Patents by Inventor Robert Stephen Douglass

Robert Stephen 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: 8699197
    Abstract: A transient voltage surge suppression device includes a varistor assembly having a compact thickness, and thermal disconnect assembly carrying a separable contact bridge movable along a linear axis to disconnect the varistor element from external circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Robert Stephen Douglass, Hundi Panduranga Kamath, Piyush K. Saxena, William Charles Giancola, Keith Allen Spalding
  • Patent number: 8659866
    Abstract: A transient voltage surge suppression device includes a varistor assembly having a compact thickness, and two different disconnect elements responsive to distinct overvoltage conditions to disconnect a varistor assembly prior catastrophic failure thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Robert Stephen Douglass, Hundi Panduranga Kamath
  • Publication number: 20140043133
    Abstract: A fusible switch disconnect includes a fuse, a primary switch connected in series with the fuse. and a semiconductor switch device connected in parallel with the fuse. The semiconductor device is configured to resist current flow through the fuse and the primary fuse to facilitate arcless operation of the primary switch when connected to energized, DC circuitry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventor: Robert Stephen Douglass
  • Publication number: 20130009744
    Abstract: Electrical fuses include slip fit terminal elements coupled to the ends of a fuse element. The terminal elements may rotate relative to the fuse element ends as the fuses are bolted to circuit conductors and protect the fuse element from being damaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventor: Robert Stephen Douglass
  • Publication number: 20120050936
    Abstract: A transient voltage surge suppression device includes a varistor assembly having a compact thickness, and two different disconnect elements responsive to distinct overvoltage conditions to disconnect a varistor assembly prior catastrophic failure thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Robert Stephen Douglass, Hundi Panduranga Kamath
  • Publication number: 20120050935
    Abstract: A transient voltage surge suppression device includes a varistor assembly having a compact thickness, and thermal disconnect assembly carrying a separable contact bridge movable along a linear axis to disconnect the varistor element from external circuitry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Robert Stephen Douglass, Hundi Panduranga Kamath, Piyush K. Saxena, William Charles Giancola, Keith Allen Spalding
  • Patent number: 8059005
    Abstract: Monitoring assemblies, kits and methods for determining an operational state of a circuit protector in an electrical circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Michael Craig Henricks, Robert Stephen Douglass, Joan Leslie Winnett Bender, Matthew R. Darr
  • Patent number: 7924136
    Abstract: A fusible switch disconnect device includes a housing adapted to receive at least one fuse therein, and switchable contacts for connecting the fuse to circuitry. A tripping mechanism is provided to disconnect the switchable contacts when predetermined circuit conditions occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Matthew R. Darr, Robert Stephen Douglass, Matthew Thomas Dowil
  • Patent number: 7825766
    Abstract: A fuse and fuse module that facilitate ampacity rejection based on electrical contact location is disclosed. A configuration of electrical contacts in the fuse and a corresponding configuration of fuse slots in the fuse holder permit fuses within an acceptable range of ampacities to be installed in the fuse holder while at the same time preventing fuses within an unacceptable range of ampacities from being installed in the fuse holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Matthew R. Darr, Robert Stephen Douglass
  • Publication number: 20100019878
    Abstract: A fuse and fuse module that facilitate ampacity rejection based on electrical contact location is disclosed. A configuration of electrical contacts in the fuse and a corresponding configuration of fuse slots in the fuse holder permit fuses within an acceptable range of ampacities to be installed in the fuse holder while at the same time preventing fuses within an unacceptable range of ampacities from being installed in the fuse holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: Matthew R. Darr, Robert Stephen Douglass
  • Patent number: 7612654
    Abstract: A system and method for circuit protector monitoring and management includes at least one circuit protector defining an interruptible current path therethrough upon an occurrence of specified operating condition in a circuit; a status element associated with the circuit protector and adapted to monitor an operating state of the current path; and an electronic management system in communication with the status element, wherein the management system is adapted to automatically alert and summon responsible personnel when the circuit protector has operated to open the circuit path, and identify the location of the operated circuit protector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Robert Lawrence Bender, Timothy Hamilton Speno, Michael Craig Henricks, Robert Stephen Douglass, Joan Leslie Winnett Bender, Matthew R. Darr
  • Patent number: 7576635
    Abstract: A circuit protector signal transmission system, kit and method involves at least one circuit protector defining an interruptible current path therethrough upon an occurrence of specified operating conditions in a circuit, a status element associated with the circuit protector and adapted to monitor an operating state of the current path, an electronic gateway device in communication with the status element and adapted to receive a data signal from the status element corresponding to the operating condition of the current path. The data signal includes location information and identification information for circuit protectors as they operate to interrupt the current paths in an electrical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Robert Lawrence Bender, Timothy Hamilton Speno, Michael Craig Henricks, Robert Stephen Douglass
