Patents by Inventor Roy T. Swanson
Roy T. Swanson 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: 8824116Abstract: A fault interrupting and reclosing device includes a circuit interrupter coupled to an actuator. The actuator includes at least one force generating element for generating an opening force for opening the circuit interrupter and for generating a restoring force to close the circuit interrupter. The device further includes a latch to engage the actuator to hold the contacts open once opened. In a preferred arrangement, the device is provided with an automatic mode of operation including a reclose process and a non-reclosing mode of operation. The device also preferably includes a method of determining the end-of-life of a vacuum interrupter monitors characteristics and/or parameters of a fault current or vacuum interrupter operation to predict a percent of life consumed with each fault current interruption operation. A cumulative percent of life consumed may also be determined, and an end-of-life may be predicted based upon the cumulative percent of life consumed.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2012Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: S&C Electric CompanyInventors: Richard G. Smith, Jason R. Bogusz, Michael G. Ennis, Gary W. Hardesty, Thomas E. Kovanko, Richard P. Mikosz, Andrew D. Pfister, Roy T. Swanson, Keith W. Benson, IV
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Patent number: 8334738Abstract: A fault interrupting and reclosing device includes a circuit interrupter coupled to an actuator. The actuator includes at least one force generating element for generating an opening force for opening the circuit interrupter and for generating a restoring force to close the circuit interrupter. The device further includes a latch to engage the actuator to hold the contacts open once opened. In a preferred arrangement, the device is provided with an automatic mode of operation including a reclose process and a non-reclosing mode of operation. The device also preferably includes a method of determining the end-of-life of a vacuum interrupter monitors characteristics and/or parameters of a fault current or vacuum interrupter operation to predict a percent of life consumed with each fault current interruption operation. A cumulative percent of life consumed may also be determined, and an end-of-life may be predicted based upon the cumulative percent of life consumed.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2006Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: S&C Electric CompanyInventors: Richard G. Smith, Jason R. Bogusz, Michael G. Ennis, Gary W. Hardesty, Thomas E. Kovanko, Richard P. Mikosz, Andrew D. Pfister, Roy T. Swanson, Keith W. Benson, IV
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Publication number: 20120166103Abstract: A fault interrupting and reclosing device includes a circuit interrupter coupled to an actuator. The actuator includes at least one force generating element for generating an opening force for opening the circuit interrupter and for generating a restoring force to close the circuit interrupter. The device further includes a latch to engage the actuator to hold the contacts open once opened. In a preferred arrangement, the device is provided with an automatic mode of operation including a reclose process and a non-reclosing mode of operation. The device also preferably includes a method of determining the end-of-life of a vacuum interrupter monitors characteristics and/or parameters of a fault current or vacuum interrupter operation to predict a percent of life consumed with each fault current interruption operation. A cumulative percent of life consumed may also be determined, and an end-of-life may be predicted based upon the cumulative percent of life consumed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2012Publication date: June 28, 2012Applicant: S&C ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Richard G. Smith, Jason R. Bogusz, Michael G. Ennis, Gary W. Hardesty, Thomas E. Kovanko, Richard P. Mikosz, Andrew D. Pfister, Roy T. Swanson, Keith W. Benson, IV
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Publication number: 20080309437Abstract: A fault interrupting and reclosing device includes a circuit interrupter coupled to an actuator. The actuator includes at least one force generating element for generating an opening force for opening the circuit interrupter and for generating a restoring force to close the circuit interrupter. The device further includes a latch to engage the actuator to hold the contacts open once opened. In a preferred arrangement, the device is provided with an automatic mode of operation including a reclose process and a non-reclosing mode of operation. The device also preferably includes a method of determining the end-of-life of a vacuum interrupter monitors characteristics and/or parameters of a fault current or vacuum interrupter operation to predict a percent of life consumed with each fault current interruption operation. A cumulative percent of life consumed may also be determined, and an end-of-life may be predicted based upon the cumulative percent of life consumed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2006Publication date: December 18, 2008Applicant: S & C Electric Co.Inventors: Richard G. Smith, Jason R. Bogusz, Michael G. Ennis, Gary W. Hardesty, Thomas E. Kovanko, Richard P. Mikosz, Andrew D. Pfister, Roy T. Swanson, Keith W. Benson IV
