shuguang Wu, Laszlo Markos, Andrew C. Lottes, James S. McHattie, Christopher R. Wilson, Richard D. Twigg, Pete D. Jordan, Sean C. Davis
  • Publication number: 20210382090
    Abstract: A sensor for a separable connector includes a plug body, one or more high voltage capacitors, one or more low voltage capacitors, and a low voltage connection. The plug body includes an insulating resin. The plug body can be inserted into the separable connector to encase a high voltage conductor disposed in the separable connector. The one or more high voltage capacitors are encased by the insulating resin and can be electrically coupled to the separable connector at a first end portion when the plug body is inserted. The one or more low to voltage capacitors are electrically coupled in series to the one or more high voltage capacitors to form a capacitive voltage divider. The low voltage connection provides a low voltage signal corresponding to a high voltage signal present in the separable connector. Signal conditioning electronics or a memory may also be included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2021
    Publication date: December 9, 2021
    Inventors: Jaylon D. Loyd, Christopher R. Wilson, Carl J. Wentzel
  • Publication number: 20210373063
    Abstract: Techniques, systems and articles are described for monitoring electrical equipment of a power grid and predicting likelihood failure events of such electrical equipment. In one example, a system includes an article of electrical equipment, at least one processor, and a storage device. The article of electrical equipment includes one or more sensors that are configured to generate sensor data indicative of one or more conditions of the article of electrical equipment. The storage device includes instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to: receive the sensor data; determine, based at least in part on the sensor data, a health of the article of electrical equipment; and responsive to determining the health of the article of electrical equipment, perform an operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Inventors: Douglas B. Gundel, Carl J. Wentzel
  • Publication number: 20210278442
    Abstract: A sensor for a separable connector comprising an elongate insulating plug body extending along an axis. The sensor includes a high voltage connection at least partially encased by the insulating resin and comprising a receptacle configured to receive a high voltage conductor of the separable connector. The sensor also includes a high voltage capacitor comprising an insulating element at least partially encased by the insulating resin. An inner conductive layer is disposed on the inner surface of the insulating element and is electrically coupled to the high voltage connection. An outer conductive layer is disposed on the outer surface of the insulating element being capacitively coupled to the inner conductive layer. A low voltage connection is coupled to the outer conductive layer and one or more low voltage capacitors are electrically coupled to the low voltage connection to form a capacitive voltage divider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Inventors: Christopher R. WILSON, Jaylon D. LOYD, Carl J. WENTZEL
  • Patent number: 11099214
    Abstract: A sensor for a separable connector includes a plug body, one or more high voltage capacitors, one or more low voltage capacitors, and a low voltage connection. The plug body includes an insulating resin. The plug body can be inserted into the separable connector to encase a high voltage conductor disposed in the separable connector. The one or more high voltage capacitors are encased by the insulating resin and can be electrically coupled to the separable connector at a first end portion when the plug body is inserted. The one or more low voltage capacitors are electrically coupled in series to the one or more high voltage capacitors to form a capacitive voltage divider. The low voltage connection provides a low voltage signal corresponding to a high voltage signal present in the separable connector. Signal conditioning electronics or a memory may also be included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jaylon D. Loyd, Christopher R. Wilson, Carl J. Wentzel
  • Publication number: 20210239743
    Abstract: A sensor for a separable connector comprises a plug body comprising an insulating resin, the plug body configured to be inserted into the separable connector to encase a high voltage conductor disposed in the separable connector. The sensor also includes one or more high voltage capacitors encased by the insulating resin and configured to be electrically coupled to the separable connector at a first end portion when the plug body is inserted and one or more low voltage capacitors electrically coupled in series to the one or more high voltage capacitors to form a capacitive voltage divider. The sensor also includes a low voltage connection configured to provide a low voltage signal corresponding to a high voltage signal present in the separable connector, the low voltage connection comprising a coaxial contact having a first metal contact and a second metal contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2021
    Publication date: August 5, 2021
    Inventors: Christopher R. Wilson, Laszlo Markos, Carl J. Wentzel, Richard D. Twigg
  • Publication number: 20210239738
