Patents by Inventor Helmut Weiher

Helmut Weiher 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: 11749974
    Abstract: A circuit breaker racking system includes an electrical drive operatively connected to a mechanical racking mechanism that carries the circuit breaker and moves the circuit breaker between a connect position and a disconnect position within a cubicle, and a circuit breaker trip unit that receives remote commands and controls the electrical drive based on the remote commands. A switchgear system including at least one circuit breaker with an integrated auto-racking system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Utility Relay Company
    Inventors: Helmut Weiher, Ryan J. McClarnon, Joseph B. Teffner, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20220123533
    Abstract: A circuit breaker racking system includes an electrical drive operatively connected to a mechanical racking mechanism that carries the circuit breaker and moves the circuit breaker between a connect position and a disconnect position within a cubicle, and a circuit breaker trip unit that receives remote commands and controls the electrical drive based on the remote commands. A switchgear system including at least one circuit breaker with an integrated auto-racking system is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2021
    Publication date: April 21, 2022
    Inventors: Helmut WEIHER, Ryan J. MCCLARNON, Joseph B. TEFFNER, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10191102
    Abstract: A method of processing current transformer data, performed by an electronic trip unit, includes obtaining first current data based on a first current signal from a first current transformer, second current data based on a second current signal from a second current transformer, and third current data based on a third current signal from a third current transformer. Using the current data, it is determined whether one of the current transformers is connected to the electronic trip unit with an improper polarity. Upon determining that one of the current transformers is connected to the electronic trip unit with an improper polarity, the obtained current data corresponding to the current transformer that is connected with improper polarity is automatically inverted. A ground fault calculation is performed using the automatically inverted current data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: UTILITY RELAY COMPANY
    Inventor: Helmut Weiher
  • Publication number: 20160216306
    Abstract: A method of processing current transformer data, performed by an electronic trip unit, includes obtaining first current data based on a first current signal from a first current transformer, second current data based on a second current signal from a second current transformer, and third current data based on a third current signal from a third current transformer. Using the current data, it is determined whether one of the current transformers is connected to the electronic trip unit with an improper polarity. Upon determining that one of the current transformers is connected to the electronic trip unit with an improper polarity, the obtained current data corresponding to the current transformer that is connected with improper polarity is automatically inverted. A ground fault calculation is performed using the automatically inverted current data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventor: Helmut Weiher
  • Patent number: 8995103
    Abstract: A circuit breaker trip unit includes an input section receiving a phase current level signal. A processor is in communication with the input section and generates a first trip signal based on the phase current level signal and user-adjustable trip settings. The trip settings include long time and short time pickup and delay settings. An analog instantaneous trip circuit is in communication with both of the input section and the processor. The analog instantaneous trip circuit includes a digital potentiometer having a non-volatile memory. The potentiometer provides a reference signal corresponding to a resistance setting stored in the memory. The analog instantaneous trip circuit compares the phase current level and reference signals, and generates a second trip signal based on a result of the comparing. The processor programs the resistance setting stored in the memory according to a user-adjustable instantaneous current pickup setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Utility Relay Company
    Inventor: Helmut Weiher
  • Publication number: 20140340800
    Abstract: A circuit breaker trip unit includes an input section receiving a phase current level signal. A processor is in communication with the input section and generates a first trip signal based on the phase current level signal and user-adjustable trip settings. The trip settings include long time and short time pickup and delay settings. An analog instantaneous trip circuit is in communication with both of the input section and the processor. The analog instantaneous trip circuit includes a digital potentiometer having a non-volatile memory. The potentiometer provides a reference signal corresponding to a resistance setting stored in the memory. The analog instantaneous trip circuit compares the phase current level and reference signals, and generates a second trip signal based on a result of the comparing. The processor programs the resistance setting stored in the memory according to a user-adjustable instantaneous current pickup setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventor: Helmut Weiher
  • Patent number: 8837103
