Patents by Inventor Roger Castonguay
Roger Castonguay 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).
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Patent number: 7342474Abstract: A circuit breaker configured to be remotely operated is disclosed. The circuit breaker includes a set of main contacts configured to connect between an electrical source and an electrical load, an operating mechanism in operable communication to open and close the main contacts, and a remotely operable drive system configured to open and close the main contacts separate from actuation of the operating mechanism. The drive system includes a motor responsive to first and second control signals, a primary drive responsive to the motor, and an opening spring responsive to the primary drive, the main contacts being responsive to the opening spring. In response to the first control signal, the primary drive moves to charge the opening spring, and in response to the second control signal and the main contacts being closed, the primary drive moves to allow the opening spring to discharge thereby resulting in the main contacts opening independent of the motor.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2005Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Roger Castonguay, Joseph G. Nagy, Narayansamy Soundararajan, Dennis Zuffelato, Craig Benjamin Williams, Heather Pugliese
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Patent number: 7061349Abstract: A circuit breaker configured to be remotely operated is disclosed. The circuit breaker includes a set of main contacts configured to connect between an electrical source and an electrical load, an operating mechanism in operable communication to open and close the main contacts, and a remotely operable drive system configured to open and close the main contacts separate from actuation of the operating mechanism. The drive system includes a motor responsive to first and second control signals, a primary drive responsive to the motor, and an opening spring responsive to the primary drive, the main contacts being responsive to the opening spring. In response to the first control signal, the primary drive moves to charge the opening spring, and in response to the second control signal and the main contacts being closed, the primary drive moves to allow the opening spring to discharge thereby resulting in the main contacts opening independent of the motor.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2005Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Roger Castonguay, Joseph G. Nagy, Narayansamy Soundararajan, Dennis Zuffelato, Craig B. Williams, Heather Pugliese
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Publication number: 20060071742Abstract: A circuit breaker configured to be remotely operated is disclosed. The circuit breaker includes a set of main contacts configured to connect between an electrical source and an electrical load, an operating mechanism in operable communication to open and close the main contacts, and a remotely operable drive system configured to open and close the main contacts separate from actuation of the operating mechanism. The drive system includes a motor responsive to first and second control signals, a primary drive responsive to the motor, and an opening spring responsive to the primary drive, the main contacts being responsive to the opening spring. In response to the first control signal, the primary drive moves to charge the opening spring, and in response to the second control signal and the main contacts being closed, the primary drive moves to allow the opening spring to discharge thereby resulting in the main contacts opening independent of the motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2005Publication date: April 6, 2006Inventors: Roger Castonguay, Joseph Nagy, Narayansamy Soundararajan, Dennis Zuffelato, Craig Williams, Heather Pugliese
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Patent number: 7019606Abstract: A circuit breaker configured to be remotely operated by a controller is disclosed. The circuit breaker includes a set of main contacts, an operating mechanism, a remotely operable drive system configured to open and close the main contacts separate from actuation of the operating mechanism, and a control circuit in operable communication with the main contacts. The drive system includes a motor, and a primary drive responsive to the motor and in operable communication to open and close the main contacts. The control circuit indicates a closed main contact state in response to the operating mechanism being in an on position and the main contacts being closed, and an open main contact state in response to the operating mechanism being in an on position and the main contacts being held open via the drive system.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2005Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Craig B. Williams, Henry H. Mason, Jr., Roger Castonguay, Joseph G. Nagy, Heather Pugliese, Narayansamy Soundararajan, John Dougherty
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Publication number: 20050212628Abstract: A circuit breaker configured to be remotely operated is disclosed. The circuit breaker includes a set of main contacts configured to connect between an electrical source and an electrical load, an operating mechanism in operable communication to open and close the main contacts, and a remotely operable drive system configured to open and close the main contacts separate from actuation of the operating mechanism. The drive system includes a motor responsive to first and second control signals, a primary drive responsive to the motor, and an opening spring responsive to the primary drive, the main contacts being responsive to the opening spring. In response to the first control signal, the primary drive moves to charge the opening spring, and in response to the second control signal and the main contacts being closed, the primary drive moves to allow the opening spring to discharge thereby resulting in the main contacts opening independent of the motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2005Publication date: September 29, 2005Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Roger Castonguay, Joseph Nagy, Narayansamy Soundararajan, Dennis Zuffelato, Craig Williams, Heather Pugliese