    Abstract: A sensor for a separable connector includes an elongate plug body extending along an axis and includes an insulating resin. The plug body includes a high voltage connection at least partially encased by the insulating resin and includes a low voltage connection spaced along the axis from the high voltage connection. The plug body also includes a substrate at least partially encased in the insulating resin and extending around the axis between a high voltage portion and a low voltage portion of the substrate. A circuit is disposed on the substrate and extends from the high voltage portion to the low voltage portion of the substrate. The circuit includes a plurality of first impedance elements electrically coupled between the high and low voltage connections. One or more second impedance elements are electrically coupled to the circuit via the low voltage connection to form a voltage divider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2019
    Publication date: August 5, 2021
    Inventors: Jaylon D. Loyd, Christopher R. Wilson, Carl J. Wentzel, Richard D. Twigg, Harald Westkamp, Mark Gravermann, Gunther A. J. Stollwerck, Jens Weichold
  • Patent number: 10983148
    Abstract: A sensor for a separable connector comprises a plug body comprising an insulating resin, the plug body configured to be inserted into the separable connector to encase a high voltage conductor disposed in the separable connector. The sensor also includes one or more high voltage capacitors encased by the insulating resin and configured to be electrically coupled to the separable connector at a first end portion when the plug body is inserted and one or more low voltage capacitors electrically coupled in series to the one or more high voltage capacitors to form a capacitive voltage divider. The sensor also includes a low voltage connection configured to provide a low voltage signal corresponding to a high voltage signal present in the separable connector, the low voltage connection comprising a coaxial contact having a first metal contact and a second metal contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Christopher R. Wilson, Laszlo Markos, Carl J. Wentzel, Richard D. Twigg
  • Patent number: 10761117
    Abstract: A voltage sensor comprises a conductor (102) having a first end (101) and a second end (103), the first end including a first connection interface (150) and the second end having no connection, and a sensor section (125) including at least one sensor disposed over the conductor, the sensor sensing the sensor sensing at least a voltage or a sample of the voltage of the conductor. The voltage sensor is coupleable to a power line or cable, such as an overhead power line or cable, or a cable accessory, and can also be used in underground applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Carl J. Wentzel, Christopher D. Sebesta
  • Publication number: 20200158762
    Abstract: A sensor for a separable connector comprises a plug body comprising an insulating resin, the plug body configured to be inserted into the separable connector to encase a high voltage conductor disposed in the separable connector. The sensor also includes one or more high voltage capacitors encased by the insulating resin and configured to be electrically coupled to the separable connector at a first end portion when the plug body is inserted and one or more low voltage capacitors electrically coupled in series to the one or more high voltage capacitors to form a capacitive voltage divider. The sensor also includes a low voltage connection configured to provide a low voltage signal corresponding to a high voltage signal present in the separable connector, the low voltage connection comprising a coaxial contact having a first metal contact and a second metal contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Publication date: May 21, 2020
    Inventors: Christopher R. Wilson, Laszlo Markos, Carl J. Wentzel, Richard D. Twigg
  • Publication number: 20200110114
    Abstract: A device to measure the voltage at a test point, also referred to as a test point voltage sensor, comprises a housing formed from a first material and a second material, wherein the first material comprises an insulating material and the second material comprises a conductive or semiconductive material. The housing includes an opening configured to cover a test point of a cable accessory. The device further includes a pressure pad, disposed in the housing, having a conductive mating surface configured to contact a test point of the basic insulation plug or end plug. The device further includes a low side capacitor embedded in the housing and electrically coupled to the conductive mating surface. The device further includes a signal wire electrically coupled to the low side capacitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Publication date: April 9, 2020
    Inventors: David V. Mahoney, Carl J. Wentzel, Shuguang WU, Laszlo Markos, Andrew C. Lottes, James S. McHattie, Christopher R. Wilson, Richard D. Twigg, Pete D. Jordan, Sean C. Davis
  • Publication number: 20200064376
    Abstract: A sensor for a separable connector includes a plug body, one or more high voltage capacitors, one or more low voltage capacitors, and a low voltage connection. The plug body includes an insulating resin. The plug body can be inserted into the separable connector to encase a high voltage conductor disposed in the separable connector. The one or more high voltage capacitors are encased by the insulating resin and can be electrically coupled to the separable connector at a first end portion when the plug body is inserted. The one or more low voltage capacitors are electrically coupled in series to the one or more high voltage capacitors to form a capacitive voltage divider. The low voltage connection provides a low voltage signal corresponding to a high voltage signal present in the separable connector. Signal conditioning electronics or a memory may also be included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Inventors: Jaylon D. Loyd, Christopher R. Wilson, Carl J. Wentzel
