Patents by Inventor Richard Emery Bernier

Richard Emery Bernier 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: 6603075
    Abstract: A universal electrical connector is incorporated into the electric power distribution network of a motor control center, switchboard, or switchgear between vertical bus conductors and the power line inlet. The connector in the form of substantially a single metal casting is configured to connect the power line with the control center internal electrical distribution conductors without requiring additional connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gilbert Anthony Soares, Richard Emery Bernier, James Brown Hestetune
  • Publication number: 20030019984
    Abstract: A bracket assembly for releasably attaching a pilot panel to an electrical enclosure, the bracket assembly comprising: a bracket adapted to support the pilot panel in an open position and a closed position, the bracket including a hook extending form the bracket; a hanger bracket attached to the enclosure, the hanger bracket including a first flange and a second flange depending from the first flange, the hook releasably engages the first flange to support the pilot panel in the closed position and releasably engages the second flange to support the first flange to support the pilot panel in the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Edgar Yee, Richard Emery Bernier, Harry D. Marvin, Gilbert Anthony Soares
  • Patent number: 6506986
    Abstract: A defeatable interlock mechanism for an electrical equipment enclosure requiring a circuit breaker to be tripped before opening includes a support platform having an operator handle stem operably connected to the circuit breaker, an interlock slide plate slidably positioned along the support platform and having a keyhole-shaped slot for receiving a door interlock pin therein, and a lever operably connected to the interlock slide plate and configured to defeat the interlock mechanism when the door interlock pin is engaged with the slot. The lever is pivotally supported at a fulcrum point intermediate the ends of the lever and extends through an escutcheon to an exterior surface of the enclosure. Movement of the lever causes the interlock slide plate to disengage the door interlock pin and allow the unit door to open even while the circuit breaker is in the “on” position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Richard Emery Bernier, Gilbert Anthony Soares, Charles Piper, Edgar Yee
  • Publication number: 20020112944
    Abstract: A defeatable interlock mechanism for an electrical equipment enclosure requiring a circuit breaker to be tripped before opening includes a support platform having an operator handle stem operably connected to the circuit breaker, an interlock slide plate slidably positioned along the support platform and having a keyhole-shaped slot for receiving a door interlock pin therein, and a lever operably connected to the interlock slide plate and configured to defeat the interlock mechanism when the door interlock pin is engaged with the slot. The lever is pivotally supported at a fulcrum point intermediate the ends of the lever and extends through an escutcheon to an exterior surface of the enclosure. Movement of the lever causes the interlock slide plate to disengage the door interlock pin and allow the unit door to open even while the circuit breaker is in the “on” position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Richard Emery Bernier, Gilbert Anthony Soares, Charles Piper, Edgar Yee
  • Patent number: 6424519
    Abstract: A draw out unit with improved drawout box and handle assembly is disclosed. The drawout box is designed to accommodate an improved terminal assembly of the present invention, which reduces the dimensions of the box, and further provides access to the interior of the box by providing an open side for allowing service of an electrtical device within the bucket thus permitting the motor control center to remain active during service. The drawout box of the present invention further includes an improved handle assembly with operable connection to a circuit breaker handle within the confines of the smaller drawout box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gilbert Anthony Soares, Richard Emery Bernier, Charles Piper, Edgar Yee, John Joseph Struble, Jr., Edward Bruce Bynum, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6284989
    Abstract: A two-part motor control center interlock arrangement has a handle support plate and interlock slide positioned on an interior of the control center door operating by insertion of a tapered pin on the door interior within a key-hole slot on the interlock slide. The elongated slot of the key-hole slot automatically compensates for any tolerance accumulation between a circuit breaker handle, an interlock operating handle and the control center access door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Richard Emery Bernier, Gilbert Anthony Soares, Edgar Yee
  • Publication number: 20010012194
    Abstract: A draw out unit with improved drawout box and handle assembly is disclosed. The drawout box is designed to accommodate an improved terminal assembly of the present invention, which reduces the dimensions of the box, and further provides access to the interior of the box by providing an open side for allowing service of an electrical device within the bucket thus permitting the motor control center to remain active during service. The drawout box of the present invention further includes an improved handle assembly with operable connection to a circuit breaker handle within the confines of the smaller drawout box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventors: Gilbert Anthony Soares, Richard Emery Bernier, Charles Piper, Edgar Yee, John Joseph Struble, Edward Bruce Bynum
  • Patent number: 6087602
    Abstract: A circuit breaker is configured as an electric disconnect switch within a motor control center enclosure and is arranged on a functional support platform. An extended operating handle operator on the platform interacts with the circuit breaker ON/OFF handle to indicate the circuit breaker TRIPPED condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Richard Emery Bernier, Gilbert Anthony Soares, Edgar Yee