Patents by Inventor Jack G. Hanks

Jack G. Hanks 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: 4489299
    Abstract: A secondary circuit breaker for a distribution transformer characterized by electrical inductive apparatus within an oil-filled housing, and circuit interrupter for controlling current flow through the transformer and comprising a releasable latch arm, trip means operable upon overload conditions to release the latch arm, a latch lever between the trip means and the latch arm and comprising the only operable part therebetween, and the latch lever having a cam surface for latching and unlatching the releasable arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1984
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Raymond E. Wien, Jack G. Hanks, John F. Cotton
  • Patent number: 4139748
    Abstract: Retractable secondary contacts characterized by stationary and movable secondary contacts, one of which stationary and movable contacts is retractably mounted on a drawout circuit breaker, the other of which stationary and movable secondary contact is mounted on a cell into which the drawout circuit breaker is movable, one of the movable and fixed secondary contacts being retractably mounted to enable closing of the stationary and movable secondary contacts before closing of primary terminal means and after opening of the primary terminal means, whereby remote breaker operations, such as metering, may be tested prior to closing of the primary contact means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1979
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Jerome K. Wolfe, Jack G. Hanks, James O. Rexroad
  • Patent number: 4030053
    Abstract: An oil filled distribution transformer having a secondary circuit breaker utilizing a cantilevered stationary contact which is engaged by a movable contact for completing a series circuit therethrough. The cantilevered exposed stationary contact, which is surrounded by insulating oil, allows the oil in the transformer to rapidly return to the contact area after circuit interruption providing for faster arc extinction. The movable contact can be a bridging contact which forms a circuit between the cantilevered stationary contact and a second stationary contact mounted above a support base. The movable bridging contact is spring biased toward an open position separated from the stationary contact, but with the circuit breaker in the normally closed position is held in engagement with the stationary contact by a latching mechanism which is responsive to a bimetal or magnetic trip to allow the circuit breaker to trip open during overload conditions. The front cantilevered contact is completely surrounded by oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1975
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1977
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corporation
    Inventors: John F. Cotton, Jack G. Hanks, Raymond E. Wien
  • Patent number: 3997857
    Abstract: A circuit interrupter having a magnetic trip element which is integral with the latch. The disclosed circuit interrupter is provided with a bimetal and a magnetic trip element directly connected to the latch of the circuit interrupter which is drawn towards the bimetal, unlatching the circuit interrupter when current flow therethrough exceeds a high overload level. The disclosed circuit interrupter is particularly adaptable for use on a distribution transformer. A movable bridging contact for completing a series circuit between two stationary contacts is provided. The movable bridging contact is spring biased towards an open position separated from the stationary contacts, but with the circuit interrupter in the normally closed position is held in engagement with the stationary contacts by a latching mechanism which is responsive to the bimetal or magnetic trip element to allow the circuit breaker to trip open during overload conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1975
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1976
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond E. Wien, John F. Cotton, Jack G. Hanks
  • Patent number: 3983454
    Abstract: A distribution transformer having a secondary circuit breaker utilizing a movable bridging contact between two stationary contacts for completing a series circuit therethrough. The movable bridging contact is spring biased towards an open position separated from the stationary contacts, but with the circuit breaker in the normally closed position is held in engagement with the stationary contacts by a latching mechanism which is responsive to a bimetal or magnetic trip element to allow the circuit breaker to trip open during overload conditions. The conducting bridging contact completes a series circuit through the circuit breaker which opens during circuit interruption. The secondary circuit breaker can also, if desired, be provided with a signal-light circuit which activates a signal light, on the exterior housing of the transformer, when current through the circuit breaker exceeds a low signal overload value which is less than the trip value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1974
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1976
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corporation
    Inventors: John F. Cotton, Jack G. Hanks, Raymond E. Wien