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Publication number: 20050212629Abstract: A circuit breaker configured to be remotely operated by a controller is disclosed. The circuit breaker includes a set of main contacts, an operating mechanism, a remotely operable drive system configured to open and close the main contacts separate from actuation of the operating mechanism, and a control circuit in operable communication with the main contacts. The drive system includes a motor, and a primary drive responsive to the motor and in operable communication to open and close the main contacts. The control circuit indicates a closed main contact state in response to the operating mechanism being in an on position and the main contacts being closed, and an open main contact state in response to the operating mechanism being in an on position and the main contacts being held open via the drive system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2005Publication date: September 29, 2005Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Craig Williams, Henry Mason, Jr., Roger Castonguay, Joseph Nagy, Heather Pugliese, Narayansamy Soundararajan, John Dougherty
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Patent number: 6891453Abstract: A mechanism for operating a plurality of circuit interruption mechanisms of a circuit breaker, the mechanism applies a uniform force to the circuit interruption mechanisms. The mechanism applies a force to an elongated member for manipulating the circuit interruption mechanisms. The mechanism applies a force to the elongated member at a first position and a second position, the first position and the second position being intermediate to a center of the elongated member and the plurality of circuit interruption mechanisms.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2003Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Roger Castonguay, Randy Greenberg, Dennis Doughty, Dave S. Christensen
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Patent number: 6747535Abstract: A precision location system for a circuit breaker utilizing a phase cassette concept is disclosed. A cover plate is mounted to at least one of a plurality of single-pole units having a circuit breaker operating mechanism positioned thereon. The cover plate is configured to precisely align an actuator precisely located on the cover with the circuit breaker operating mechanism. The actuator trips a latch of the operating mechanism, thereby tripping the entire circuit.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Roger Castonguay, Dean A. Robarge
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Publication number: 20030098224Abstract: A mechanism for operating a plurality of circuit interruption mechanisms of a circuit breaker, the mechanism applies a uniform force to the circuit interruption mechanisms. The mechanism applies a force to an elongated member for manipulating the circuit interruption mechanisms. The mechanism applies a force to the elongated member at a first position and a second position, the first position and the second position being intermediate to a center of the elongated member and the plurality of circuit interruption mechanisms.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2003Publication date: May 29, 2003Inventors: Roger Castonguay , Randy Greenberg , Dennis Doughty , Dave S. Christensen
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Patent number: 6552637Abstract: A mechanism for operating a plurality of circuit interruption mechanisms of a circuit breaker, the mechanism applies a uniform force to the circuit interruption mechanisms. The mechanism applies a force to an elongated member for manipulating the circuit interruption mechanisms. The mechanism applies a force to the elongated member at a first position and a second position, the first position and the second position being intermediate to a center of the elongated member and the plurality of circuit interruption mechanisms.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2001Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Roger Castonguay, Randy Greenburg, Dennis Doughty, Dave S. Christensen
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Publication number: 20030071702Abstract: A precision location system for a circuit breaker utilizing a phase cassette concept is disclosed. A cover plate is mounted to at least one of a plurality of single-pole units having a circuit breaker operating mechanism positioned thereon. The cover plate is configured to precisely align an actuator precisely located on the cover with the circuit breaker operating mechanism. The actuator trips a latch of the operating mechanism, thereby tripping the entire circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventors: Roger Castonguay, Dean A. Robarge
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Patent number: 6496347Abstract: A system that implements a design process having a plurality of sub-processes each having a plurality of sub-steps. The system includes an independent application for implementing the design process. A series of independent sub-process applications each implements one sub-process of the design process. A communications path provides for communications between the design process and each of the sub-process applications. The communications path also provides for communications between each of said plurality of sub-processes. An application library containing a plurality of executable applications is accessible by the design process and sub-processes to access and execute the plurality of application tools.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2000Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Dave S. Christensen, Randall L. Greenberg, Roger Castonguay, Thomas Papallo, Steve L. Mecker
