Patents by Inventor Dave S. Christensen

Dave S. Christensen 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: 6891453
    Abstract: A mechanism for operating a plurality of circuit interruption mechanisms of a circuit breaker, the mechanism applies a uniform force to the circuit interruption mechanisms. The mechanism applies a force to an elongated member for manipulating the circuit interruption mechanisms. The mechanism applies a force to the elongated member at a first position and a second position, the first position and the second position being intermediate to a center of the elongated member and the plurality of circuit interruption mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger Castonguay, Randy Greenberg, Dennis Doughty, Dave S. Christensen
  • Patent number: 6700467
    Abstract: An operating mechanism controls and trips a separable contact structure arranged in a protected circuit. The mechanism includes a frame, a drive member pivotally coupled to the frame, a spring pivotally connecting the drive member to a drive connector, an upper link pivotally seated on the drive connector, a lower link member pivotally coupled to the drive connector, a crank member pivotally coupled to the lower link member for interfacing the separable contact structure, and a cradle member pivotally secured to the frame and pivotally securing the upper link. The cradle member is configured for being releasably engaged by a latch assembly, which is displaced upon occurrence of a predetermined condition in the circuit such as a trip condition. The mechanism is movable between a tripped position, a reset position, an off position, and an on position. Spacers are operatively positioned between movable members, and protrusions are operatively formed on the enclosure of the contact structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Dave S. Christensen, Randy Greenberg, Girish Hassan, Dean A. Robarge
  • Publication number: 20030098224
    Abstract: A mechanism for operating a plurality of circuit interruption mechanisms of a circuit breaker, the mechanism applies a uniform force to the circuit interruption mechanisms. The mechanism applies a force to an elongated member for manipulating the circuit interruption mechanisms. The mechanism applies a force to the elongated member at a first position and a second position, the first position and the second position being intermediate to a center of the elongated member and the plurality of circuit interruption mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Roger Castonguay , Randy Greenberg , Dennis Doughty , Dave S. Christensen
  • Patent number: 6552637
    Abstract: A mechanism for operating a plurality of circuit interruption mechanisms of a circuit breaker, the mechanism applies a uniform force to the circuit interruption mechanisms. The mechanism applies a force to an elongated member for manipulating the circuit interruption mechanisms. The mechanism applies a force to the elongated member at a first position and a second position, the first position and the second position being intermediate to a center of the elongated member and the plurality of circuit interruption mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger Castonguay, Randy Greenburg, Dennis Doughty, Dave S. Christensen
  • Patent number: 6496347
    Abstract: A system that implements a design process having a plurality of sub-processes each having a plurality of sub-steps. The system includes an independent application for implementing the design process. A series of independent sub-process applications each implements one sub-process of the design process. A communications path provides for communications between the design process and each of the sub-process applications. The communications path also provides for communications between each of said plurality of sub-processes. An application library containing a plurality of executable applications is accessible by the design process and sub-processes to access and execute the plurality of application tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Dave S. Christensen, Randall L. Greenberg, Roger Castonguay, Thomas Papallo, Steve L. Mecker
  • Patent number: 6466117
    Abstract: An operating mechanism controls and trips a separable contact structure arranged in a protected circuit. The mechanism includes a frame, a drive member pivotally coupled to the frame, a spring pivotally connecting the drive member to a drive connector, an upper link pivotally seated on the drive connector, a lower link member pivotally coupled to the drive connector, a crank member pivotally coupled to the lower link member for interfacing the separable contact structure, and a cradle member pivotally secured to the frame and pivotally securing the upper link. The cradle member is configured for being releasably engaged by a latch assembly, which is displaced upon occurrence of a predetermined condition in the circuit such as a trip condition. The mechanism is movable between a tripped position, a reset position, an off position, and an on position. Spacers are operatively positioned between movable members, and protrusions are operatively formed on the enclosure of the contact structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Dave S. Christensen, Randy Greenberg, Girish Hassan, Dean A. Robarge
  • Publication number: 20020117387
