Patents by Inventor James Peter Miller

James Peter Miller 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: 9899173
    Abstract: A system and methods providing for minimizing the arc energy delivered to the pads of a plurality of contactors using a single control coil based on monitoring the electrical sine waves of the three alternating current electrical poles and calculating the instant to energize or deenergize a single control coil. The remainder of the contactors will make or break based on an offset in time from the making or breaking of the control contactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Hans Weichert, James Peter Miller, Urs Hunziker, Reynald Kaltenrieder, Lorenz Laeuppi
  • Publication number: 20170154746
    Abstract: A system and methods providing for minimizing the arc energy delivered to the pads of a plurality of contactors using a single control coil based on monitoring the electrical sine waves of the three alternating current electrical poles and calculating the instant to energize or deenergize a single control coil. The remainder of the contactors will make or break based on an offset in time from the making or breaking of the control contactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Publication date: June 1, 2017
    Inventors: Hans Weichert, James Peter Miller, Urs Hunziker, Reynald Kaltenrieder, Lorenz Laeuppi
  • Patent number: 9576759
    Abstract: A system and methods providing for minimizing the arc energy delivered to the pads of a plurality of contactors using a single control coil based on monitoring the electrical sine waves of the three alternating current electrical poles and calculating the instant to energize or deenergize a single control coil. The remainder of the contactors will make or break based on an offset in time from the making or breaking of the control contactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Hans Weichert, James Peter Miller, Urs Hunziker, Reynald Kaltenrieder, Lorenz Laeuppi
  • Publication number: 20140104740
    Abstract: A system and methods providing for minimizing the arc energy delivered to the pads of a plurality of contactors using a single control coil based on monitoring the electrical sine waves of the three alternating current electrical poles and calculating the instant to energize or deenergize a single control coil. The remainder of the contactors will make or break based on an offset in time from the making or breaking of the control contactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans Weichert, James Peter Miller, Urs Hunziker, Reynald Kaltenrieder, Lorenz Laeuppi
  • Patent number: 8610314
    Abstract: A system and methods providing for minimizing the arc energy delivered to the pads of a plurality of contactors using a single control coil based on monitoring the electrical sine waves of the three alternating current electrical poles and calculating the instant to energize or deenergize a single control coil. The remainder of the contactors will make or break based on an offset in time from the making or breaking of the control contactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans Weichert, James Peter Miller, Urs Hunziker, Reynald Kaltenrieder, Lorenz Laeuppi
  • Patent number: 8334740
    Abstract: A contactor assembly includes a stationary contact, an arc contact, an arc arrestor, and a magnetic intensifier. The magnetic intensifier is constructed to be secured in generally close proximity to the stationary contact. During communication of power through the contactor assembly, the magnetic intensifier accentuates a magnetic field associated with the stationary contact and increases the magnitude of a magnetic force directed to the arc arrestor. A pair of arc guides extend along the magnetic intensifier and, cooperatively with the magnetic force, ensure efficient, repeatable, and expedient transfer of a circuit termination arc to the arc arrestor. Such a construction increases the operable range and lifecycle of the contactor by reducing the damage associated with propagation of the circuit termination arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Ramsey Annis, Robert Alfred Duchrow, Theodore John Houck, III, James Peter Miller
  • Publication number: 20120299395
    Abstract: A system and methods providing for minimizing the arc energy delivered to the pads of a plurality of contactors using a single control coil based on monitoring the electrical sine waves of the three alternating current electrical poles and calculating the instant to energize or deenergize a single control coil. The remainder of the contactors will make or break based on an offset in time from the making or breaking of the control contactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Hans Weichert, James Peter Miller, Urs Hunziker, Reynald Kaltenrieder, Lorenz Laeuppi
  • Patent number: 8310111
    Abstract: A system and methods providing for minimizing the arc energy delivered to the pads of a plurality of contactors using a single control coil based on monitoring the electrical sine waves of the three alternating current electrical poles and calculating the instant to energize or deenergize a single control coil. The remainder of the contactors will make or break based on an offset in time from the making or breaking of the control contactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans Weichert, James Peter Miller, Urs Hunziker, Reynald KaltenRieder, Lorenz Laeuppi