  • Patent number: 10145864
    Abstract: A sensored electrical jumper comprises a conductor having a first end and a second end, the first end including a first connection interface and the second end including a second connection interface, a sensor section including at least one sensor disposed over the conductor between the first and second ends, the sensor section sensing at least one of current and voltage of the conductor, and a sensor output conduit extending from the sensor and oriented substantially perpendicular to the conductor axis to protect at least one sensor output wire from leakage current or other potential electrical damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Carl J. Wentzel
  • Publication number: 20180292435
    Abstract: A voltage sensor comprises a conductor (102) having a first end (101) and a second end (103), the first end including a first connection interface (150) and the second end having no connection, and a sensor section (125) including at least one sensor disposed over the conductor, the sensor sensing the sensor sensing at least a voltage or a sample of the voltage of the conductor. The voltage sensor is coupleable to a power line or cable, such as an overhead power line or cable, or a cable accessory, and can also be used in underground applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: Carl J. Wentzel, Christopher D. Sebesta
  • Patent number: 9742180
    Abstract: A terminal connection device comprises a contiguous body disposed onto an inner conductor. The inner conductor includes a first end mateable with a power cable connector and a second end. The body comprises a multilayer structure having an inner conductive or semiconductive layer disposed over at least a portion of the power cable connector, an insulating layer and an outer conductive or semiconductive layer. The body surrounds the first end of the inner conductor and extending towards the second end of the inner conductor. The body can also include an electrically isolated section of conductive or semiconductive material. The terminal connection device can be a fully integrated structure, having a pre-installed connection interface, or the terminal connection device can be configured as an adapter which can be mounted in the field to a connection interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Carl J. Wentzel, Christopher D. Sebesta, Jaylon D. Loyd, David V. Mahoney, Michael D. Benson, Levent Biyikli, Jens Weichold, Mark Gravermann, Giuliano Bolcato
  • Publication number: 20170184634
    Abstract: A sensored electrical jumper comprises a conductor having a first end and a second end, the first end including a first connection interface and the second end including a second connection interface, a sensor section including at least one sensor disposed over the conductor between the first and second ends, the sensor section sensing at least one of current and voltage of the conductor, and a sensor output conduit extending from the sensor and oriented substantially perpendicular to the conductor axis to protect at least one sensor output wire from leakage current or other potential electrical damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Publication date: June 29, 2017
    Inventor: Carl J. Wentzel
  • Publication number: 20160134094
    Abstract: A terminal connection device comprises a contiguous body disposed onto an inner conductor. The inner conductor includes a first end mateable with a power cable connector and a second end. The body comprises a multilayer structure having an inner conductive or semiconductive layer disposed over at least a portion of the power cable connector, an insulating layer and an outer conductive or semiconductive layer. The body surrounds the first end of the inner conductor and extending towards the second end of the inner conductor. The body can also include an electrically isolated section of conductive or semiconductive material. The terminal connection device can be a fully integrated structure, having a pre-installed connection interface, or the terminal connection device can be configured as an adapter which can be mounted in the field to a connection interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: Carl J. Wentzel, Christopher D. Sebesta, Jaylon D. Loyd, David V. Mahoney, Michael D. Benson, Levent Biyikli, Jens Weichold, Mark Gravermann, Giuliano Bolcato
  • Patent number: 9136687
    Abstract: Provided is an article comprising a flexible tube having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end and a second end, the inner surface at least partially covered with a low friction material. Also provided is an article comprising a cold shrinkable sleeve disposed on a tubular support core in a stretched condition, at least a portion of the cold shrinkable sleeve folded such that at least one portion of the cold shrinkable sleeve overlaps another portion of the cold shrinkable sleeve, wherein a flexible tube having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end and a second end, the inner surface at least partially covered with a low friction material, is positioned between the overlapping portions of the cold shrinkable sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kevin L. Gassaway, William L. Taylor, Carl J. Wentzel, Kim P. Mulvey, James B. Nickerson