Patents by Inventor Robert F. Dvorak

Robert F. Dvorak 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: 8427794
    Abstract: A multi-pole circuit breaker having the same number of sensors and controllers as poles. One pole is monitored by a first sensor and a first controller, which are disposed on a first circuit board. Another pole is monitored by a second sensor and a second controller, which are disposed on a second circuit board that is cable-connected to the first circuit board. A ground-fault sensor monitors the sum of current flowing through the line conductors and a neutral conductor, and the output of the ground-fault sensor is provided to one or both of the controllers. Each controller is operable to detect arc faults on the respective line that it is monitoring, and at least one is operable to detect ground faults. A push-to-test algorithm is executed in relay fashion, with one controller executing the test before passing the result of the test onto the next controller, which in turns executes the test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Dvorak, Brett Larson
  • Patent number: 8395065
    Abstract: A portable, remote racking device that is controlled by a remote control. The remote racking device includes a drive that fits into a corresponding crank access hole formed in a front panel of a cradle housing a circuit breaker installed into a switchgear. The drive turns a mechanism inside the cradle that causes the circuit breaker to be racked into or out of the switchgear. The remote racking device includes an actuator pin that abuts a corresponding button arm protruding through the front panel. The remote control includes a control for depressing the button arm and another control for causing a motor to rotate the drive. The actuator pin detects when the button arm pops out of the panel, and a circuit in the remote racking device briefly reverses the motor to bring it and the circuit breaker to a sudden stop, preventing the mechanical linkages of the mechanism from locking-up or becoming damaged and avoiding over-torquing the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry J. Zylstra, Jesil Pujara, Gary A. Volesky, Robert F. Dvorak
  • Publication number: 20120055765
    Abstract: A portable, remote racking device that is controlled by a remote control. The remote racking device includes a drive that fits into a corresponding crank access hole formed in a front panel of a cradle housing a circuit breaker installed into a switchgear. The drive turns a mechanism inside the cradle that causes the circuit breaker to be racked into or out of the switchgear. The remote racking device includes an actuator pin that abuts a corresponding button arm protruding through the front panel. The remote control includes a control for depressing the button arm and another control for causing a motor to rotate the drive. The actuator pin detects when the button arm pops out of the panel, and a circuit in the remote racking device briefly reverses the motor to bring it and the circuit breaker to a sudden stop, preventing the mechanical linkages of the mechanism from locking-up or becoming damaged and avoiding over-torquing the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC USA, INC.
    Inventors: Henry J. Zylstra, Jesil Pujara, Gary A. Volesky, Robert F. Dvorak
  • Publication number: 20100321836
    Abstract: A multi-pole circuit breaker having the same number of sensors and controllers as poles. One pole is monitored by a first sensor and a first controller, which are disposed on a first circuit board. Another pole is monitored by a second sensor and a second controller, which are disposed on a second circuit board that is cable-connected to the first circuit board. A ground-fault sensor monitors the sum of current flowing through the line conductors and a neutral conductor, and the output of the ground-fault sensor is provided to one or both of the controllers. Each controller is operable to detect arc faults on the respective line that it is monitoring, and at least one is operable to detect ground faults. A push-to-test algorithm is executed in relay fashion, with one controller executing the test before passing the result of the test onto the next controller, which in turns executes the test.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: Square D Company
    Inventors: Robert F. Dvorak, Brett Larson
  • Patent number: 7253637
    Abstract: In order to determine whether arcing is present in an electrical circuit, a sensor signal corresponding to current in said electrical circuit is processed. The sensor signal is filtered to determine the presence of noise in a predetermined frequency range and produce a corresponding filtered signal. The corresponding filtered signal is compared to a reference threshold voltage to generate an output signal potentially indicative of arcing. A selection is made of one from a plurality of available threshold voltages as the reference threshold voltage for use in the comparing operation. The detection operation supports either or both branch feeder arc fault detection and/or series arc fault detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Robert F. Dvorak, Kon B. Wong
  • Patent number: 7151656
    Abstract: A system for determining whether arcing is present in an electrical circuit in response to a sensor signal corresponding to current in the circuit includes a circuit for analyzing the sensor signal to determine the presence of broadband noise in a predetermined range of frequencies, and producing a corresponding output signal. A controller processes the sensor signal and the output signal to determine current peaks and rise times and to determine, using the current peaks and rise times and the presence of broadband noise, whether an arcing fault is present in the circuit, by comparing data corresponding to the current peaks and rise times and broadband noise with preselected data indicative of an arcing fault. The circuit for analyzing and the controller are integrated onto a single application specific integrated circuit chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Robert F. Dvorak, Kon B. Wong
  • Patent number: 7136265
