Patents by Inventor Joseph W. Ruta

Joseph W. Ruta 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: 6963475
    Abstract: A control method and arrangement that monitors the condition and operating parameters of a power electronic system having power electronic devices and responds to various detected abnormalities to optimize operation of the power electronic system. The arrangement increases reliability of operation and optimizes the continuous supply of power to a load. The arrangement also includes the capability for diagnosing the parameters of the power electronic switches including drive current, drive voltage and operating temperature and for communicating the status information in a coordinated fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: S & C Electric Co.
    Inventors: Todd W. Klippel, Richard P. Mikosz, Ronald D. Atanus, Michael G. Ennis, Raymond P. O'Leary, Joseph W. Ruta, Gregory C. Mears
  • Patent number: 6950764
    Abstract: A control arrangement and method is provided for detecting and responding to disturbances in electrical power systems. In a preferred arrangement, an integration is initiated that is based on a comparison of actual voltage of a source and a reference voltage. When the integration exceeds a predetermined value, the source is considered unreliable. Also in a preferred arrangement, a determination is made as to whether or not the disturbance is a downstream fault condition. For example, this is useful for applications where a transfer is made from a first source to a second source when predetermined disturbances are detected. In this manner, the transfer of the load to a second source is avoided which would continue the supply of the downstream fault. Additionally, the arrangement distinguishes between various degrees of disturbances to permit appropriate response based on the severity and type of disturbance. For example, a first immediate response, i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: S & C Electric Co.
    Inventors: Michael G. Ennis, Raymond P. O'Leary, Joseph W. Ruta
  • Patent number: 6944004
    Abstract: A control arrangement and method is provided for detecting and responding to disturbances in electrical power systems. In a preferred arrangement, an integration is initiated that is based on a comparison of actual voltage of a source and a reference voltage. When the integration exceeds a predetermined value, the source is considered unreliable. Also in a preferred arrangement, a determination is made as to whether or not the disturbance is a downstream fault condition. For example, this is useful for applications where a transfer is made from a first source to a second source when predetermined disturbances are detected. In this manner, the transfer of the load to a second source is avoided which would continue the supply of the downstream fault. Additionally, the arrangement distinguishes between various degrees of disturbances to permit appropriate response based on the severity and type of disturbance. For example, a first immediate response, i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: S&C Electric Co.
    Inventors: Michael G. Ennis, Raymond P. O'Leary, Joseph W. Ruta
  • Patent number: 6941233
    Abstract: A control arrangement and method is provided for detecting and responding to disturbances in electrical power systems. In a preferred arrangement, an integration is initiated that is based on a comparison of actual voltage of a source and a reference voltage. When the integration exceeds a predetermined value, the source is considered unreliable. Also in a preferred arrangement, a determination is made as to whether or not the disturbance is a downstream fault condition. For example, this is useful for applications where a transfer is made from a first source to a second source when predetermined disturbances are detected. In this manner, the transfer of the load to a second source is avoided which would continue the supply of the downstream fault. Additionally, the arrangement distinguishes between various degrees of disturbances to permit appropriate response based on the severity and type of disturbance. For example, a first immediate response, i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: S&C Electric Co.
    Inventors: Michael G. Ennis, Raymond P. O'Leary, Joseph W. Ruta
  • Patent number: 6917186
    Abstract: A control method and arrangement that monitors the condition and operating parameters of a power electronic system having power electronic devices and responds to various detected abnormalities to optimize operation of the power electronic system. The arrangement increases reliability of operation and optimizes the continuous supply of power to a load. The arrangement also includes the capability for diagnosing the parameters of the power electronic switches including drive current, drive voltage and operating temperature and for communicating the status information in a coordinated fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: S & C Electric Co.
