Fuse Or Circuit Breaker Patents (Class 340/638)
  • Patent number: 11941228
    Abstract: A menu selection technique is based on orientation of a companion module used in a flexible load management (FLM) system. The FLM system includes a load center that utilizes circuit breakers in combination with companion modules (i.e., intelligent controllers). Each companion module has a graphical display as well as a push button included on a face of the module as an input device used to display and input information including icons, buttons, controls, messages, status, menus or other desired text on a user interface (UI) to enable a user to configure and operate the companion module. The companion module also includes an accelerometer configured to detect a gravitational orientation (i.e., a first orientation and an opposite or upside-down orientation) and movement of the module and, in response, generate a signal that is translated to a corresponding change in orientation of the information displayed on the UI, particularly when the companion module inserted into the load center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Savant Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert P. Madonna, Wilson D. Callan, Christopher Lawrence
  • Patent number: 11676788
    Abstract: A circuit breaker can include a light source, an optical sensor, a handle and a processor. The handle can be movable between different handle positions which correspond to different circuit breaker statuses. The handle can include a handle body and a light control plate which moves along with the handle body. The light control plate can have different light passage regions each of which is configured to be positioned between the light source and the optical sensor when the handle is moved to a corresponding one of the different handle positions. Each of the different light passage regions allows a different amount of light emitted from the light source to pass to the sensor when positioned between the light source and the sensor. The processor is configured to determine a status of the circuit breaker based on the sensed amount of light which relates to a position of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Chad R. Mittelstadt
  • Patent number: 11581735
    Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for dynamically controlling electrical loads, a storage medium and an electronic apparatus. The method includes that: a current capacity balance of a user sub-region is acquired from an intelligent electricity monitoring and metering terminal through a mobile terminal; when the current capacity balance is smaller than a load power of an electric consumption device to be started in the user sub-region, a regional coordination control apparatus or a server is requested through the mobile terminal to adjust and increase a capacity allocated for the user sub-region, such that a capacity balance will be greater than or equal to the load power; and whether to allow to start the electric consumption device is determined according to a decision replied by the regional coordination control apparatus or the server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Zhuhai Unitech Power Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuehai Liu, Shuqiang Jin, Xiaoxiao Zhang, Bobo Zhang
  • Patent number: 11467202
    Abstract: The disclosure provides an electronic device and a diagnosis method of a light-emitting device. The light-emitting device includes at least one region, and each region of the at least one region has a plurality of light-emitting units. The diagnosis method includes the following steps. A plurality of light-emitting units of one of the at least one region are illuminated by a current. A voltage value corresponding to the current is compared with a first standard voltage value corresponding to a first standard current corresponding to the one of the at least one region. Whether the one of the at least one region is abnormal is determined according to a result of comparing the voltage value with the first standard voltage value. Therefore, the diagnosis method of the disclosure may effectively diagnose whether the at least one region of the light-emitting device is abnormal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Innolux Corporation
    Inventors: Yu-Ming Huang, Yi-Cheng Chang, Chia-Huan Huang
  • Patent number: 11456569
    Abstract: A busway for power distribution to equipment positioned in information technology racks includes a plurality of locations in the busway suitably being configured to receive a plurality of detachably engageable taps. The busway, which are external to the information technology racks, includes a plurality of segments, each of which are detachably engaged with one another and including at least one of the plurality of locations. The busway provides power to the information technology racks by respective taps, where each of the taps includes a respective electrical sensor that senses at least one of a voltage level and a current level. Each of the electrical sensors providers an output signal to a computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Veris Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Martin Cook, Aaron Parker
  • Patent number: 11271383