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Patent number: 7026560Abstract: A separable, flexible connection arrangement is provided for connection of two conductors. In one arrangement, the separable, flexible connection arrangement is utilized to provide an externally removable bushing for connecting an electrical component located within a sealed enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2003Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: S&C Electric Co.Inventors: Daniel M. Terhune, David Potter, Roy T. Swanson
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Patent number: 6943313Abstract: A rotating arc fault-current interrupter, also known as an arc spinner interrupter, is provided that establishes an easily visible open gap via a movable blade member having a first portion for engaging a stationary main contact and a second portion formed by an arcing electrode for engaging an auxiliary contact associated with an arc spinner assembly. The geometry, orientation and placement of the auxiliary contact is such that during opening of the movable blade member, the arcing electrode remains engaged with the auxiliary contact after the blade member and the stationary main contact are separated from each other whereby current is transferred through the auxiliary contact into the arc spinner assembly, i.e. the current is commutated into the arc spinner assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2002Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: S & C Electric Co.Inventors: Daniel J. Evans, Michael R. Smith, Roy T. Swanson, Martin Zeitler, Jr.
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Publication number: 20040110403Abstract: A separable, flexible connection arrangement is provided for connection of two conductors. In one arrangement, the separable, flexible connection arrangement is utilized to provide an externally removable bushing for connecting an electrical component located within a sealed enclosure.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2003Publication date: June 10, 2004Inventors: Daniel M. Terhune, David Potter, Roy T. Swanson
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Publication number: 20040069749Abstract: A rotating arc fault-current interrupter, also known as an arc spinner interrupter, is provided that establishes an easily visible open gap via a movable blade member having a first portion for engaging a stationary main contact and a second portion formed by an arcing electrode for engaging an auxiliary contact associated with an arc spinner assembly. The geometry, orientation and placement of the auxiliary contact is such that during opening of the movable blade member, the arcing electrode remains engaged with the auxiliary contact after the blade member and the stationary main contact are separated from each other whereby current is transferred through the auxiliary contact into the arc spinner assembly, i.e. the current is commutated into the arc spinner assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2002Publication date: April 15, 2004Inventors: Daniel J. Evans, Michael R. Smith, Roy T. Swanson, Martin Zeitler,
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Publication number: 20030122384Abstract: A rapid-release frangible fastener is provided that is operative in response to a force in excess of a predetermined value to quickly and reliably release and separate, e.g. for the rapid release of a pressure relief vent in switchgear for electrical power transmission and distribution. In a preferred embodiment, the frangible fastener utilizes a strain wire having a predetermined breaking strength. A resilient member is provided to ensure that the load on the frangible fastener is relatively constant, e.g. in response to vibration or distortion of the parts to which the fastener is connected.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2002Publication date: July 3, 2003Inventors: Roy T. Swanson, James W. Fargo
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Patent number: 6538422Abstract: A voltage sensing apparatus includes an output for a voltage tap point that is useful in representing the voltage on a conductor that passes through the voltage sensing apparatus. The voltage sensing apparatus also performs the function of a separable insulated conductor, e.g. a conventional bushing or bushing insert as utilized in the electrical power distribution field. The voltage sensing apparatus includes a molded body having an embedded capacitance screen that provides the output. The body is molded about the capacitance screen. An arrangement is provided for locating the capacitance screen within the molded body. In a preferred embodiment, the capacitance screen is molded from a conductive plastic preferably formed with an open mesh or screen structure that permits the free flow of molding material.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2001Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: S & C Electric Co.Inventors: David E. Potter, Timothy J. Mulligan, James A. Rutkowski, Roy T. Swanson, Daniel M. Terhune
