Patents by Inventor Howard S. Leopold

Howard S. Leopold 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: 7947901
    Abstract: A sealed device with integral weatherproof cover includes a device integral with a weatherproof cover to prevent the introduction of moisture into the device. A portion of the device is positioned within the weatherproof cover housing. The device includes wires extending out through one or more openings along or near the back of the device. The openings are environmentally sealed around the wires to prevent moisture from passing therethrough. The weatherproof cover housing includes a pair of openings. A portion of the device is positioned next to, and sometimes through, one of the openings. A door is coupled to the weatherproof cover housing and positioned adjacent the other opening. The door can be moved about an axis along an edge of the weatherproof cover housing such that the door can be adjusted between an open position and a closed position about the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Howard S. Leopold
  • Patent number: 7943850
    Abstract: An environmentally sealed wiring device with removable weather-resistant cover includes a wiring device with a device housing, a shoulder extending from the device housing and a sealing element disposed about the shoulder. The wiring device includes wires extending through one or more openings in the device housing. The openings are environmentally sealed around the wires to prevent moisture from entering the device. A weatherproof cover housing includes a pair of openings. The wiring device is positioned next to, and sometimes through, one of the openings. The sealing element is disposed between the weatherproof cover housing and the shoulder of the wiring device, providing a weatherproof seal therebetween, to prevent moisture from entering the device. A door is coupled to the weatherproof cover housing and can be rotated about an axis along an edge of the weatherproof cover housing between an open position and a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Howard S. Leopold, David R. Byers, Jim Knapik
  • Publication number: 20100078190
    Abstract: A sealed device with integral weatherproof cover includes a device integral with a weatherproof cover to prevent the introduction of moisture into the device. A portion of the device is positioned within the weatherproof cover housing. The device includes wires extending out through one or more openings along or near the back of the device. The openings are environmentally sealed around the wires to prevent moisture from passing therethrough. The weatherproof cover housing includes a pair of openings. A portion of the device is positioned next to, and sometimes through, one of the openings. A door is coupled to the weatherproof cover housing and positioned adjacent the other opening. The door can be moved about an axis along an edge of the weatherproof cover housing such that the door can be adjusted between an open position and a closed position about the second opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Howard S. Leopold
  • Publication number: 20100078189
    Abstract: An environmentally sealed wiring device with removable weather-resistant cover includes a wiring device with a device housing, a shoulder extending from the device housing and a sealing element disposed about the shoulder. The wiring device includes wires extending through one or more openings in the device housing. The openings are environmentally sealed around the wires to prevent moisture from entering the device. A weatherproof cover housing includes a pair of openings. The wiring device is positioned next to, and sometimes through, one of the openings. The sealing element is disposed between the weatherproof cover housing and the shoulder of the wiring device, providing a weatherproof seal therebetween, to prevent moisture from entering the device. A door is coupled to the weatherproof cover housing and can be rotated about an axis along an edge of the weatherproof cover housing between an open position and a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Howard S. Leopold, David R. Byers, Jim Knapik
  • Patent number: 7538647
    Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter device is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Howard S. Leopold
  • Patent number: 7498910
    Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter device is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Gunter A. Gallas, Erik J. Gouhl, Howard S. Leopold, Gregory G. Moreinis
  • Publication number: 20080024942
    Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter device is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Applicant: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Gunter A. Gallas, Erik J. Gouhl, Howard S. Leopold, Gregory G. Moreinis
  • Publication number: 20080024943
    Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter device is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Applicant: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Howard S. Leopold
  • Patent number: 6949995
    Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) for opening a circuit when a ground fault has been detected in an attached circuit includes a current path structure containing no more than one splice and no more than one pair of contacts. A cantilevered movable contact arm and an activation device that moves in a linear fashion can be provided to open the current path structure when a ground fault is detected by the GFCI. In addition, the GFCI can include a transformer boat and solenoid bobbin that are snap fit onto a circuit board and located adjacent each other to provide rigidity to the circuit board and GFCI. The GFCI can be tested by a test switch that includes an integral cantilevered extension from an electrical terminal disposed over a resistor such that the cantilevered extension can be bent by a test button to contact a lead of the resistor and simulate a ground fault condition for the GFCI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Cooper Wiring Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard S. Leopold, Yully Rushansky
  • Patent number: 6829124
    Abstract: A fault circuit interrupter with functionality for reset can include a relay that trips a first circuit when a ground fault or other error is detected in the first circuit. The relay can be a bistable type of relay that is caused to change state by the detection of a ground fault (or other error) in the first circuit. To reset the fault circuit interrupter after it has tripped, a reset mechanism can include means for simulating a ground fault (or other error). A signal can be sent to the relay when a simulated ground fault (or other simulated fault) is output, such that the signal causes the relay to change state to re-close the first circuit after the trip. Accordingly, the interrupter is automatically tested for functionality when it is reset. Moreover, the fault circuit interrupter cannot be reset if the circuitry of the fault circuit interrupter is not operational.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Cooper Wiring Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard S. Leopold, Gunter A. Gallas
  • Patent number: 6815625
    Abstract: A dimmer control system has a communication control loop that connects a master unit in series with a plurality of remote units, and it is superimposed in series on the dimmer load line so as to allow two-way communication between the master unit and remote units without affecting the operation of the load. Communications from the master to the remote units are encoded in loop current fluctuations, whereas communications from any remote to the master unit are encoded in loop voltage fluctuations. The master unit has a switched power supply, for use during normal LOAD ON operation, in tandem with a capacitive power supply, for use during LOAD OFF operation of the control units so as to minimize hum. The master unit power supply circuit provides an output rail voltage comprised of a reference voltage for the load superimposed with a control loop voltage for the voltage drop across the series-connected remote units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Cooper Wiring Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard S. Leopold, Lenny M. Novikov, Erik J. Gouhl
  • Publication number: 20040206616
    Abstract: A dimmer control system has a communication control loop that connects a master unit in series with a plurality of remote units, and it is superimposed in series on the dimmer load line so as to allow two-way communication between the master unit and remote units without affecting the operation of the load. Communications from the master to the remote units are encoded in loop current fluctuations, whereas communications from any remote to the master unit are encoded in loop voltage fluctuations. The master unit has a switched power supply, for use during normal LOAD ON operation, in tandem with a capacitive power supply, for use during LOAD OFF operation of the control units so as to minimize hum. The master unit power supply circuit provides an output rail voltage comprised of a reference voltage for the load superimposed with a control loop voltage for the voltage drop across the series-connected remote units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Howard S. Leopold, Lenny M. Novikov, Erik J. Gouhl
  • Publication number: 20030102944
    Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) for opening a circuit when a ground fault has been detected in an attached circuit includes a current path structure containing no more than one splice and no more than one pair of contacts. A cantilevered movable contact arm and an activation device that moves in a linear fashion can be provided to open the current path structure when a ground fault is detected by the GFCI. In addition, the GFCI can include a transformer boat and solenoid bobbin that are snap fit onto a circuit board and located adjacent each other to provide rigidity to the circuit board and GFCI. The GFCI can be tested by a test switch that includes an integral cantilevered extension from an electrical terminal disposed over a resistor such that the cantilevered extension can be bent by a test button to contact a lead of the resistor and simulate a ground fault condition for the GFCI.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Applicant: EAGLE ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING CO., INC.