    Abstract: A field programmable circuit breaker receives a measurement of a displacement of a terminal spring element, from a detector associated with the terminal spring element, when a field wire is inserted into the terminal spring element. The terminal spring element provides a wire clamp force in a terminal configured to receive the inserted field wire. A trip current value is determined based on the wire size and a time interval is measured during which the current in the field wire is continuously greater than the trip current value. A trip curve is accessed corresponding to the trip current value to determine whether the measured time interval exceeds a maximum interval indicated by the trip curve. A tripping signal provided to a current monitoring unit interrupts the current when the measured interval exceeds the maximum interval for the measured current to be continuously greater than the trip current value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Chad R. Mittelstadt
  • Patent number: 11018496
    Abstract: A leakage current detection and protection device, and power connector and electrical appliance employing the same. The device includes: a leakage current detection module which detects a leakage current on the power lines to generate a leakage fault signal; a self-test module which periodically generates a simulated leakage current and outputs a self-test fault signal when the leakage current detection module is faulty; a trip module, including a switch coupled between the input and output ends of the power lines, and a first trip coil which drives the switch; a drive module which drives the trip module to disconnect the electrical connection between the input and output ends in response to the leakage fault signal and/or the self-test fault signal; and a trip function detection module which generates a trip coil fault signal in response to detecting an open circuit in the first trip coil to disconnect the electrical connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Inventor: Chengli Li
  • Patent number: 10996504
    Abstract: A display device includes a first pixel including a first light emitting diode (“LED”) and a second LED having a color different from that of the first LED, a second pixel including a third LED having a same color as that of the first LED, a third pixel including a fourth LED having a same color as that of the first LED, and a color filter layer including a first color filter located on the first pixel, a second color filter that has a color different from a color of the first color filter and is located on the second pixel, and a third color filter that has a color different from the colors of the first and second color filters and is located on the third pixel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Se Hyuk Park, Hyo Jin Lee
  • Patent number: 10863603
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a power supply applied to multiple loads, an integrated power supply and a lighting fixture. The power supply includes a first connector, at least one isolated power supply and at least one non-isolated power supply. The first connector is electrically connected with the at least one isolated power supply and the at least one non-isolated power supply, and is electrically connected with a controller, in order to adjust power states of the at least one isolated power supply and the at least one non-isolated power supply by receiving a power supply control signal from the controller. The at least one isolated power supply and the at least one non-isolated power supply are respectively connected with corresponding load circuit, to supply power to the load circuits, and control working states of the connected load circuits according to the power states thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Opple Lighting Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Huan Liu, Zhonghua Sui, Xuejun Feng, Shougang Feng
  • Patent number: 10707669
    Abstract: A circuit interrupter including a line conductor, a neutral conductor, a power supply, a ground fault current transformer structured to sense a ground fault current from current flowing through the line and neutral conductors, a grounded neutral detection circuit including a filtering stage structured to high-pass filter the ground fault current, and a processor structured to receive an output of the grounded neutral detection circuit and to determine whether a grounded neutral is present based on the output of the grounded neutral detection circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Adonna Angelika Anderson, Jian Jiao
  • Patent number: 10586649
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for determining gas characteristics to monitor transformer operation include extracting gas from transformer fluid for analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Henry L. Buijs, Louis-Philippe A. Bibeau, Alex Ouellet-Belanger, Raphael N. Desbiens
  • Patent number: 10529520