  • Patent number: 7958623
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a current switch magnetic intensifier that is constructed to be secured in generally close proximity to the stationary contact of the current switch. During termination of the communication of power through the contactor assembly, the magnetic intensifier accentuates a magnetic field associated with a stationary contact and increases the magnitude of a magnetic force directed to the arc arrestor. The intensifier is fitted proximate the stationary contact so that a pair of arc rails extend beyond the stationary contact such that a force of a magnetic field generated by the contactor magnetic intensified is directed in a common direction with a direction of reduced resistance of the pair of arc rails to ensure efficient, repeatable, and expedient transfer of a circuit termination arc to the arc arrestor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Ramsey Annis, Robert Alfred Duchrow, Theodore John Houck, III, James Peter Miller
  • Publication number: 20110133870
    Abstract: A contactor assembly includes a stationary contact, an arc contact, an arc arrestor, and a magnetic intensifier. The magnetic intensifier is constructed to be secured in generally close proximity to the stationary contact. During communication of power through the contactor assembly, the magnetic intensifier accentuates a magnetic field associated with the stationary contact and increases the magnitude of a magnetic force directed to the arc arrestor. A pair of arc guides extend along the magnetic intensifier and, cooperatively with the magnetic force, ensure efficient, repeatable, and expedient transfer of a circuit termination arc to the arc arrestor. Such a construction increases the operable range and lifecycle of the contactor by reducing the damage associated with propagation of the circuit termination arc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: Jeffrey Ramsey Annis, Robert Alfred Duchrow, Theodore John Houck, III, James Peter Miller
  • Publication number: 20100225177
    Abstract: A system and methods providing for minimizing the arc energy delivered to the pads of a plurality of contactors using a single control coil based on monitoring the electrical sine waves of the three alternating current electrical poles and calculating the instant to energize or deenergize a single control coil. The remainder of the contactors will make or break based on an offset in time from the making or breaking of the control contactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Hans Weichert, James Peter Miller, Urs Hunziker, Reynald Kaltenrieder, Lorenz Laeuppi
  • Patent number: 7723634
    Abstract: A contactor assembly includes a stationary contact, an arc contact, an arc arrestor, and a magnetic intensifier. The magnetic intensifier is constructed to extend in generally close proximity to one of the stationary contact and the arc contact. During communication of power through the contactor assembly, the magnetic intensifier manipulates a magnetic field associated with current passing through the contactor assembly and increases the magnitude of a magnetic force directed to the arc arrestor. Preferably, the magnetic intensifier is formed integrally with a turnback associated with one of the stationary contact or the arc contact. Such a construction simplifies the manufacture and assembly of the contactor assembly and provides efficient and repeatable arc suppression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Ramsey Annis, Robert Alfred Duchrow, Susan L Beneke, legal representative, James Peter Miller
  • Patent number: 7716816
    Abstract: A method of forming a switch assembly that includes a magnetic intensifier constructed to extend in generally close proximity to one of the stationary contact and the arc contact. During communication of power through the contactor assembly, the magnetic intensifier manipulates a magnetic field associated with current passing through the switch assembly and increases the magnitude of a magnetic force directed to the arc arrestor. Preferably, the magnetic intensifier is formed integrally with a turnback associated with one of the stationary contact or the arc contact. Such a construction simplifies the manufacture and assembly of the contactor assembly and provides efficient and repeatable arc suppression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Ramsey Annis, Robert Alfred Duchrow, Susan L Beneke, legal representative, James Peter Miller
  • Patent number: 7551050
    Abstract: A contactor assembly includes a stationary contact, an arc contact, an arc arrestor, and a magnetic intensifier. The magnetic intensifier is constructed to be secured in generally close proximity to the stationary contact. During communication of power through the contactor assembly, the magnetic intensifier accentuates a magnetic field associated with the stationary contact and increases the magnitude of a magnetic force directed to the arc arrestor. A pair of arc guides extend along the magnetic intensifier and, cooperatively with the magnetic force, ensure efficient, repeatable, and expedient transfer of a circuit termination arc to the arc arrestor. Such a construction increases the operable range and lifecycle of the contactor by reducing the damage associated with propagation of the circuit termination arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Ramsey Annis, Robert Alfred Duchrow, Theodore John Houck, III, James Peter Miller
