Patents by Inventor Michael Henry Molyneux
Michael Henry Molyneux 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).
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Patent number: 11387061Abstract: Disclosed herein are passive triggering mechanisms for activation of pyrotechnic features within electrical switching devices, such as contactor devices and fuse devices. The activation of the pyrotechnic features is configured to change the configuration of the internal components of the switching device and prevent current flow through the device. In some embodiments, the triggering mechanisms comprise features that respond to a magnetic field, such as a reed switch. In some embodiments, threshold strength of a magnetic field needed to trigger the passive triggering mechanism, which corresponds to a threshold level of current running through the switching devices indicating a dangerous overcurrent, can be adjusted based upon the distance between the passive triggering mechanism and a portion of the device such as a power terminal or feature connected to a power terminal.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2020Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: Gigavac, LLCInventors: Daniel Sullivan, Murray Stephan McTigue, Michael Henry Molyneux
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Patent number: 11276535Abstract: Disclosed herein are passive triggering mechanisms for activation of pyrotechnic features within electrical switching devices, such as contactor devices and fuse devices. The activation of the pyrotechnic features is configured to change the configuration of the internal components of the switching device and prevent current flow through the device. In some embodiments, the triggering mechanisms comprise features that respond to a magnetic field, such as a reed switch. In some embodiments, the reed switch responds to elevated current flow and can then use the signal with the elevated current flow to activate the pyrotechnic feature. In other embodiments, the reed switch uses a power signal from a secondary power source to activate the pyrotechnic feature.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2019Date of Patent: March 15, 2022Assignee: Gigavac, LLCInventors: Murray Stephan McTigue, Daniel Sullivan, Michael Henry Molyneux
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Patent number: 11239038Abstract: Disclosed herein are efficient mechanical fuse devices that are capable of functioning at high current levels. These devices comprise mechanical features configured such that the fuse devices have a non-triggered state, which allows current to flow through the device, and a triggered state, which does not allow current to flow through the device. In some embodiments, the devices are configured such that a certain pre-determined current level flowing through the device will generate a sufficient electromagnetic field to cause the mechanical elements to transition the fuse device into the triggered state and thus interrupt a connected electrical circuit, device or system. In some embodiments, these devices can also comprise hermetically sealed components. In some embodiments, the fuse devices can comprise pyrotechnic features.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2018Date of Patent: February 1, 2022Assignee: Gigavac, LLCInventors: Murray Stephan McTigue, Bernard Victor Bush, Eric Glenn Hufstedler, Brent James Swartzentruber, Michael Henry Molyneux, Daniel Sullivan
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Publication number: 20200185174Abstract: Disclosed herein are passive triggering mechanisms for activation of pyrotechnic features within electrical switching devices, such as contactor devices and fuse devices. The activation of the pyrotechnic features is configured to change the configuration of the internal components of the switching device and prevent current flow through the device. In some embodiments, the triggering mechanisms comprise features that respond to a magnetic field, such as a reed switch. In some embodiments, threshold strength of a magnetic field needed to trigger the passive triggering mechanism, which corresponds to a threshold level of current running through the switching devices indicating a dangerous overcurrent, can be adjusted based upon the distance between the passive triggering mechanism and a portion of the device such as a power terminal or feature connected to a power terminal.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2020Publication date: June 11, 2020Inventors: DANIEL SULLIVAN, MURRAY STEPHAN MCTIGUE, MICHAEL HENRY MOLYNEUX
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Publication number: 20200075277Abstract: Disclosed herein are passive triggering mechanisms for activation of pyrotechnic features within electrical switching devices, such as contactor devices and fuse devices. The activation of the pyrotechnic features is configured to change the configuration of the internal components of the switching device and prevent current flow through the device. In some embodiments, the triggering mechanisms comprise features that respond to a magnetic field, such as a reed switch. In some embodiments, the reed switch responds to elevated current flow and can then use the signal with the elevated current flow to activate the pyrotechnic feature. In other embodiments, the reed switch uses a power signal from a secondary power source to activate the pyrotechnic feature.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2019Publication date: March 5, 2020Inventors: MURRAY STEPHAN MCTIGUE, DANIEL SULLIVAN, MICHAEL HENRY MOLYNEUX
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Patent number: 10566160Abstract: Disclosed herein are passive triggering mechanisms for activation of pyrotechnic features within electrical switching devices, such as contactor devices and fuse devices. The activation of the pyrotechnic features is configured to change the configuration of the internal components of the switching device and prevent current flow through the device. In some embodiments, the triggering mechanisms comprise features that respond to a magnetic field, such as a reed switch. In some embodiments, threshold strength of a magnetic field needed to trigger the passive triggering mechanism, which corresponds to a threshold level of current running through the switching devices indicating a dangerous overcurrent, can be adjusted based upon the distance between the passive triggering mechanism and a portion of the device such as a power terminal or feature connected to a power terminal.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2018Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: Gigavac, LLCInventors: Murray Stephan McTigue, Daniel Sullivan, Michael Henry Molyneux
