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).
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Patent number: 11749974Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 7, 2021Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: Utility Relay CompanyInventors: Helmut Weiher, Ryan J. McClarnon, Joseph B. Teffner, Jr.
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Publication number: 20220123533Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2021Publication date: April 21, 2022Inventors: Helmut WEIHER, Ryan J. MCCLARNON, Joseph B. TEFFNER, Jr.
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Patent number: 10191102Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 27, 2015Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: UTILITY RELAY COMPANYInventor: Helmut Weiher
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Publication number: 20160216306Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2015Publication date: July 28, 2016Inventor: Helmut Weiher
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Patent number: 8995103Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 5, 2014Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Utility Relay CompanyInventor: Helmut Weiher
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Publication number: 20140340800Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2014Publication date: November 20, 2014Inventor: Helmut Weiher
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Patent number: 8837103Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 18, 2011Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Utility Relay CompanyInventor: Helmut Weiher
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Patent number: 8797720Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 12, 2012Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignees: Utility Relay Company, Kirk Key Interlock Company LLCInventors: Helmut Weiher, Sean McGuinness
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Patent number: 8552728Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 30, 2010Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Utility Relay Co., Ltd.Inventor: Helmut Weiher
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Publication number: 20130063871Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Inventors: Helmut Weiher, Sean McGuinness
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Publication number: 20120092802Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2011Publication date: April 19, 2012Applicant: UTILITY RELAY COMPANY, LTD.Inventor: Helmut Weiher
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Publication number: 20110128005Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2010Publication date: June 2, 2011Applicant: UTILITY RELAY COMPANY, LTD.Inventor: Helmut Weiher
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Patent number: 7889474Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 9, 2009Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Utility Relay Co., Ltd.Inventors: Helmut Weiher, Richard C. Fleischer, Jeffrey W. Patterson
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Publication number: 20100053833Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2009Publication date: March 4, 2010Applicant: UTILITY RELAY CO., LTD.Inventors: Helmut Weiher, Richard C. Fleischer, Jeffrey W. Patterson
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Patent number: 7646575Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 7, 2007Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Utility Relay Co., Ltd.Inventors: Helmut Weiher, Richard C. Fleischer, Jeffrey W. Patterson
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Patent number: 7570471Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 20, 2007Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: Utility Relay CompanyInventors: Helmut Weiher, Jeffrey W. Patterson, Richard C. Fleischer
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Publication number: 20080198521Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2007Publication date: August 21, 2008Applicant: UTILITY RELAY COMPANYInventors: Helmut Weiher, Jeffrey W. Patterson, Richard C. Fleischer
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Publication number: 20070211400Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2007Publication date: September 13, 2007Applicant: UTILITY RELAY CO., LTD.Inventors: HELMUT WEIHER, RICHARD C. FLEISCHER, JEFFREY W. PATTERSON