Patents by Inventor Craig B. Williams
Craig B. Williams 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: 10243345Abstract: A circuit breaker is described herein. In one aspect, the circuit breaker includes a communication module, a non-transitory memory device, and a memory controller. The communication module is configured to receive protection settings and breaker information from a trip unit coupled to the communication module. The protection settings and the breaker information are received upon powering-on the trip unit. The non-transitory memory device is configured to store the protection settings and the breaker information associated with the circuit breaker. The memory controller is configured to cause the protection settings and the breaker information received to be written to the non-transitory memory device.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2015Date of Patent: March 26, 2019Assignee: AB Schweiz AGInventors: Craig B. Williams, Srinath Topucharla, Arun Kumar Singh, Jeyaprakash Kandasamy, Alok Kumar Bharati
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Publication number: 20170005462Abstract: A circuit breaker is described herein. In one aspect, the circuit breaker includes a communication module, a non-transitory memory device, and a memory controller. The communication module is configured to receive protection settings and breaker information from a trip unit coupled to the communication module. The protection settings and the breaker information are received upon powering-on the trip unit. The non-transitory memory device is configured to store the protection settings and the breaker information associated with the circuit breaker. The memory controller is configured to cause the protection settings and the breaker information received to be written to the non-transitory memory device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2015Publication date: January 5, 2017Inventors: Craig B. Williams, Srinath Topucharla, Arun Kumar Singh, Jeyaprakash Kandasamy, Alok Kumar Bharati
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Patent number: 8593133Abstract: A current measuring system for measuring a current through a conductor is described. The system includes a first sensor configured to measure a first magnetic flux and to generate a first signal proportional to the first magnetic flux. The system also includes a second sensor configured to measure a second magnetic flux and to provide a second signal proportional to the second magnetic flux, the second sensor having a higher sensitivity to stray magnetic fields than the first sensor. The system also includes a processor coupled to the first sensor and the second sensor and configured to receive the first signal and the second signal. The processor is further configured to determine a presence of a stray magnetic field by comparing the first signal and the second signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2010Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Craig B. Williams
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Patent number: 8589094Abstract: A method of setting a ground fault trip response function for a trip unit includes enabling a ground fault protection mode for the trip unit, setting the ground fault trip response function for the trip unit, wherein the ground fault trip response function is a double knee time current function.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2009Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Carmine Giglio, Todd Greenwood, Marcelo Esteban Valdes, Nataniel Barbosa Vicente, Craig B. Williams
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Patent number: 8400321Abstract: An electronic trip device is described that includes a test signal generator coupled to at least one of a line conductor and a neutral conductor and configured to create a test signal. The electronic trip device also includes a leakage current detection circuit configured to compare a current in the line conductor and a current in the neutral conductor, the leakage current detection circuit configured to output an error signal if the test signal is not detected.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2010Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Craig B. Williams
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Patent number: 8280670Abstract: A circuit breaker includes an actuator, a switching device connected to the actuator, and a test unit configured to test a connection between the actuator and the switching device by detecting a first connection voltage at the connection between the actuator and the switching device. The test unit is further configured to test the operation of the switching device by turning the switching device on without operating the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2009Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Craig B. Williams
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Publication number: 20120169328Abstract: A current measuring system for measuring a current through a conductor is described. The system includes a first sensor configured to measure a first magnetic flux and to generate a first signal proportional to the first magnetic flux. The system also includes a second sensor configured to measure a second magnetic flux and to provide a second signal proportional to the second magnetic flux, the second sensor having a higher sensitivity to stray magnetic fields than the first sensor. The system also includes a processor coupled to the first sensor and the second sensor and configured to receive the first signal and the second signal. The processor is further configured to determine a presence of a stray magnetic field by comparing the first signal and the second signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2010Publication date: July 5, 2012Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventor: Craig B. Williams
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Publication number: 20120119918Abstract: An electronic trip device is described that includes a test signal generator coupled to at least one of a line conductor and a neutral conductor and configured to create a test signal. The electronic trip device also includes a leakage current detection circuit configured to compare a current in the line conductor and a current in the neutral conductor, the leakage current detection circuit configured to output an error signal if the test signal is not detected.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2010Publication date: May 17, 2012Inventor: Craig B. Williams
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Publication number: 20110054713Abstract: A method of setting a ground fault trip response function for a trip unit includes enabling a ground fault protection mode for the trip unit, setting the ground fault trip response function for the trip unit, wherein the ground fault trip response function is a double knee time current function.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2009Publication date: March 3, 2011Inventors: Carmine Giglio, Todd Greenwood, Marcelo Esteban Valdes, Nataniel Barbosa Vicente, Craig B. Williams
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Publication number: 20100165520Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a circuit breaker includes an electronics unit, the electronics unit being configured to generate a re-occurring signal, and a self-test trip unit in signal communication with the electronics unit and being configured to receive the re-occurring signal and effect tripping of the circuit breaker.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2008Publication date: July 1, 2010Inventor: Craig B. Williams