    Abstract: A metering apparatus includes a support; a connection apparatus disposed on the support and structured to be electrically connected with a circuit interrupter; a detection apparatus disposed on the support and structured to detect a first operational aspect of the circuit interrupter; a communication apparatus in communication with the detection apparatus, the communication apparatus being disposed on the support; a first bidirectional communications port disposed on a first side of the support and in communication with the communication apparatus; and a second bidirectional communications port disposed on a second side, opposite the first side, of the support and in communication with the communication apparatus. The communication apparatus is structured to communicate to another device via at least one of the first communications port or the second communications port at least a first parameter of the circuit interrupter based at least in part upon the first operational aspect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: James Patrick Sisley, Patrick Thomas Walsh, Paul Alan Merck
  • Patent number: 10418216
    Abstract: An apparatus for phase operation indication includes a phase filter that filters a ground monitor signal from one or more phase conductors supplying power to a load and injects the ground monitor signal in an equipment grounding conductor run with the one or more phase conductors or receives the ground monitor signal from a signal generator and injects the ground monitor signal on the one or more phase conductors. The ground monitor signal includes a test frequency different than a line frequency of power supplied to the load. The apparatus includes at least one indicator circuit connected to at least one of the one or more phase conductors. An indicator circuit of a phase conductor provides a visual flashing signal in response to a voltage being present on the phase conductor, the at least one indicator circuit located at the phase filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Intermountain Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale V. Curtis, Robin Vice
  • Patent number: 10283310
    Abstract: A fuse operation indicator assembly includes an elongate tube having first and second ends, a fuse striker receiving member at the first end of the tube and configured to receive a fuse striker, an actuating member at the second end of the tube and configured to be actuated responsive to the fuse striker member, and a detector configured to detect actuation of the actuating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: James J. Benke, Zachary Ryan Jenkins, Scott Raymond Lanning
  • Patent number: 10256804
    Abstract: A fault detector for an anti-parallel thyristor includes: a power supply unit configured to supply power to the first and second thyristors; a first current sensor configured to output a first current measurement value that flows through the first thyristor; a second current sensor configured to output a second current measurement value that flows through the second thyristor; and a detector which notifies a fault of a thyristor when the first and second current measurement values satisfy a set fault condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: LSIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Young Woo Kim
  • Patent number: 10193370
    Abstract: Methods and systems for installing an electrical power source in an electrical device can include positioning the electrical power source in a device-charging position associated with a first charge path that has a nonzero electrical resistivity, maintaining the electrical power source in the device-charging position for a nonzero time with a mechanism, and moving the electrical power source from the device-charging position to an installed position associated with a second charge path that has less resistivity than the first nonzero electrical resistivity. Devices can include a mechanism and the first and second charge paths, the mechanism configured to move a power source from a device-charging position to an installed position over a nonzero time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin Martin Schweitzer
  • Patent number: 10170904
    Abstract: A surge reduction filter (SRF) includes a cartridge having a cartridge housing, a first active connection point for connection to an active line of an AC power supply, and a neutral connection point for connection to a neutral line of the AC power supply. The active and neutral connection points are located to be accessible from outside the cartridge. A first fuse and a first surge protection element are electrically connected in series between the active and neutral connection points. A status circuit is connected to monitor the surge protection element and an indicator is connected to the status circuit to indicate at least a normal status and a fault status of the surge protection element. The status circuit detects a change in voltage at a point between the fuse and the protection element and creates a fault indication if a voltage change is detected due to the fuse operating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: PIVOT ELECTRONICS PTY LTD
    Inventors: Philip Louis Peach, Michael Henry Drewry, Bruce Raymond Russek
  • Patent number: 10020153
