Patents by Inventor William A. Ziegler

William A. Ziegler 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: 20060198071
    Abstract: Resettable circuit interrupting devices, such as GFCI devices, that include reverse wiring protection, and optionally an independent trip portions and/or a reset lockout portion are provided. The reverse wiring protection operates at both the line and load sides of the device so that in the event line side wiring to the device is improperly connected to the load side, fault protection for the device remains. The trip portion operates independently of a circuit interrupting portion used to break the electrical continuity in one or more conductive paths in the device. The reset lockout portion prevents the reestablishing of electrical continuity in open conductive paths if the circuit interrupting portion is non-operational, if an open neutral condition exists or if the device is reverse wired. Methods for ensuring a reset lock out state before shipment are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Publication date: September 7, 2006
    Inventors: Steve Campolo, Nicholas Disalvo, William Ziegler
  • Publication number: 20060090552
    Abstract: At least one aspect of the invention provides an improved fuel sensing system for a generator, in addition, one or more other aspects of the invention provide improved systems and methods for determining remaining run-time of a generator system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Publication date: May 4, 2006
    Applicant: American Power Conversion Corporation
    Inventors: William Ziegler, Craig Bennett
  • Publication number: 20060081545
    Abstract: A blanking panel is provided for use with equipment racks or enclosures that house electronic components. The blanking panel is configured and arranged to facilitate installation of the panel with a pair of vertical mounting rails or flanges of a rack or enclosure without the use of tools or other hardware. The blanking panel is constructed of one or more materials and/or defines one or more configurations such that when the blanking panel is installed into a rack or enclosure, portions of a body of the blanking panel interface with a surface of an equipment component or another blanking panel installed above or below the blanking panel to thereby form an air seal therebetween. The air seal helps to reduce or prevent hot exhaust air from mixing with cooling air within a rack or enclosure, and further helps to reduce or prevent cooling air from bypassing equipment components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Publication date: April 20, 2006
    Inventors: Neil Rassmussen, James Spitaels, Jeffrey Mattlin, William Ziegler
  • Publication number: 20060044712
    Abstract: Resettable circuit interrupting devices, such as ALCI and IDCI devices, that include reset lockout portion are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Publication date: March 2, 2006
    Inventors: Richard Ulrich, William Ziegler, Nicholas Disalvo, Frantz Germain
  • Patent number: 6992247
    Abstract: Systems and method for installing computer equipment and power distribution equipment in facilities is provided. In one aspect, the present invention provides a power distribution rack, and uninterruptible power supply rack and a plurality of equipment racks. A plurality of power cables are run from the power distribution rack to each of the plurality of equipment racks using power cable tracks located on the roofs of the equipment racks. A plurality of data cables run between the plurality of equipment racks using data cable tracks located on the roofs of the equipment racks. The power cable tracks and data cable tracks are designed to be installed on the roofs of the equipment racks without the need for tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: American Power Conversion Corporation
    Inventors: Neil Rasmussen, William Ziegler, Peter Francis
  • Publication number: 20060007611
    Abstract: Resettable circuit interrupting devices, such as GFCI devices, that include an independent trip mechanism and a reset lockout mechanism are provided. The trip mechanism operates independently of a circuit interrupting mechanism used to break the connection, and the reset lockout mechanism prevents the resetting of electrical connections between input and output conductors if the circuit interrupting mechanism is non-operational or if an open neutral condition exists.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Publication date: January 12, 2006
    Inventors: William Ziegler, Nicholas DiSalvo
  • Publication number: 20050278075
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to power distribution systems and methods for distributing power from a primary power source and a backup power source to a load. In one particular aspect, a power distribution system includes a first input to receive input power from the primary power source, a second input to receive input power from the backup power source, an output that provides output power from at least one of the primary power source and the backup power source, a first switch operatively coupled to the first input and the output and operative to selectively couple the first input to the output, a second switch operatively coupled to the second input and the output and operative to selectively couple the second input to the output, and a controller operatively coupled to the first switch and to the second switch and configured to control the first switch and the second switch to provide an electrical interlock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Publication date: December 15, 2005
    Inventors: Neil Rasmussen, William Ziegler, David Colucci
  • Patent number: 6960842
