Patents by Inventor Richard P. Malingowski

Richard P. Malingowski 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: 8138439
    Abstract: A limiter includes a housing having a number of gas ports, a number of gas vents and a number of gas channels. Each of the number of gas channels is between a corresponding one of the number of gas ports and a corresponding one of the number of gas vents. The limiter also includes a number of first terminals, a number of second terminals, and a number of limiter devices. Each of the number of limiter devices is electrically connected between a corresponding one of the number of first terminals and a corresponding one of the number of second terminals. Each of the number of gas ports is structured to receive a corresponding ionized gas flow for passage through a corresponding one of the number of gas channels to the corresponding one of the number of gas vents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Richard P. Malingowski, David E. Little, Kelly J. McCarthy, Matthew R. Hussey
  • Publication number: 20110192822
    Abstract: A limiter includes a housing having a number of gas ports, a number of gas vents and a number of gas channels. Each of the number of gas channels is between a corresponding one of the number of gas ports and a corresponding one of the number of gas vents. The limiter also includes a number of first terminals, a number of second terminals, and a number of limiter devices. Each of the number of limiter devices is electrically connected between a corresponding one of the number of first terminals and a corresponding one of the number of second terminals. Each of the number of gas ports is structured to receive a corresponding ionized gas flow for passage through a corresponding one of the number of gas channels to the corresponding one of the number of gas vents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: RICHARD P. MALINGOWSKI, DAVID E. LITTLE, KELLY J. MCCARTHY, MATTHEW R. HUSSEY
  • Patent number: 7558040
    Abstract: A limiter includes three current limiters. Each current limiter includes a first end disposed proximate a first housing surface and electrically connected to a corresponding first terminal, a second end disposed proximate a second housing surface and electrically connected to a corresponding second terminal, an elongated body disposed between the ends, and a plunger. Two plungers define a straight line and a third plunger is offset from the straight line. Three indicator members each include a first end, an indicator disposed therefrom, and an opposite second end, which is engaged by a corresponding plunger. The indicator is disposable through a corresponding housing opening. Three springs bias corresponding indicator members away from the second housing surface. The housing carries two indicator members in a first orientation and a third indicator member in a different second orientation. The indicators are positioned in a straight line and are disposable through corresponding housing openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Richard P. Malingowski, Steven D. Payne
  • Patent number: 7532097
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing, separable contacts, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, a power conductor including a first conductor and a second reverse loop conductor, the second reverse loop conductor carrying one of the separable contacts, and a slot motor. The slot motor includes a first slot motor portion, and a second slot motor portion including a plurality of generally U-shaped slot motor laminations, a first insulative housing portion, and a second insulative housing portion. The first and second insulative housing portions interlock with one another to form a generally U-shaped insulative slot motor housing. The first and second insulative housing portions cooperatively receive the generally U-shaped slot motor laminations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Richard P. Malingowski, William G. Eberts, Mark A. Janusek
  • Publication number: 20080266732
    Abstract: A limiter includes three current limiters. Each current limiter includes a first end disposed proximate a first housing surface and electrically connected to a corresponding first terminal, a second end disposed proximate a second housing surface and electrically connected to a corresponding second terminal, an elongated body disposed between the ends, and a plunger. Two plungers define a straight line and a third plunger is offset from the straight line. Three indicator members each include a first end, an indicator disposed therefrom, and an opposite second end, which is engaged by a corresponding plunger. The indicator is disposable through a corresponding housing opening. Three springs bias corresponding indicator members away from the second housing surface. The housing carries two indicator members in a first orientation and a third indicator member in a different second orientation. The indicators are positioned in a straight line and are disposable through corresponding housing openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Richard P. Malingowski, Steven D. Payne
  • Publication number: 20080191819
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing, separable contacts, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, a power conductor including a first conductor and a second reverse loop conductor, the second reverse loop conductor carrying one of the separable contacts, and a slot motor. The slot motor includes a first slot motor portion, and a second slot motor portion including a plurality of generally U-shaped slot motor laminations, a first insulative housing portion, and a second insulative housing portion. The first and second insulative housing portions interlock with one another to form a generally U-shaped insulative slot motor housing. The first and second insulative housing portions cooperatively receive the generally U-shaped slot motor laminations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Richard P. Malingowski, William G. Eberts, Mark A. Janusek
  • Patent number: 7362207
    Abstract: A limiter includes a housing having a first surface and a second surface, a line terminal, a load terminal, a fusible conductor electrically connected between the line and load terminals and an indicator button disposed proximate the first surface. The button includes a first end and a second end having a first opening, a second opening and a conduit therein between the first and second openings. The fusible conductor passes from the first terminal, through the first opening, through the conduit, through the second opening, and to the load terminal. A spring biases the button away from the first surface. The fusible conductor, when electrically connected between the line and load terminals, holds the second end proximate the first surface. The spring, when the fusible conductor is electrically disconnected from one or both of the terminals, moves the button away from the first surface and toward the second surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Richard P. Malingowski, Ramon J. Ojeda, Mark A. Janusek