    Abstract: In this method, the voltage outage load-side is an opening of the circuit breaker, and the circuit breaker is able to interrupt the flow of electric current in an electric connection including an electric conductor. The auxiliary unit comprises a current sensor for measuring the intensity of the current flowing in the electric conductor and a first detection means for detecting the voltage outage load-side from the circuit breaker. The method comprises the following steps: measuring the intensity of the current flowing in the electric conductor, detecting the voltage outage load-side from the electric circuit breaker, determining a cause of the detected voltage outage load-side from the circuit breaker, said cause being selected from the group consisting in: an electric overload, a short-circuit and a voltage drop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES SAS
    Inventors: Francois Vincent, Simon Tian
  • Patent number: 9897423
    Abstract: An LED of a lighted nock sequentially advances through multiple different emitted colors by exposing the nock to a magnetic field. The nock is placed in the activated or lit state. Then a magnet is brought within range of a magnetic sensor included in the electronic circuit of the nock assembly. The change in the magnetic field causes the electronic circuit to advance the emitted LED light to the next color in a sequence of multiple colors. Repeated removal and re-application of the magnetic field while the LED remains lit advances the LED color repeatedly through the available colors until the user reaches their desired color. Then the LED is deactivated or turned off. Then when the LED is re-lit, it will still be in the last color chosen, and will remain there until the color is advanced again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Clean-Shot Archery, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry R. Bay
  • Patent number: 9859080
    Abstract: Provided is a molded case circuit breaker eliminating the necessity to install a communication unit and a particular communication medium and allowing for checking an fault type from a front indication operation panel of an enclosure of a power distributing board or from a remote area by simply connecting two signal lines for transmitting a relay switching signal as an accident current indication signal, the circuit breaker comprises a relay assembly including a plurality of fault indicating relays installed in the circuit breaker and configured to generate a fault current indication signal by opening or closing a contact when the indication command signal of a fault current is received from the electronic trip unit, and a signal output terminal configured to output a fault type indication signal of the fault indicating relays to the outside of the circuit breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: LSIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jong Mahn Sohn
  • Patent number: 9831663
    Abstract: An electrical switching apparatus includes a plurality of poles each comprising separable contacts, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts and to trip open the separable contacts in response to a fault condition, and a housing enclosing the separable contacts. The housing includes an interior, an exterior, and a plurality of receptacles extending from the exterior toward the interior. A surge protection assembly includes a plurality of modules, wherein each of the modules is removably disposed in a corresponding one of the receptacles of the housing. Each of the modules provides independent surge protection for a corresponding one of the poles of the electrical switching apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventors: James L. Lagree, Doug J. Carolan
  • Patent number: 9817072
    Abstract: An auxiliary apparatus is coupled to an electric circuit breaker. In the open position, the breaker interrupts the circulation of a current in an electrical connection, which includes at least one electrical conductor and a mechanical output member movable between an operating position and a stop position associated with the interruption of the circulation of the current in the connection after opening of the breaker. The auxiliary apparatus includes at least one current sensor to measure the current circulating in a respective conductor, and a mechanical coupler to couple with the mechanical output member. The mechanical coupler also detects the opening of the breaker. The auxiliary apparatus also includes a device for determining a cause of the detected opening, based on the intensity measured by the current sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES SAS
    Inventors: Marie-Laure Michaux, Sebastien Heraud, Frederic Brasme, Lionel Urankar
  • Patent number: 9806641
    Abstract: One embodiment describes a method that includes determining a desired torque level of a motor actuated by a motor starter; determining, using a control system, a configuration of the motor starter to achieve the desired torque level, in which determining the configuration includes determining which of a plurality of switching devices in the motor starter should be opened and which should be closed; and instructing, using the control system, the motor starter to implement the determined configuration by opening or closing one or more of the plurality of switching devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher H. Bock, Christopher J. Wieloch, James J. Kinsella, Stefan T. Dziekonski
  • Patent number: 9715271
