Patents by Inventor James N. Pearse
James N. Pearse 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: 7211727Abstract: The present invention overcomes the deficiencies with respect to the prior art devices by providing a plurality of straps joined together with frangible members which can be separated to form a gang of one or more straps which are coupled together for mounting wiring modules to wall boxes. The number of straps in a gang of straps used to couple the wiring modules to the wall boxes is determined by the number of wall boxes that are being used. Each strap of the present invention has a single opening defined by two side members where each side member has projections interposed with recesses for capturing and holding a wiring module. The modular strap accurately positions, aligns and locates all of the wiring modules relative to each other and positions them to a flat plane.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Inventors: James Pearse, legal representative, Paul Kadar, James N. Pearse, deceased
-
Patent number: 6639769Abstract: An arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) device functions to provide protection from potentially dangerous arc faults. The arc fault detector can be used stand alone or in combination with circuit interrupting devices such as IDCIs and ALCIs. The AFCI device detects both AC line frequencies and high frequencies associated with arcing. Both average and instantaneous values of both AC line frequency and high frequency arcing signals are processed to generate an arc fault signal. The trip mechanism of the device trips on the occurrence of either an arc fault or a ground fault. The device allows the arc detector to differentiate between destructive high level arcing and low level arcing such as generated by typical household appliances and equipment. This serves to decrease the occurrence of false tripping.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2002Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Benjamin B. Neiger, Roger M. Bradley, James N. Pearse, William J. Rose, Steve Campolo
-
Patent number: 6621671Abstract: A system protects people and property against electrical shock, using immersion detecting circuits, broken wire test circuits, electromechanical circuit breaking devices including coil/plunger arrangements, and relay circuit breaking mechanisms cooperative with associated circuitry, all of which are able to be incorporated as a system wholly within the load or appliance, and its associated cord set, including a plug.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2002Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Bernard Gershen, Saul Rosenbaum, James N. Pearse
-
Publication number: 20030058590Abstract: A system protects people and property against electrical shock, using immersion detecting circuits, broken wire test circuits, electromechanical circuit breaking devices including coil/plunger arrangements, and relay circuit breaking mechanisms cooperative with associated circuitry, all of which are able to be incorporated as a system wholly within the load or appliance, and its associated cord set, including a plug.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2002Publication date: March 27, 2003Inventors: Bernard Gershen, Saul Rosenbaum, James N. Pearse
-
Patent number: 6469881Abstract: A system protects people and property against electrical shock, using immersion detecting circuits, broken wire test circuits, electromechanical circuit breaking devices including coil/plunger arrangements, and relay circuit breaking mechanisms cooperative with associated circuitry, all of which are able to be incorporated as a system wholly within the load or appliance, and its associated cord set, including a plug.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2001Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Bernard Gershen, Saul Rosenbaum, James N. Pearse
-
Publication number: 20020149891Abstract: An arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) device finctions to provide protection from potentially dangerous arc faults. The arc fault detector can be used stand alone or in combination with circuit interrupting devices such as IDCIs and ALCIs. The AFCI device detects both AC line frequencies and high frequencies associated with arcing. Both average and instantaneous values of both AC line frequency and high frequency arcing signals are processed to generate an arc fault signal. The trip mechanism of the device trips on the occurrence of either an arc fault or a ground fault. The device allows the arc detector to differentiate between destructive high level arcing and low level arcing such as generated by typical household appliances and equipment. This serves to decrease the occurrence of false tripping.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2002Publication date: October 17, 2002Inventors: Benjamin B. Neiger, Roger M. Bradley, James N. Pearse, William J. Rose, Steve Campolo
-
Patent number: 6433978Abstract: An arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) device functions to provide protection from potentially dangerous arc faults. The arc fault detector can be used stand alone or in combination with circuit interrupting devices such as IDCIs and ALCIs. The AFCI device detects both AC line frequencies and high frequencies associated with arcing. Both average and instantaneous values of both AC line frequency and high frequency arcing signals are processed to generate an arc fault signal. The trip mechanism of the device trips on the occurrence of either an arc fault or a ground fault. The device allows the arc detector to differentiate between destructive high level arcing and low level arcing such as generated by typical household appliances and equipment. This serves to decrease the occurrence of false tripping.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2000Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Benjamin B. Neiger, Roger M. Bradley, James N. Pearse, William J. Rose, Steve Campolo
