Patents by Inventor Chris Engelbecht

Chris Engelbecht 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: 9261549
    Abstract: A sensor apparatus for detecting leakage current in a suspension-type insulator of an electrical power system is disclosed. The sensor apparatus includes a housing having a leakage current sensor contained therein, a door pivotally connected to the housing and adapted to move between an open position where a grounded end fitting of the insulator is received by the sensor apparatus and a closed position, and a clamping mechanism connected to the housing. The leakage current sensor is adapted to detect a leakage current along the insulator. The clamping mechanism is adapted to clamp the sensor apparatus to the grounded end fitting of the insulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew John Phillips, Chris Engelbecht, J. Mark Major, Bob Lynch
  • Patent number: 9214827
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of harvesting power for charging batteries of a robot traversing an overhead transmission conductor is disclosed. The apparatus is adapted to harvest power from the overhead transmission conductor and provide a DC voltage for charging a battery and includes a first shield wire bonded to a structure that is grounded to the earth, a second shield wire isolated from the structure, and a charging station. The first shield wire, second shield wire, structure, and earth form a loop into which induced currents flow. The charging station is electrically connected to the second shield wire and adapted to convert induced currents flowing along the second shield wire into a DC voltage for charging a battery of the charging station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew John Phillips, Chris Engelbecht, Eric Engdahl