Patents by Inventor S. Christensen

S. Christensen 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: 6377144
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger Castonguay, Dave S. Christensen, Dean Robarge, Randy Greenberg
  • Publication number: 20020030569
    Abstract: An operating mechanism controls and trips a separable contact structure arranged in a protected circuit. The mechanism includes a frame, a drive member pivotally coupled to the frame, a spring pivotally connecting the drive member to a drive connector, an upper link pivotally seated on the drive connector, a lower link member pivotally coupled to the drive connector, a crank member pivotally coupled to the lower link member for interfacing the separable contact structure, and a cradle member pivotally secured to the frame and pivotally securing the upper link. The cradle member is configured for being releasably engaged by a latch assembly, which is displaced upon occurrence of a predetermined condition in the circuit such as a trip condition. The mechanism is movable between a tripped position, a reset position, an off position, and an on position. Spacers are operatively positioned between movable members, and protrusions are operatively formed on the enclosure of the contact structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Dave S. Christensen, Randy Greenberg, Girish Hassan, Dean A. Robarge
  • Publication number: 20020030568
    Abstract: An operating mechanism controls and trips a separable contact structure arranged in a protected circuit. The mechanism includes a frame, a drive member pivotally coupled to the frame, a spring pivotally connecting the drive member to a drive connector, an upper link pivotally seated on the drive connector, a lower link member pivotally coupled to the drive connector, a crank member pivotally coupled to the lower link member for interfacing the separable contact structure, and a cradle member pivotally secured to the frame and pivotally securing the upper link. The cradle member is configured for being releasably engaged by a latch assembly, which is displaced upon occurrence of a predetermined condition in the circuit such as a trip condition. The mechanism is movable between a tripped position, a reset position, an off position, and an on position. Spacers are operatively positioned between movable members, and protrusions are operatively formed on the enclosure of the contact structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Dave S. Christensen, Randy Greenberg, Girish Hassan, Dean A. Robarge
  • Publication number: 20020030570
    Abstract: An operating mechanism controls and trips a separable contact structure arranged in a protected circuit. The mechanism includes a frame, a drive member pivotally coupled to the frame, a spring pivotally connecting the drive member to a drive connector, an upper link pivotally seated on the drive connector, a lower link member pivotally coupled to the drive connector, a crank member pivotally coupled to the lower link member for interfacing the separable contact structure, and a cradle member pivotally secured to the frame and pivotally securing the upper link. The cradle member is configured for being releasably engaged by a latch assembly, which is displaced upon occurrence of a predetermined condition in the circuit such as a trip condition. The mechanism is movable between a tripped position, a reset position, an off position, and an on position. Spacers are operatively positioned between movable members, and protrusions are operatively formed on the enclosure of the contact structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Dave S. Christensen, Randy Greenberg, Girish Hassan, Dean A. Robarge
  • Patent number: 6346868
    Abstract: An operating mechanism controls and trips a separable contact structure arranged in a protected circuit. The mechanism includes a frame, a drive member pivotally coupled to the frame, a spring pivotally connecting the drive member to a drive connector, an upper link pivotally seated on the drive connector, a lower link member pivotally coupled to the drive connector, a crank member pivotally coupled to the lower link member for interfacing the separable contact structure, and a cradle member pivotally secured to the frame and pivotally securing the upper link. The cradle member is configured for being releasably engaged by a latch assembly, which is displaced upon occurrence of a predetermined condition in the circuit such as a trip condition. The mechanism is movable between a tripped position, a reset position, an off position, and an on position. Spacers are operatively positioned between movable members, and protrusions are operatively formed on the enclosure of the contact structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Dave S. Christensen, Randy Greenberg, Girish Hassan, Dean A. Robarge
  • Publication number: 20010048912
    Abstract: Process for suppression of soot formation in the preparation of hydrogen and/or carbon monoxide rich gas by partial oxidation of a hydrocarbon feedstock, comprising the steps of
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Applicant: Haldor Topsoe A/S
    Inventors: Ivar I. Primdahl, Thomas S. Christensen
  • Patent number: 6325170
    Abstract: A hydraulic vehicle drive, particularly for mobile hoisting platforms, has a first pair of wheels drivable by first wheel motors in dependence of a first control valve and a second pair of wheels provided with second hydraulic motors. A switching arrangement short-circuits the second hydraulic motors in the driving-free state and for cooling supplies them with a flushing flow. In the driven state a second control valve, in dependence of which the second hydraulic motors are drivable, is activated, and if required connected with the first control valve. Thus, optionally, the first wheel pair can be driven alone or together with a certain driving output from the second wheel pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Danfoss Fluid Power A/S
    Inventors: Jens S. Christensen, Svend Erik Thomsen
  • Patent number: 6317018
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger Castonguay, Randy Greenberg, Dennis Doughty, Dave S. Christensen
  • Patent number: 6300586
    Abstract: An arc runner is fixedly retained on a load (or line) strap without hardware and without employing a mechanical operation. Either the arc runner or the strap has features, such as legs or holes, which engage notches or pins on either the strap or the arc runner and cause the arc runner to be retained on the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Dennis J. Doughty, Dave S. Christensen
  • Publication number: 20010017580
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Publication date: August 30, 2001
    Inventors: Roger Castonguay, Randy Greenburg, Dennis Doughty, Dave S. Christensen
  • Patent number: 6259048
    Abstract: A circuit breaker rotary contact assembly employs a common pivot between the rotor assembly and the rotary contact arm. A pair of off-center expansion springs directly engage the rotor at one end and engage the rotary contact arm via a linkage arrangement at an opposite end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Randall L. Greenberg, Dean A. Robarge, Dave S. Christensen
