Patents by Inventor Troy M. Bellows

Troy M. Bellows 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).

  • Publication number: 20190161998
    Abstract: For latching an equipment unit door of an equipment unit in a control center, an apparatus includes a latch pin, the unit socket, and a structure socket. The latch pin includes a latch shaft with a latch interface disposed on a pin proximal end and a latch wing disposed on a pin distal end. The latch pin rotates to one of an open position, a unit latch position, and a structure latch position. The unit socket passes the latch wing in the open position and obstructs the latch wing from moving in a proximal direction in the unit latch position. The structure socket passes the latch wing in the unit latch position and obstructs the latch wing from moving in the proximal direction in the structure latch position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Publication date: May 30, 2019
    Inventors: Thomasz Lorek, Troy M. Bellows
  • Publication number: 20190148921
    Abstract: An electrical enclosure, such as a Motor Control Centers (MCC), can include a ventilation system providing airflow while protecting from both ingress of solid objects as small as 1.0 millimeter and egress of gasses from an arc flash by providing a protective mesh with holes having a dimension of less than 1 millimeter, a bracket coupled to the mesh for providing a rigid support, and a flap configured to seal against the bracket and block the mesh in response to a pressure wave produced by an arc flash. The flap, normally open for airflow, can close in response to the pressure wave, by bending at a perforation line to move the flap toward the mesh. The electrical enclosure can also include a normally closed exhaust system. The exhaust system can be configured to open in response to the pressure wave to allow the gasses to escape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Troy M. Bellows, Piotr Badura, Daniel Jastrzebski, Maciej Lewandowski, Artur Wiertek, Pawel Kokula, Slawomir Styczen
  • Patent number: 9812848
    Abstract: The detrimental effects of environmental hazards on units having withdrawable stabs or contacts may be overcome by using fixed feed units in compartments in a manner akin to withdrawable units. In particular, multiple fixed feed units may be provided in a single section or column by implementing vertical bus bars providing multiple connection points particular to fixed feed units. As a result, fixed feed units may be mounted to the vertical bus bars, as opposed to horizontal main bus bars or requiring complex wiring, thereby allowing multiple fixed feed units to be efficiently provided to maximize space. An electrically insulating bus support, which may be supplemented with bracing, may provide improved short-circuit protection. Electrically insulating covers over fixed feed unit connections may also provide electrical isolation in the system in accordance with industry standards. Moreover, in one aspect, fixed feed units and withdrawable units may be intermixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Troy M. Bellows, Krzysztof J. Blok, Radoslaw Zacharzewski, Artur J. Wiertek, Grzegorz A. Naczynski, Pawel Kokula, Tomasz Lorek
  • Patent number: 9722380
    Abstract: A network distribution adapter may be configured to vertically connect a network cable on one side of an isolation wall (within a vertical wire-way) while connecting another network cable at an angle on an opposing side of the isolation wall (interior to the MCC). This may advantageously allow fitting the adapter in the limited space provided by the vertical wire-way while also providing more reliable protection for the network connections. In one aspect, the network distribution adapter may include a printed circuit board (PCB) which couples a first connector disposed in a first plane parallel to the PCB with a second connector disposed in a second plane at an angle to the first plane. The PCB may be mounted in a housing which, in turn, may be mounted in relation to an opening in the isolation wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Bayer, Troy M. Bellows, Calvin C. Steinweg, Todd R. Sauve, Emily M. Schimek
  • Patent number: 9667041
    Abstract: A terminal assembly may be provided which utilizes an electrically insulating cover to electrically isolate upper portions of screw terminals. The electrically insulating cover could be made from plastic, rubber or some other electrical insulator, and could be mounted on a frame configured to engage with a frame supporting the screw terminals. While lower portions of the screw terminals may continue to electrically connect with electrical connectors for receiving load stab conductors (from a unit), upper portions of the screw terminals may be electrically isolated to protect from short-circuit, and/or shock, such as while a door or access panel of a wire-way is removed. The electrically insulating covers may also include cable glands for circumferentially surrounding wires leading to the screw terminals. A retainer clip may also be used to securely hold the electrically insulating covers to the frame supporting the screw terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jacek Tomasz Pochopien, Troy M. Bellows, Pawel Kokula
  • Patent number: 9667051
    Abstract: A power terminal enclosure may be used to provide power conductors (power terminals) across electrical isolation boundaries while providing electrical short-circuit protections. The power terminal enclosure may be a single article molded from an electrically insulating material. The power terminal enclosure may also be dimensioned to provide sufficient separation distance between other power terminal enclosures for a given maximum voltage of a power conductor (power terminal) so that power conductors enclosed by the power terminal enclosures are properly spaced apart with a minimum separate distance. The power terminal enclosure may also include a mechanical retention mechanism, such as a snap-fit retention area, for mating with a power conductor enclosed by the power terminal enclosure. The power terminal enclosure may partially pass through an opening in an isolation barrier (such as a wall and/or plate), with the power conductor passing through the power terminal enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Artur J. Wiertek, Troy M. Bellows