    Abstract: The present invention provides an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) having a chassis formed using mating panels of a sturdy, lightweight, substantially rigid material, such as ABS plastic, that are fixedly attached together to form a compact, user-friendly chassis using simple connection techniques that entail a minimum of tools and a minimal number of fastening mechanisms. In one general aspect, a UPS in accordance with the invention comprises an input to receive AC power from an AC power source, an output that provides AC power, a DC voltage source that provides DC power, the DC voltage source having an energy storage device, an inverter operatively coupled to the DC voltage source to receive DC power and to provide AC power, a transfer switch constructed and arranged to select one of the AC power source and the DC voltage source as an output power source for the uninterruptible power supply, and a chassis for housing at least the DC voltage source, inverter, and transfer switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: American Power Conversion Corporation
    Inventors: William Ziegler, Michael Manganese, Paul A. Jordan, Mark Calvanese, Joseph Dechene
  • Publication number: 20050185363
    Abstract: Systems and method for installing computer equipment and power distribution equipment in facilities is provided. In one aspect, the present invention provides a power distribution rack, and uninterruptible power supply rack and a plurality of equipment racks. A plurality of power cables are run from the power distribution rack to each of the plurality of equipment racks using power cable tracks located on the roofs of the equipment racks. A plurality of data cables run between the plurality of equipment racks using data cable tracks located on the roofs of the equipment racks. The power cable tracks and data cable tracks are designed to be installed on the roofs of the equipment racks without the need for tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Applicant: American Power Conversion Corporation
    Inventors: Neil Rasmussen, William Ziegler, Peter Francis
  • Publication number: 20050176557
    Abstract: A children's play gym including a frame with an elongated tubular top rail having an inside surface, an outside surface and a lengthwise keyway between said surfaces, a plurality of legs, each leg having an upper end wall encircling the top rail, and an anchor releasably anchoring the upper end wall of each leg to the top rail. Each anchor includes a bracket bridging the keyway at that inside surface, and a threaded fastener extending through a hole in the end wall and through said keyway and being threaded into the bracket. This enables the upper end wall of each leg to be slid relative to the top rail and then clamped to the top rail at any location therealong by tightening the threaded fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Publication date: August 11, 2005
    Inventors: Frank Bork, William Ziegler, Michael Severa
  • Publication number: 20050140477
    Abstract: Resettable circuit interrupting devices, such as GFCI devices, that include a reset lockout mechanism, an independent trip mechanism and reverse wiring protection. A conical reset plunger is notched to force a successful test before reset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Publication date: June 30, 2005
    Inventors: Frantz Germain, Stephen Stewart, Roger Bradley, David Chan, Nichalas Disalvo, William Ziegler
  • Publication number: 20050063110
    Abstract: Resettable circuit interrupting devices, such as GFCI devices, that include reverse wiring protection, and optionally an independent trip portions and/or a reset lockout portion are provided. The reverse wiring protection operates at both the line and load sides of the device so that in the event line side wiring to the device is improperly connected to the load side, fault protection for the device remains. The trip portion operates independently of a circuit interrupting portion used to break the electrical continuity in one or more conductive paths in the device. The reset lockout portion prevents the reestablishing of electrical continuity in open conductive paths if the circuit interrupting portion is non-operational or if an open neutral condition exists.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Publication date: March 24, 2005
    Inventors: Nicholas DiSalvo, William Ziegler
  • Patent number: 6869309
    Abstract: An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system using a battery pack may be potentially hazardous in its design, and in particular when users themselves connect or disconnect the battery from the UPS while the UPS is still active. A battery cap is provided that attaches to the battery to cover parts where the lead wires meet the terminals of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: American Power Conversion
    Inventors: William Ziegler, Michael Lysik
  • Publication number: 20050002138
    Abstract: Resettable circuit interrupting devices, such as GFCI devices that include a reset lockout mechanism are provided. The GFCI comprises a reset button which is selectively blocked from resetting the GFCI.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventors: Frantz Germain, Stephen Stewart, Roger Bradley, Nicholas Disalvo, William Ziegler
  • Patent number: 6831880
    Abstract: A display face is created by cutting or slicing a bowling ball wherein a portion of a weight block or core center of the bowling ball is displayed. The weight block or core is different in different balls. Accordingly, a slice of the bowling ball with the weight block therein creates a novel or unique appearance on the display face. The unique display face may be provided with clock hands and indicia representing clock numerals mounted in front of the bowling ball slice. Alternatively, the bowling ball slice may be utilized as a plaque on which an award plate is mounted or on which indicia are engraved. The display face may not contain a portion of the weight block or center core where slices taken from the periphery of the bowling ball or taken from a bowling ball without a weight block or center core. Additionally, the bowling ball may be provided with a fragrance to create a scent, and this fragrance a scent may also be associated with the display face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Inventor: William Ziegler
