Patents by Inventor Robert Joseph Caggiano

Robert Joseph Caggiano 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: 9036309
    Abstract: A circuit protection device includes a plasma gun configured to emit an ablative plasma along an axis, and a plurality of electrodes, wherein each electrode is electrically coupled to a respective conductor of a circuit and is arranged substantially along a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the axis such that each electrode is positioned substantially equidistant from the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: George William Roscoe, Dean Arthur Robarge, Robert Joseph Caggiano, Seth Adam Cutler, Thangavelu Asokan, Adnan Kutubuddin Bohori
  • Patent number: 8981954
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for activation of a protection system and dynamic labeling are described. An example system for use with a plurality of circuit protection devices coupled to a switchgear unit includes a first sensor for detecting a body located within a first zone associated with a threshold distance from the switchgear unit, and a controller coupled to the first sensor. The controller is configured to selectively enable the plurality of circuit protection devices. The controller is configured to enable a first circuit protection device of the plurality of circuit protection devices in response to detecting, via the first sensor, a body within the first zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Brent Charles Kumfer, Robert Joseph Caggiano, Michael Anthony Leporace
  • Publication number: 20130300566
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for activation of a protection system and dynamic labeling are described. An example system for use with a plurality of circuit protection devices coupled to a switchgear unit includes a first sensor for detecting a body located within a first zone associated with a threshold distance from the switchgear unit, and a controller coupled to the first sensor. The controller is configured to selectively enable the plurality of circuit protection devices. The controller is configured to enable a first circuit protection device of the plurality of circuit protection devices in response to detecting, via the first sensor, a body within the first zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Brent Charles Kumfer, Robert Joseph Caggiano, Michael Anthony Leporace
  • Patent number: 8564915
    Abstract: A power equipment protection system includes a circuit breaker, a current sensor configured to measure a current through a circuit, a light sensor configured to detect a light event, and a controller communicatively coupled to the current sensor and to the light sensor, wherein the controller is configured to determine whether the light event originated from operation of the circuit breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: George William Roscoe, Robert Joseph Caggiano, Daniel Edward Delfino, Thomas Frederick Papallo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8563888
    Abstract: An arc containment device is presented. The arc containment device includes a shock shield further having a multiple apertures for escape of gas, the shock shield configured to surround an arc source. The device further comprises an inner enclosure having a multiple openings generally aligned with the multiple apertures, the inner enclosure configured to provide an electrical insulation base for the arc source. An outer enclosure disposed is provided around the inner enclosure, the outer enclosure configured to direct the gas to the environment outside the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Adnan Kutubuddin Bohori, Dean Arthur Robarge, Robert Joseph Caggiano, Thangavelu Asokan, George William Roscoe
  • Patent number: 8270139
    Abstract: A circuit protection device for use with a circuit that includes at least one conductor includes at least one phase electrode assembly that is electrically coupled to the at least one conductor, wherein the at least one phase electrode assembly comprising an adjustable electrode assembly. The circuit protection device also includes a conductor base comprising at least one isolation area sized to secure the adjustable electrode assembly therein, and a conductor cover coupled to the conductor base and including at least one isolation channel, wherein the adjustable electrode assembly extends at least partially through the at least one isolation channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert Joseph Caggiano, Dean Arthur Robarge
  • Patent number: 8264809
    Abstract: An arc transfer device for use in a switchgear includes at least one first electrical connector configured to connect the arc transfer device to a voltage supply within the switchgear, and a racking cassette. The racking cassette includes at least one second electrical connector that is configured to be electrically coupled to the at least one first electrical connector based on the racking position of the arc transfer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Dean Arthur Robarge, Robert Joseph Caggiano, George William Roscoe
  • Patent number: 8144445
