Patents by Inventor Robert S. Douglass

Robert S. Douglass 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: 12217918
    Abstract: A fusible disconnect switch device is provided. The disconnect switch includes a switch actuator, an actuator bias element, and a slider assembly. The switch actuator is selectively positioned between an opened position and a closed position. The actuator bias element includes a first end acting on the switch actuator and a second end coupled to the switch housing. The slider assembly is linked to the switch actuator. The slider assembly includes a first slider and a second slider each slidably movable with respect to the switch housing along a linear axis. The first slider is independently movable relative to the second slider. The actuator bias element and the slider assembly are responsive to the position of the switch actuator to effect a switch closing operation and a switch opening operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2025
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: You Lu, Xuecheng Zhang, Robert S. Douglass
  • Publication number: 20240321541
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide medium or high voltage fuses that employ spiral wound elements supported by rods, which may replace the usages of a ceramic core. In particular, the use of rods to wind and fix spiral fuse elements provides increased reliability by minimizing the fuse elements from drifting within the fuse assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2023
    Publication date: September 26, 2024
    Inventor: Robert S. Douglass
  • Publication number: 20230343526
    Abstract: A fusible disconnect switch device is provided. The disconnect switch a switch actuator, a handle bias element, and a slider assembly. The switch actuator is selectively positioned between an opened position and a closed position. The handle bias element includes a first end acting on the switch actuator and a second end coupled to the switch housing. The slider assembly is linked to the switch actuator. The slider assembly includes a first slider and a second slider each slidably movable with respect to the switch housing along a linear axis. The first slider is independently movable relative to the second slider. The handle bias element and the slider assembly are responsive to the position of the switch actuator to effect the switch closing operation and a switch opening operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2023
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: You Lu, Xuecheng Zhang, Robert S. Douglass
  • Patent number: 11735384
    Abstract: A fusible disconnect switch device is provided. The disconnect switch a switch actuator, an actuator bias element, and a slider assembly. The switch actuator is selectively positionable between an opened position and a closed position. The actuator bias element includes a first end acting on the switch actuator and a second end coupled to the switch housing. The slider assembly is linked to the switch actuator. The slider assembly includes a first slider and a second slider each slidably movable with respect to the switch housing along a linear axis. The first slider is independently movable relative to the second slider. The actuator bias element and the slider assembly are responsive to the position of the switch actuator to effect the switch closing operation and a switch opening operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: You Lu, Xuecheng Zhang, Robert S. Douglass
  • Publication number: 20230187160
    Abstract: A power fuse for protecting an electrical load subject to transient load current cycling events in a direct current electrical power system is provided. The power fuse includes at least one fuse element assembly that includes one or more substrates, one or more sets of weak spots, and a conductor. The weak spots are formed on the substrates, and the substrates are longitudinally spaced apart from one another along the conductor. The conductor is separately provided from the substrate and the weak spots. The conductor includes one or more strips of metal having no stamped weak spot openings therein and therefore avoiding thermal-mechanical fatigue strain in the conductor when subjected to the transient load current cycling events. The conductor includes connector sections that are attached to respective ones of the sets of weak spots, and extending sections coupling the connector sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2023
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Inventors: Robert S. Douglass, John Trublowski, Rajen Modi, Nilay Mehta, Venkat raman Thenkarai Narayanan
  • Patent number: 11636993
    Abstract: A power fuse for protecting an electrical load subject to transient load current cycling events in a direct current electrical power system is provided. The power fuse includes at least one fuse element assembly that includes an elongated planar substrate, a plurality of fusible weak spots, and a conductor. The weak spots are formed on the substrate and are longitudinally spaced from one another on the substrate. The conductor is separately provided from the substrate and the weak spots. The conductor includes a solid elongated strip of metal having no stamped weak spot openings therein and therefore avoiding thermal-mechanical fatigue strain in the conductor when subjected to the transient load current cycling events. The solid elongated strip of metal includes coplanar connector sections that are mounted to respective ones of the weak spots and obliquely extending sections bent out of plane of the connector sections to extend above the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Robert S. Douglass, John Trublowski, Rajen Modi, Nilay Mehta, Venkat raman Thenkarai Narayanan
  • Publication number: 20220005655
    Abstract: A fusible disconnect switch device is provided. The disconnect switch a switch actuator, a handle bias element, and a slider assembly. The switch actuator is selectively positionable between an opened position and a closed position. The handle bias element includes a first end acting on the switch actuator and a second end coupled to the switch housing. The slider assembly is linked to the switch actuator. The slider assembly includes a first slider and a second slider each slidably movable with respect to the switch housing along a linear axis. The first slider is independently movable relative to the second slider. The handle bias element and the slider assembly are responsive to the position of the switch actuator to effect the switch closing operation and a switch opening operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2021