  • Publication number: 20040231875
    Abstract: Systems and method for installing computer equipment and power distribution equipment in facilities is provided. In one aspect, the present invention provides an uninterruptible power supply system for use with a plurality of devices, each of the plurality of devices having a power input to receive power. The uninterruptible power supply system includes an equipment rack, an input to receive input power, a DC power source mounted in the equipment rack that provides DC power, an output that provides output power derived from at least one of the input power and the DC power, power distribution circuitry, mounted within the equipment rack, having a plurality of distribution devices each having an input coupled to the output to receive the output power, and a plurality of output power cables each having a first end coupled to one of the plurality of distribution devices to receive output power and a second end that mates with the power input of one of the plurality of devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Neil Rasmussen, William Ziegler
  • Publication number: 20040155528
    Abstract: The present invention provides an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) having a chassis formed using mating panels of a sturdy, lightweight, substantially rigid material, such as ABS plastic, that are fixedly attached together to form a compact, user-friendly chassis using simple connection techniques that entail a minimum of tools and a minimal number of fastening mechanisms. In one general aspect, a UPS in accordance with the invention comprises an input to receive AC power from an AC power source, an output that provides AC power, a DC voltage source that provides DC power, the DC voltage source having an energy storage device, an inverter operatively coupled to the DC voltage source to receive DC power and to provide AC power, a transfer switch constructed and arranged to select one of the AC power source and the DC voltage source as an output power source for the uninterruptible power supply, and a chassis for housing at least the DC voltage source, inverter, and transfer switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: William Ziegler, Michael Manganese, Paul A. Jordan, Mark Calvanese, Joseph Dechene
  • Patent number: 6693371
    Abstract: The present invention provides an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) having a chassis formed using mating panels of a sturdy, lightweight, substantially rigid material, such as ABS plastic, that are fixedly attached together to form a compact, user-friendly chassis using simple connection techniques that entail a minimum of tools and a minimal number of fastening mechanisms. In one general aspect, a UPS in accordance with the invention comprises an input to receive AC power from an AC power source, an output that provides AC power, a DC voltage source that provides DC power, the DC voltage source having an energy storage device, an inverter operatively coupled to the DC voltage source to receive DC power and to provide AC power, a transfer switch constructed and arranged to select one of the AC power source and the DC voltage source as an output power source for the uninterruptible power supply, and a chassis for housing at least the DC voltage source, inverter, and transfer switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: American Power Corporation
    Inventors: William Ziegler, Michael Manganese, Paul A. Jordan, Mark Calvanese, Joseph Dechene
  • Patent number: 6648511
    Abstract: A bearing system and journal which may incorporate either a sleeve or a ball bearing. The system includes a bearing journal having a sleeve bearing portion and a ball bearing portion. When a sleeve bearing is used in the system, a first end of the sleeve bearing is supported in the sleeve bearing portion of the journal, and a second end of the sleeve bearing is supported by a finger spring. The sleeve bearing and finger spring are retained within the journal by an end cap, which is press-fit into the ball bearing portion of the journal. When a ball bearing is used in the system, the ball bearing may be press-fit directly into the ball bearing portion of the bearing journal, or press-fit into a spacer, which is press-fit into the ball bearing portion of the bearing journal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Fasco Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Smith, Rickey W. Jennings, Jack D. Rinehart, William A. Ziegler
  • Publication number: 20030121689
    Abstract: Systems and method for installing computer equipment and power distribution equipment in facilities is provided. In one aspect, the present invention provides a power distribution rack, and uninterruptible power supply rack and a plurality of equipment racks. A plurality of power cables are run from the power distribution rack to each of the plurality of equipment racks using power cable tracks located on the roofs of the equipment racks. A plurality of data cables run between the plurality of equipment racks using data cable tracks located on the roofs of the equipment racks. The power cable tracks and data cable tracks are designed to be installed on the roofs of the equipment racks without the need for tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: Neil Rasmussen, William Ziegler, Peter Francis