    Abstract: An auxiliary switch activation mechanism is provided for use with a circuit breaker having an auxiliary switch and an operating mechanism for opening and closing main electrical contacts. The auxiliary switch activation mechanism includes a lever having a first end removably connectable to the operating mechanism, a second end of said lever removably connectable to the auxiliary switch, and a spring, mechanically coupled to the lever, which imparts a rotational bias on the lever. The lever provides an assisting force to the operating mechanism for opening the main electrical contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Dave S. Christensen, Girish Hassan, Dean A. Robarge
  • Patent number: 6400245
    Abstract: A draw out interlock mechanism comprises a draw out trip arm pivotally attached in a draw out circuit breaker and an interlock activating assembly attached to a the draw out circuit breaker. The draw out trip arm comprises a first extension on a first end and a second extension on a second end. The first extension is positioned to interact with a trip latch of the operating mechanism. The interlock activating assembly comprises an extended arm and a camming arm, which are pivotally attached to a pin supported by a mounting bracket attached to the draw out circuit breaker. The extended arm extends through an aperture in the draw out circuit breaker with an end thereof proximate to the second extension of the draw out trip arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Girish Hassan, Dave S. Christensen
  • Patent number: 6388547
    Abstract: An operating mechanism controls and trips a separable contact structure arranged in a protected circuit. The mechanism includes a frame, a drive member pivotally coupled to the frame, a spring pivotally connecting the drive member to a drive connector, an upper link pivotally seated on the drive connector, a lower link member pivotally coupled to the drive connector, a crank member pivotally coupled to the lower link member for interfacing the separable contact structure, and a cradle member pivotally secured to the frame and pivotally securing the upper link. The cradle member is configured for being releasably engaged by a latch assembly, which is displaced upon occurrence of a predetermined condition in the circuit such as a trip condition. The mechanism is movable between a tripped position, a reset position, an off position, and an on position. Spacers are operatively positioned between movable members, and protrusions are operatively formed on the enclosure of the contact structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Dave S. Christensen, Randy Greenberg, Girish Hassan, Dean A. Robarge
  • Publication number: 20020050891
    Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker housing employs a tri-furcated design that imparts structural stability and manufacturing efficiency. The design provides a separate top cover, mid-cover and base wherein the mid-cover wall height to base wall height ratio is such that the stresses imparted upon the base sidewalls when pressures are exerted, for example, by gaseous discharges are withstood.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 1999
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventors: ROGER CASTONGUAY, DAVE S. CHRISTENSEN, DEAN A ROBARGE, RANDY GREENBERG
  • Patent number: 6377144
    Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker housing employs a tri-furcated design that imparts structural stability and manufacturing efficiency. The design provides a separate top cover, mid-cover and base wherein the mid-cover wall height to base wall height ratio is such that the stresses imparted upon the base sidewalls when pressures are exerted, for example, by gaseous discharges are withstood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger Castonguay, Dave S. Christensen, Dean Robarge, Randy Greenberg
  • Publication number: 20020030569
    Abstract: An operating mechanism controls and trips a separable contact structure arranged in a protected circuit. The mechanism includes a frame, a drive member pivotally coupled to the frame, a spring pivotally connecting the drive member to a drive connector, an upper link pivotally seated on the drive connector, a lower link member pivotally coupled to the drive connector, a crank member pivotally coupled to the lower link member for interfacing the separable contact structure, and a cradle member pivotally secured to the frame and pivotally securing the upper link. The cradle member is configured for being releasably engaged by a latch assembly, which is displaced upon occurrence of a predetermined condition in the circuit such as a trip condition. The mechanism is movable between a tripped position, a reset position, an off position, and an on position. Spacers are operatively positioned between movable members, and protrusions are operatively formed on the enclosure of the contact structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Dave S. Christensen, Randy Greenberg, Girish Hassan, Dean A. Robarge
  • Publication number: 20020030570
    Abstract: An operating mechanism controls and trips a separable contact structure arranged in a protected circuit. The mechanism includes a frame, a drive member pivotally coupled to the frame, a spring pivotally connecting the drive member to a drive connector, an upper link pivotally seated on the drive connector, a lower link member pivotally coupled to the drive connector, a crank member pivotally coupled to the lower link member for interfacing the separable contact structure, and a cradle member pivotally secured to the frame and pivotally securing the upper link. The cradle member is configured for being releasably engaged by a latch assembly, which is displaced upon occurrence of a predetermined condition in the circuit such as a trip condition. The mechanism is movable between a tripped position, a reset position, an off position, and an on position. Spacers are operatively positioned between movable members, and protrusions are operatively formed on the enclosure of the contact structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Dave S. Christensen, Randy Greenberg, Girish Hassan, Dean A. Robarge