  • Publication number: 20090128280
    Abstract: A fusible switch disconnect device includes a housing adapted to receive at least one fuse therein, and switchable contacts for connecting the fuse to circuitry. A tripping mechanism is provided to disconnect the switchable contacts when predetermined circuit conditions occur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Matthew R. Darr, Robert Stephen Douglass, Matthew Thomas Dowil
  • Patent number: 7495540
    Abstract: Fusible switch disconnect modules including a housing means adapted to receive at least one fuse therein, switchable contacts for connecting the fuse to circuitry and having at least one stationary contact and at least one movable contact selectively positionable between an open position and a closed position to connect or disconnect an electrical connection through the fuse, and a means for biasing or bias element assisting movement of the movable contact to the open or disconnected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Matthew R. Darr, Robert Stephen Douglass, Matthew Thomas Dowil
  • Patent number: 7474194
    Abstract: A fusible switch disconnect device includes a housing adapted to receive at least one fuse therein, and switchable contacts for connecting the fuse to circuitry. A tripping mechanism is provided to disconnect the switchable contacts when predetermined circuit conditions occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Matthew R. Darr, Robert Stephen Douglass, Matthew Thomas Dowil
  • Patent number: 7391299
    Abstract: A user interface, method system and program for circuit protector management in an electrical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Robert Lawrence Bender, Timothy Hamilton Speno, Michael Craig Henricks, Robert Stephen Douglass
  • Patent number: 6650222
    Abstract: A fuseholder includes a main housing configured for receiving a plurality of cartridge fuses, a fuse drawer configured for slidable insertion into the main housing, and a handle coupled to the drawer for opening the drawer to release fuses from the main housing. The drawer includes a retractable handle that is substantially flush with the drawer when the drawer is closed. A handle recess is located adjacent the drawer for prying the handle open with a tool. A drawer frame includes a lock opening therethrough for a lock member to prevent closing of the fuse drawer as desired. Built-in fuse rejection members are included in the main housing to prevent use of incorrect fuses with the fuseholder and an auxiliary contact actuator is provided for added features on an as needed basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Matthew Rain Darr, Robert Stephen Douglass
  • Patent number: 6566996
    Abstract: A fuse state indicator includes a fuse casing having a transparent lens, a combustible substance disposed adjacent the lens, and a base layer disposed adjacent the combustible substance and having a contrasting color relative to the combustible substance. A secondary fuse indicating circuit is electrically connected to a main fuse circuit in parallel with a main fuse link, and includes a secondary fuse wire link which is disposed adjacent the combustible substance. Heat created upon vaporization of the secondary fuse link ignites the combustible substance and reveals the base layer through the lens after combustion, thereby indicating a state of the fuse as operable or inoperable by the color visible through the lens. Combustion may be assisted with an energetic chemical compound applied to secondary fuse wire link and combustible substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies
    Inventors: Robert Stephen Douglass, Matthew Rain Darr, Michael Craig Henricks
  • Publication number: 20020067240
    Abstract: A fuseholder includes a main housing configured for receiving a plurality of cartridge fuses, a fuse drawer configured for slidable insertion into the main housing, and a handle coupled to the drawer for opening the drawer to release fuses from the main housing. The drawer includes a retractable handle that is substantially flush with the drawer when the drawer is closed. A handle recess is located adjacent the drawer for prying the handle open with a tool. A drawer frame includes a lock opening therethrough for a lock member to prevent closing of the fuse drawer as desired. Built-in fuse rejection members are included in the main housing to prevent use of incorrect fuses with the fuseholder and an auxiliary contact actuator is provided for added features on an as needed basis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventors: Matthew Rain Darr, Robert Stephen Douglass
  • Patent number: 6157287
    Abstract: A fuse system includes a fuse holder having an outer surface; a pair of fuse clips mounted inside the fuse holder, the pair of fuse clips being recessed from the outer surface of the fuse holder a predetermined distance; an insulative fuse housing; a fuse element mounted within the insulative fuse housing; blade terminals electrically connected to the fuse element and extending from the fuse housing; and an insulative sleeve on each of the blade terminals, the insulative sleeves extending from the fuse housing and covering a portion of each of the respective blade terminals and leaving a remaining portion of the blade terminals exposed; wherein the exposed portions of the blade terminals are less than the predetermined distance so that when the blade terminals make an electrical contact with the fuse clips, the exposed portions of the blade terminals are within the fuse holder and only the insulative sleeves are exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Robert Stephen Douglass, Matthew Rain Darr, Daniel Eugene Rowton