    Abstract: A circuit breaker trip unit includes an input section receiving a phase current level signal. A processor is in communication with the input section and generates a first trip signal based on the phase current level signal and user-adjustable trip settings. The trip settings include long time and short time pickup and delay settings. An analog instantaneous trip circuit is in communication with both of the input section and the processor. The analog instantaneous trip circuit includes a digital potentiometer having a non-volatile memory. The potentiometer provides a reference signal corresponding to a resistance setting stored in the memory. The analog instantaneous trip circuit compares the phase current level and reference signals, and generates a second trip signal based on a result of the comparing. The processor programs the resistance setting stored in the memory according to a user-adjustable instantaneous current pickup setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Utility Relay Company
    Inventor: Helmut Weiher
  • Patent number: 8797720
    Abstract: A circuit protection system has a normal mode, and a maintenance mode with reduced potential arc flash energy. A downstream circuit breaker is mounted within a first enclosure comprising a first access panel. A locking mechanism locks the first access panel closed. An upstream breaker is mounted within a second enclosure comprising a second access panel. A current sensor senses current and is in communication with an electronic trip unit that controls current interruptions by the upstream breaker based on a trip setting. A user interface device is accessible when second enclosure is closed, and allows user selections of normal and maintenance modes. When maintenance mode is selected, the trip unit changes the trip setting such that potential arc flash energy is reduced. The system is configured to keep the first access panel locked closed based on normal mode being selected, and allow unlocking based on maintenance mode being selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignees: Utility Relay Company, Kirk Key Interlock Company LLC
    Inventors: Helmut Weiher, Sean McGuinness
  • Patent number: 8552728
    Abstract: A circuit breaker electronic trip unit includes a controller, and a memory that stores a threshold tripping duration. The memory is readable by the controller. The trip unit includes a trip signal output, and an input section that receives at least one of a phase current level signal, a phase or line voltage level signal, and a contact state change signal. The trip unit activates the trip signal output and monitors the input section for a predetermined signal change. The trip unit determines a tripping duration from a timing of the activation of the trip signal output and a timing of the predetermined signal change. The trip unit compares the tripping duration to the threshold tripping duration to determine a sluggish circuit breaker operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Utility Relay Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Helmut Weiher
  • Publication number: 20130063871
    Abstract: A circuit protection system has a normal mode, and a maintenance mode with reduced potential arc flash energy. A downstream circuit breaker is mounted within a first enclosure comprising a first access panel. A locking mechanism locks the first access panel closed. An upstream breaker is mounted within a second enclosure comprising a second access panel. A current sensor senses current and is in communication with an electronic trip unit that controls current interruptions by the upstream breaker based on a trip setting. A user interface device is accessible when second enclosure is closed, and allows user selections of normal and maintenance modes. When maintenance mode is selected, the trip unit changes the trip setting such that potential arc flash energy is reduced. The system is configured to keep the first access panel locked closed based on normal mode being selected, and allow unlocking based on maintenance mode being selected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Helmut Weiher, Sean McGuinness
  • Publication number: 20120092802
    Abstract: A circuit breaker trip unit includes an input section receiving a phase current level signal. A processor is in communication with the input section and generates a first trip signal based on the phase current level signal and user-adjustable trip settings. The trip settings include long time and short time pickup and delay settings. An analog instantaneous trip circuit is in communication with both of the input section and the processor. The analog instantaneous trip circuit includes a digital potentiometer having a non-volatile memory. The potentiometer provides a reference signal corresponding to a resistance setting stored in the memory. The analog instantaneous trip circuit compares the phase current level and reference signals, and generates a second trip signal based on a result of the comparing. The processor programs the resistance setting stored in the memory according to a user-adjustable instantaneous current pickup setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: UTILITY RELAY COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Helmut Weiher
  • Publication number: 20110128005
    Abstract: A circuit breaker electronic trip unit includes a controller, and a memory that stores a threshold tripping duration. The memory is readable by the controller. The trip unit includes a trip signal output, and an input section that receives at least one of a phase current level signal, a phase or line voltage level signal, and a contact state change signal. The trip unit activates the trip signal output and monitors the input section for a predetermined signal change. The trip unit determines a tripping duration from a timing of the activation of the trip signal output and a timing of the predetermined signal change. The trip unit compares the tripping duration to the threshold tripping duration to determine a sluggish circuit breaker operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: UTILITY RELAY COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Helmut Weiher
  • Patent number: 7889474