    Abstract: A method and system for determining whether arcing is present in an electrical circuit includes sensing a change in an alternating current in the circuit and developing a corresponding input signal, analyzing the input signal to determine the presence of broadband noise in a predetermined range of frequencies, and producing a corresponding output signal, and processing the input signal and the output signal in a predetermined fashion to determine whether an arcing fault is present in the circuit. The processing includes determining a type of load connected to the electrical circuit, based at least in part upon the input signal and the output signal, and monitoring high frequency noise in a 20 KHz band for each ? cycle of the alternating current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Kon B. Wong, Gary W. Scott, Robert F. Dvorak
  • Publication number: 20040042137
    Abstract: A method and system for determining whether arcing is present in an electrical circuit includes sensing a change in an alternating current in the circuit and developing a corresponding input signal, analyzing the input signal to determine the presence of broadband noise in a predetermined range of frequencies, and producing a corresponding output signal, and processing the input signal and the output signal in a predetermined fashion to determine whether an arcing fault is present in the circuit. The processing includes determining a type of load connected to the electrical circuit, based at least in part upon the input signal and the output signal, and monitoring high frequency noise in a 20 KHz band for each ⅛ cycle of the alternating current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventors: Kon B. Wong, Gary W. Scott, Robert F. Dvorak
  • Patent number: 6621669
    Abstract: An arcing fault protection assembly in an electrical outlet, and a corresponding method determine whether arcing is present in an electrical device connected to the outlet. The assembly comprises a sensor, a broadband noise circuit, a controller and s an electrical device. The sensor detects a current and develops a corresponding sensor signal. The broadband noise circuit determines the presence of broadband noise in the sensor signal and produces a corresponding output signal. The controller processes the sensor signal and the output signal in a predetermined fashion to determine whether an arcing fault is present. The sensor, the broadband noise circuit and the controller are mounted to the outlet receptacle or to an outlet box which houses the receptacle. The electrical device is connected in parallel to the first electrical outlet on the load side of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Andy A. Haun, Robert F. Dvorak, Brett E. Larson, Brian Grattan, Kon B. Wong
  • Patent number: 6567250
    Abstract: An arcing fault protection assembly in an electrical device, and corresponding methods determine whether arcing is present in the device. The assembly comprises a sensor, a broadband noise circuit, and a controller. The sensor detects a current and develops a corresponding sensor signal. The broadband noise circuit determines the presence of broadband noise in the sensor signal and produces a corresponding output signal. The controller processes the sensor signal and the output signal in a predetermined fashion to determine whether an arcing fault is present. The sensor, broadband noise circuit, and controller are mounted to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Andy A. Haun, Robert F. Dvorak, Brett E. Larson, Brian Grattan, Kon B Wong
  • Publication number: 20030074148
    Abstract: A system for determining whether arcing is present in an electrical circuit in response to a sensor signal corresponding to current in the circuit includes a circuit for analyzing the sensor signal to determine the presence of broadband noise in a predetermined range of frequencies, and producing a corresponding output signal. A controller processes the sensor signal and the output signal to determine current peaks and rise times and to determine, using the current peaks and rise times and the presence of broadband noise, whether an arcing fault is present in the circuit, by comparing data corresponding to the current peaks and rise times and broadband noise with preselected data indicative of an arcing fault. The circuit for analyzing and the controller are integrated onto a single application specific integrated circuit chip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Robert F. Dvorak, Kon B. Wong
  • Patent number: 6532424
    Abstract: An arcing fault protection assembly and a corresponding method determine whether arcing is present in electrical circuits. The assembly powers-up quickly without dissipating excessive heat while power is being supplied to the assembly. The assembly comprises a sensor, a broadband noise circuit, a controller, and a dual-mode power supply. The sensor detects a current flowing in an electrical circuit and develops a corresponding sensor signal. The broadband noise circuit determines the presence of broadband noise in the sensor signal and produces a corresponding output signal. The controller processes the sensor signal and the output signal in a predetermined fashion to determine whether an arcing fault is present in the circuit. The dual-mode power supply supplies power to the sensor, broadband noise circuit and controller using a first mode and later switching to a second mode. The first mode reaches steady state faster than the second mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Andy A. Haun, Robert F. Dvorak, Brett E. Larson, Brian Grattan, Kon B. Wong
  • Patent number: 6477021
    Abstract: A system for determining whether arcing is present in an electrical circuit includes a sensor for monitoring a current waveform in the electrical circuit, and an arc fault detection circuit which determines whether an arc fault is present in response to the sensor. The arc fault detection circuit includes a controller which produces a trip signal in response to a determination that an arcing fault is present in the electrical circuit, and an inhibit/blocking function for preventing the production of the trip signal under one or more predetermined conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Andy A. Haun, Brian G. Grattan, Kon B. Wong, Robert F. Dvorak, Gary W. Scott
