Patents by Inventor Paul A. Merck

Paul A. Merck 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: 8853576
    Abstract: A circuit breaker terminal lug cover is structured to mechanically secure to a circuit breaker terminal lug and protect the terminal lug from degradation or corrosion. The terminal lug includes a number of terminal lug screws capable of securing a number of cables to the circuit breaker. The terminal lug cover includes a plurality of sides structured to carry heat away from the terminal lug or deflect ionized gases away from the terminal lug. At least one of the sides includes a number of securing members structured to mechanically secure the terminal lug cover to the circuit breaker terminal lug. One of the sides includes an access hole permitting access to the number of terminal lug screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: James P. Sisley, Paul A. Merck, Robert W. Mueller
  • Patent number: 8242394
    Abstract: A circuit interrupter includes a movable contact assembly having a movable contact, a stationary contact assembly, and an operating mechanism. The stationary contact assembly includes a conductor, a first stationary contact disposed on the conductor, and a second stationary contact disposed on the same such conductor proximate the first stationary contact. The first stationary contact has a first contact surface disposed a first distance from the conductor. The second stationary contact has a second contact surface disposed a second distance from the conductor. The second distance is smaller than the first distance. The operating mechanism is structured to move the movable contact assembly and cause the movable contact to engage or disengage from at least the first contact surface of the first stationary contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Mueller, James W. Krieger, Paul A. Merck, Amelia M. Stay, Cathleen M. Clausen, Joshua D. Myers
  • Publication number: 20110198203
    Abstract: A circuit interrupter includes a movable contact assembly having a movable contact, a stationary contact assembly, and an operating mechanism. The stationary contact assembly includes a conductor, a first stationary contact disposed on the conductor, and a second stationary contact disposed on the same such conductor proximate the first stationary contact. The first stationary contact has a first contact surface disposed a first distance from the conductor. The second stationary contact has a second contact surface disposed a second distance from the conductor. The second distance is smaller than the first distance. The operating mechanism is structured to move the movable contact assembly and cause the movable contact to engage or disengage from at least the first contact surface of the first stationary contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: ROBERT W. MUELLER, James W. Krieger, Paul A. Merck, Amelia M. Stay, Cathleen M. Clausen, Joshua D. Myers
  • Patent number: 7348514
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes fixed and movable contacts, an operating mechanism including a movable arm carrying the movable contact, an arc chute including a plurality of spaced apart first and second arc plates, and a slot motor. A slot motor structure is disposed about the contacts and a portion of the movable arm. An insulative housing at least substantially covers and insulates the slot motor structure from the movable arm and contacts. The insulative housing includes a base and a pair of arms disposed therefrom. Each of the arms includes a first portion disposed proximate the first arc plates and a second smaller portion disposed proximate the second arc plates. A space extending from the first portion, not occupied by the second portion, is generally occupied by a portion of the second arc plates. The second portion forms a debris shield between the second arc plates and the operating mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Michael P. Puskar, William E. Beatty, Jr., Robert W. Mueller, Paul A. Merck, Arthur D. Carothers
  • Publication number: 20070241081
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes fixed and movable contacts, an operating mechanism including a movable arm carrying the movable contact, an arc chute including a plurality of spaced apart first and second arc plates, and a slot motor. A slot motor structure is disposed about the contacts and a portion of the movable arm. An insulative housing at least substantially covers and insulates the slot motor structure from the movable arm and contacts. The insulative housing includes a base and a pair of arms disposed therefrom. Each of the arms includes a first portion disposed proximate the first arc plates and a second smaller portion disposed proximate the second arc plates. A space extending from the first portion, not occupied by the second portion, is generally occupied by a portion of the second arc plates. The second portion forms a debris shield between the second arc plates and the operating mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Publication date: October 18, 2007
    Inventors: Michael Puskar, William Beatty, Robert Mueller, Paul Merck, Arthur Carothers