Patents by Inventor James Virgal Fixemer

James Virgal Fixemer 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).

  • Assembly methods for miniature circuit breakers with electronics
    Patent number: 6591482
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for use in arcing fault detection systems within circuit breakers and which is adapted for automated production by top-down assembly. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a circuit board and a two-piece sensing coil within a two piece housing with its center oriented horizontally relative to the circuit board. In other embodiments the sensing coil is one-piece and is either preassembled with a sensing bus and oriented horizontally or oriented vertically relative to the circuit board. The invention also includes several methods for making electrical connections to the circuit breakers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Dennis William Fleege, Brett Eugene Larson, James Virgal Fixemer
  • Automated assembly methods for miniature circuit breakers with wire attachment clamps
    Patent number: 6482048
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in arcing fault detection systems within circuit breakers and which is adapted for automated production by top-down assembly. The invention also includes several devices for making electrical connections to the circuit breakers, including a lug having a top and a hollow center, the top having a hole connecting the top to the hollow center for accessing a wirebinding screw, a neutral bus having a first end and a second end, the first end disposed within the hollow center beneath the hole, a wire binding screw disposed in the hole and extending through the hollow center for securing a first wire to the first end of the neutral bus, and a strain relief member connected to the second end of the neutral bus for securing a second wire connected to the second end of the neutral bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Dennis William Fleege, Brett Eugene Larson, James Virgal Fixemer
  • Apparatus for use in arcing fault detection systems
    Patent number: 6242993
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in arcing fault detection systems within circuit breakers and which is adapted for automated production by top-down assembly. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a circuit board and a two-piece sensing coil within a two piece housing with its center oriented horizontally relative to the circuit board. In other embodiments the sensing coil is one-piece and is either preassembled with a sensing bus and oriented horizontally or oriented vertically relative to the circuit board. Also included are several methods for making electrical connections to the circuit breakers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Dennis William Fleege, Brett Eugene Larson, James Virgal Fixemer