Patents by Inventor Robert R. Leclair

Robert R. Leclair 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: 6407357
    Abstract: A method for resistance projecting welding the components of a current sensor is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a first blade having a projection extending outward and a first conductor, supporting the first blade and the first conductor, positioning the first blade adjacent to the first conductor so that the projection of the first blade contacts an opposed surface on the first conductor defining a contact area, supplying an electrical current of a predetermined magnitude and predetermined duration to the first blade and the first conductor to create a weld at the contact area and continually applying a compressing force of a predetermined magnitude to the first blade throughout the supplying step to resistance projection weld the first blade and the first conductor at the contact area. The present method overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art by providing an alternative method to fabricate current sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Joseph P. Bellino, Robert R. Leclair
  • Patent number: 6061230
    Abstract: A panelboard/switchboard assembly for accommodating bolt-on modules, plug-in modules and lugs. The panelboard/switchboard includes vertical, edge forward bus bars having a plurality of openings formed therein. The edge forward alignment allows plug-in modules to be mounted to the bus bars. The openings in the bus bars receive bolts for mounting straps to the bus bars and for mounting lugs to the bus bars. The openings have a shape having at least one linear element and receive a bolt having an anti-rotation portion with a similar shape. The interference between the opening and the anti-rotation portion of the bolt prevents the straps, and the modules connected to the straps, from rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kevin D. Mazzella, Kevin F. Nolan, Rick A. Vonrotz, Thomas F. Vrnak, Melanie A. Lewis, Grady W. Broadnax, Jr., Robert R. Leclair, Robert B. Wallace, Jeremy Palmer, Hamon L. Craft