Patents by Inventor G. Erich Heberlein, Jr.

G. Erich Heberlein, Jr. 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: 7510223
    Abstract: A latch device is provided for an electrical enclosure. The latch device includes a latch plate which is movable between extended and retracted positions. In the extended position, the latch plate allows a door to be secured over an opening in the enclosure. In the retracted position, the latch plate permits unencumbered access to components and mounting structures within the enclosure, such as for removal of a mounting unit. The latching mechanism may bias the enclosure door to a closed position, while permitting movement of the door, without unlatching of the mechanism, during fault conditions within the enclosure, such as to permit the escape of hot gasses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Chester Malkowski, Jr., G. Erich Heberlein, Jr., James Hunter Meriwether, Eric Krieg
  • Patent number: 7237134
    Abstract: A technique is provided for applying secondary or backup power to a networked device in the event of a loss or malfunction of network power. In a control and monitoring network. Various devices may receive both power and data signals from a network cable. In the event of loss of network power, or the reduction in network power, the devices can automatically and without interruptions seek power from the secondary power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Erich Heberlein, Jr., David L. Jensen
  • Patent number: 7191351
    Abstract: A network is configured to apply power and data signals to networked devices for operation of the devices. A backup power supply module is coupled to the source of network power and to a secondary power source. The secondary power source may have an adjustable voltage level or a level fixed with relation to the network power voltage level. In the event of a loss or insufficiency of network power, power from the secondary source is automatically applied to the connected device or devices. The device may be programmed for certain failure modes and the secondary power source provides the power needed for operation in the event of loss of network power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Erich Heberlein, Jr., David L. Jensen
  • Patent number: 7081735
    Abstract: A motor control system comprising a plurality of motor controllers and a power source adapted to drive an electric motor. The motor control system comprises a switch that is selectively operable between at least a first position and a second position. In the first position, the power source is coupled to a first controller to provide the power to drive the electric motor. In the second position, the power source is coupled to a second controller to provide the power to drive the electric motor. The switch also electrically isolates the input and the output of the first controller from the power source when the manual bypass switch is positioned in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Chester Malkowski, Jr., G. Erich Heberlein, Jr., Gary P. Bruski
  • Patent number: 7063572
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the components within each respective unit of the MCC are connected powered by a connector assembly that is directly engaged to secondary power and network data conductors disposed of within the enclosure. The connector assembly, if so desired, will maintain connection even upon disengagement of the unit from the main power supply. This service position can be employed to provide a safe environment for diagnostic testing and repair of the unit. In another embodiment, the secondary power and network data conductors may by carried over an open rail system. This embodiment provides a convenient means of quickly and easily engaging the secondary power and network data conductors to the unit. Another embodiment provides a method for placing the unit into a service position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David D. Brandt, Jie Shen, David L. Jensen, G. Erich Heberlein, Jr., Chester Malkowski, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7003412
    Abstract: A system operable to detect voltages within an electrical device and provide an output based on the voltages detected by the system. The electrical device may include an isolation switch adapted to selectively isolate the electrical device from an electrical bus. The system may be operable to detect voltage data in the electrical bus and the electrical device downstream of the isolation switch. The system may provide an indication that voltage is detected in the electrical bus, but that no hazardous voltages are detected within the electrical device downstream of the isolation switch. The system may be adapted to produce a plurality of outputs based on the voltage data detected on the electrical bus and in the electrical device downstream of the isolation switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Jensen, G. Erich Heberlein, Jr., David T. Rollay
  • Patent number: 6957974
    Abstract: A connector system is provided in which a branch connector may be secured in a pre-wired power and data network. The branch connector is designed to interface with existing network connections to provide at least one additional interface point for added or temporary devices. The connector may be designed to interface with existing connectors in a manner similar to existing cable assemblies, and may present sockets or similar interfaces which are substantially identical to the interface to which the connector is applied. Expanded network connectivity is thus provided for additional devices or temporary devices, such as programming, logging, system configuration and troubleshooting, and similar applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary P. Bruski, G. Erich Heberlein, Jr., Sean V. Ciesielka
  • Patent number: 6795320
    Abstract: A technique for supplying power and data signals to panel-mounted components includes distribution of power and data conductors in a trunk wireway and further distribution to component locations via drop cable assemblies disposed in drop wireways. The drop cable assemblies and trunk cable assemblies may include identical cable. The cables have a plurality of parallel conductors in an insulated jacket. Connectors are mounted on the drop cable assemblies for receiving plug-in component cable assemblies routed to individual components mounted within component panels or bays. The components are thus electrically coupled in parallel with one another and may receive both power and data signals via the drop and trunk cable assemblies coupled to a network. Individual components may be independent installed and removed for servicing with interrupting service to upstream or downstream components in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Chester Malkowski, Jr., G. Erich Heberlein, Jr., Steven J. Litzau