    Inventors: Todd W. Klippel, Richard P. Mikosz, Ronald D. Atanus, Michael G. Ennis, Raymond P. O'Leary, Joseph W. Ruta, Gregory C. Mears
  • Publication number: 20040066201
    Abstract: A control arrangement and method is provided for detecting and responding to disturbances in electrical power systems. In a preferred arrangement, an integration is initiated that is based on a comparison of actual voltage of a source and a reference voltage. When the integration exceeds a predetermined value, the source is considered unreliable. Also in a preferred arrangement, a determination is made as to whether or not the disturbance is a downstream fault condition. For example, this is useful for applications where a transfer is made from a first source to a second source when predetermined disturbances are detected. In this manner, the transfer of the load to a second source is avoided which would continue the supply of the downstream fault. Additionally, the arrangement distinguishes between various degrees of disturbances to permit appropriate response based on the severity and type of disturbance. For example, a first immediate response, i.e.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Michael G. Ennis, Raymond P. O' Leary, Joseph W. Ruta
  • Publication number: 20040064272
    Abstract: A control arrangement and method is provided for detecting and responding to disturbances in electrical power systems. In a preferred arrangement, an integration is initiated that is based on a comparison of actual voltage of a source and a reference voltage. When the integration exceeds a predetermined value, the source is considered unreliable. Also in a preferred arrangement, a determination is made as to whether or not the disturbance is a downstream fault condition. For example, this is useful for applications where a transfer is made from a first source to a second source when predetermined disturbances are detected. In this manner, the transfer of the load to a second source is avoided which would continue the supply of the downstream fault. Additionally, the arrangement distinguishes between various degrees of disturbances to permit appropriate response based on the severity and type of disturbance. For example, a first immediate response, i.e.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Michael G. Ennis, Raymond P. O'Leary, Joseph W. Ruta
  • Publication number: 20040039537
    Abstract: A control arrangement and method is provided for detecting and responding to disturbances in electrical power systems. In a preferred arrangement, an integration is initiated that is based on a comparison of actual voltage of a source and a reference voltage. When the integration exceeds a predetermined value, the source is considered unreliable. Also in a preferred arrangement, a determination is made as to whether or not the disturbance is a downstream fault condition. For example, this is useful for applications where a transfer is made from a first source to a second source when predetermined disturbances are detected. In this manner, the transfer of the load to a second source is avoided which would continue the supply of the downstream fault. Additionally, the arrangement distinguishes between various degrees of disturbances to permit appropriate response based on the severity and type of disturbance. For example, a first immediate response, i.e.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Michael G. Ennis, Raymond P. O'leary, Joseph W. Ruta
  • Patent number: 6668232
    Abstract: A control arrangement and method is provided for detecting and responding to disturbances in electrical power systems. In a preferred arrangement, an integration is initiated that is based on a comparison of actual voltage of a source and a reference voltage. When the integration exceeds a predetermined value, the source is considered unreliable. Also in a preferred arrangement, a determination is made as to whether or not the disturbance is a downstream fault condition. For example, this is useful for applications where a transfer is made from a first source to a second source when predetermined disturbances are detected. In this manner, the transfer of the load to a second source is avoided which would continue the supply of the downstream fault. Additionally, the arrangement distinguishes between various degrees of disturbances to permit appropriate response based on the severity and type of disturbance. For example, a first immediate response, i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: S&C Electric Co.
    Inventors: Michael G. Ennis, Raymond P. O'Leary, Joseph W. Ruta
  • Patent number: 6667601
    Abstract: A control arrangement and method is provided that monitors the condition and operating parameters of a power electronic system having power electronic devices and responds to various detected abnormalities via appropriate action to optimize operation of the power electronic system. The arrangement increases reliability of operation and optimizes the continuous supply of power to a load. For example, the arrangement responds to an overheated power electronic switch by switching to an alternate power electronic switch, the overheated power electronic switch being made available as a temporary alternate path. The arrangement also includes the capability for diagnosing the power electronic switches by measuring the temperature of the power electronics switches and communicating the temperature information in a coordinated fashion with information regarding the operating status of the power electronics switches. Additionally, shorted power electronic switches are detected and appropriate action taken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: S&C Electric Co.