  • Publication number: 20020030568
    Abstract: An operating mechanism controls and trips a separable contact structure arranged in a protected circuit. The mechanism includes a frame, a drive member pivotally coupled to the frame, a spring pivotally connecting the drive member to a drive connector, an upper link pivotally seated on the drive connector, a lower link member pivotally coupled to the drive connector, a crank member pivotally coupled to the lower link member for interfacing the separable contact structure, and a cradle member pivotally secured to the frame and pivotally securing the upper link. The cradle member is configured for being releasably engaged by a latch assembly, which is displaced upon occurrence of a predetermined condition in the circuit such as a trip condition. The mechanism is movable between a tripped position, a reset position, an off position, and an on position. Spacers are operatively positioned between movable members, and protrusions are operatively formed on the enclosure of the contact structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Dave S. Christensen, Randy Greenberg, Girish Hassan, Dean A. Robarge
  • Patent number: 6346868
    Abstract: An operating mechanism controls and trips a separable contact structure arranged in a protected circuit. The mechanism includes a frame, a drive member pivotally coupled to the frame, a spring pivotally connecting the drive member to a drive connector, an upper link pivotally seated on the drive connector, a lower link member pivotally coupled to the drive connector, a crank member pivotally coupled to the lower link member for interfacing the separable contact structure, and a cradle member pivotally secured to the frame and pivotally securing the upper link. The cradle member is configured for being releasably engaged by a latch assembly, which is displaced upon occurrence of a predetermined condition in the circuit such as a trip condition. The mechanism is movable between a tripped position, a reset position, an off position, and an on position. Spacers are operatively positioned between movable members, and protrusions are operatively formed on the enclosure of the contact structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Dave S. Christensen, Randy Greenberg, Girish Hassan, Dean A. Robarge
  • Patent number: 6317018
    Abstract: A mechanism for operating a plurality of circuit interruption mechanisms of a circuit breaker, the mechanism applies a uniform force to the circuit interruption mechanisms. The mechanism applying a force to an elongated member for manipulating the circuit interruption mechanisms. The mechanism applying the force to the elongated member at a first position and a second position, the first position and the second position being intermediate to a center of the elongated member and the plurality of circuit interruption mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger Castonguay, Randy Greenberg, Dennis Doughty, Dave S. Christensen
  • Patent number: 6300586
    Abstract: An arc runner is fixedly retained on a load (or line) strap without hardware and without employing a mechanical operation. Either the arc runner or the strap has features, such as legs or holes, which engage notches or pins on either the strap or the arc runner and cause the arc runner to be retained on the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Dennis J. Doughty, Dave S. Christensen
  • Publication number: 20010017580
    Abstract: A mechanism for operating a plurality of circuit interruption mechanisms of a circuit breaker, the mechanism applies a uniform force to the circuit interruption mechanisms. The mechanism applies a force to an elongated member for manipulating the circuit interruption mechanisms. The mechanism applies a force to the elongated member at a first position and a second position, the first position and the second position being intermediate to a center of the elongated member and the plurality of circuit interruption mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Publication date: August 30, 2001
    Inventors: Roger Castonguay, Randy Greenburg, Dennis Doughty, Dave S. Christensen
  • Patent number: 6259048
    Abstract: A circuit breaker rotary contact assembly employs a common pivot between the rotor assembly and the rotary contact arm. A pair of off-center expansion springs directly engage the rotor at one end and engage the rotary contact arm via a linkage arrangement at an opposite end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Randall L. Greenberg, Dean A. Robarge, Dave S. Christensen
  • Patent number: 6232859
    Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker assembly using auxiliary switches to perform indication and control functions. The circuit breaker assembly having at least one pole comprising a stationary and a moveable contact where the moveable contact is connected to a moveable contact arm which is activated by a spring mechanism. The spring mechanism is affixed to an operating handle. A trip device, housed in a mid-cover of the molded case, separates the stationary and moveable contacts when a fault is sensed. The mid-cover comprises at least one auxiliary switch compartment, where a single auxiliary switch compartment is capable of housing multiple compatible auxiliary switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Dave S. Christensen, Roger N. Castonguay, James Rosen, Francesco DeVizzi