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Patent number: 10388477Abstract: Disclosed herein are contactor devices, for example, devices that can be utilized as switching elements, comprising fixed contacts that are electrically isolated from one another and one or more moveable contacts that are configured to electrically contact the fixed contacts to provide an electrical connection between them. Movement of the fixed contacts into and out of electrical contact with the fixed contacts controls flow of electricity through the devices. The contactor devices also include pyrotechnic disconnect elements, which function as a circuit break or fuse-like element to protect against overcurrent. When the electrical current through the contactor device reaches a threshold level, a pyrotechnic charge activates, permanently forcing the moveable contacts out of electrical contact with the fixed contacts.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2018Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: GIGAVAC, LLCInventors: Daniel Sullivan, Murray Stephan McTigue, Michael Henry Molyneux
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Publication number: 20190198277Abstract: Disclosed herein are passive triggering mechanisms for activation of pyrotechnic features within electrical switching devices, such as contactor devices and fuse devices. The activation of the pyrotechnic features is configured to change the configuration of the internal components of the switching device and prevent current flow through the device. In some embodiments, the triggering mechanisms comprise features that respond to a magnetic field, such as a reed switch. In some embodiments, threshold strength of a magnetic field needed to trigger the passive triggering mechanism, which corresponds to a threshold level of current running through the switching devices indicating a dangerous overcurrent, can be adjusted based upon the distance between the passive triggering mechanism and a portion of the device such as a power terminal or feature connected to a power terminal.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2018Publication date: June 27, 2019Inventors: MURRAY STEPHAN MCTIGUE, DANIEL SULLIVAN, MICHAEL HENRY MOLYNEUX
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Publication number: 20180350540Abstract: Disclosed herein are contactor devices, for example, devices that can be utilized as switching elements, comprising fixed contacts that are electrically isolated from one another and one or more moveable contacts that are configured to electrically contact the fixed contacts to provide an electrical connection between them. Movement of the fixed contacts into and out of electrical contact with the fixed contacts controls flow of electricity through the devices. The contactor devices also include pyrotechnic disconnect elements, which function as a circuit break or fuse-like element to protect against overcurrent. When the electrical current through the contactor device reaches a threshold level, a pyrotechnic charge activates, permanently forcing the moveable contacts out of electrical contact with the fixed contacts.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2018Publication date: December 6, 2018Inventors: Daniel Sullivan, Murray Stephan McTigue, Michael Henry Molyneux
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Publication number: 20180166246Abstract: Disclosed herein are efficient mechanical fuse devices that are capable of functioning at high current levels. These devices comprise mechanical features configured such that the fuse devices have a non-triggered state, which allows current to flow through the device, and a triggered state, which does not allow current to flow through the device. In some embodiments, the devices are configured such that a certain pre-determined current level flowing through the device will generate a sufficient electromagnetic field to cause the mechanical elements to transition the fuse device into the triggered state and thus interrupt a connected electrical circuit, device or system. In some embodiments, these devices can also comprise hermetically sealed components. In some embodiments, the fuse devices can comprise pyrotechnic features.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2018Publication date: June 14, 2018Inventors: Murray Stephan McTigue, Bernard Victor Bush, Eric Glenn Hufstedler, Brent James Swartzentruber, Michael Henry Molyneux, Daniel Sullivan
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Patent number: 9887055Abstract: Disclosed herein are efficient mechanical fuse devices that are capable of functioning at high current levels. These devices comprise mechanical features configured such that the fuse devices have a non-triggered state, which allows current to flow through the device, and a triggered state, which does not allow current to flow through the device. In some embodiments, the devices are configured such that a certain pre-determined current level flowing through the device will generate a sufficient electromagnetic field to cause the mechanical elements to transition the fuse device into the triggered state and thus interrupt a connected electrical circuit, device or system. In some embodiments, these devices can also comprise hermetically sealed components.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2016Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: GIGAVAC, LLCInventors: Murray Stephan McTigue, Bernard Victor Bush, Eric Glenn Hufstedler, Brent James Swartzentruber, Michael Henry Molyneux, Daniel Sullivan