  • Patent number: 7358840
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing, separable contacts, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, a power conductor comprising a first conductor and a second reverse loop conductor, the second reverse loop conductor carrying one of the separable contacts; and a split core slot motor. The split core slot motor comprises a first slot motor portion having a number of coupling points, and a second slot motor portion having a number of corresponding coupling points. The coupling points of the first slot motor portion engage the corresponding coupling points of the second slot motor portion to form the split core slot motor. Both of the slot motor portions cooperate to form a base of the split core slot motor. The base is disposed between the first conductor and the second reverse loop conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: John J. Shea, Jeffrey A. Miller, Richard P. Malingowski, William E. Beatty, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20080079519
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing, separable contacts, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, a power conductor comprising a first conductor and a second reverse loop conductor, the second reverse loop conductor carrying one of the separable contacts; and a split core slot motor. The split core slot motor comprises a first slot motor portion having a number of coupling points, and a second slot motor portion having a number of corresponding coupling points. The coupling points of the first slot motor portion engage the corresponding coupling points of the second slot motor portion to form the split core slot motor. Both of the slot motor portions cooperate to form a base of the split core slot motor. The base is disposed between the first conductor and the second reverse loop conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventors: JOHN J. SHEA, Jeffrey A. Miller, Richard P. Malingowski, William E. Beatty
  • Patent number: 7019240
    Abstract: An electrical switching apparatus interface assembly provides remote actuation of the operating handle of a circuit breaker. The interface assembly includes the circuit breaker, a second switching apparatus, such as an actuating handle disposed in a remote location from the circuit breaker, a connector and an operating handle attachment including a handle-engaging segment for securely engaging the circuit breaker operating handle and an interfacing segment for receiving the connector. The actuating handle is operable between ON and OFF positions corresponding to ON and OFF positions, respectively, of the circuit breaker operating handle. The connector interfaces or links the circuit breaker to the actuating handle. In this manner, when the actuating handle is moved from the ON or OFF position, the connector moves the circuit breaker operating handle in a likewise manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: William G. Eberts, Richard P. Malingowski, Roger W. Helms, Mark A. Janusek, Keith E. Thomas, David C. Turner, Ralph M. Ennis
  • Patent number: 6800823
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a case, separable contacts having a fixed contact and a movable contact, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The operating mechanism includes a closed position, an open position, an operating handle for moving the operating mechanism between the open and closed positions, a movable contact arm carrying the movable contact, a linkage having a first end and a second end, and a snap lever. The second end of the linkage is pivotally mounted to the movable contact arm. The snap lever holds the linkage in the open position of the operating mechanism and releases the linkage as the operating handle moves from the open position toward the closed position of the operating mechanism, in order to snap close the separable contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Richard P. Malingowski, Craig A. Rodgers, Lance Gula, Randal D. Gazdecki, Robert M. Slepian
  • Patent number: 6452470
    Abstract: A circuit interrupter including separable main contacts, an operating mechanism interconnected with the contacts, and a housing in which the contacts and the operating mechanism are disposed. The housing includes a cover positioned on top of a base, the cover including first contact surfaces for contacting and mating with second contact surfaces of the base. The cover also includes a contact region. The operating mechanism includes a support member that is situated within the base and which has an upper surface with a raised region. The raised region is positioned to make contact with and pierce into the contact region before the first contact surfaces fully mate with the second contact surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Richard P. Malingowski, Teresa I. Hood, Lance Gula, Craig A. Rodgers, William E. Beatty
  • Patent number: 6323748
    Abstract: A circuit interrupter including a housing, separable main contacts disposed in the housing, and an operating mechanism disposed in the housing and interconnected with the contacts. The operating mechanism includes a handle having a base into which is formed a channel. The base includes a compressible protrusion that is disposed within the channel. The operating mechanism further includes a handle assembly having a platform that inserts into the channel of the base. The platform includes an indent that mates with the protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Richard P. Malingowski, Teresa I. Hood, William D. Munsch, Lance Gula, Trent A. Chontas
  • Patent number: 6259342
    Abstract: A circuit interrupter including a housing, separable main contacts disposed in the housing and rotatable between a contact open position and a contact closed position, and an operating mechanism disposed in the housing and interconnected with the contacts for rotating the contacts alternatively between the contact open position and the contact closed position. The operating mechanism includes a handle moveable by an operator between handle open and handle closed positions normally corresponding to and resulting in the contact open position and the contact closed position, with the handle including a protrusion. The operating mechanism further includes a crossbar assembly for rotating with the contacts as the contacts rotate between the contact open position and the contact closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Richard P Malingowski, Lance Gula, Craig A. Rodgers, Trent A. Chontas, Mark O. Zindler, Kathryn M. Palmer