  • Publication number: 20090102585
    Abstract: A contactor assembly includes a stationary contact, an arc contact, an arc arrestor, and a magnetic intensifier. The magnetic intensifier is constructed to extend in generally close proximity to one of the stationary contact and the arc contact. During communication of power through the contactor assembly, the magnetic intensifier manipulates a magnetic field associated with current passing through the contactor assembly and increases the magnitude of a magnetic force directed to the arc arrestor. Preferably, the magnetic intensifier is formed integrally with a turnback associated with one of the stationary contact or the arc contact. Such a construction simplifies the manufacture and assembly of the contactor assembly and provides efficient and repeatable arc suppression.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: Jeffrey Ramsey Annis, Robert Alfred Duchrow, James Peter Miller, Susan L. Beneke
  • Publication number: 20090094820
    Abstract: A contactor assembly includes a stationary contact, an arc contact, an arc arrestor, and a magnetic intensifier. The magnetic intensifier is constructed to be secured in generally close proximity to the stationary contact. During communication of power through the contactor assembly, the magnetic intensifier accentuates a magnetic field associated with the stationary contact and increases the magnitude of a magnetic force directed to the arc arrestor. A pair of arc guides extend along the magnetic intensifier and, cooperatively with the magnetic force, ensure efficient, repeatable, and expedient transfer of a circuit termination arc to the arc arrestor. Such a construction increases the operable range and lifecycle of the contactor by reducing the damage associated with propagation of the circuit termination arc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventors: Jeffrey Ramsey Annis, Robert Alfred Duchrow, Theodore John Houck, III, James Peter Miller
  • Patent number: 7417519
    Abstract: A switching apparatus and method, the apparatus comprising a relay including a relay coil and at least one normally open relay contactor that closes when the relay coil is energized, a normally closed stop contactor and a stop member moveable between a deactivated position in which the stop contactor is closed and an activated position wherein the stop member forces each of the stop contactor and the relay contactor open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James Peter Miller
  • Publication number: 20080073327
    Abstract: A contactor assembly includes a stationary contact, an arc contact, an arc arrestor, and a magnetic intensifier. The magnetic intensifier is constructed to extend in generally close proximity to one of the stationary contact and the arc contact. During communication of power through the contactor assembly, the magnetic intensifier manipulates a magnetic field associated with current passing through the contactor assembly and increases the magnitude of a magnetic force directed to the arc arrestor. Preferably, the magnetic intensifier is formed integrally with a turnback associated with one of the stationary contact or the arc contact. Such a construction simplifies the manufacture and assembly of the contactor assembly and provides efficient and repeatable arc suppression.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventors: Jeffrey Ramsey Annis, Robert Alfred Duchrow, Susan L. Beneke, James Peter Miller
  • Publication number: 20080074216
    Abstract: A contactor assembly includes a stationary contact, an arc contact, an arc arrestor, and a magnetic intensifier. The magnetic intensifier is constructed to be secured in generally close proximity to the stationary contact. During communication of power through the contactor assembly, the magnetic intensifier accentuates a magnetic field associated with the stationary contact and increases the magnitude of a magnetic force directed to the arc arrestor. A pair of arc guides extend along the magnetic intensifier and, cooperatively with the magnetic force, ensure efficient, repeatable, and expedient transfer of a circuit termination arc to the arc arrestor. Such a construction increases the operable range and lifecycle of the contactor by reducing the damage associated with propagation of the circuit termination arc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventors: Jeffrey Ramsey Annis, Robert Alfred Duchrow, Theodore John Houck, James Peter Miller
  • Patent number: 7315006
    Abstract: A ball ratchet mechanism suitable for use with an electrical disconnect employs a track and drive surface that engage the ball so as to capture it without significant shear force being applied to ridges of the track. In this way, the shape of the track can be optimized for smooth ratcheting action without the risk of high torques shearing track ridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore John Houck, III, Jie Ning, James Peter Miller