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Patent number: 7692903Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the operation of a solenoid in a circuit breaker includes a control circuit configured to receive an activation signal in response to a predetermined condition. The control circuit, in response to said activation signal, provides a first energizing signal to the solenoid for a first predetermined period, and cuts off the first energizing signal for a second predetermined period. The control circuit further provides a second energizing signal to the solenoid for a third predetermined period.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Sean Dwyer, Henry Hall Mason, Jr., Cecil Rivers, Jr., Sohaib Uddin Shaikh, Craig B. Williams
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Patent number: 7656641Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the operation of a solenoid includes a control circuit configured to receive an activation signal in response to a predetermined condition. The control circuit, in response to said activation signal, provides a first energizing signal to the solenoid for a first predetermined period, and cuts off the first energizing signal for a second predetermined period. The control circuit further provides a second energizing signal to the solenoid for a third predetermined period.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2006Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Henry Hall Mason, Jr., Craig B. Williams, Cecil Rivers, Jr., Sohaib U. Shaikh, Sean R. Dwyer
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Publication number: 20080151463Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the operation of a solenoid in a circuit breaker includes a control circuit configured to receive an activation signal in response to a predetermined condition. The control circuit, in response to said activation signal, provides a first energizing signal to the solenoid for a first predetermined period, and cuts off the first energizing signal for a second predetermined period. The control circuit further provides a second energizing signal to the solenoid for a third predetermined period.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventors: Sean Dwyer, Henry Hall Mason, Cecil Rivers, Sohaib Uddin Shaikh, Craig B. Williams
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Publication number: 20080151462Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the operation of a solenoid includes a control circuit configured to receive an activation signal in response to a predetermined condition. The control circuit, in response to said activation signal, provides a first energizing signal to the solenoid for a first predetermined period, and cuts off the first energizing signal for a second predetermined period. The control circuit further provides a second energizing signal to the solenoid for a third predetermined period.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2006Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventors: Henry Hall Mason, Craig B. Williams, Cecil Rivers, Sohaib U. Shaikh, Sean R. Dwyer
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Patent number: 7108101Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming cast members. Steps are provided in the cast member by sliding mounting flanges of hollow plastic step inserts into slots provided in the inner mold shell. The cast material is then poured into the mold. Once the cast material has set, the cast member is withdrawn from the mold assembly. The step insert mounting flanges are broken away, leaving hollow step inserts into which manhole steps are force-fittingly mounted. The inserts are provided with integral cover tabs which cover larger slots provided to facilitate insertion of the step inserts, preventing leakage of the cast material into the mold assembly. Integral cover tabs are similarly provided on enforcement ring support members mounted in a similar fashion to insertion slots provided on one of the mold members to cover larger width slot portions to prevent seepage of cast material. Similar seals are provided by cylindrical-shaped inserts for use in wetcast and drycast fabrication methods.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 1999Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: Poly-Tec Products, Inc.Inventors: James A. Westhoff, James A. Kelly, Craig B. Williams
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Patent number: 7075310Abstract: A device for testing for a wiring fault condition is disclosed. The device includes an electrical connector, a first signal generator, a second signal generator, and a user interface. The electrical connector includes first and second contacts that are configured to establish an electrical connection to the wiring. The first signal generator is in signal communication with the electrical connector, and is configured to generate a signal on the wiring and to receive a reflected signal therefrom. The second signal generator is in signal communication with the electrical connector, and is configured to generate a radio frequency signal on the wiring. The user interface is in signal communication with either or both of the first and second signal generators.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2004Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Henry H. Mason, Jr., Craig B. Williams, Michael S. Tignor, Geoff Butland, Michael Bradley, Greg Lavoie, Raymond Seymour
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Patent number: 7061349Abstract: A circuit breaker configured to be remotely operated is disclosed. The circuit breaker includes a set of main contacts configured to connect between an electrical source and an electrical load, an operating mechanism in operable communication to open and close the main contacts, and a remotely operable drive system configured to open and close the main contacts separate from actuation of the operating mechanism. The drive system includes a motor responsive to first and second control signals, a primary drive responsive to the motor, and an opening spring responsive to the primary drive, the main contacts being responsive to the opening spring. In response to the first control signal, the primary drive moves to charge the opening spring, and in response to the second control signal and the main contacts being closed, the primary drive moves to allow the opening spring to discharge thereby resulting in the main contacts opening independent of the motor.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2005Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Roger Castonguay, Joseph G. Nagy, Narayansamy Soundararajan, Dennis Zuffelato, Craig B. Williams, Heather Pugliese
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Patent number: D615849Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2009Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: American Step Company, Inc.Inventor: Craig B. Williams
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Patent number: D627210Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2010Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: American Step Company, Inc.Inventor: Craig B. Williams
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Patent number: D645731Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2010Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: American Step Company, Inc.Inventor: Craig B. Williams