  • Patent number: 6232855
    Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker is taught with a housing base and a primary cover disposed on the housing base. The primary cover has a recess therein for an auxiliary module which is disposed in the recess. A secondary cover is disposed on the primary cover for covering the recess when the auxiliary module is disposed therein. A combination manual trip and secondary cover interlock is provided which is accessible from outside of the secondary cover for manually opening separable main contacts or for automatically opening separable main contacts when the secondary cover is removed. There is also provided on the back plane of the housing a single piece DIN rail attachment for securing the back plane to a DIN rail. There is provided an under voltage release mechanism for actuating the circuit breaker to trip on the occurrence of an under voltage condition of predetermined magnitude across the lines served by the circuit interrupter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Richard P. Malingowski, Trent A. Chontas, William C. Farrow, Joseph F. Changle, Kenneth N. Skoug, Roger W. Helms, Lance Gula
  • Patent number: 6184763
    Abstract: A circuit interrupter including separable main contacts, an operating mechanism interconnected with the contacts, and a housing in which the contacts and the operating mechanism are disposed. The housing includes a cover positioned atop a base. The cover includes a recessed region in which are formed a first hole and a second hole. The first hole and the second hole extend through the cover and into the base, and the second hole extends through the base. A retainment device is positioned within the recessed region, and includes a first opening positioned above the first hole and a second opening positioned above the second hole. The second opening has an opening diameter. A first screw is inserted into the first opening and the first hole. A second screw is for inserting into the second opening and the second hole. The second screw includes a threaded portion having a first diameter and a non-threaded portion having a second diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Dean B. DeGrazia, Craig A. Rodgers, Trent A. Chontas, Richard P. Malingowski
  • Patent number: 6060674
    Abstract: An electrical circuit interrupter comprising a housing with an operating mechanism disposed therein and including first and second separable main contacts disposed within the housing is taught. There is an electrically conducting first contact support which has a shape which substantially doubles back upon itself and which has parallel, spaced apart first and second legs forming a central region. An electrically insulating support member is supplied which is disposed in the central region and has a substantial portion outboard of the central region in a disposition to shield a portion of the contact support member. It also has a portion which captures the first contact support member. In addition, magnetic plates are disposed within the central region for cooperating with other closed loop magnetic plates outside of the support member for providing a slot motor action for the movable contact. An arc runner is provided which is trapped between the support member and the contact support conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Richard P. Malingowski, Peter J. Theisen, Peter J. McGinnis, Joseph F. Changle, Mark A. Juds, James A. Mading, Lance Gula
  • Patent number: 6052047
    Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker is taught with a housing base and a primary cover disposed on the housing base. The primary cover has a recess therein for an auxiliary module which is disposed in the recess. A secondary cover is disposed on the primary cover for covering the recess when the auxiliary module is disposed therein. A combination manual trip and secondary cover interlock is provided which is accessible from outside of the secondary cover for manually opening separable main contacts or for automatically opening separable main contacts when the secondary cover is removed. There is also provided on the back plane of the housing a single piece DIN rail attachment for securing the back plane to a DIN rail. There is provided an under voltage release mechanism for actuating the circuit breaker to trip on the occurrence of an under voltage condition of pre-determined magnitude across the lines served by the circuit interrupter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Richard P. Malingowski, Trent A. Chontas, William C. Farrow, Joseph F. Changle, Kenneth N. Skoug, Roger W. Helms, Lance Gula
  • Patent number: 6002313
    Abstract: A circuit interrupter including an operating mechanism and separable main contacts interconnected with load and line terminals has an interface region between the top and bottom portions of the completed housing thereof, which may be of reduced cross section relative to the remainder of the side walls of the circuit interrupter for being moved or pushed outwardly under the pressure of expanding gas during a circuit interruption operation. To more easily clear or separate abutment surfaces by near lateral movement thereof to provide a small opening for pressurized gas to escape the elasticity of the side wall is utilized for this purpose. Provided that the elasticity limit is not exceeded, the wall will return to its original position sealing the internal portions of the circuit interrupter from the exterior once the gas pressure has dropped below a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen A. Mrenna, Richard P. Malingowski, Kathryn M. Palmer
  • Patent number: 5927484
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing, an operating mechanism and separable main contacts, and a rotatable crossbar which rotates to open and close the contacts. The crossbar interacts by way of a protrusion thereon with a rotatable, positive off-link. A handle mechanism is disposed in the housing and has a handle protruding from the housing which is normally movable from a closed to open disposition. However, if the operating mechanism has reacted in such a way as to open the separable main contacts but, in fact, they have not opened because, for example, they are welded shut, the protrusion on the crossbar will interact with the positive off-link and prevent the handle mechanism from moving to the opened position thus warning personnel that the contacts have not opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Richard P. Malingowski, Todd M. Lathrop, Robert M. Slepian, Jere L. McKee, Lance Gula, Thomas A. Whitaker