Patents by Inventor Gregory C. Mears
Gregory C. Mears 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: 6963475Abstract: A control method and arrangement that monitors the condition and operating parameters of a power electronic system having power electronic devices and responds to various detected abnormalities to optimize operation of the power electronic system. The arrangement increases reliability of operation and optimizes the continuous supply of power to a load. The arrangement also includes the capability for diagnosing the parameters of the power electronic switches including drive current, drive voltage and operating temperature and for communicating the status information in a coordinated fashion.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2004Date of Patent: November 8, 2005Assignee: S & C Electric Co.Inventors: Todd W. Klippel, Richard P. Mikosz, Ronald D. Atanus, Michael G. Ennis, Raymond P. O'Leary, Joseph W. Ruta, Gregory C. Mears
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Patent number: 6917186Abstract: A control method and arrangement that monitors the condition and operating parameters of a power electronic system having power electronic devices and responds to various detected abnormalities to optimize operation of the power electronic system. The arrangement increases reliability of operation and optimizes the continuous supply of power to a load. The arrangement also includes the capability for diagnosing the parameters of the power electronic switches including drive current, drive voltage and operating temperature and for communicating the status information in a coordinated fashion.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2003Date of Patent: July 12, 2005Assignee: S & C Electric Co.Inventors: Todd W. Klippel, Richard P. Mikosz, Ronald D. Atanus, Michael G. Ennis, Raymond P. O'Leary, Joseph W. Ruta, Gregory C. Mears
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Patent number: 6667601Abstract: A control arrangement and method is provided that monitors the condition and operating parameters of a power electronic system having power electronic devices and responds to various detected abnormalities via appropriate action to optimize operation of the power electronic system. The arrangement increases reliability of operation and optimizes the continuous supply of power to a load. For example, the arrangement responds to an overheated power electronic switch by switching to an alternate power electronic switch, the overheated power electronic switch being made available as a temporary alternate path. The arrangement also includes the capability for diagnosing the power electronic switches by measuring the temperature of the power electronics switches and communicating the temperature information in a coordinated fashion with information regarding the operating status of the power electronics switches. Additionally, shorted power electronic switches are detected and appropriate action taken.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2002Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Assignee: S&C Electric Co.Inventors: Richard P. Mikosz, Ronald D. Atanus, Michael G. Ennis, Gregory C. Mears, Raymond P. O'Leary, Joseph W. Ruta
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Publication number: 20030218848Abstract: A control method and arrangement that monitors the condition and operating parameters of a power electronic system having power electronic devices and responds to various detected abnormalities to optimize operation of the power electronic system. The arrangement increases reliability of operation and optimizes the continuous supply of power to a load. The arrangement also includes the capability for diagnosing the parameters of the power electronic switches including drive current, drive voltage and operating temperature and for communicating the status information in a coordinated fashion.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2003Publication date: November 27, 2003Inventors: Todd W. Klippel, Richard P. Mikosz, Ronald D. Atanus, Michael G. Ennis, Raymond P. O'Leary, Joseph W. Ruta, Gregory C. Mears
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Patent number: 6636101Abstract: A control arrangement and method is provided for electronic devices in which an electronic switch is maintained in a conducting state at all times other than when it is desired to render the electronic switch nonconducting. In a specific embodiment, a latched control signal is utilized which is changed by the receipt of a momentary signal to change the conducting state of the electronic switch. For example, according to one specific arrangement, the momentary signal is a secure, complex signal such that appropriate decoding and detection of the proper signal is required to change the conducting state of the electronic switch.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: S&C Electric Co.Inventors: Ronald D. Atanus, Gregory C. Mears, Richard P. Mikosz, Raymond P. O'Leary, Michael G. Ennis, Joseph W. Ruta
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Publication number: 20030043520Abstract: A control arrangement and method is provided that monitors the condition and operating parameters of a power electronic system having power electronic devices and responds to various detected abnormalities via appropriate action to optimize operation of the power electronic system. The arrangement increases reliability of operation and optimizes the continuous supply of power to a load For example, the arrangement responds to an overheated power electronic switch by switching to an alternate power electronic switch, the overheated power electronic switch being made available as a temporary alternate path. The arrangement also includes the capability for diagnosing the power electronic switches by measuring the temperature of the power electronics switches and communicating the temperature information in a coordinated fashion with information regarding the operating status of the power electronics switches. Additionally, shorted power electronic switches are detected and appropriate action taken.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2002Publication date: March 6, 2003Inventors: Richard P. Mikosz, Ronald D. Atanus, Michael G. Ennis, Gregory C. Mears, Raymond P. O'Leary, Joseph W. Ruta
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Patent number: 6504696Abstract: A control arrangement and method is provided that monitors the condition and operating parameters of a power electronic system having power electronic devices and responds to various detected abnormalities via appropriate action to optimize operation of the power electronic system. The arrangement increases reliability of operation and optimizes the continuous supply of power to a load. For example, the arrangement responds to an overheated power electronic switch by switching to an alternate power electronic switch, the overheated power electronic switch being made available as a temporary alternate path. The arrangement also includes the capability for diagnosing the power electronic switches by measuring the temperature of the power electronics switches and communicating the temperature information in a coordinated fashion with information regarding the operating status of the power electronics switches. Additionally, shorted power electronic switches are detected and appropriate action taken.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2000Date of Patent: January 7, 2003Assignee: S+C Electric Co.Inventors: Richard P. Mikosz, Ronald D. Atanus, Michael G. Ennis, Gregory C. Mears, Raymond P. O'Leary, Joseph W. Ruta