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Inventors: You Lu, Xuecheng Zhang, Robert S. Douglass
  • Patent number: 11087943
    Abstract: A power fuse for protecting an electrical load subject to transient load current cycling events in a direct current electrical power system is provided. The power fuse includes at least one fuse element assembly that includes an elongated planar substrate, a plurality of fusible weak spots, and a conductor. The weak spots are formed on the substrate and are longitudinally spaced from one another on the substrate. The conductor is separately provided from the substrate and the weak spots. The conductor includes a solid elongated strip of metal having no stamped weak spot openings therein and therefore avoiding thermal-mechanical fatigue strain in the conductor when subjected to the transient load current cycling events. The solid elongated strip of metal includes coplanar connector sections that are mounted to respective ones of the weak spots and obliquely extending sections bent out of plane of the connector sections to extend above the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Robert S. Douglass, John Trublowski, Rajen Modi, Nilay Mehta
  • Publication number: 20210183606
    Abstract: A power fuse for protecting an electrical load subject to transient load current cycling events in a direct current electrical power system is provided. The power fuse includes at least one fuse element assembly that includes an elongated planar substrate, a plurality of fusible weak spots, and a conductor. The weak spots are formed on the substrate and are longitudinally spaced from one another on the substrate. The conductor is separately provided from the substrate and the weak spots. The conductor includes a solid elongated strip of metal having no stamped weak spot openings therein and therefore avoiding thermal-mechanical fatigue strain in the conductor when subjected to the transient load current cycling events. The solid elongated strip of metal includes coplanar connector sections that are mounted to respective ones of the weak spots and obliquely extending sections bent out of plane of the connector sections to extend above the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2021
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Inventors: Robert S. Douglass, John Trublowski, Rajen Modi, Nilay Mehta, Venkat raman Thenkarai Narayanan
  • Publication number: 20210074501
    Abstract: A power fuse for protecting an electrical load subject to transient load current cycling events in a direct current electrical power system is provided. The power fuse includes at least one fuse element assembly that includes an elongated planar substrate, a plurality of fusible weak spots, and a conductor. The weak spots are formed on the substrate and are longitudinally spaced from one another on the substrate. The conductor is separately provided from the substrate and the weak spots. The conductor includes a solid elongated strip of metal having no stamped weak spot openings therein and therefore avoiding thermal-mechanical fatigue strain in the conductor when subjected to the transient load current cycling events. The solid elongated strip of metal includes coplanar connector sections that are mounted to respective ones of the weak spots and obliquely extending sections bent out of plane of the connector sections to extend above the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Publication date: March 11, 2021
    Inventors: Robert S. Douglass, John Trublowski, Rajen Modi, Nilay Mehta
  • Patent number: 7932805
    Abstract: A fuse includes a fuse state indicator on the exterior surface of the fuse body. The fuse state indicator includes an electrically conductive element electrically connected to and extending between the terminal elements. A temperature sensitive element proximate and in thermal contact with the electrically conductive element includes material capable of changing color when heated to a predetermined transition temperature to form a mark on the temperature sensitive element. The fuse state indicator forms a first mark on the temperature sensitive element when heat from the electrically conductive element transfers to the temperature sensitive element in response to a first overcurrent condition, and forms a second mark, distinct from the first mark, on the temperature sensitive element when heat from the electrically conductive element transfers to the temperature sensitive element in response to a second overcurrent condition distinct from the first overcurrent condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Matthew R. Darr, Jaime A. Torrez, Anthony C. Ban, Robert S. Douglass, John M. Ackermann
  • Publication number: 20100328019
    Abstract: A fuse includes a fuse state indicator on the exterior surface of the fuse body. The fuse state indicator includes an electrically conductive element electrically connected to and extending between the terminal elements. A temperature sensitive element proximate and in thermal contact with the electrically conductive element includes material capable of changing color when heated to a predetermined transition temperature to form a mark on the temperature sensitive element. The fuse state indicator forms a first mark on the temperature sensitive element when heat from the electrically conductive element transfers to the temperature sensitive element in response to a first overcurrent condition, and forms a second mark, distinct from the first mark, on the temperature sensitive element when heat from the electrically conductive element transfers to the temperature sensitive element in response to a second overcurrent condition distinct from the first overcurrent condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: COOPER TECHNOLOGIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Matthew R. Darr, Jaime A. Torrez, Anthony C. Ban, Robert S. Douglass, John M. Ackermann
  • Patent number: 7812704