    Abstract: A system, method and device for providing over-current protection to USB ports comprised in a USB hub, whereby a single switch is used to control the power supply to one or more groups of USB ports based on determinations whether the current drawn by a group of USB ports has exceeded a predefined current limit. Embodiments provide the cost savings associated with gang mode power port switching and the reduced stress on USB components and individualized protection of USB ports associated with individual mode power switching. Embodiments utilize a plurality of current measurement units to measure the current drawn by each group of USB ports supported by a switch and further utilize a power port control logic unit to control the switch based on whether the current measurements have exceeded a current limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Clemens Kaestner
  • Patent number: 9524637
    Abstract: A remote control apparatus is usable to remotely control another device and includes a base unit that is electrically connected with the device and further includes a remote control unit that is remote from the device and that is usable to control the device. The remote control unit includes an emergency stop switch that simultaneously actuates two switches that are electrically independent of one another. A primary control apparatus monitors one of the switches, and a secondary control apparatus monitors the other switch. If either switch is moved from its CLOSED state to its OPEN state, the corresponding control apparatus will take emergency actions. The primary and secondary control apparatuses additionally monitor the switches and perform the aforementioned emergency actions in the event of a fault with one of the switches or on the associated wiring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kevin C. Towers, Ray Mihir Rao Sewlochan, Dung Chi Trinh, Andrew Darnell Dueckman
  • Patent number: 9502194
    Abstract: A plastic-shell-encased circuit breaker having an automatic locking function comprises a plastic-shell-encased circuit breaker body, a user input unit for inputting a lock code or an unlock code; an authentication processing unit for receiving the lock code or the unlock code from the user input unit, and for outputting a control signal after authentication; a locking action unit for receiving the control signal from the authentication processing unit, and for enabling the plastic-shell-encased circuit breaker body to produce a self-locking or unlocking action. Utilization of the plastic-shell-encased circuit breaker having the automatic locking function is capable of preventing the circuit breaker from being switched on without careful consideration, so as to ensure security of operators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: HUBEI SHENGJIA WIRING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jiasheng Wan
  • Patent number: 9412539
    Abstract: An air circuit breaker with a self-locking function, includes: an air circuit breaker body; wherein the air circuit breaker further includes an input unit for inputting a locking code or an unlocking code; an authentication processing unit for receiving the locking code or the unlocking code from the input unit and outputting a control signal after authenticating; and a locking unit for receiving the control signal from the authentication processing unit and locking or unlocking the air circuit breaker body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: HUBEI SHENGJIA WIRING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jiasheng Wan
  • Patent number: 9383405
    Abstract: A lightning protection circuit includes a first lightning protection branch including at least one transient voltage suppression (TVS) protection element, and a testing element integral to the lightning protection circuit. The testing element is operable to test a functionality of the lightning protection circuit while he lightning protection circuit is installed in an electronic control system. A controller is connected to the testing element, such that the controller receives sensed signals from the testing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Gary L. Hess, James Quigley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9368954
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing electrical protection and reducing power consumption in data centers. In an aspect, an apparatus includes a hot swap control circuit that monitors a voltage drop across a fuse, and selectively connects a bus bar to a load, based on the monitored voltage. Further, the apparatus selectively disconnects the bus bar from the load when the hot swap control circuit indicates that the monitored voltage across the fuse has attained a voltage threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Sizikov, Craig Mason Kaneshiro
  • Patent number: 9209575
    Abstract: The high-voltage connector comprises an insulating body (1, 2) with a first internal channel (3) and a second internal channel (4), configured to receive a bushing or a fixed base of a high-voltage equipment. The connector comprises at least one sensor (5, 6, 7, 8) of an electric feature at least partially embedded inside the insulating body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: ARTECHE LANTEGI ELKARTEA, S.A.