  • Patent number: 6729913
    Abstract: A connector system is provided in which a branch connector may be secured in a pre-wired power and data network. The branch connector is designed to interface with existing network connections to provide at least one additional interface point for added or temporary devices. The connector may be designed to interface with existing connectors in a manner similar to existing cable assemblies, and may present sockets or similar interfaces which are substantially identical to the interface to which the connector is applied. Expanded network connectivity is thus provided for additional devices or temporary devices, such as programming, logging, system configuration and troubleshooting, and similar applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary P. Bruski, G. Erich Heberlein, Jr., Sean V. Ciesielka
  • Patent number: 6487091
    Abstract: A technique for supplying power and data signals to panel-mounted components includes distribution of power and data conductors in a trunk wireway and further distribution to component locations via drop cable assemblies disposed in drop wireways. The drop cable assemblies and trunk cable assemblies may include identical cable. The cables have a plurality of parallel conductors in an insulated jacket. Connectors are mounted on the drop cable assemblies for receiving plug-in component cable assemblies routed to individual components mounted within component panels or bays. The components are thus electrically coupled in parallel with one another and may receive both power and data signals via the drop and trunk cable assemblies coupled to a network. Individual components may be independent installed and removed for servicing with interrupting service to upstream or downstream components in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Chester Malkowski, Jr., G. Erich Heberlein, Jr., Steven J. Litzau
  • Patent number: 4785288
    Abstract: A modular smoke detector is adapted for mounting in an electrical equipment cabinet. The smoke detector module is of a standard size and configuration, thereby facilitating mounting anywhere in the cabinet. A mounting location near the bottom of the equipment cabinet is preferred to better detect the heavier than air combustion products of smoldering or burning insulation. The modular smoke detector includes a commercial ionization type detector and a fan. The fan induces air from the interior of the equipment cabinet into the module. The fan is positioned such that it does not discharge directly onto the ionization detector to prevent excessive speed of the air through the ionization detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1988
    Assignee: Allen-Bradley Company, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Erich Heberlein, Jr., Gary P. Bruski
  • Patent number: 4253075
    Abstract: A trip-free contact operating mechanism is provided with a latching system for maintaining a releasable cradle in its reset position. The latching system includes a lever mounted on a fixed pivot and having one end latchable by a cam member movable by a fault current responsive automatic trip means. A latch pin mounted in slots at the other end of the lever is engageable with the cradle for maintaining the latter in reset position. The latch pin is movable mounted on the lever in a manner such that the former may rotate about its axis, it may move lengthwise of the mounting slots, and the pin may pivot about an axis perpendicular to the pin axis and in the vicinity of one end of the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1981
    Assignee: Gould Inc.
    Inventors: Norman P. Perkins, Jr., G. Erich Heberlein, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4207602
    Abstract: A three phase motor is constructed with each of the three phase windings thereof split in half so that the motor may be selectively connected for energization from either a relatively high or relatively low source. Motor protectors are provided in the form of a three pole automatic resetting overload relay means and two thermostatic switches. The heaters for the individual poles of the overload relay means are connected in series with a half section of the individual phase windings and do not have to be changed when either high or low voltage energization is selected for the motor. The thermostatic switches are embedded in two of the other three winding sections but electrically insulated from the motor winding. The control contact means of the overload relay means and the thermostatic switches are connected in series with the energizing coil of the electromagnet for the contact through which the motor is connected to its energizing source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1980
    Assignee: Gould Inc.
    Inventors: Frank W. Kussy, John L. Haydu, G. Erich Heberlein, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4144513
    Abstract: A multipole circuit breaker is constructed with a single rod pivotally mounting all of the movable contact arms to a common one piece molded insulating carrier. Individual torsion springs engage each of the contact arms to provide contact pressure when the circuit breaker is closed. The construction of the contact arms and carrier are such that under severe overcurrent conditions electrodynamic blowoff forces acting on the contact arms may bring about contact separation that is substantially as great as the contact separation that takes place when the circuit breaker is opened normally by its contact operating mechanism. An individual anti-rebound pin for each pole engages the contact arm of the associated pole to prevent rebound reclosing after electrodynamic opening. A camming means on the carrier releases the anti-rebound latches to permit manual closing of the contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1979
    Assignee: Gould Inc.
    Inventors: Howard R. Shaffer, G. Erich Heberlein, Jr., Norman P. Perkins