With Specific Circuit Breaker Or Control Structure Patents (Class 361/115)
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Patent number: 6538871Abstract: In a connecting structure, an end portion (11A) of a flexible flat cable (FFC) (11), including a plurality of parallel connectors (12) held between base films (13 and 14), is joined by soldering to wiring terminal patterns (16) formed on a surface of a wiring board (15). The lower covering film (13), which is to be joined to the wiring terminal patterns (16) at the end portion (11A) of the FFC (11), is removed over a length corresponding to a region of soldering levelers (18) formed respectively on the wiring terminal patterns (16). The upper covering film (14) is removed at the end portion (11A) over a region closer to the end of the flat circuit member (11) than an end of the lower covering film (13), and covers part of the wiring terminal patterns (16).Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2001Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventor: Hideki Adachi
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Patent number: 6538870Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a set of main separable contacts, an operating mechanism for operating the main separable contacts, a set of secondary separable contacts in series with the main separable contacts, and a solenoid mechanism for operating the secondary separable contacts. A first auxiliary switch is responsive to the operating mechanism, and a second auxiliary switch, electrically connected to the first auxiliary switch, is responsive to the solenoid mechanism. An input terminal for a control voltage is electrically connected to the first and second auxiliary switches. A first diode is electrically connected with a forward polarity between the first auxiliary switch and an output terminal. A second diode is electrically connected with a reverse polarity between the second auxiliary switch and the output terminal.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2001Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Daniel Ray Seese, Wayne Gerald Adamson, James Leo Lagree, Joseph Jacob Matsko
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Publication number: 20030053275Abstract: The invention is directed toward an electrical power control system (1) in an electrical power system, having: a power control unit (2) for setting electric state variables and/or parameters in a current conductor, to be controlled, of the electrical power system, having: means (3) for -detecting electric characteristic values (u1) of the current conductor; a function processor for applying a control function (F1(u1)) from a mathematical set of control functions to the electric characteristic values, and for determining controlled variables (y) for achieving the parameters; and coordination means for determining a control function (F1(u1)) from the set of control functions with the aid of operating states of the electrical power system. This system renders it possible to achieve a predictive tuned control of the electrical power control system which can also stabilize unusual operating states of the electrical power system.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2002Publication date: March 20, 2003Inventors: Christian Rehtanz, Dirk Westermann
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Patent number: 6535367Abstract: By way of summary, in the preferred form of the invention, the patch panel comprises a manually programmable device that incorporates shunts or dip switches that are readily accessible from the front panel of the device. In the patch panel construction of the invention, a multi-pin connector block is connected to a first circuit board that, in turn, is connected to a second circuit board via a cable connector, thus allowing the signal switching (normalizing) and grounding circuits of the respective jacks to be selectively altered from the front access panel of the device. By manually changing the shunt or dip switch configurations, the respective normalizing and grounding circuits can easily and simply be altered as may be desired without costly system interruption.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2000Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: Bittree IncorporatedInventors: Bryan J. Carpenter, Glen Garrard
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Patent number: 6535366Abstract: The current-limiting switch (S) has an arc-resistant contact arrangement (K1), which is intended to carry the rated current (IN), of a first switching point (S1), and two commutation paths (P1 and P2) connected in parallel with the first switching point (S1). The first commutation path (P1) contains, in series, a contact arrangement (KT) of a second switching point (ST) and an electronic power switching apparatus (T). The second commutation path (P2) contains, in series, a switching apparatus (SA) and a current-limiting element (RB). The contact arrangements (K1 and KT) are designed to be coaxially symmetrical and are arranged in a pressure-resistant housing (G). Both switching points have electrodynamic drives which open and close very quickly. Thanks to the extremely space-saving, coaxial arrangement of the contact arrangements, undesirable stray inductances can be avoided. This allows the current-limiting switch to be switched on and off very quickly.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2000Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: ABB Schweiz AGInventors: Klaus Fröhlich, Walter Holaus, Kurt Kaltenegger, Michael Steurer
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Patent number: 6535370Abstract: A method and apparatus generates an enhanced trip time curve capable of capturing both the non-sinusoidal energy and series effects. Relevant data including time, current, and energy is plotted on a three-dimensional set of axes. The resultant three-dimensional representation is useful for representing trip times for a protection device accounting for energy effects, and for determining selectivity in a multi-tier electrical distribution system.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2000Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Thomas F. Papallo, Jr., Ahmed Elasser, Richard L. Hein
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Patent number: 6525541Abstract: The fault circuit interrupter with fail safe mode and method can include a detection circuit for determining whether an error has occurred in an exterior circuit, and an interrupter device for stopping current flow to the exterior circuit when an error has been detected. The fault circuit interrupter can also include a fail safe mode, wherein if any of the fault circuit interrupter's key electrical and/or mechanical components malfunction or are not working, the fault circuit interrupter is incapable of being reset after a trip.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2000Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Assignee: Eagle Electric Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventor: Howard S. Leopold