    Inventors: Howard S. Leopold, Yuliy Rushansky
  • Patent number: 6525541
    Abstract: The fault circuit interrupter with fail safe mode and method can include a detection circuit for determining whether an error has occurred in an exterior circuit, and an interrupter device for stopping current flow to the exterior circuit when an error has been detected. The fault circuit interrupter can also include a fail safe mode, wherein if any of the fault circuit interrupter's key electrical and/or mechanical components malfunction or are not working, the fault circuit interrupter is incapable of being reset after a trip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Eagle Electric Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Howard S. Leopold
  • Patent number: 6515564
    Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) for opening a circuit when a ground fault has been detected in an attached circuit includes a current path structure containing no more than one splice and no more than one pair of contacts. A cantilevered movable contact arm and an activation device that moves in a linear fashion can be provided to open the current path structure when a ground fault is detected by the GFCI. In addition, the GFCI can include a transformer boat and solenoid bobbin that are snap fit onto a circuit board and located adjacent each other to provide rigidity to the circuit board and GFCI. The GFCI can be tested by a test switch that includes an integral cantilevered extension from an electrical terminal disposed over a resistor such that the cantilevered extension can be bent by a test button to contact a lead of the resistor and simulate a ground fault condition for the GFCI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Eagle Electric Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Howard S. Leopold, Yuliy Rushansky
  • Publication number: 20020180451
    Abstract: A fault circuit interrupter with functionality for reset can include a relay that trips a first circuit when a ground fault or other error is detected in the first circuit. The relay can be a bistable type of relay that is caused to change state by the detection of a ground fault (or other error) in the first circuit. To reset the fault circuit interrupter after it has tripped, a reset mechanism can include means for simulating a ground fault (or other error). A signal can be sent to the relay when a simulated ground fault (or other simulated fault) is output, such that the signal causes the relay to change state to re-close the first circuit after the trip. Accordingly, the interrupter is automatically tested for functionality when it is reset. Moreover, the fault circuit interrupter cannot be reset if the circuitry of the fault circuit interrupter is not operational.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Howard S. Leopold, Gunter A. Gallas
  • Publication number: 20020154488
    Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) for opening a circuit when a ground fault has been detected in an attached circuit includes a current path structure containing no more than one splice and no more than one pair of contacts. A cantilevered movable contact arm and an activation device that moves in a linear fashion can be provided to open the current path structure when a ground fault is detected by the GFCI. In addition, the GFCI can include a transformer boat and solenoid bobbin that are snap fit onto a circuit board and located adjacent each other to provide rigidity to the circuit board and GFCI. The GFCI can be tested by a test switch that includes an integral cantilevered extension from an electrical terminal disposed over a resistor such that the cantilevered extension can be bent by a test button to contact a lead of the resistor and simulate a ground fault condition for the GFCI.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 1999
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: HOWARD S. LEOPOLD, YULIY RUSHANSKY
  • Patent number: 6433555
    Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) for opening a circuit when a ground fault has been detected in an attached circuit includes a current path structure containing no more than one splice and no more than one pair of contacts. A cantilevered movable contact arm and an activation device that moves in a linear fashion can be provided to open the current path structure when a ground fault is detected by the GFCI. In addition, the GFCI can include a transformer boat and solenoid bobbin that are snap fit onto a circuit board and located adjacent each other to provide rigidity to the circuit board and GFCI. The GFCI can be tested by a test switch that includes an integral cantilevered extension from an electrical terminal disposed over a resistor such that the cantilevered extension can be bent by a test button to contact a lead of the resistor and simulate a ground fault condition for the GFCI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Eagle Electric Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Howard S. Leopold, Yuliy Rushansky
  • Patent number: 6349908
    Abstract: A standoff assembly is disclosed for supporting an electrical component including at least one lead. The standoff assembly comprises a first supporting member including a protrusion and defining an opening and a second supporting member including a protrusion to mate with the opening of the first supporting member. The second supporting member defines an opening to receive the protrusion of the first supporting member and the protrusions engage one another to assemble the first and second supporting members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Eagle Electric Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Yuliy Rushansky, Howard S. Leopold
  • Patent number: D430539
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Eagle Electric Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Howard S. Leopold, Yuliy Rushansky, Donald R. Lamond, Christopher J. Claypool