-
Patent number: 6407893Abstract: An arc fault detector comprised as a stand alone unit and in combination with a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) functions to provide protection from potentially dangerous arc fault conditions. When combined with a GFCI, the combination arc fault/ground fault circuit interrupter (AFCI/GFCI) provides protection from both arc fault and ground fault conditions. A single transformer is used to detect faults between neutral and ground and arc faults. An impedance splits the current flow into two portions so as to generate differential current proportional to the current flowing through the conductors. An early arcing detector periodically tests the AC line for high impedance between the device and a main breaker panel. The AFCI/GFCI device detects both AC line frequencies and high frequencies associated with arcing. Both average and instantaneous values of both AC line frequency and high frequency arcing signals are processed to generate an arc fault signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2000Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Benjamin B. Neiger, Roger M. Bradley, James N. Pearse, William J. Rose
-
Publication number: 20020012211Abstract: A system protects people and property against electrical shock, using immersion detecting circuits, broken wire test circuits, electromechanical circuit breaking devices including coil/plunger arrangements, and relay circuit breaking mechanisms cooperative with associated circuitry, all of which are able to be incorporated as a system wholly within the load or appliance, and its associated cord set, including a plug.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2001Publication date: January 31, 2002Inventors: Bernard Gershen, Saul Rosenbaum, James N. Pearse
-
Patent number: 6339525Abstract: An arc fault detector, as a stand alone device or in combination with a circuit interrupting device such as a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), protects from potentially dangerous arc fault conditions. The device utilizes line side and load side pickup coils to distinguish between arc faults occurring on the line or load side. An arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) circuitry portion of the device shares components from the GFCI circuitry portion, and utilizes the electromechanical power carrying portion of the GFCI, including AC line disconnect circuitry and a power supply. The AFCI employs quantitative detection using variable gain control in combination with either a load disconnect or audible/visual alarm indication. The device also includes a timer circuit, which permits the user to temporarily inhibit or disable the arc detection, and selective frequency filtering permitting arc detection in the presence of power line carrier communications.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1999Date of Patent: January 15, 2002Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Benjamin B. Neiger, Roger M. Bradley, James N. Pearse, William J. Rose, Albert Zaretsky
-
Patent number: 6135808Abstract: A quick wired lamp socket assembly which employs a pivoting actuator lever to cause the engagement between an electric cord inserted therein and assembly contacts and provides strain relief to such cord. The actuator lever has a partial top member, an edge of which defines an exposed edge with two conductor recesses and a tooth thereon. The recesses receive the conductors of the cord and the tooth engages the web between the two conductors. The cord is retained against the exposed edge by the circuitous path the cord follows through the lamp socket assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2000Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Scot J. Hale, James N. Pearse, Dennis A. Oddsen, Anthony Tufano
-
Patent number: 6128169Abstract: An arc fault detector comprised as a stand alone unit and in combination with a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) functions to provide protection from potentially dangerous arc fault conditions. When combined with a GFCI, the combination arc fault/ground fault circuit interrupter (AFCI/GFCI) provides protection from both arc fault and ground fault conditions. A single transformer is used to detect faults between neutral and ground and arc faults. An impedance splits the current flow into two portions so as to generate differential current proportional to the current flowing through the conductors. An early arcing detector periodically tests the AC line for high impedance between the device and a main breaker panel. The AFCI/GFCI device detects both AC line frequencies and high frequencies associated with arcing. Both average and instantaneous values of both AC line frequency and high frequency arcing signals are processed to generate an arc fault signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1997Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Benjamin B. Neiger, Roger M. Bradley, James N. Pearse, William J. Rose
-
Patent number: 6088205Abstract: An arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) device functions to provide protection from potentially dangerous arc faults. The arc fault detector can be used stand alone or in combination with circuit interrupting devices such as IDCIs and ALCIs. The AFCI device detects both AC line frequencies and high frequencies associated with arcing. Both average and instantaneous values of both AC line frequency and high frequency arcing signals are processed to generate an arc fault signal. The trip mechanism of the device trips on the occurrence of either an arc fault or a ground fault. The device allows the arc detector to differentiate between destructive high level arcing and low level arcing such as generated by typical household appliances and equipment. This serves to decrease the occurrence of false tripping.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1997Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Benjamin B. Neiger, Roger M. Bradley, James N. Pearse, William J. Rose, Steve Campolo