    Inventors: Richard P. Mikosz, Ronald D. Atanus, Michael G. Ennis, Gregory C. Mears, Raymond P. O'Leary, Joseph W. Ruta
  • Publication number: 20030218848
    Abstract: A control method and arrangement that monitors the condition and operating parameters of a power electronic system having power electronic devices and responds to various detected abnormalities to optimize operation of the power electronic system. The arrangement increases reliability of operation and optimizes the continuous supply of power to a load. The arrangement also includes the capability for diagnosing the parameters of the power electronic switches including drive current, drive voltage and operating temperature and for communicating the status information in a coordinated fashion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventors: Todd W. Klippel, Richard P. Mikosz, Ronald D. Atanus, Michael G. Ennis, Raymond P. O'Leary, Joseph W. Ruta, Gregory C. Mears
  • Patent number: 6636101
    Abstract: A control arrangement and method is provided for electronic devices in which an electronic switch is maintained in a conducting state at all times other than when it is desired to render the electronic switch nonconducting. In a specific embodiment, a latched control signal is utilized which is changed by the receipt of a momentary signal to change the conducting state of the electronic switch. For example, according to one specific arrangement, the momentary signal is a secure, complex signal such that appropriate decoding and detection of the proper signal is required to change the conducting state of the electronic switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: S&C Electric Co.
    Inventors: Ronald D. Atanus, Gregory C. Mears, Richard P. Mikosz, Raymond P. O'Leary, Michael G. Ennis, Joseph W. Ruta
  • Publication number: 20030171884
    Abstract: A control arrangement and method is provided for detecting and responding to disturbances in electrical power systems. In a preferred arrangement, an integration is initiated that is based on a comparison of actual voltage of a source and a reference voltage. When the integration exceeds a predetermined value, the source is considered unreliable. Also in a preferred arrangement, a determination is made as to whether or not the disturbance is a downstream fault condition. For example, this is useful for applications where a transfer is made from a first source to a second source when predetermined disturbances are detected. In this manner, the transfer of the load to a second source is avoided which would continue the supply of the downstream fault. Additionally, the arrangement distinguishes between various degrees of disturbances to permit appropriate response based on the severity and type of disturbance. For example, a first immediate response, i.e.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Michael G. Ennis, Raymond P. O'Leary, Joseph W. Ruta
  • Patent number: 6601002
    Abstract: A control arrangement and method is provided for detecting and responding to disturbances in electrical power systems. In a preferred arrangement, an integration is initiated that is based on a comparison of actual voltage of a source and a reference voltage. When the integration exceeds a predetermined value, the source is considered unreliable. Also in a preferred arrangement, a determination is made as to whether or not the disturbance is a downstream fault condition. For example, this is useful for applications where a transfer is made from a first source to a second source when predetermined disturbances are detected. In this manner, the transfer of the load to a second source is avoided which would continue the supply of the downstream fault. Additionally, the arrangement distinguishes between various degrees of disturbances to permit appropriate response based on the severity and type of disturbance. For example, a first immediate response, i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: S&C Electric Co.
    Inventors: Michael G Ennis, Raymond P. O'Leary, Joseph W. Ruta
  • Publication number: 20030043520
    Abstract: A control arrangement and method is provided that monitors the condition and operating parameters of a power electronic system having power electronic devices and responds to various detected abnormalities via appropriate action to optimize operation of the power electronic system. The arrangement increases reliability of operation and optimizes the continuous supply of power to a load For example, the arrangement responds to an overheated power electronic switch by switching to an alternate power electronic switch, the overheated power electronic switch being made available as a temporary alternate path. The arrangement also includes the capability for diagnosing the power electronic switches by measuring the temperature of the power electronics switches and communicating the temperature information in a coordinated fashion with information regarding the operating status of the power electronics switches. Additionally, shorted power electronic switches are detected and appropriate action taken.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Richard P. Mikosz, Ronald D. Atanus, Michael G. Ennis, Gregory C. Mears, Raymond P. O'Leary, Joseph W. Ruta
  • Patent number: 6504696
    Abstract: A control arrangement and method is provided that monitors the condition and operating parameters of a power electronic system having power electronic devices and responds to various detected abnormalities via appropriate action to optimize operation of the power electronic system. The arrangement increases reliability of operation and optimizes the continuous supply of power to a load. For example, the arrangement responds to an overheated power electronic switch by switching to an alternate power electronic switch, the overheated power electronic switch being made available as a temporary alternate path. The arrangement also includes the capability for diagnosing the power electronic switches by measuring the temperature of the power electronics switches and communicating the temperature information in a coordinated fashion with information regarding the operating status of the power electronics switches. Additionally, shorted power electronic switches are detected and appropriate action taken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: S+C Electric Co.