    Inventor: Iñaki Garabieta Artiagoitia
  • Patent number: 9035782
    Abstract: A transfer switch configured to detect a ground current is configured to selectively connect a first power source or a second power source to a load. Each of the power sources includes at least one “hot” lead and one neutral lead, and the transfer switch is configured to switch both the “hot” and the neutral leads. If the neutral switching portion of the transfer switch fails, current may be supplied to the load via the “hot” lead of one of the power sources and return from the load via a ground conductor and the neutral lead of the other power source. The transfer switch includes a current sensor, detecting current on the ground conductor, in order to detect such a condition. The signal from the current sensor is provided to a control circuit, which, in turn, activates an indicator if the current on the ground conductor exceeds a predefined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Reliance Controls Corporation
    Inventor: Michael O. Flegel
  • Patent number: 8981951
    Abstract: A method of monitoring the grading margin between at least two time-current characteristics of Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDA, IEDB) installed in an electrical power system, each Intelligent Electronic Device comprising a counting means, the grading margin comprising a safety margin set by a user, characterized in that it comprises, when a fault occurs which causes a fault current in the electrical power system, a step of providing a warning to the user when the safety margin is infringed upon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignees: Alstom Technology Ltd, Schneider Electric Energy UK Ltd
    Inventors: Sankara Subramanian, Simon Richards, Alan Wixon
  • Publication number: 20150009037
    Abstract: A circuit breaker device with an integrated indication light display is disclosed. The integrated indication light display may display a representation of the amount of current running through a circuit that the circuit breaker device is connected to. The indication light display may be a Light Emitting Diode Bar and may display multi levels indicating whether there will be a circuit overload. The circuit breaker device may further be connected to a remote alarm system indicating the amount of current running through a circuit to a remote location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: Joseph Mezzo
  • Patent number: 8907804
    Abstract: An alternating current contactor (AC contactor) with an electronic short circuit self-locking function, includes an AC contactor body (a). The AC contactor body (a) includes a shell body. A short circuit self-locking portion is provided inside the shell body. The short circuit self-locking portion includes a current collecting unit (b) for collecting a current signal of phase lines (A, B, C); a short circuit detecting unit (c) for obtaining a voltage signal which characterizes a current signal, comparing with a reference signal, and outputting a short circuit detecting signal when short circuit occurs; a short circuit self-locking executing unit (d) for obtaining the short circuit detecting signal to trigger the AC contactor body (a) to generate and maintain a circuit-breaking action; and a self-locking releasing unit (e) for releasing self-locking of the AC contactor body (a) and resetting the alternating current contactor body (a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Hubei Shengjia Wiring Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jiasheng Wan
  • Patent number: 8890697
    Abstract: Mobile devices may minimize the radiation exposure to users by controlling the distance between the user, specifically the groin area, and the mobile device to a minimum distance. The reduction in exposure is realized due to the operation of the Inverse Square Rule on electromagnetic signal from the mobile device recognizing there is a steep fall off of signal strength resultant from increased distance between the head of the user and the source of the signal. Embodiments alert the user to a mobile device in the users pocket is in a transmission mode and thus should be removed from the users pocket to maintain operational distance between the user and the device to reduce signal absorption of the users reproductive organs. Enabled mobile devices detect the transmission mode and the acceleration of the device in determining whether to alert the user. Embodiments influence the user to maintain a minimum distance via alerts, interruptions and warnings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Green Swan, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry V. Lehmann
  • Patent number: 8860562
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed that allow an electronic device to autonomously adapt one or more user alerts of the electronic device. For example, some embodiments may include a method for operating a haptic device including driving a haptic device using a control signal, measuring a frequency related to the operation of the haptic device and comparing the measured frequency with a target frequency. A control signal is adjusted based on the comparison to drive the haptic device to the target frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Hill
  • Patent number: 8836525
    Abstract: An isolated current-sensing system for use with a resistive current sense element includes an analog front-end configured to receive a voltage from the resistive current sense element, and to provide an analog output. A processing circuit receives the analog output, and provides a measurement signal indicative of the sensed current. An isolation circuit provides an isolation barrier, and is configured to pass the measurement signal. A programmable over-current protection alarm may be included, and configured to generate an alarm signal when the analog output exceeds a programmable threshold. The processing circuit may include a voltage-to-PWM converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Miguel Angel Aceña, Youssef Ghabbour
