Patents by Inventor Dean A. Robarge
Dean A. Robarge 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: 9413142Abstract: An electrical switching apparatus for housing a pair of opposing circuit breakers includes a panelboard having a first longitudinal axis and configured to support the pair of opposing circuit breakers to define a gap therebetween, the gap having a second longitudinal axis extending generally parallel to the first longitudinal axis. An insulative barrier is arranged to define a plenum region having a third longitudinal axis, and is operatively disposed in the gap, wherein the third longitudinal axis extends generally parallel to said second longitudinal axis.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2012Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Mariusz Duda, William Maurer, Dean Robarge, Eric Rowland, Michael Wood
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Patent number: 9093825Abstract: An electrical switching apparatus for housing a pair of opposing circuit breakers each circuit breaker of the pair of opposing circuit breakers having an opposing end face including an exhaust vent disposed thereon is disclosed. The electrical switching apparatus includes a panelboard to operatively support the pair of opposing circuit breakers to define a gap therebetween, and an insulative barrier to be operatively disposed in the gap. The insulative barrier includes a first cantilever wall member arrangeable to define a first plenum region having a first cross sectional area, and a second plenum region having a second cross sectional area. The insulative barrier is operative to deflect in a first direction to thereby increase one of the first and second cross sectional areas in response to a venting of ionized gases from one circuit breaker of the pair of circuit breakers.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2012Date of Patent: July 28, 2015Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Mariusz Duda, William Maurer, Dean Robarge, Michael Wood
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Publication number: 20140160640Abstract: An electrical switching apparatus for housing a pair of opposing circuit breakers each circuit breaker of the pair of opposing circuit breakers having an opposing end face including an exhaust vent disposed thereon is disclosed. The electrical switching apparatus includes a panelboard to operatively support the pair of opposing circuit breakers to define a gap therebetween, and an insulative barrier to be operatively disposed in the gap. The insulative barrier includes a first cantilever wall member arrangeable to define a first plenum region having a first cross sectional area, and a second plenum region having a second cross sectional area. The insulative barrier is operative to deflect in a first direction to thereby increase one of the first and second cross sectional areas in response to a venting of ionized gases from one circuit breaker of the pair of circuit breakers.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2012Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Mariusz DUDA, William MAURER, Dean ROBARGE, Michael WOOD
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Publication number: 20140160639Abstract: An electrical switching apparatus for housing a pair of opposing circuit breakers includes a panelboard having a first longitudinal axis and configured to support the pair of opposing circuit breakers to define a gap therebetween, the gap having a second longitudinal axis extending generally parallel to the first longitudinal axis. An insulative barrier is arranged to define a plenum region having a third longitudinal axis, and is operatively disposed in the gap, wherein the third longitudinal axis extends generally parallel to said second longitudinal axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2012Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: General Electric ComppanyInventors: Mariusz DUDA, William MAURER, Dean ROBARGE, Eric ROWLAND, Michael WOOD
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Patent number: 7026894Abstract: An apparatus for interrupting an electrical short circuit current in an electrical distribution system having a plurality of phases is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing, a plurality of separable conduction paths, an operating mechanism in operable communication with the plurality of conduction paths, an electronic trip unit in signal communication with each of the plurality of conduction paths and in operable communication with the operating mechanism, and an electromagnetic trip unit in signal communication with each of the plurality of conduction paths and in operable communication with the operating mechanism. The electromagnetic trip unit is configured to be operably responsive to a first half-cycle waveform of the short circuit current prior to the electronic trip unit being operably responsive to a second multi-cycle waveform of the short circuit current.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2004Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Michael Tobin, Timothy Gerard Richter, Hemant Mody, Michael Ronzello, Dean A. Robarge
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Publication number: 20040251994Abstract: An apparatus for interrupting an electrical short circuit current in an electrical distribution system having a plurality of phases is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing, a plurality of separable conduction paths, an operating mechanism in operable communication with the plurality of conduction paths, an electronic trip unit in signal communication with each of the plurality of conduction paths and in operable communication with the operating mechanism, and an electromagnetic trip unit in signal communication with each of the plurality of conduction paths and in operable communication with the operating mechanism. The electromagnetic trip unit is configured to be operably responsive to a first half-cycle waveform of the short circuit current prior to the electronic trip unit being operably responsive to a second multi-cycle waveform of the short circuit current.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2004Publication date: December 16, 2004Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Michael Tobin, Timothy Gerard Richter, Hemant Mody, Michael Ronzello, Dean A. Robarge