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Patent number: 6486426Abstract: A contact arrangement is provided, e.g. of the type that functions as a wiping contact for a moving contact such as a pivotally mounted switch blade in an electrical power distribution switch. The contact arrangement in an illustrative embodiment includes spaced apart contact members that are biased toward each other to define predetermined contact pressure/force characteristics with respect to the interposed moving contact. The contact members in a preferred embodiment include predetermined contact areas and predetermined structural features to minimize deformation due to magnetic forces experienced in the presence of high currents. The structural features are also arranged to define current paths that increase the contact pressure. In a particular embodiment the contact areas are formed on the contact members so as to minimize the size of the moving contact.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2001Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignee: S&C Electric Co.Inventor: Roy T. Swanson
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Publication number: 20020014397Abstract: A contact arrangement is provided, e.g. of the type that functions as a wiping contact for a moving contact such as a pivotally mounted switch blade in an electrical power distribution switch. The contact arrangement in an illustrative embodiment includes spaced apart contact members that are biased toward each other to define predetermined contact pressure/force characteristics with respect to the interposed moving contact. The contact members in a preferred embodiment include predetermined contact areas and predetermined structural features to minimize deformation due to magnetic forces experienced in the presence of high currents. The structural features are also arranged to define current paths that increase the contact pressure. In a particular embodiment the contact areas are formed on the contact members so as to minimize the size of the moving contact.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2001Publication date: February 7, 2002Inventor: Roy T. Swanson
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Publication number: 20010048308Abstract: A voltage sensing apparatus is provided with an output for a voltage tap point that is useful in representing the voltage on a conductor that passes through the voltage sensing apparatus. The voltage sensing apparatus also performs the function of a separable insulated conductor or the like, e.g. a conventional bushing or bushing insert as utilized in the electrical power distribution field. The voltage sensing apparatus includes a molded body having an embedded capacitance screen that provides the output. The body is molded about the capacitance screen. An arrangement is provided for locating the capacitance screen within the molded body. In a preferred embodiment, the capacitance screen is molded from a conductive plastic preferably formed with an open mesh or screen structure that permits the free flow of molding material.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2001Publication date: December 6, 2001Inventors: David E. Potter, Timothy J. Mulligan, James A. Rutkowski, Roy T. Swanson, Daniel M. Terhune
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Patent number: 6031368Abstract: Coupling apparatus is provided for assembly with separable insulated connector components on power cables for power distribution systems. The coupling apparatus provides either direct or indirect coupling, e.g. to provide interconnection to the connector components or to provide a sensing point. In one illustrative embodiment, the coupling apparatus is installed in place of a conventional double-ended plug that is required to piggyback T-body elbows, i.e. where multiple elbows are to be connected. In one specific arrangement, the coupling apparatus includes a desired connector interface. In another specific arrangement, a sensed voltage output is provided using components such as capacitive coupling components, capacitors, resistors or transformers. In another embodiment, the coupling apparatus is used in place of a conventional insulating plug that is used to attach a T-body elbow to a bushing, e.g. on switchgear assemblies or the like.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 1996Date of Patent: February 29, 2000Assignee: S&C Electric CompanyInventors: Todd W. Klippel, Roy T. Swanson
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Patent number: 5904577Abstract: A separable, flexible connection arrangement (10) is provided for connection of two conductors (12, 14). In one arrangement, the separable, flexible connection arrangement (10) is utilized to provide an externally removable bushing (16) for connecting an electrical component located within a sealed enclosure (19). The flexible connection arrangement (10) includes two joints (20, 22) formed by two link members (50a, 50b) that are spring-biased and include protuberances (40, 42) that interfit into slots (30, 32) of the conductors (12, 14). A spacer (72) may be used to maintain spacing of the protuberances (40, 42) and also acts as a stop when contacted by the ends of the slots (30, 32). One of the slots (32) is formed with an open end (74) to enable easy insertion between the link members (50a, 50b). Alternatively, one of the conductors (100) includes a set of grooves (102, 104).Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1997Date of Patent: May 18, 1999Assignee: S&C Electric CompanyInventors: Roy T. Swanson, Buddy B. McGlone, John C. Opfer
