Patents by Inventor Michael Waffler

Michael Waffler 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).

  • Publication number: 20240421579
    Abstract: An assembly (10) for potential equalization in potentially explosive areas is described, having an outer housing (20), a gas discharge arrester (22), a short-circuiting device (30) and a fault indicator (42). At least the gas discharge arrester (22) and the short-circuiting device (30) are accommodated in the outer housing (20). The short-circuiting device (30) comprises at least one spring (32) and an actuating element (34), which is preloaded into a short-circuit position by the spring (32). The gas discharge arrester (22) has a base body (24) which is filled with a gas and connected to a first connecting part (16) via a thermally detachable connection (38). The fault indicator (42) is set up to indicate a tripping event of the short-circuiting device (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2024
    Publication date: December 19, 2024
    Inventors: Thomas Böhm, Richard Daum, Michael Waffler, Dominik Meier, Christian Lang
  • Patent number: 11876334
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device combination for protecting electrical networks against overvoltages or overcurrents, comprising an essentially U-shaped base and at least one plug-in module, which can be plugged or pushed onto the base, wherein the base has connection terminals for connecting to the respective network and also has plug-in contacts, which are connected to the connection terminals and are complementary to mating plug-in contacts or contact tongues of the plug-in module, and the plug-in module has a housing which accommodates one or more lightning and/or overvoltage arresters, and the mating plug-in contacts or contact tongues pass through a floor side of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: DEHN SE
    Inventors: Richard Daum, Juliane Klose, Michael Waffler, Sebastian Haas, Patrick Spangler, Michael Weissflog, Dietmar Dürr
  • Patent number: 11295914
    Abstract: An overvoltage protection device has a plurality of overvoltage arresters and a disconnecting apparatus. For each of the overvoltage arresters a blocking element is present, each of which is arranged so as to block the path of movement of a mechanically preloaded wedge slide having a wedge bevel. A rocker lever arrangement has first lever arms corresponding to the number of wedge slides and at least one second lever arm for blocking or releasing a displacement element, wherein ends of the first lever arms each have a surface for contacting the respective wedge bevel of the wedge slides in such a way that, when the respective path of movement is released, at least one of the wedge slides lifts the corresponding first lever arm with its wedge bevel, as a result of which the second lever arm releases the displacement element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: DEHN SE + CO KG
    Inventors: Stephan Hierl, Michael Waffler
  • Publication number: 20210366677
    Abstract: The invention relates to a surge protection device having a plurality of surge arresters and, in particular thermal, isolating apparatus which is respectively associated with them together with a fault and state display which is designed as a movable, spring force-prestressed displacement element (17) and has a display area and also an operating area for a telecommunications device, wherein tripping of the fault and state display is performed indirectly by means of a blocking element (1, 2, 3) of which the physical state can be changed. According to the invention, a blocking element is provided for each of the surge arresters, which blocking element is in each case arranged so as to block the movement path (4, 5, 6) of a mechanically prestressed wedge slide (7, 8, 9) with a wedge bevel (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2019
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Inventors: Stephan Hierl, Michael Waffler
  • Publication number: 20210280995
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device combination for protecting electrical networks against overvoltages or overcurrents, comprising an essentially U-shaped base and at least one plug-in module, which can be plugged or pushed onto the base, wherein the base has connection terminals for connecting to the respective network and also has plug-in contacts, which are connected to the connection terminals and are complementary to mating plug-in contacts or contact tongues of the plug-in module, and the plug-in module has a housing which accommodates one or more lightning and/or overvoltage arresters, and the mating plug-in contacts or contact tongues pass through a floor side of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2019
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Inventors: Richard Daum, Juliane Klose, Michael Waffler, Sebastian Haas, Patrick Spangler, Michael Weissflog, Dietmar Dürr
  • Patent number: 9941691
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for overload protection for overvoltage protection equipment that has at least one voltage-limiting element and at least one voltage-switching element, and optionally with a back-up fuse, wherein the voltage-limiting element is in the form of a varistor and the voltage-switching element is in the form of a spark gap and these elements are connected in series. According to the invention, to protect against inadmissible pulsed currents, the voltage-limiting element in the series circuit has a monitoring spark gap, forming a bypass, connected in parallel with it. Furthermore, a monitoring device, e.g. a thermal monitoring device, is provided that bypasses both the monitoring spark gap and the voltage-switching element in the event of ageing effects, inadmissibly high mains voltages and/or low-energy, periodic, high-frequency overvoltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: DEHN + SÖHNE GMBH + CO. KG.