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Patent number: 6525916Abstract: An electronic device having first and second external pins; first and second pads connected to the first external pin by respective bonding wires; and third and fourth pads connected to the second external pin respective bonding wires, and to a first common line by respective resistors. By means of a circuit configuration of this type, the intactness of the bonding wires can easily be checked by carrying out a simple resistance measurement between the first and the second external pin.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2000Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Filippo Marino, Salvatore Capici
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Patent number: 6519128Abstract: A reset knob 20 is mounted to a tip end of a shaft. A front cover 24 having a resilient locking arm 23 is mounted to the reset knob 20. The base body 15 is formed with an engaging projection 25. The resilient locking arm 23 and the engaging projection 25 are engaged with each other at an initial position of the shaft, thereby forming an engaging portion B between the base body 15 and the front cover 24. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the shaft from sliding by factor such as impact and vibration other than sublimation of the gas-starting agent, and to prevent the power circuit from being interrupted.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2000Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Goro Nakamura, Takahiro Sato
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Patent number: 6515841Abstract: In the electrophotographic copying apparatus or printer, a current proportional to the output current of the high voltage output circuit for supplying the charger etc. with a high voltage is detected by a current detection circuit, and the detection output is supplied to a smoothing circuit and a peak hold circuit. The outputs of the smoothing circuit and the peak hold circuit are supplied to a comparator and are compared with a reference value. If the output of the smoothing circuit or the peak hold circuit exceeds the reference value, the output of the high voltage output circuit is lowered or terminated.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 1999Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Koji Doi
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Patent number: 6512442Abstract: A fuse cutout switch (12) attached to electrical distribution equipment mounted on poles of electrical distribution systems operable with hooksticks (16) in which a connection assembly (28) detachably engages a first distal end of a fuse body (20) that is pivotably and detachably engaged at a second distal end to a hinge (22). A grab member (32) attached to the fuse body (20) near the first distal end includes a receptacle (36) for selectively receiving the hookstick (16) for disengaging the fuse body (20) from the connection assembly (28). A restoring member (40) attached to the fuse body (20) near a second distal end has a receptacle (42) for selectively receiving the hookstick (16) for pivoting the fuse body (20) about the hinge (22) and engaging the fuse body (20) to the connection assembly (28). Various embodiments of the grab member and the restoring member are disclosed, together with methods of modifying existing fuse cutout switches and of operating a fuse cutout switch.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2000Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: Taylor Maddox Technical, Inc.Inventor: David G. Taylor
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Patent number: 6510047Abstract: A conductive heat sink is electrically interposed between a fuse and a switching apparatus within a watertight case of a network protector. The heat sink is advantageously configured to conduct current between the switching apparatus and the fuse. During operation, the skin effect causes the electricity conducted by the heat sink to flow primarily through the outer regions of the heat sink, thereby resulting in the generation of heat at the outer regions of the heat sink due to electrical resistance. The heat sink includes a core from which a plurality of fins extend. The fins conduct and convect heat away from the outer regions of the heat sink, which reduces the temperature thereof and correspondingly increases the conductivity of the outer regions of the heat sink.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2001Date of Patent: January 21, 2003Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Steven E. Meiners, Douglas M. Brandt
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Publication number: 20030011954Abstract: A power supply device for an electronic protection unit for AC/DC low- and/or medium-voltage power networks, comprising:Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2002Publication date: January 16, 2003Inventor: Riccardo Cerioni
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Patent number: 6507922Abstract: The present invention discloses a fault indicator circuit in a system having a plurality of circuit blocks each provided with an individual power source. Each of the circuit blocks needs to indicate a fault when a fault occurs in the individual power source of the circuit block. The fault indicator circuit of the present invention includes a fault indicator which performs fault indication in response to a fault indication control signal from the circuit block having the fault or one of the other circuit blocks. When a fault occurs in the individual power source of a circuit block, the fault indicator performs fault indication by means of power supplied from the individual power source of one of the other circuit blocks. An input determiner which reduces the level of the fault indicator control signal outputted from one of the other circuit blocks is disposed at the input terminal of a gate circuit into which the fault indication control signal is inputted from one of the other circuit blocks.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2000Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventor: Tooru Matsumoto