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Patent number: 5675308Abstract: A low-exhaust composite drop-out assembly is provided that is utilizable in a standard cutout mounting in electrical power distribution systems. The composite drop-out assembly includes current-limiting and low-current clearing sections and is easily removable from mounting for servicing. The sections are efficiently arranged in a side by side configuration.. The low-current clearing section includes a fuse-robe assembly having a replaceable fuse cartridge. Accordingly, the low-current clearing section is simply and economically renewable for reuse whether or not the current-limiting section has operated. Further, the current-limiting section need not be replaced if only the low-current clearing section operated in response to overcurrent in a low range. Additionally, the sections are separable so that the low-current clearing section can be reused after simple refusing even when the current-limiting section has operated.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1996Date of Patent: October 7, 1997Assignee: S&C Electric CompanyInventors: Henry W. Scherer, Bruce A. Biller, Hiram S. Jackson, Roy T. Swanson, David W. Zabel
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Patent number: 5502427Abstract: A low-exhaust composite drop-out assembly is provided that is utilizable in a standard cutout mounting in electrical power distribution systems. The composite drop-out assembly includes current-limiting and low-current clearing sections and is easily removable from the mounting for servicing. The sections are efficiently arranged in a side by side configuration. The low-current clearing section includes a fuse-tube assembly having a replaceable fuse cartridge. Accordingly, the low-current clearing section is simply and economically renewable for reuse whether or not the current-limiting section has operated. Further, the current-limiting section need not be replaced if only the low-current clearing section operated in response to overcurrent in a low range. Additionally, the sections are separable so that the low-current clearing section can be reused after simple refusing even when the current-limiting section has operated.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1994Date of Patent: March 26, 1996Assignee: S&C Electric CompanyInventors: Henry W. Scherer, Bruce A. Biller, Hiram S. Jackson, Roy T. Swanson, David W. Zabel
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Patent number: 5438161Abstract: An electrical path or interconnection arrangement is provided within a formed support body of polymeric material that exhibits volumetric changes during and after the forming thereof. The electrical path or interconnection arrangement provides an accurately positioned electrically conductive path through the material of the support body and also responds to, accommodates and alleviates the effects of forces at the interface between the material of the support body and the electrical path or interconnection arrangement that occur during and after the forming of the support body. The interconnection arrangement exhibits predetermined deformability/compressibility characteristics to alleviate stresses caused by the volumetric changes of the polymeric material. In a preferred arrangement, the interconnection arrangement includes an elongated tubular conductor fabricated from a metallic material.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1993Date of Patent: August 1, 1995Assignee: S&C Electric CompanyInventors: Glenn R. Borchardt, Roy T. Swanson, James W. Barker, Jr.
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Patent number: 5313106Abstract: A multi-pole group-operated switch configuration is provided for electrical distribution circuits. The switch configuration includes integral arrangements for sensing circuit parameters and supplying power for a switch operator of the switch configuration. The switch configuration includes a plurality of switch-pole units. In accordance with desired characteristics and features, one or more of the switch-pole units includes an integral current-sensing device, an integral voltage-sensing device, or an integral combination voltage and current-sensing device. The voltage-sensing device also provides operating power to power a switch operator and charge the batteries of the switch configuration.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 1992Date of Patent: May 17, 1994Assignee: S&C Electric CompanyInventor: Roy T. Swanson
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Patent number: 5162726Abstract: A support arrangement is provided for an electrical device that is embedded within a support body or housing. The support arrangement responds to volumetric changes in the material of the support body during the molding of the support body. In a specific arrangement, the support arrangement accurately positions the electrical device with respect to the exterior of the support body and includes provisions for yieldingly supporting the electrical device.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 1990Date of Patent: November 10, 1992Assignee: S&C Electric CompanyInventors: Roy T. Swanson, Henry W. Scherer, Glenn R. Borchardt