    Inventors: Uwe Strangfeld, Bernhard Krauss, Michael Waffler, Stephan Hierl
  • Publication number: 20160204599
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for overload protection for overvoltage protection equipment that has at least one voltage-limiting element and at least one voltage-switching element, and optionally with a back-up fuse, wherein the voltage-limiting element is in the form of a varistor and the voltage-switching element is in the form of a spark gap and these elements are connected in series. According to the invention, to protect against inadmissible pulsed currents, the voltage-limiting element in the series circuit has a monitoring spark gap, forming a bypass, connected in parallel with it. Furthermore, a monitoring device, e.g. a thermal monitoring device, is provided that bypasses both the monitoring spark gap and the voltage-switching element in the event of ageing effects, inadmissibly high mains voltages and/or low-energy, periodic, high-frequency overvoltages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: July 14, 2016
    Inventors: Uwe Strangfeld, Bemhard Krauss, Michael Waffler, Stephan Hiertl
  • Patent number: 9178335
    Abstract: The invention relates to a spark gap arrangement comprising two preferably flat, opposing electrodes (1) that are held apart in a housing body (13), said electrodes forming an arc combustion chamber, and comprising a gas-cooling and pressure-compensating chamber that is connected to the arc combustion chamber. According to the invention, the housing body (13) is formed from two half-shells (14, 16), each of which has first recesses that lie opposite each other in one plane for electrode connecting limbs (3), said limbs being connected to a connecting terminal (15) on the outside of the housing body. Each of the half-shells (14, 16) has a first space for receiving an insulating material support (11) for the electrodes (1) and a second space for receiving a cooling block (8), which has channels, with a high heat capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: DEHN + SÖHNE GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Waffler, Uwe Strangfeld
  • Patent number: 8890393
    Abstract: The invention relates to a spark gap comprising a number of series-connected individual spark gaps which are placed in a stack arrangement, which are spaced apart from each other by insulating material discs and are provided with a spring contact, the individual spark gaps including ring-shaped or disc-shaped electrodes, and further comprising control elements for influencing the voltage distribution over the stack arrangement. According to the invention the ring-shaped or disc-shaped electrodes required to form one of the respective individual spark gaps are each inserted into an insulating body and held by same in a centered manner. The respective insulating material discs are located between and fixed by the insulating bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: DEHN + SÖHNE GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Bernhard Krauss, Michael Waffler, Arnd Ehrhardt, Stefanie Schreiter, Steffen Beier
  • Patent number: 8873217
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for igniting spark gaps with a trigger electrode T which is located on or in one of the main electrodes H2 and is insulated with respect to this main electrode H2, wherein the trigger electrode T is electrically connected to one of the other main electrodes H1 by means of at least one voltage-switching or voltage-monitoring element and there is an air gap between the trigger electrode T and the other main electrode H1. According to the invention, the trigger electrode T forms a sandwich structure with an insulation section I and a layer which is composed of a material M with a lower conductivity than the material of one of the main electrodes, wherein this sandwich structure represents a layered dielectric with the order of a first partial capacitor CI with the dielectric of the insulation section I and a second partial capacitor CM with the material M as dielectric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Dehn + Söhne GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Stephan Hierl, Michael Waffler, Uwe Strangfeld, Arnd Ehrhardt, Steffen Beier
  • Publication number: 20130278129
    Abstract: The invention relates to a spark gap comprising a number of series-connected individual spark gaps which are placed in a stack arrangement, which are spaced apart from each other by insulating material discs and are provided with a spring contact, the individual spark gaps including ring-shaped or disc-shaped electrodes, and further comprising control elements for influencing the voltage distribution over the stack arrangement. According to the invention the ring-shaped or disc-shaped electrodes required to form one of the respective individual spark gaps are each inserted into an insulating body and held by same in a centered manner. The respective insulating material discs are located between and fixed by the insulating bodies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: DEHN + SÖHNE GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Bernhard Krauss, Michael Waffler, Arnd Ehrhardt, Stefanie Schreiter, Steffen Beier
  • Publication number: 20130207531
    Abstract: The invention relates to a spark gap arrangement comprising two preferably flat, opposing electrodes (1) that are held apart in a housing body (13), said electrodes forming an arc combustion chamber, and comprising a gas-cooling and pressure-compensating chamber that is connected to the arc combustion chamber. According to the invention, the housing body (13) is formed from two half-shells (14, 16), each of which has first recesses that lie opposite each other in one plane for electrode connecting limbs (3), said limbs being connected to a connecting terminal (15) on the outside of the housing body. Each of the half-shells (14, 16) has a first space for receiving an insulating material support (11) for the electrodes (1) and a second space for receiving a cooling block (8), which has channels, with a high heat capacity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: DEHN + SOHNE Gmbh + Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Waffler, Uwe Strangfeld
  • Patent number: 7806716