  • Patent number: 6456471
    Abstract: An arc fault circuit interrupter system for use with an electrical circuit includes an arcing fault detector which monitors the electrical circuit and a controller which generates a trip signal in response to the detection of arcing faults. The controller may also generate one or more communication signals corresponding to information relating to the operation of the arcing fault circuit interrupter. The system may also include one or more of the following: a communication port which communicates to a user the information relating to operation of the arc fault circuit interrupter in response to the communication signals; a memory for retaining predetermined information related to the condition and operation of the arcing fault circuit interrupter, with or without a backup memory; and a combined self-test/reset switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Andy A. Haun, Brian G. Grattan, Kon B. Wong, Robert F. Dvorak, Gary W. Scott
  • Patent number: 6414829
    Abstract: A system for producing a simulated ground fault when arcing is present in an electrical circuit includes a sensor which monitors the electrical circuit. An arcing fault detection circuit determines whether an arcing fault is present in response to the sensor and produces a trip signal in response to a determination that an arcing fault is present in the electrical circuit. A ground fault simulator circuit produces a simulated ground fault in response to the trip signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Andy A. Haun, Brian G. Grattan, Kon B. Wong, Robert F. Dvorak, Gary W. Scott
  • Patent number: 6377427
    Abstract: An arcing fault protection assembly in an electrical outlet, and a corresponding method determine whether arcing is present in circuits connected to the outlet. The assembly comprises a sensor, a broadband noise circuit, and a controller. The sensor detects a current and develops a corresponding sensor signal. The broadband noise circuit determines the presence of broadband noise in the sensor signal and produces a corresponding output signal. The controller processes the sensor signal and the output signal in a predetermined fashion to determine whether an arcing fault is present. The sensor, broadband noise circuit, and controller are mounted to the outlet receptacle or to an outlet box which houses the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Andy A. Haun, Robert F. Dvorak, Brett E. Larson, Brian Grattan, Kon B Wong
  • Patent number: 6259996
    Abstract: An arc fault detector system detects arcing faults in an electrical distribution system by monitoring one or more conductors and producing an input signal representing one or more electrical signal conditions in the circuit to be monitored. This input signal is processed to develop signals representing the electrical current flow through the monitored circuit and broadband noise signal components. The system analyzes these signals to determine whether an arcing fault is present, and if so, outputs a trip signal which may be used directly or indirectly to trip a circuit breaker or other circuit interruption device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Andy A. Haun, Alan G. Coats, Kon B. Wong, Robert F. Dvorak, Gary W. Scott
  • Patent number: 6246556
    Abstract: An electrical fault detector system detects electrical faults in an electrical distribution system by monitoring one or more conductors and producing an input signal representing one or more electrical signal conditions in the circuit to be monitored. This input signal is processed to develop a first signal representing the electrical current flow through the monitored circuit and a second signal representing signal components in a selected frequency range typical of arcing faults, and which exceed a predetermined threshold. The system also detects ground faults in the circuit being monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Andrew A. Haun, Alan G. Coats, Kon B. Wong, Robert F. Dvorak, Gary W. Scott
  • Patent number: 5847913
    Abstract: A trip indicator for a circuit breaker in an electrical distribution system. The trip indicator provides a visual indication of the activation of a trip signal caused by arcing fault detector (AFD) or ground fault interrupter (GFI) circuitry. The trip indicator comprises one or more light sources, one or more plungers having a colored tip or one or more bimetal disk having a colored top. In response to activation of a trip signal by the AFD or GFI circuitry, the light source(s) illuminate, the plunger(s) move from a retracted position to an extended position and the bimetal disk(s) move from a generally flat position to a convex position. A conduit is provided within the housing of the protective device for conveying light or the reflection of light between the light source(s), plunger(s) or bimetal disk(s) and an opening of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Duane L. Turner, Dennis W. Fleege, Gregory S. Wiese, Robert F. Dvorak
  • Patent number: 5825643
    Abstract: A portable programming device is provided for communicating with and downloading tripping characteristics to a circuit breaker electronic trip unit. The programming device incorporates an umbilical cable which is attached to a connector on the trip unit, over which power is supplied to the trip unit and data is exchanged, a keypad with function keys including On/Off, Function, Breaker/Pane, Sensor and Program keys, and a LCD display which is capable of showing pertinent parameters such as circuit breaker type, sensor size, pickup and delay settings, current flowing through the circuit breaker and the trip characteristics to be downloaded to the trip unit. The portable programming device has a provision to operate from power supplied by a built in battery or from an external AC adapter. The programming device is presented with a fiber optic cable which, when coupled to a trip unit which is attached to a powered circuit breaker, can pass data to the device display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Robert F. Dvorak, Jerry R. Baack