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Patent number: 6426616Abstract: A phasing and indicator arrangement is provided for switchgear or the like that responds to electrical sources and provides voltage indicator functions, phasing determinations, and self-test features. Phasing provisions are responsive to two or more voltage sensors proximate respective electrical sources to provide an output that represents the phase difference, i.e. time relationship, between the electrical sources as an alternating-current voltage measurable by a voltmeter. The output is relatively independent of the voltage of the electrical sources. The indicator arrangement is operable in a test mode to test the integrity of one or more voltage indicators while clearly identifying that the indicator arrangement is in a test mode. In a preferred arrangement, the indicator arrangement in the self-test mode is powered by a photocell.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1998Date of Patent: July 30, 2002Assignee: S&C Electric Co.Inventors: Gregory C. Mears, Brian P. Mugalian
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Publication number: 20020060599Abstract: A control arrangement and method is provided for electronic devices in which an electronic switch is maintained in a conducting state at all times other than when it is desired to render the electronic switch nonconducting. In a specific embodiment, a latched control signal is utilized which is changed by the receipt of a momentary signal to change the conducting state of the electronic switch. For example, according to one specific arrangement, the momentary signal is a secure, complex signal such that appropriate decoding and detection of the proper signal is required to change the conducting state of the electronic switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2001Publication date: May 23, 2002Inventors: Ronald D. Atanus, Gregory C. Mears, Richard P. Mikosz, Raymond P. O'Leary, Michael g. Ennis, Joseph W. Ruta
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Patent number: 6271653Abstract: An arrangement provides a power supply for low voltage circuits that is connected to receive and store energy from a power electronics switch that is connected to an alternating current supply. The power supply is operative over a wide range of input and regardless of the operating status of the power electronics switch. For each half cycle of the alternating current which the power electronic switch is to be rendered conductive, the arrangement delays for a predetermined time duration the control of the power electronic switch at the zero crossing of the half cycle. During the predetermined time duration, the power supply charges an energy storage device with sufficient energy to supply the low voltage circuit until the next half cycle.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2000Date of Patent: August 7, 2001Assignee: S & C Electric CompanyInventors: Gregory C. Mears, Todd W. Klippel
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Patent number: 6114642Abstract: Switchgear is provided that includes a housing enclosing electrical components having switch blades that establish visible open gaps in an open position. The switchgear includes an array of operating controls and viewing provisions to observe the open switch blades. The operating controls and viewing provisions are accessible from a first direction and are arranged at a first area of the housing while cable interconnection provisions are accessible from a second direction and are arranged at a second area of the housing. Thus, operating personnel can utilize the viewing provisions and the operating controls without being exposed to the area of the cable interconnections. In one specific arrangement, an array of operational displays is provided, with the displays overlying the viewing provisions and being movable to permit use of the viewing provisions. In a preferred arrangement, the switchgear includes multi-pole switchgear assemblies which are assembled from individual pole-unit assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1998Date of Patent: September 5, 2000Assignee: S&C Electric Co.Inventors: Thomas G. French, Raphael H. Guio, Henry W. Kowalyshen, Buddy B. McGlone, Gregory C. Mears, John C. Opfer
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Patent number: 6040538Abstract: Switchgear is provided that includes a housing enclosing electrical components having switch blades that establish visible open gaps in an open position. The switchgear includes an array of operating controls and viewing provisions to observe the open switch blades. The operating controls and viewing provisions are accessible from a first direction and are arranged at a first area of the housing while cable interconnection provisions are accessible from a second direction and are arranged at a second area of the housing. Thus, operating personnel can utilize the viewing provisions and the operating controls without being exposed to the area of the cable interconnections. In one specific arrangement, an array of operational displays is provided, with the displays overlying the viewing provisions and being movable to permit use of the viewing provisions. In a preferred arrangement, the switchgear includes multi-pole switchgear assemblies which are assembled from individual pole-unit assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1998Date of Patent: March 21, 2000Assignee: S&C Electric CompanyInventors: Thomas G. French, Raphael H. Guio, Henry W. Kowalyshen, Buddy B. McGlone, Gregory C. Mears, John C. Opfer
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Patent number: 5910775Abstract: A phasing and indicator arrangement is provided for switchgear or the like that responds to electrical sources and provides voltage indicator functions, phasing determinations, and self-test features. Phasing provisions are responsive to two or more voltage sensors proximate respective electrical sources to provide an output that represents the phase difference, i.e. time relationship, between the electrical sources as an alternatingcurrent voltage measurable by a voltmeter. The output is relatively independent of the voltage of the electrical sources. The indicator arrangement is operable in a test mode to test the integrity of one or more voltage indicators while clearly identifying that the indicator arrangement is in a test mode. In a preferred arrangement, the indicator arrangement in the self-test mode is powered by a photocell.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 1997Date of Patent: June 8, 1999Assignee: S&C Electric CompanyInventors: Gregory C. Mears, Brian P. Mugalian
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Patent number: 5864107Abstract: Switchgear is provided that includes a housing enclosing electrical components having switch blades that establish visible open gaps in an open position. The switchgear includes an array of operating controls and viewing provisions to observe the open switch blades. The operating controls and viewing provisions are accessible from a first direction and are arranged at a first area of the housing while cable interconnection provisions are accessible from a second direction and are arranged at a second area of the housing. Thus, operating personnel can utilize the viewing provisions and the operating controls without being exposed to the area of the cable interconnections. In one specific arrangement, an array of operational displays is provided, with the displays overlying the viewing provisions and being movable to permit use of the viewing provisions. In a preferred arrangement, the switchgear includes multi-pole switchgear assemblies which are assembled from individual pole-unit assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1996Date of Patent: January 26, 1999Assignee: S&C Electric CompanyInventors: Thomas G. French, Raphael H. Guio, Henry W. Kowalyshen, Buddy B. McGlone, Gregory C. Mears, John C. Opfer