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Patent number: 6747535Abstract: A precision location system for a circuit breaker utilizing a phase cassette concept is disclosed. A cover plate is mounted to at least one of a plurality of single-pole units having a circuit breaker operating mechanism positioned thereon. The cover plate is configured to precisely align an actuator precisely located on the cover with the circuit breaker operating mechanism. The actuator trips a latch of the operating mechanism, thereby tripping the entire circuit.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Roger Castonguay, Dean A. Robarge
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Patent number: 6700467Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 20, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Dave S. Christensen, Randy Greenberg, Girish Hassan, Dean A. Robarge
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Patent number: 6639168Abstract: A circuit breaker cassette comprises a housing having a fixed contact, and a movable contact on a contact arm. The contact arm is positionable in a closed position and an open position, wherein the contact arm is closed when the movable contact is in contact with said fixed contact. A spring biases the movable contact arm towards the closed position A kinetic energy-absorbing stop is positioned to absorb kinetic energy of the contact arm resulting from magnetic repulsive forces forcing the movable contact and the fixed contact apart during a short circuit condition.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2000Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Dean A. Robarge
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Publication number: 20030071702Abstract: A precision location system for a circuit breaker utilizing a phase cassette concept is disclosed. A cover plate is mounted to at least one of a plurality of single-pole units having a circuit breaker operating mechanism positioned thereon. The cover plate is configured to precisely align an actuator precisely located on the cover with the circuit breaker operating mechanism. The actuator trips a latch of the operating mechanism, thereby tripping the entire circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventors: Roger Castonguay, Dean A. Robarge
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Patent number: 6476337Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 26, 2001Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Roger N. Castonguay, David S. Christensen, Girish Hassan, Dean A. Robarge
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Patent number: 6466117Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 20, 2001Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Dave S. Christensen, Randy Greenberg, Girish Hassan, Dean A. Robarge
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Publication number: 20020117387Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2001Publication date: August 29, 2002Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Dave S. Christensen, Girish Hassan, Dean A. Robarge
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Patent number: 6403902Abstract: A combination air circuit breaker bell alarm reset and lock-out accessory unit interacts with the circuit breaker closing system to prevent charging of the circuit breaker closing spring until and unless the bell alarm module has been manually reset in one option and allows automatic reset of the bell alarm module prior to charging of the closing spring in a further option. The orientation of the bell alarm module on the combination reset and lock-out accessory unit support plate determines the reset or lock-out option selection.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 1998Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Dean A Robarge
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Patent number: 6388547Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 20, 2001Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Dave S. Christensen, Randy Greenberg, Girish Hassan, Dean A. Robarge
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Publication number: 20020050891Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 1999Publication date: May 2, 2002Inventors: ROGER CASTONGUAY, DAVE S. CHRISTENSEN, DEAN A ROBARGE, RANDY GREENBERG
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Patent number: 6377144Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 3, 1999Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Roger Castonguay, Dave S. Christensen, Dean Robarge, Randy Greenberg
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Publication number: 20020030569Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2001Publication date: March 14, 2002Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Dave S. Christensen, Randy Greenberg, Girish Hassan, Dean A. Robarge
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Publication number: 20020030568Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2001Publication date: March 14, 2002Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Dave S. Christensen, Randy Greenberg, Girish Hassan, Dean A. Robarge
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Publication number: 20020030570Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2001Publication date: March 14, 2002Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Dave S. Christensen, Randy Greenberg, Girish Hassan, Dean A. Robarge