Patents by Inventor Gerald Bernard Roberts

Gerald Bernard Roberts 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: 6818846
    Abstract: A group operated overhead switch for high voltage power lines includes a rotatable overtoggle mechanism linked to a control shaft and a plurality of switch phases secured to a crossarm support. The overtoggle mechanism may be rotated to and from a closed position and an open position, either or both of which may be overtoggled, that provides the operator with an affirmative snap when the switch is moved into an overtoggled position. The use of switch assemblies made of rotatable switch phases and a corresponding immobile electrical connector mounted on the same assembly support allows factory manufacture of modular switch assembly components for high quality control, consistent performance, and accurate component alignment. The supported switch assemblies are then mounted under factory controlled conditions on a dimensionally stable support crossarm and linked by group operated linkages with a switch overtoggle mechanism for actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Gerald Bernard Roberts
  • Publication number: 20030000818
    Abstract: A group operated overhead switch for high voltage power lines includes a rotatable overtoggle mechanism linked to a control shaft and a plurality of switch phases secured to a crossarm support. The overtoggle mechanism may be rotated to and from a closed position and an open position, either or both of which may be overtoggled, that provides the operator with an affirmative snap when the switch is moved into an overtoggled position. The use of switch assemblies made of rotatable switch phases and a corresponding immobile electrical connector mounted on the same assembly support allows factory manufacture of modular switch assembly components for high quality control, consistent performance, and accurate component alignment. The supported switch assemblies are then mounted under factory controlled conditions on a dimensionally stable support crossarm and linked by group operated linkages with a switch overtoggle mechanism for actuation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Gerald Bernard Roberts
  • Patent number: 6459053
    Abstract: A group operated overhead switch for high voltage power lines includes a rotatable overtoggle mechanism linked to a control shaft and a plurality of switch phases secured to a crossarm support. The overtoggle mechanism can be rotated to and from a closed position and an open position, either of which can be overtoggled, that provides the operator with an affirmative snap when the switch is moved into an overtoggled position. The use of switch assemblies made of rotatable switch phases and a corresponding immobile electrical connector mounted on the same assembly support allows factory manufacture of modular switch assembly components for high quality control, consistent performance, and accurate component alignment. These supported switch assemblies are then mounted under factory controlled conditions on a dimensionally stable support crossarm and linked by group operated linkages with a switch overtoggle mechanism for actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Gerald Bernard Roberts
  • Patent number: 6409135
    Abstract: A base spacer that is useful for securing a horizontal member to a vertical support with accurate vertical and horizontal position has an extended horizontal surface and at least one deformable finger extending vertically from this horizontal surface. The horizontal surface also has: (a) a pair of oval openings dimensioned to receive securing bolts, wherein the deformable finger extends from the horizontal surface at less that a right angle for a distance sufficient to contact a horizontal member secured by the spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Gerald Bernard Roberts
  • Patent number: 6322278
    Abstract: A pivoting connection is described that uses an H-shaped connector secured within the X-shaped opening of a base. One end of the H shaped connector can be inserted into the X-shaped opening at an angle corresponding to one leg of the X but is secured in the opening when twisted to a vertical position. This pivoting connection provides a reliable connection that is durable, weather resistant, and does not readily seize.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Gerald Bernard Roberts
  • Patent number: 5650728
    Abstract: A system comprising a portable apparatus and employing a method of admittance versus frequency analysis to detect the existence of a fault in a de-energized electrical line regardless of whether the line contains branches. The portable apparatus comprises a capacitor unit detachably connected to a de-energized line, ground or a neutral conductor, a switch unit detachably connected to a de-energized line, the de-energized line being tested, and an insulated cable connecting the capacitor unit to the switch unit. The switch unit comprises a discharge switch that can be activated by pulling on the hot line tool. The capacitor unit comprises a capacitor which is discharged into the electrical line via the insulated cable and the switch unit when the discharge switch is activated to create a pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignees: Hubbell Incorporated, University of Missouri
    Inventors: David Adelbert Rhein, Lloyd Ronald Beard, Gerald Bernard Roberts, Thomas Jude Herrick
  • Patent number: 4013852
    Abstract: A completely self-enclosed, weatherproof expulsion interruption device is disclosed which includes a detachable, arc-suppressing tube assembly which can be readily replaced in the field as needed, in conjunction with novel spring-loaded expulsion actuation mechanism for quickly breaking a high voltage circuit with only a minimum of objectionable arcing across the internal tube contacts of the device. The interrupter is especially adapted for use with high voltage, manually operable, blade-type switches and safely overcomes problems associated with arcing across switch contact points during opening thereof. As the switchblade is opened and engages the actuating arm of the interrupter, current is passed in shunt relationship through the interrupter until the respective switch contacts are safely parted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1975
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1977
    Assignee: A. B. Chance Company
    Inventors: Gerald Bernard Roberts, Richard Eugene Roberts