  • Patent number: 8810420
    Abstract: An open fuse block is provided having a visual indicator or light assembly connected in parallel with a replaceable fuse mounted in the fuse block. When the fuse is blown, the corresponding visual indicator is illuminated to identify the blown fuse, thereby facilitating quick and easy replacement of the fuse. Since the visual indicator is connected in parallel with the fuse element, when the fuse is blown, the fuse results in an open circuit and the flow of electricity is rerouted through the visual indicator. The visual indicator is thereby illuminated and the corresponding blown fuse can be easily identified. The visual indicator or light assembly can include, for example, a neon bulb, light emitting diode, fluorescent bulb, incandescent bulb, or any other visual indicator that emits light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel F. Stanek, Nathan C. Siegwald, Thomas M. Novak, Christopher J. Miller, Daniel R. Gilman, William F. Gonzalez, Jesse D. Rednour
  • Patent number: 8766809
    Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus for correcting an error of acquired data and a method thereof. The method includes determining whether states of at least one circuit breaker and at least one disconnecting switch included in at least one station are consistent with each other based on data received from at least one remote control apparatus including the at least one station; assigning a weight to a corresponding circuit breaker and a corresponding disconnecting switch and the station including the corresponding circuit breaker and the corresponding disconnecting switch when the determination result represents that the states of the circuit breaker and the disconnecting switch are inconsistent with each other; creating alarm information notifying a malfunction of the corresponding circuit breaker and the corresponding disconnecting switch when an accumulated weight value is equal to or greater than a preset reference weight value; and outputting an alarm corresponding to the alarm information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: LSIS Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young In Kim, Yoon Sung Cho
  • Patent number: 8742940
    Abstract: An alarm circuit and method of monitoring a circuit protection device are disclosed. The alarm circuit includes a circuit protection device connected in series at an input voltage of a load. The alarm circuit also includes a programmable circuit connected in parallel to the circuit protection device and including an alarm signal. The programmable circuit is programmed to include a plurality of functional states, and at least one functional state corresponds to activation of the alarm signal. The at least one functional state activating the alarm signal corresponds with an interruption condition in the circuit protection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Coffey, Brad Blichfeldt
  • Patent number: 8717191
    Abstract: An indication circuit is used on a motherboard. First and second pins on the motherboard output different signals corresponding to different power-on self-test errors. The indication circuit includes first to third electronic switches, first and second light-emitting diodes, and first to fifth resistors. When different errors occurred during power-on self-test, different signals are output from the first and second pins on the motherboard, such that to make the first and second light-emitting diodes activated or deactivated. As a result, the indication circuit can indicate different errors when the motherboard is performing power-on self-test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (WuHan) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hua Zou, Chun-Sheng Chen
  • Publication number: 20140111345
    Abstract: A faceplate assembly is provided. The faceplate assembly includes a faceplate having planar member with a first side and a second side, the planar member having a number of openings therethrough, the planar member first side having a number of opaque portions and a number of translucent portions, each planar member first side translucent portion disposed adjacent one planar member opening, a number of sources of localized illumination, each the source of localized illumination disposed adjacent the planar member second side and adjacent a planar member first side translucent portion, and wherein the source of localized illumination may be illuminated causing a selected planar member first side translucent portion to be illuminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Patrick Wellington Mills, James Michael McCormick
  • Publication number: 20140104068
    Abstract: A trip control circuit for a circuit breaker which provides for self-diagnostics includes a normally opened trip contact, a tripping circuit, and a signal light in series with the tripping circuit and the trip contact. The trip control circuit also includes a flasher circuit constructed and arranged to provide signaling of an abnormal condition of a circuit breaker to the signal light, while permitting the circuit breaker to trip provided that a cause of the abnormal condition signaled is not one which prevents tripping of the circuit breaker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: ABB Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Webb
  • Patent number: 8692680
    Abstract: A residual-current circuit breaker includes at least one summation current transformer through which a first lead and a second lead of a network to be protected are guided. At least one secondary winding is arranged on the summation current transformer and operatively connected, at least indirectly, with an energy storage element. A trip element is operatively connected with break contacts in the first and second leads. In order to reduce expected cut-offs of a network to be protected, an electric signaling device is operatively connected, at least indirectly, with the energy storage element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Moeller Geräudeautomation GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Dobusch, Michael Bartonek