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Patent number: 6403909Abstract: A circuit breaker assembly includes first and second rotary contact assemblies mountable to a base member, a circuit breaker operating mechanism mounted to the first rotary contact assembly, and a trip bar in mechanical communication with the first rotary contact assembly and the circuit breaker operating mechanism. The rotary contact assemblies each include rotors rotatable about axes therethrough and movable contact arms pivotally mounted within the rotors. The circuit breaker operating mechanism serves to position the rotors to separate movable contacts thereon from fixed contacts. A trip override device includes spring links operably connected via springs to each of the rotors of the rotary contact assemblies and the trip bar. The trip bar comprises trip levers protruding radially therefrom and being in mechanical communication with the rotary contact assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Randall Green, Roger Castonguay, Dave Christensen, Girish Hassan
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Publication number: 20020050891Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker housing employs a tri-furcated design that imparts structural stability and manufacturing efficiency. The design provides a separate top cover, mid-cover and base wherein the mid-cover wall height to base wall height ratio is such that the stresses imparted upon the base sidewalls when pressures are exerted, for example, by gaseous discharges are withstood.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 1999Publication date: May 2, 2002Inventors: ROGER CASTONGUAY, DAVE S. CHRISTENSEN, DEAN A ROBARGE, RANDY GREENBERG
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Patent number: 6377144Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker housing employs a tri-furcated design that imparts structural stability and manufacturing efficiency. The design provides a separate top cover, mid-cover and base wherein the mid-cover wall height to base wall height ratio is such that the stresses imparted upon the base sidewalls when pressures are exerted, for example, by gaseous discharges are withstood.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1999Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Roger Castonguay, Dave S. Christensen, Dean Robarge, Randy Greenberg
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Patent number: 6353386Abstract: The invention comprises a golf ball-locating device in the form of a light aluminum hollow cylinder including a high-speed intake fan and an electronic detection circuit. The detection circuit is conditioned for responding to a particular aroma, to which the golf ball has been previously subjected. Visual and/or audible signals provide indication that the device is in the vicinity of the golf ball.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2001Date of Patent: March 5, 2002Inventors: Roger Castonguay, Richard Menelly
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Patent number: 6317018Abstract: A mechanism for operating a plurality of circuit interruption mechanisms of a circuit breaker, the mechanism applies a uniform force to the circuit interruption mechanisms. The mechanism applying a force to an elongated member for manipulating the circuit interruption mechanisms. The mechanism applying the force to the elongated member at a first position and a second position, the first position and the second position being intermediate to a center of the elongated member and the plurality of circuit interruption mechanisms.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1999Date of Patent: November 13, 2001Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Roger Castonguay, Randy Greenberg, Dennis Doughty, Dave S. Christensen
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Publication number: 20010017580Abstract: A mechanism for operating a plurality of circuit interruption mechanisms of a circuit breaker, the mechanism applies a uniform force to the circuit interruption mechanisms. The mechanism applies a force to an elongated member for manipulating the circuit interruption mechanisms. The mechanism applies a force to the elongated member at a first position and a second position, the first position and the second position being intermediate to a center of the elongated member and the plurality of circuit interruption mechanisms.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2001Publication date: August 30, 2001Inventors: Roger Castonguay, Randy Greenburg, Dennis Doughty, Dave S. Christensen
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Patent number: 6262644Abstract: A latching mechanism of a circuit breaker operating mechanism comprises a primary latch and a secondary latch. The primary latch is of a general H-shape and includes elongated leg members connected by a cross member and has notched portions thereon proximate the first ends of the elongated leg members, reset feet depending from the second ends of the elongated leg members, and tabs protruding from the elongated leg members at points intermediate the first and second ends and extending in the general direction of the reset feet. The elongated leg members of the primary latch are pivotally mounted on an axis that extends laterally through a cross member. The secondary latch is of a general inverted U-shape and includes elongated leg members connected by a base member and has notched portions thereon proximate first ends of the elongated leg members. The elongated leg members of the secondary latch are also pivotally mounted on pins that protrude from the base member.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2000Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Roger Castonguay, Girish Hassan
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Patent number: 6239677Abstract: A thermal-magnetic trip unit, suitable for use in a circuit breaker, for eliminating the requirement for latching surfaces while still providing the additional force and motion required to trip the breaker during a short circuit or an overcurrent trip event. The trip unit comprises a link that is biased based on the position of a trip bar. A spring biases the link in a first direction when the trip unit is in a reset condition and biases the link in a second direction when the trip bar is rotated about a pivot point. A trip unit further including an improved indication-of-trip system comprising a two-piece trip bar mechanism and flag system is described to discriminate between overcurrent and short circuit faults. In this embodiment of the invention, visual confirmation of the cause of the trip is provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2000Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Bhaskar T. Ramakrishnan, Roger Castonguay