    Abstract: A circuit protection system includes a normal mode and a maintenance mode. A current sensor senses current in the circuit. An enclosure includes an access panel that is movable between a closed position and open position. A circuit breaker is mounted within the enclosure. An electronic trip unit is in communication with the current sensor and controls interruptions of the current by the circuit breaker based on a trip setting. An interface device is accessible when said access panel is closed and allows selections of the normal and maintenance modes. A display, which is in communication with both of the user interface device and the electronic trip unit, monitors the interface device and transmits data to the trip unit that is based on the selected mode. The display receives data from the trip unit and displays information based on the received data. The display is viewable when the access panel is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Utility Relay Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Helmut Weiher, Richard C. Fleischer, Jeffrey W. Patterson
  • Publication number: 20100053833
    Abstract: A circuit protection system includes a normal mode and a maintenance mode. A current sensor senses current in the circuit. An enclosure includes an access panel that is movable between a closed position and open position. A circuit breaker is mounted within the enclosure. An electronic trip unit is in communication with the current sensor and controls interruptions of the current by the circuit breaker based on a trip setting. An interface device is accessible when said access panel is closed and allows selections of the normal and maintenance modes. A display, which is in communication with both of the user interface device and the electronic trip unit, monitors the interface device and transmits data to the trip unit that is based on the selected mode. The display receives data from the trip unit and displays information based on the received data. The display is viewable when the access panel is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: UTILITY RELAY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Helmut Weiher, Richard C. Fleischer, Jeffrey W. Patterson
  • Patent number: 7646575
    Abstract: A circuit protection system includes a normal mode and a maintenance mode. A current sensor senses current in the circuit. An enclosure includes an access panel that is movable between a closed position and open position. A circuit breaker is mounted within the enclosure. An electronic trip unit is in communication with the current sensor and controls interruptions of the current by the circuit breaker based on a trip setting. An interface device is accessible when said access panel is closed and allows selections of the normal and maintenance modes. A display, which is in communication with both of the user interface device and the electronic trip unit, monitors the interface device and transmits data to the trip unit that is based on the selected mode. The display receives data from the trip unit and displays information based on the received data. The display is viewable when the access panel is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Utility Relay Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Helmut Weiher, Richard C. Fleischer, Jeffrey W. Patterson
  • Patent number: 7570471
    Abstract: A zone-selective-interlocking system for an electrical power distribution system that has at least one upstream breaker and at least one downstream breaker is provided. Each breaker in the power distribution system has a zone-selective-interlocking circuit that includes a zone-selective-interlocking-input circuit and a zone-selective-output circuit. The zone-selective-interlocking system also includes a monitoring device to monitor the voltage sent from the zone-selective-interlocking-output circuit of the at least one downstream breaker to the zone-selective-interlocking-input circuit of the at least one upstream breaker and determine whether there is a proper or improper connection between the upstream and downstream breaker and whether the downstream breaker is sending a restraint signal to the upstream breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Utility Relay Company
    Inventors: Helmut Weiher, Jeffrey W. Patterson, Richard C. Fleischer
  • Publication number: 20080198521
    Abstract: A zone-selective-interlocking system for an electrical power distribution system that has at least one upstream breaker and at least one downstream breaker is provided. Each breaker in the power distribution system has a zone-selective-interlocking circuit that includes a zone-selective-interlocking-input circuit and a zone-selective-output circuit. The zone-selective-interlocking system also includes a monitoring device to monitor the voltage sent from the zone-selective-interlocking-output circuit of the at least one downstream breaker to the zone-selective-interlocking-input circuit of the at least one upstream breaker and determine whether there is a proper or improper connection between the upstream and downstream breaker and whether the downstream breaker is sending a restraint signal to the upstream breaker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: UTILITY RELAY COMPANY
    Inventors: Helmut Weiher, Jeffrey W. Patterson, Richard C. Fleischer
  • Publication number: 20070211400
    Abstract: A circuit protection system includes a normal mode and a maintenance mode. A current sensor senses current in the circuit. An enclosure includes an access panel that is movable between a closed position and open position. A circuit breaker is mounted within the enclosure. An electronic trip unit is in communication with the current sensor and controls interruptions of the current by the circuit breaker based on a trip setting. An interface device is accessible when said access panel is closed and allows selections of the normal and maintenance modes. A display, which is in communication with both of the user interface device and the electronic trip unit, monitors the interface device and transmits data to the trip unit that is based on the selected mode. The display receives data from the trip unit and displays information based on the received data. The display is viewable when the access panel is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Applicant: UTILITY RELAY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: HELMUT WEIHER, RICHARD C. FLEISCHER, JEFFREY W. PATTERSON