    Abstract: A fuse comprising a fuse body having ferrules at opposing ends, a fuse state indicator located on the surface of the fuse body wherein the fuse state indicator may be temperature sensitive or voltage sensitive and a wire extending from one ferrule to the other ferrule wherein the wire is positioned along the surface of the fuse body. The fuse state indicator senses heat generated by the wire or voltage flowing through the wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Matthew R. Darr, Jaime A. Torrez, Anthony C. Ban, Robert S. Douglass, John M. Ackermann
  • Publication number: 20080129441
    Abstract: A fuse comprising a fuse body having ferrules at opposing ends, a fuse state indicator located on the surface of the fuse body wherein the fuse state indicator may be temperature sensitive or voltage sensitive and a wire extending from one ferrule to the other ferrule wherein the wire is positioned along the surface of the fuse body. The fuse state indicator senses heat generated by the wire or voltage flowing through the wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Matthew R. Darr, Jamie A. Torrez, Anthony C. Ban, Robert S. Douglass, John M. Ackermann
  • Patent number: 6619990
    Abstract: A short circuit current limiter is disclosed which includes fuse elements configured in one of a folded back configuration or a switch back configuration, a plurality of contact terminals, one contact terminal electrically connected to each end of each fuse element, a terminal base for mechanically mounting the fuse elements and contact terminals, and a cover configured to engage the terminal base to protect the fuse elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Robert S. Douglass, Matthew R. Darr, Matthew A. Joiner
  • Patent number: 6194989
    Abstract: A fuse includes a tube, a pair of blade terminals projecting from opposite ends of the tube, at least one fuse element disposed in the tube and electrically coupled between the terminals, and a pair of metallic end caps disposed on opposite ends of the tube. Electrically insulative elements are disposed between the end caps and the terminals. The tube is filled with an arc-quenching material inserted through a fill hole that is plugged by a plastic drive rivet. Each terminal is attached to a metallic end plate by means of a staking tang inserted into a slot of the end plate, and by means of a separate solder joint. Each insulative element includes an axial sleeve through which a respective terminal extends for a part of its length. The fuse element comprises a one-piece metal element bent to form a pair of parallel, superimposed strips divided into sections by means of fusible weak points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Robert S. Douglass
  • Patent number: 5963123
    Abstract: A fuse includes a tube, a pair of blade terminals projecting from opposite ends of the tube, at least one fuse element disposed in the tube and electrically coupled between the terminals, and a pair of metallic end caps disposed on opposite ends of the tube. Electrically insulative elements are disposed between the end caps and the terminals. The tube is filled with an arc-quenching material inserted through a fill hole that is plugged by a plastic drive rivet. Each terminal is attached to a metallic end plate by means of a staking tang inserted into a slot of the end plate, and by means of a separate solder joint. Each insulative element includes an axial sleeve through which a respective terminal extends for a part of its length. The fuse element comprises a one-piece metal element bent to form a pair of parallel, superimposed strips divided into sections by means of fusible weak points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Robert S. Douglass
  • Patent number: 5905426
    Abstract: A fuse includes a tube, a pair of blade terminals projecting from opposite ends of the tube, at least one fuse element disposed in the tube and electrically coupled between the terminals, and a pair of metallic end caps disposed on opposite ends of the tube. Electrically insulative elements are disposed between the end caps and the terminals. The tube is filled with an arc-quenching material inserted through a fill hole that is plugged by a plastic drive rivet. Each terminal is attached to a metallic end plate by means of a staking tang inserted into a slot of the end plate, and by means of a separate solder joint. Each insulative element includes an axial sleeve through which a respective terminal extends for a part of its length. The fuse element comprises a one-piece metal element bent to form a pair of parallel, superimposed strips divided into sections by means of fusible weak points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Robert S. Douglass
  • Patent number: 5736918
    Abstract: A fuse includes a tube, a pair of blade terminals projecting from opposite ends of the tube, at least one fuse element disposed in the tube and electrically coupled between the terminals, and a pair of metallic end caps disposed on opposite ends of the tube. Electrically insulative elements are disposed between the end caps and the terminals. The tube is filled with an arc-quenching material inserted through a fill hole that is plugged by a plastic drive rivet. Each terminal is attached to a metallic end plate by means of a staking tang inserted into a slot of the end plate, and by means of a separate solder joint. Each insulative element includes an axial sleeve through which a respective terminal extends for a part of its length. The fuse element having a one-piece metal element bent to form a pair of parallel, superimposed strips divided into sections by means of fusible weak points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert S. Douglass
  • Patent number: 5239291
    Abstract: A dual element ferrule fuse includes a short circuit element and an overload element. The overload element includes a heater element which, in addition to carrying heat, is designed to partially enclose the overload element with tabs that provide a weldable surface between the element and the metallic end cap, thus eliminating the need for a separate washer. Additionally, the tabs serve to center the element in the end cap and retain the element at a certain point in the fuse body between assembly of the fuse and soldering of the cap to the weldable surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Henricks, Robert S. Douglass