    Abstract: A current control device is disclosed. The current control device includes control circuitry and a current path integrally arranged with the control circuitry. The current path includes a set of conduction interfaces and a micro electromechanical system (MEMS) switch disposed between the set of conduction interfaces. The set of conduction interfaces have geometry of a defined fuse terminal geometry and include a first interface disposed at one end of the current path and a second interface disposed at an opposite end of the current path. The MEMS switch is responsive to the control circuitry to facilitate the interruption of an electrical current passing through the current path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert Joseph Caggiano, William James Premerlani, Marcelo Esteban Valdes, Kanakasabapathi Subramanian, Brent Charles Kumfer, Charles Stephan Pitzen, John Norton Park
  • Publication number: 20120068602
    Abstract: A circuit protection device includes a plasma gun configured to emit an ablative plasma along an axis, and a plurality of electrodes, wherein each electrode is electrically coupled to a respective conductor of a circuit and is arranged substantially along a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the axis such that each electrode is positioned substantially equidistant from the axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: George William Roscoe, Dean Arthur Robarge, Robert Joseph Caggiano, Seth Adam Cutler, Thangavelu Asokan, Adnan Kutubuddin Bohori
  • Publication number: 20120069477
    Abstract: A circuit protection device for use with a circuit that includes at least one conductor includes at least one phase electrode assembly that is electrically coupled to the at least one conductor, wherein the at least one phase electrode assembly comprising an adjustable electrode assembly. The circuit protection device also includes a conductor base comprising at least one isolation area sized to secure the adjustable electrode assembly therein, and a conductor cover coupled to the conductor base and including at least one isolation channel, wherein the adjustable electrode assembly extends at least partially through the at least one isolation channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Robert Joseph Caggiano, Dean Arthur Robarge
  • Publication number: 20120063036
    Abstract: An arc transfer device for use in a switchgear includes at least one first electrical connector configured to connect the arc transfer device to a voltage supply within the switchgear, and a racking cassette. The racking cassette includes at least one second electrical connector that is configured to be electrically coupled to the at least one first electrical connector based on the racking position of the arc transfer device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: Dean Arthur Robarge, Robert Joseph Caggiano, George William Roscoe
  • Publication number: 20120057263
    Abstract: A power equipment protection system includes a circuit breaker, a current sensor configured to measure a current through a circuit, a light sensor configured to detect a light event, and a controller communicatively coupled to the current sensor and to the light sensor, wherein the controller is configured to determine whether the light event originated from operation of the circuit breaker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: George William Roscoe, Robert Joseph Caggiano, Daniel Edward Delfino, Thomas Frederick Papallo, JR.
  • Patent number: 8076598
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an interlock system in combination with an enclosure, including: the enclosure having a base and a door that define an interior; a rotary handle attached to the door; a disconnect switch disposed in the interior of the enclosure and including a shaft extending toward an exterior of the enclosure in a direction toward the door; a first interlocking member attached to the door and extending toward an interior of the enclosure; and a second interlocking member attached to the shaft. The handle is configured to engage the shaft when the door is closed and rotate the shaft to move the disconnect switch between an on position and an off position. The second interlocking member is configured to engage and interlock with the first interlocking member when the door is closed and the disconnect switch is in the on position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Justin Thomas Billard, Dean Arthur Robarge, Robert Joseph Caggiano
  • Patent number: 8072723
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for over-current protection. The method comprising monitoring a load current value of a load current passing through a plurality of micro-electromechanical switching system devices, determining if the monitored load current value varies from a predetermined load current value, and generating a fault signal in the event that the monitored load current value varies from the predetermined load current value. The method also comprises diverting the load current from the plurality of micro-electromechanical switching system devices in response to the fault signal and determining if the variance in the load current value was due to a true fault trip or a false nuisance trip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: William James Premerlani, Robert Joseph Caggiano, Kanakasabapathi Subramanian, Brent Charles Kumfer, Charles Stephan Pitzen, David James Lesslie, Joshua Isaac Wright, Parag Thakre
  • Patent number: 7944660