-
Patent number: 6016244Abstract: The present invention teaches a new and novel system for protecting people and property against electrical shock. The invention includes a number of preferred and other embodiments which have this as their goal, but which represent a number of distinctive and novel approaches to solving prior art problems. By way of example only, and without limiting the scope of this invention, these approaches include novel immersion detecting circuits, broken wire test circuits, electromechanical circuit breaking devices including coil/plunger arrangements, and relay circuit breaking mechanisms cooperative with associated circuitry, all of which are able to be incorporated as a system wholly within the load (appliance) and its associated cord set (including a "plug").Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 1998Date of Patent: January 18, 2000Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Bernard Gershen, Saul Rosenbaum, James N. Pearse
-
Patent number: 6010356Abstract: A quick wired lamp socket assembly which employs a pivoting actuator lever to cause the engagement between an electric cord inserted therein and assembly contacts and provides strain relief to such cord. The actuator lever has a partial top member, an edge of which defines an exposed edge with two conductor recesses and a tooth thereon. The recesses receive the conductors of the cord and the tooth engages the web between the two conductors. The cord is retained against the exposed edge by the circuitous path the cord follows through the lamp socket assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1998Date of Patent: January 4, 2000Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Scot J. Hale, James N. Pearse, Dennis A. Oddsen, Anthony Tufano
-
Patent number: 5963406Abstract: An arc fault detector embodied as both a stand alone device and in combination with a circuit interrupting device such as a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) functions to provide protection from potentially dangerous arc fault conditions. The device utilizes line side and load side pickup coils to permit distinguishing between arc faults occurring on the line side and the load side of the device. The arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) circuitry portion of the device shares components from the GFCI circuitry portion as an integral part of its functionality. The AFCI utilizes the electromechanical power carrying, portion of the GFCI, including the AC line disconnect circuitry, the power supply and the physical housing. In addition, the AFCI employs quantitative detection using variable gain control in combination with either a load disconnect or audible/visual alarm indication.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1997Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Benjamin B. Neiger, Roger M. Bradley, James N. Pearse, William J. Rose, Albert Zaretsky
-
Patent number: 5954534Abstract: A lamp socket assembly having insulation piercing and displacing contacts which make electrical and mechanical joints with the two conductors of an electrical lamp cord. The contacts have two pointed ends to pierce the insulation and a slot between to sever and displace the insulation from the contact which is arranged transverse to the path of the cord in the socket. An actuating lever, pivotally mounted to the socket body, is held in different ratchet controlled position ranges to hold the lever and socket in assembly and accept the cord end and then force the cord in to the insulation piercing and displacing contacts. A strain relief member is made to engage the cord when the lever is fully operated.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 1998Date of Patent: September 21, 1999Assignee: Levition Manufacturing Co.,Inc.Inventors: Scot J. Hale, James N. Pearse, Dennis A. Oddsen, Anthony T. Tufano
-
Patent number: 5801912Abstract: The present invention teaches a new and novel system for protecting people and property against electrical shock. The invention includes a number of preferred and other embodiments which have this as their goal, but which represent a number of distinctive and novel approaches to solving prior art problems. By way of example only, and without limiting the scope of this invention, these approaches include novel immersion detecting circuits, broken wire test circuits, electromechanical circuit breaking including coil/plunger arrangements, and relay circuit breaking mechanisms cooperative with associated circuitry, all of which are able to be incorporated as a system wholly within the load (appliance) and its associated cord set (including a "plug").Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 1996Date of Patent: September 1, 1998Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Bernard Gershen, Saul Rosenbaum, James N. Pearse
-
Patent number: 5779497Abstract: A lamp socket assembly having insulation piercing and displacing contacts which make electrical and mechanical joints with the two conductors of an electrical lamp cord. The contacts have two pointed ends to pierce the insulation and a slot between to sever and displace the insulation from the contact which is arranged transverse to the path of the cord in the socket. An actuating lever, pivotally mounted to the socket body, is held in different ratchet controlled position ranges to hold the lever and socket in assembly and accept the cord end and then force the cord in to the insulation piercing and displacing contacts. A strain relief member is made to engage the cord when the lever is fully operated.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1996Date of Patent: July 14, 1998Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Scot J. Hale, James N. Pearse, Dennis A. Oddsen, Anthony C. Tufano
-
Patent number: D402186Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1997Date of Patent: December 8, 1998Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventor: James N. Pearse