Patents by Inventor Kevin S. Sprinker

Kevin S. Sprinker 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: 6541727
    Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker incorporates vacuum switches operated by a toggle mechanism. Pole arms tied together by a cross bar are rotated simultaneously by the toggle mechanism. A drive link translates the rotational movement of each pole arm into linear movement of a driven member along the axis of the movable electrode of the associated vacuum switch. A coupling bracket has a base section secured to the movable electrode, longitudinal sections straddling the movable electrode axis and terminal sections extending inward toward the plane of rotation of the pole arm from the ends of the longitudinal sections. Coupling members extend from the driven member through slots in the terminal sections of the coupling bracket. Springs couple the free ends of the coupling members to the coupling bracket to open and close the vacuum switch with operation of the toggle mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: H. Richard Beck, Douglas C. Marks, R. Michael Slepian, Kevin S. Sprinker, Edward L. Wellner
  • Publication number: 20020079291
    Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker incorporates vacuum switches operated by a toggle mechanism. Pole arms tied together by a cross bar are rotated simultaneously by the toggle mechanism. A drive link translates the rotational movement of each pole arm into linear movement of a driven member along the axis of the movable electrode of the associated vacuum switch. A coupling bracket has a base section secured to the movable electrode, longitudinal sections straddling the movable electrode axis and terminal sections extending inward toward the plane of rotation of the pole arm from the ends of the longitudinal sections. Coupling members extend from the driven member through slots in the terminal sections of the coupling bracket. Springs couple the free ends of the coupling members to the coupling bracket to open and close the vacuum switch with operation of the toggle mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: H. Richard Beck, Douglas C. Marks, R. Michael Slepian, Kevin S. Sprinker, Edward L. Wellner