    Abstract: Electrical distribution systems implementing micro-electromechanical system based switching devices. Exemplary embodiments include a method in an electrical distribution system, the method including determining if there is a fault condition in a branch of the electrical distribution system, the branch having a plurality of micro electromechanical system (MEMS) switches, re-closing a MEMS switch of the plurality of MEMS switches, which is furthest upstream in the branch and determining if the fault condition is still present. Exemplary embodiments include an electrical distribution system, including an input port for receiving a source of power, a main distribution bus electrically coupled to the input port, a service disconnect MEMS switch disposed between and coupled to the input port and the main distribution bus and a plurality of electrical distribution branches electrically coupled to the main distribution bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Brent Charles Kumfer, William James Premerlani, Robert Joseph Caggiano, Kanakasabapathi Subramanian, Charles Stephan Pitzen
  • Patent number: 7885043
    Abstract: The present invention provides a remote operable over-current protection apparatus. The apparatus includes control circuitry integrally arranged on a current path and a micro electromechanical system (MEMS) switch disposed on the current path, the MEMS switch responsive to the control circuitry to facilitate the interruption of an electrical current passing through the current path. The apparatus further includes a communication connection in signal connection with the control circuitry such that the control circuitry is responsive to a control signal on the communication connection to control a state of the MEMS switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Brent Charles Kumfer, William James Premerlani, Robert Joseph Caggiano, Kanakasabapathi Subramanian, Christopher Fred Keimel, Charles Stephan Pitzen, David James Lesslie, Parag Thakre
  • Patent number: 7719257
    Abstract: A current sensing module for disposal proximate a conductor is disclosed. The current sensing module includes a housing having a first section and a second section that together define an opening for receiving the conductor therethrough. The second section is in operable connection with the first section. The current sensing module further includes a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) based current sensor disposed within the first section proximate the opening for receiving the conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Dean Arthur Robarge, Robert Joseph Caggiano, Cecil Rivers, Jr., Roossely Delica
  • Publication number: 20100065406
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an interlock system in combination with an enclosure, including: the enclosure having a base and a door that define an interior; a rotary handle attached to the door; a disconnect switch disposed in the interior of the enclosure and including a shaft extending toward an exterior of the enclosure in a direction toward the door; a first interlocking member attached to the door and extending toward an interior of the enclosure; and a second interlocking member attached to the shaft. The handle is configured to engage the shaft when the door is closed and rotate the shaft to move the disconnect switch between an on position and an off position. The second interlocking member is configured to engage and interlock with the first interlocking member when the door is closed and the disconnect switch is in the on position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Justin Thomas Billard, Dean Arthur Robarge, Robert Joseph Caggiano
  • Publication number: 20090308845
    Abstract: An arc containment device is presented. The arc containment device includes a shock shield further having a multiple apertures for escape of gas, the shock shield configured to surround an arc source. The device further comprises an inner enclosure having a multiple openings generally aligned with the multiple apertures, the inner enclosure configured to provide an electrical insulation base for the arc source. An outer enclosure disposed is provided around the inner enclosure, the outer enclosure configured to direct the gas to the environment outside the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Adnan Kutubuddin Bohori, Dean Arthur Robarge, Robert Joseph Caggiano, Thangavelu Asokan, George William Roscoe
  • Patent number: 7546214
    Abstract: An electrical sub-metering system for making available information associated with power consumption of at least one circuit of a plurality of circuits is disclosed. The system includes an electrical panel board configured to distribute power to the plurality of circuits, a circuit breaker in power connection with a conductor of the at least one circuit, a voltage sensor, a hub to collect the information associated with power consumption from the voltage sensor and the circuit breaker, and a data collector to collect and make available to a user the information associated with power consumption. The circuit breaker includes a current measuring device to measure current through the at least one circuit and is in signal communication with the hub via a single communication interface that has a plurality of communication paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Cecil Rivers, Jr., Robert Joseph Caggiano, Roossely Delica, Ertugrul Berkcan