  • Publication number: 20170125982
    Abstract: The detrimental effects of environmental hazards on units having withdrawable stabs or contacts may be overcome by using fixed feed units in compartments in a manner akin to withdrawable units. In particular, multiple fixed feed units may be provided in a single section or column by implementing vertical bus bars providing multiple connection points particular to fixed feed units. As a result, fixed feed units may be mounted to the vertical bus bars, as opposed to horizontal main bus bars or requiring complex wiring, thereby allowing multiple fixed feed units to be efficiently provided to maximize space. An electrically insulating bus support, which may be supplemented with bracing, may provide improved short-circuit protection. Electrically insulating covers over fixed feed unit connections may also provide electrical isolation in the system in accordance with industry standards. Moreover, in one aspect, fixed feed units and withdrawable units may be intermixed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Troy M. Bellows, Krzysztof J. Blok, Radoslaw Zacharzewski, Artur J. Wiertek, Grzegorz A. Naczynski, Pawel Kokula, Tomasz Lorek
  • Publication number: 20170125983
    Abstract: A terminal assembly may be provided which utilizes an electrically insulating cover to electrically isolate upper portions of screw terminals. The electrically insulating cover could be made from plastic, rubber or some other electrical insulator, and could be mounted on a frame configured to engage with a frame supporting the screw terminals. While lower portions of the screw terminals may continue to electrically connect with electrical connectors for receiving load stab conductors (from a unit), upper portions of the screw terminals may be electrically isolated to protect from short-circuit, and/or shock, such as while a door or access panel of a wire-way is removed. The electrically insulating covers may also include cable glands for circumferentially surrounding wires leading to the screw terminals. A retainer clip may also be used to securely hold the electrically insulating covers to the frame supporting the screw terminals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Jacek Tomasz Pochopien, Troy M. Bellows, Pawel Kokula
  • Publication number: 20170125992
    Abstract: A power terminal enclosure may be used to provide power conductors (power terminals) across electrical isolation boundaries while providing electrical short-circuit protections. The power terminal enclosure may be a single article molded from an electrically insulating material. The power terminal enclosure may also be dimensioned to provide sufficient separation distance between other power terminal enclosures for a given maximum voltage of a power conductor (power terminal) so that power conductors enclosed by the power terminal enclosures are properly spaced apart with a minimum separate distance. The power terminal enclosure may also include a mechanical retention mechanism, such as a snap-fit retention area, for mating with a power conductor enclosed by the power terminal enclosure. The power terminal enclosure may partially pass through an opening in an isolation barrier (such as a wall and/or plate), with the power conductor passing through the power terminal enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Artur J. Wiertek, Troy M. Bellows
  • Patent number: 9502782
    Abstract: A stab for use in a plug-in assembly includes a stab piece and a lug. The stab piece includes one or more contact arms configured to engage a bus bar, and a base portion coupled to the one or more contact arms. The base portion is configured to be coupled to a stab shaft for rotating the stab about a rotational axis to transition the stab from a retracted position to an extended position. The lug is coupled to the stab piece and configured to receive wire for transmitting power from the bus bar to an electrical component. The lug is configured to be deformed around the wire to hold the wire when a crimping force is applied to the lug. The lug is configured to hold the wire at a position approximately centered on a rotational axis of the stab shaft when the lug is deformed by the crimping force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth K. Leis, Dean Thomas Meyer, Paul T. Krause, Troy M. Bellows, Thomas J. Becker
  • Publication number: 20150099407
    Abstract: A stab for use in a plug-in assembly includes a stab piece and a lug. The stab piece includes one or more contact arms configured to engage a bus bar, and a base portion coupled to the one or more contact arms. The base portion is configured to be coupled to a stab shaft for rotating the stab about a rotational axis to transition the stab from a retracted position to an extended position. The lug is coupled to the stab piece and configured to receive wire for transmitting power from the bus bar to an electrical component. The lug is configured to be deformed around the wire to hold the wire when a crimping force is applied to the lug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth K. Leis, Dean Thomas Meyer, Paul T. Krause, Troy M. Bellows, Thomas J. Becker
  • Patent number: D721333
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth K. Leis, Dean Thomas Meyer, Paul T. Krause, Troy M. Bellows, Thomas J. Becker
  • Patent number: D749520
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth K. Leis, Dean Thomas Meyer, Paul T. Krause, Troy M. Bellows, Thomas J. Becker
  • Patent number: D784266
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth K. Leis, Dean Thomas Meyer, Paul T. Krause, Troy M. Bellows, Thomas J. Becker