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Publication number: 20160343527Abstract: Disclosed herein are efficient mechanical fuse devices that are capable of functioning at high current levels. These devices comprise mechanical features configured such that the fuse devices have a non-triggered state, which allows current to flow through the device, and a triggered state, which does not allow current to flow through the device. In some embodiments, the devices are configured such that a certain pre-determined current level flowing through the device will generate a sufficient electromagnetic field to cause the mechanical elements to transition the fuse device into the triggered state and thus interrupt a connected electrical circuit, device or system. In some embodiments, these devices can also comprise hermetically sealed components.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2016Publication date: November 24, 2016Inventors: Murray Stephan McTigue, Bernard Victor Bush, Eric Glenn Hufstedler, Brent James Swartzentruber, Michael Henry Molyneux, Daniel Sullivan
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Patent number: 6476697Abstract: A modular, multi-phase electrical relay contactor assembled from a number of electrical relay contactor units. Each unit has a housing, an electromagnetic motor located within the housing, a pair of stationary contacts attached to the housing, a moveable contact, and a moveable contact carrier. The moveable contact carrier is engaged with the moveable contact and has a metallic clapper plunger attached to its upper end. A protrusion extends from one side of the moveable contact carrier and an aperture, sized to receive the protrusion of another electrical relay contactor unit, is formed through another side of the moveable contact carrier. A plurality of units are adapted to be connected together such that when engaged, the protrusion extending from the moveable contact carrier of a forwardly located unit will fit into the aperture formed in the moveable contact carrier of a rearwardly located unit, thereby providing synchronous movement of the plurality of moveable contact carriers and the moveable contacts.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2001Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: Kilovac CorporationInventors: Brent James Swartzentruber, Daniel C. Sullivan, Lyhn Phung, Eric Glenn Hufstedler, James Clayton Reed, Marcus Priest, Bernard Victor Bush, Michael Henry Molyneux
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Patent number: 6441707Abstract: A electrical conductor relay. The relay has a unitary, non-conducting, chassis/bobbin assembly with a base portion, a bobbin portion, and an upper portion with a window and a plunger slide passage. An electromagnetic coil is located around the bobbin portion and a magnetic metal core passes through the bobbin and extends partially into the window. First and second electrodes are attached to the chassis/bobbin assembly. The first electrode has a first electrode contact, and the second electrode has a top end. A plunger slide member is positioned within the plunger slide passage and has a magnetic metal plunger plate affixed to its bottom. The magnetic metal plunger plate is movably located in the window and is spaced above the magnetic metal core extending up into window. An armature with a fulcrum end and a rearwardly extending spring attachment end and a front end with an armature contact is provided. The armature pivotally engaged with the plunger slide member.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2001Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Kilovac CorporationInventors: Brent James Swartzentruber, Eric Glenn Hufstedler, James Clayton Reed, Marcus Priest, Bernard Victor Bush, Michael Henry Molyneux
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Publication number: 20020050877Abstract: A modular, multi-phase electrical relay contactor assembled from a number of electrical relay contactor units. Each unit has a housing, an electromagnetic motor located within the housing, a pair of stationary contacts attached to the housing, a moveable contact, and a moveable contact carrier. The moveable contact carrier is engaged with the moveable contact and has a metallic clapper plunger attached to its upper end. A protrusion extends from one side of the moveable contact carrier and an aperture, sized to receive the protrusion of another electrical relay contactor unit, is formed through another side of the moveable contact carrier. A plurality of units are adapted to be connected together such that when engaged, the protrusion extending from the moveable contact carrier of a forwardly located unit will fit into the aperture formed in the moveable contact carrier of a rearwardly located unit, thereby providing synchronous movement of the plurality of moveable contact carriers and the moveable contacts.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2001Publication date: May 2, 2002Inventors: Brent James Swartzentruber, Daniel C. Sullivan, Lyhn Phung, Eric Glenn Hufstedler, James Clayton Reed, Marcus Priest, Bernard Victor Bush, Michael Henry Molyneux
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Publication number: 20010033213Abstract: A electrical conductor relay. The relay has a unitary, non-conducting, chassis/bobbin assembly with a base portion, a bobbin portion, and an upper portion with a window and a plunger slide passage. An electromagnetic coil is located around the bobbin portion and a magnetic metal core passes through the bobbin and extends partially into the window. First and second electrodes are attached to the chassis/bobbin assembly. The first electrode has a first electrode contact, and the second electrode has a top end. A plunger slide member is positioned within the plunger slide passage and has a magnetic metal plunger plate affixed to its bottom. The magnetic metal plunger plate is movably located in the window and is spaced above the magnetic metal core extending up into window. An armature with a fulcrum end and a rearwardly extending spring attachment end and a front end with an armature contact is provided. The armature pivotally engaged with the plunger slide member.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2001Publication date: October 25, 2001Inventors: Brent James Swartzentruber, Eric Glenn Hufstedler, James Clayton Reed, Marcus Priest, Bernard Victor Bush, Michael Henry Molyneux