    Inventors: Richard P. Mikosz, Ronald D. Atanus, Michael G. Ennis, Gregory C. Mears, Raymond P. O'Leary, Joseph W. Ruta
  • Publication number: 20020060599
    Abstract: A control arrangement and method is provided for electronic devices in which an electronic switch is maintained in a conducting state at all times other than when it is desired to render the electronic switch nonconducting. In a specific embodiment, a latched control signal is utilized which is changed by the receipt of a momentary signal to change the conducting state of the electronic switch. For example, according to one specific arrangement, the momentary signal is a secure, complex signal such that appropriate decoding and detection of the proper signal is required to change the conducting state of the electronic switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Inventors: Ronald D. Atanus, Gregory C. Mears, Richard P. Mikosz, Raymond P. O'Leary, Michael g. Ennis, Joseph W. Ruta
  • Patent number: 6331798
    Abstract: A control arrangement and method is provided for a power electronic system configured as a high-speed source-transfer switching systems (HSSTSS). The HSSTSS supplies an electrical load with alternating current from either a first source or a second source via respective first and second solid-state switches. The HSSTSS also includes a controller that samples the voltage waveforms of each of the first and second sources to detect when transfer between the sources is desirable, e.g. outages or voltage that is either too low or too high. The controller provides appropriate control signals to control operation of the solid-state switches and transfer supply of the load therebetween. The control arrangement avoids undesirable current flow between sources via a comparison of the voltages of the sources and current in the outgoing source, i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: S&C Electric Company
    Inventors: Raymond P. O'Leary, Michael G. Ennis, Joseph W. Ruta, Anthony F. Segredo
  • Patent number: 4916573
    Abstract: A control circuit is provided for a circuit interrupter that achieves an inverse-time characteristic for overcurrents that include instantaneous current levels higher than the interrupting capability of the circuit interrupter by synchronizing the operation of the circuit interrupter to ensure that circuit interruption takes place when the instantaneous current is within the interrupting capability of the circuit interrupter. This interrupting capability is similar to let-through current and is defined by the instantaneous magnitude of the current at the time of interruption or at a particular stage thereof. The control circuit is responsive to a time-current characteristic signal generator that provides a time-current signal in response to overcurrent after the passage of a time delay that is inversely related to the overcurrent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: S & C Electric Company
    Inventor: Joseph W. Ruta
  • Patent number: 4839770
    Abstract: An arrangement is provided for checking the validity of a sensed-current signal from a current-sensing device. The sensed-current signal represents the current in a line. An associated control circuit utilizes the sensed-current signal to indicate or predict the presence of undesired overcurrent conditions. When such conditions may be present, the sensed-current signal is checked to determine if the sensed-current signal is valid; i.e., whether the sensed-current signal accurately represents the current in the line. If the sensed-current signal is invalid, no trip signal is generated to interrupt the current. If the sensed-current signal is valid, the control circuit generates a trip signal to control operation of a circuit-interrupting device. In a particular arrangement, the load on the current-sensing device is changed to determine if the sensed-current signal is valid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Assignee: S&C Electric Company
    Inventor: Joseph W. Ruta