  • Patent number: 6232859
    Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker assembly using auxiliary switches to perform indication and control functions. The circuit breaker assembly having at least one pole comprising a stationary and a moveable contact where the moveable contact is connected to a moveable contact arm which is activated by a spring mechanism. The spring mechanism is affixed to an operating handle. A trip device, housed in a mid-cover of the molded case, separates the stationary and moveable contacts when a fault is sensed. The mid-cover comprises at least one auxiliary switch compartment, where a single auxiliary switch compartment is capable of housing multiple compatible auxiliary switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Dave S. Christensen, Roger N. Castonguay, James Rosen, Francesco DeVizzi
  • Patent number: 6229413
    Abstract: A circuit breaker having at least one cassette for receiving a conductive path. The conductive path is partially looped upon itself so that a first portion and a second portion of the conductive path are in a facially spaced relationship and the portions partially define an area for receiving a ferromagnetic material. The ferromagnetic material is insulated from the first portion and a support structure provides support for the first portion at two positions and the area is positioned in between these positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger Castonguay, Dave S. Christensen, Randy Greenberg
  • Patent number: 6214374
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions, and methods for the delivery of drugs. Devices for the transdermal delivery of drugs are also provided. Specifically, the present invention relates to hydrogel compositions comprising water and a base mixture, in which the base mixture comprises: (i) a gelling agent consisting of methycellulose or at least one natural gum, or a mixture thereof; (ii) at least one natural gum: (iii) glucose; (iv) propylparaben; (v) methyl paraben; and (vi) sodium chloride. The compositions may further comprise pectin, glycolic, alcoholic or oil-based additives, a coloring, fragrance, or other pharmaceutically acceptable additive. The compositions may further comprise substituted ureas of the formula R—NH—CO—NH2 such as butylurea. The compositions may further comprise drugs such as hormones selected from progesterone, progestin, estrogen and testosterone. Methods for the treatment of disorders responsive to hormone therapy are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventors: Dennis Lee Schmirler, Edward Malcolm Portman, Michael S. Christensen
  • Patent number: 6166344
    Abstract: A circuit breaker having a crank for coupling a switching mechanism to the contact pole structure is presented. The crank has a pair of cam surfaces which cooperate with a blocking lever to restrict movement of the operating handle when the contacts of the circuit breaker are welded. The blocking lever is arranged such that it does not interfere with the handle under normal operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Dave S. Christensen, Girish Hassan
  • Patent number: 6087913
    Abstract: A rotary contact circuit breaker employs a crank to couple a switching mechanism to the rotary contact pole structure. The use of a crank allows for the mechanism and pole structure the individually optimized without effecting the performance of the other. In particular the crank allows for a mechanism that is able to achieve maximum torque delivery to the pole structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Randall L. Greenberg, Dave S. Christensen
  • Patent number: 6084489
    Abstract: The circuit breaker is characterized by separable contacts operable between a closed and an open position a contact arm having a latching surface and a latch arranged to engage the latching surface when the contacts are blown-open under short-circuit conditions. The arrangement of the latch allows for a positive lock under high magnitude short circuit levels while minimizing the force required by a mechanism to unlock the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Dean A. Robarge, Dave S. Christensen
  • Patent number: 6037555
    Abstract: A rotary contact circuit breaker having a venting arrangement to vent gasses operated by a short circuit interruption to a location substantially above the load strap of the breaker whereby electrical components are not damaged by the gasses and ionized gasses from different phases are conveyed in discrete channels for a period exceeding the period during which ionization is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Dennis J. Doughty, Dean A. Robarge, Dave S. Christensen, James L. Rosen, Randall L. Greenberg, Stefan Kranz, Mark Culler, Thomas Papallo
  • Patent number: 6029345
    Abstract: A method for mounting a cooling assembly for use in a motor vehicle, with the cooling system including a radiator assembly, a charge air cooler, and a condenser. The radiator assembly is mounted to a chassis of the motor vehicle, the charge air cooler is mounted to the radiator assembly, and the condenser is mounted to the charge air cooler so as to dispose the radiator assembly, charge air cooler and condenser in series flow relationship with one another. The radiator assembly includes a frame having two generally U-shaped portions, and a radiator, or heat exchanger, disposed within and mounted to the frame. A first lateral end portion of the radiator is rigidly attached to one of the U-shaped portions of the frame. The opposite lateral end portion of the radiator is resiliently mounted to the other U-shaped portion of the frame, which is accomplished by coupling a pair of leaf springs to the radiator and the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventor: Steven S. Christensen
  • Patent number: 5811812
    Abstract: A non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) multi-gas analyzer has an optical element that is positioned with respect to the axis of incident IR radiation such that it passes nearly all of the IR energy within a narrow band pass to one detector and reflects nearly all of the IR energy outside the narrow band pass to another detector. Thus, the optical element simultaneously functions both as a narrow band pass filter and a beam splitter, which transmits nearly all the IR energy within a band pass and reflects nearly all the IR energy outside the band pass. Additionally, the separation of the incoming energy can be achieved without an extended roll off. This allows using a reference transmission band that is very close to the absorption band of the gases of interest. It more specifically allows using a reference transmission band that is located between the absorption bands for hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide in an infrared analyzer that uses beam splitters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Andros, Incorporated
    Inventors: Kevin G. Williams, Kim S. Christensen