  • Patent number: 8686596
    Abstract: A fuse box system and method providing for visual and/or remote sensing of interrupted fusing elements is disclosed. The system incorporates LEDs and/or remote sensing apparatus to permit indication of a “blown” fuse and/or circuit protection breaker. This system may be configured for both polarized and/or non-polarized applications and generally provides for indicator illumination when a fuse/breaker is blown. Some preferred embodiments may incorporate current sourcing technologies to permit operation of the system over wide range of system voltages, as well as provisions for wired and/or RF/wireless interrogation of the fuse/breaker status. Alternate embodiments including systems/methods to permit remote sensing of fuse status and/or circuit current monitoring, and may be retrofit within existing fuse/breaker panel systems in some configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventors: Roy Allen Huss, Jerry Anthony Dufour, Kevin Mark Klughart
  • Patent number: 8643501
    Abstract: A metering apparatus is connectable to the terminals of a circuit breaker and includes a detection apparatus that is configured to detect a status of the breaker and one or more operational parameters of the breaker. The metering apparatus may further include a communication apparatus that is configured to communicate the status of the breaker and/or one or more operational parameters of the breaker to another device. The metering apparatus may additionally include a power input that is independent of the breaker. Alternatively or additionally, the metering apparatus can be configured to communicate with the other device via any of a variety of established protocols, with the metering apparatus being capable of retrofitting to change the communications protocol by which it communicates with the other device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: James P. Sisley, James Leo Lagree, Patrick Jay Woodham, Kevin Russell Hestad, Todd Michael Shaak, Daniel Alan Hosko
  • Patent number: 8618946
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for interfacing with a power line network. Electrical power is received, and a voltage of the electrical power is monitored. When the voltage is inadequate, then an alternate power source is automatically connected. A frequency of electrical power provided by the alternate power source is monitored, and high frequency data signals are separated from low frequency power signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: John A. Hicks, III
  • Patent number: 8587445
    Abstract: A system and method of monitoring a plurality of electrical assets comprise an electricity distribution infrastructure, including a plurality of electrical asset sensors coupled to the electrical assets for monitoring an operating condition of the electrical assets as well as any fault conditions. The sensors may include a current transformer for obtaining a current waveform, a GPS receiver for applying a synchronized time-stamp to the waveform data, and a mesh network radio for transmitting the time-stamped waveform data. Data from the plurality of sensors may be encrypted and transmitted over a mesh network to one or more gateways that are in communication with a central command processor. In response to an abnormal operating condition of any electrical asset, the central command processor may determine a probable fault location, a probable fault type, and a fault response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel J. Rockwell
  • Patent number: 8553395
    Abstract: A motor control center comprises a plurality of bays in which switchgear components, circuit protective components, automation components and power electronic components are disposed for driving motors and other loads. Network optical conductors are routed through one or more wireways adjacent to the bays. Distribution nodes are coupled to the conductors and are interconnected with respective network terminals within the bays. Components within individual bays for which EtherNet and/or Internet connectivity is desired are coupled to the network terminals. The conductors may comprise plastic optical fibers and may be designed to operate in the relatively high voltage environment of the motor control center bays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Brian Blodorn, David Lee Jensen
  • Publication number: 20130214927
    Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus for correcting an error of acquired data and a method thereof. The method includes determining whether states of at least one circuit breaker and at least one disconnecting switch included in at least one station are consistent with each other based on data received from at least one remote control apparatus including the at least one station; assigning a weight to a corresponding circuit breaker and a corresponding disconnecting switch and the station including the corresponding circuit breaker and the corresponding disconnecting switch when the determination result represents that the states of the circuit breaker and the disconnecting switch are inconsistent with each other; creating alarm information notifying a malfunction of the corresponding circuit breaker and the corresponding disconnecting switch when an accumulated weight value is equal to or greater than a preset reference weight value; and outputting an alarm corresponding to the alarm information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: LSIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: LSIS CO., LTD.