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plug-in combination of appliances for protecting against overvoltages, said combination of appliances comprising: a socket-type lower part and at least one plug-in module, which can both receive overvoltage protection elements; contact elements and contact counter elements that are respectively arranged in the lower part and in the plug-in module; and complementary guide rails or guide grooves for inserting or pushing-on and fixing the respective plug-in module. According to the invention, functionally separated, mechanical catch or snap-in elements act between the respective plug-in module and the socket-type lower part independently of the forces which hold together the contact elements and the contact counter elements in a positively fixed and/or non-positively fixed manner when the plug-in module is in use. The catch or snap-in function can be cancelled without any mechanical auxiliary means when the respective plug-in module is to be replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: DEHN + SOHNE GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Peter Zahlmann, Ralph Brocke, Edmund Zäuner, Martin Strobl, Michael Waffler, Sascha Ludewig, Georg Wittmann, Stephan Hierl, Florian Gaeck, Bernhard Krauss, Jens Ehrler
  • Publication number: 20080254655
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plug-in combination of appliances for protecting against overvoltages, said combination of appliances comprising: a socket-type lower part and at least one plug-in module, which can both receive overvoltage protection elements; contact elements and contact counter elements that are respectively arranged in the lower part and in the plug-in module; and complementary guide rails or guide grooves for inserting or pushing-on and fixing the respective plug-in module. According to the invention, functionally separated, mechanical catch or snap-in elements act between the respective plug-in module and the socket-type lower part independently of the forces which hold together the contact elements and the contact counter elements in a positively fixed and/or non-positively fixed manner when the plug-in module is in use. The catch or snap-in function can be cancelled without any mechanical auxiliary means when the respective plug-in module is to be replaced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: DEHN + SOHNE GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Peter Zahlmann, Ralph Brocke, Edmund Zauner, Martin Strobl, Michael Waffler, Sascha Ludewig, Georg Wittmann, Stephan Hierl, Florian Gaeck, Bernhard Krauss, Jens Ehrler
  • Patent number: 7271992
    Abstract: A compact arrangement for multipole, surge-protected surge arresters, including internally wired, encapsulated series gaps arranged essentially in parallel in a housing. The series gaps have opposite-lying, projecting contact surfaces connected to outer terminals and inner contact bars or bridges. An electronic control or trigger circuit is located on a wiring support. The housing includes dividing walls and has a trough shape, the resulting housing chambers accommodating the gaps and terminals. An insulating plate with openings into which spring contact elements are introduced is provided on the housing trough which opens upwards. Located above the insulating plate is the wiring. The spring contact elements create the electrical connection between contact points on the underside of the wiring support and the cover of one of the series gaps, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Dehn + Soehne GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Georg Wittmann, Edmund Zaeuner, Peter Zahlmann, Arnd Erhardt, Bernhard Krauss, Michael Waffler, Stefan Hierl
  • Patent number: 6788519
    Abstract: A spark-gap arrangement encapsulated in a pressure-proof housing, for diverting harmful disturbances due to overvoltage, including at least two electrodes disposed substantially opposite one another in a housing that is conductive or provided with a conductive coating, between which a discharge space is formed and which are insulated from the housing. In accordance with the spark-gap arrangement a trigger voltage to form a subsidiary spark gap in the discharge space can be applied directly by the conductive housing, so that by the subsidiary spark gap the main spark gap between the main electrodes can be ignited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Dehn + Soehne GmbH + Co.KG
    Inventors: Peter Zahlmann, Raimund Koenig, Bernhard Krauss, Michael Waffler, Stefan Hierl
  • Publication number: 20040160723
    Abstract: The invention relates to a compact arrangement for multipole, surge-proof surge arresters, comprising internally wired, encapsulated spark gaps arranged essentially in parallel in a housing. Said spark gaps have facing projecting contact surfaces connected to outer terminals and inner contact bars or bridges. The arrangement also comprises an electronic control or trigger circuit provided on a wiring support. The housing is provided with dividing walls and is through-shaped, the resulting housing chambers accommodating the spark gaps and the terminals. An insulating plate with openings into which spring contact elements are introduced is provided on the upwardly opening housing trough. Above said insulating plate the wiring support is provided. The spring contact elements create an electrical connection between contact points on the underside of the wiring support and the cover of in each case one of the spark gaps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Georg Wittmann, Edmund Zaeuner, Peter Zahlmann, Arnd Erhardt, Bernhard Krauss, Michael Waffler, Stefan Hierl
  • Publication number: 20030007303
    Abstract: The invention relates to a spark-gap arrangement encapsulated in a pressure-proof housing, for diverting harmful disturbances due to overvoltage, comprising at least two electrodes disposed substantially opposite one another in a housing that is conductive or provided with a conductive coating, between which a discharge space is formed and which are insulated from the housing. In accordance with the invention a trigger voltage to form a subsidiary spark gap in the discharge space can be applied directly by way of the conductive housing, so that by way of the subsidiary spark gap the main spark gap between the main electrodes can be ignited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Peter Zahlmann, Raimund Koenig, Bernhard Krauss, Michael Waffler, Stefan Hierl