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Patent number: 6507255Abstract: A circuit breaker has a set of remotely controllable secondary contacts electrically connected in series with the main contacts which provide overcurrent or fault current protection. An operating mechanism opens and closes the set of main contacts. The secondary contacts are opened and closed by a latching solenoid. The latching solenoid includes a plunger latchable to a first position, which opens the set of secondary contacts, and to a second position which closes the set of secondary contacts. The latching solenoid also includes an open/close coil which when energized with a first polarity signal operates the plunger to the first position and which when energized with an opposite second polarity signal operates the plunger to the second position. A circuit is structured for cooperation with a remote control circuit for energizing the coil with the first polarity signal or, alternatively, the second polarity signal.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2000Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Ralph M. Ennis, James R. Farley, John A. Wafer, Kevin A. Simms
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Publication number: 20030007302Abstract: A fast acting re-settable and low cost circuit breaker without moving parts. It has a magnetic amplification feature, and can also be used as a current limiter or current sensor. The fast acting switching function is provided by a Hall device with a binary output actuated by a coil. It is operating within microseconds and can be used to protect semiconductors from destruction by overloads. Integrated circuit fabrication processes can be used for manufacturing of this invention. This device can be used on both direct current and alternating current.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2001Publication date: January 9, 2003Inventor: Sten R. Gerfast
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Patent number: 6501633Abstract: A wiring board according to the present invention includes a mounting region in which memories having different storage capacities can be mounted. The mounting region has: first wires for, when a first memory is mounted, making it possible to access all the addresses of the first memory; and second wires for, when a second memory having a storage capacity different from that of the first memory, making it possible to access to all the addresses of the second memory. For this reason, before an electronic device on which the wiring board is mounted is shipped, a memory mounted in the mounting region can be selected depending on the demand of a user.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2000Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Kenji Toyama, Koichi Yokoyama
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Publication number: 20020191363Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit breaker with comprising flow sensors for determine measuring flowing through switching, and an electronic overcurrent release device for processing signals pertaining to the flow sensors. An information memory embodied as a Memory Button transfers characteristic values pertaining to the circuit breaker and/or flow sensors to the overcurrent release device. Various additional functions, e.g. registration of unusual procedures including date permissible number of make-break operations are also possible.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2002Publication date: December 19, 2002Inventors: Andreas Krauss, Andreas Pancke
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Patent number: 6496347Abstract: A system that implements a design process having a plurality of sub-processes each having a plurality of sub-steps. The system includes an independent application for implementing the design process. A series of independent sub-process applications each implements one sub-process of the design process. A communications path provides for communications between the design process and each of the sub-process applications. The communications path also provides for communications between each of said plurality of sub-processes. An application library containing a plurality of executable applications is accessible by the design process and sub-processes to access and execute the plurality of application tools.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2000Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Dave S. Christensen, Randall L. Greenberg, Roger Castonguay, Thomas Papallo, Steve L. Mecker
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Patent number: 6496348Abstract: A method to maintain a movable electrode of a variable capacitor in fixed relationship with a stationary electrode by electrostatic force feedback when one capacitor electrode is grounded. The invention exploits the high quiescent capacitance and capacitance-load sensitivity of a variable-area capacitance transducer in combination with the advantage of controlling the flexible electrode with a low voltage compared to transducers with parallel-plate capacitors. The invention can be used to accurately control the position of a surface, stylus, inertial mass, valve, electrical contact, electrical component; or an optical component such as a mirror, lens, grating, filter, or holographic element.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2001Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Inventor: Robert B. McIntosh
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Patent number: 6496098Abstract: A pyrotechnic active element for separating media and/or fluids has a base element (12) and an electrical ignition element (26) which is arranged on or in the base element (12). The pyrotechnic active element also includes a pyrotechincal charge (28) which can be ignited by the ignition element (26), in addition to a separating element (14) which is fitted with a separating tool (40) and a fixing member (34) for the tool. The fixing element (34) is hermetically sealed to the base element (12). The connection is disrupted when the pyrotechnical charge (28) is ignited.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2000Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: Dynamit Nobel GmbH Explosivstoff-und SystemtechnikInventors: Heinz Kern, Wolfgang Mosig
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Patent number: 6490146Abstract: An electrostatic chuck for holding a substrate has an electrostatic member having a dielectric covering an electrode that is chargeable to electrostatically hold the substrate. The bond layer has a metal layer that is infiltrated or brazed between the electrostatic member and the base. The base may be a composite of a ceramic and metal, the composite having a coefficient of thermal expansion within about ±30% of a coefficient of thermal expansion of the electrostatic member. The base may also have a heater.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2001Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: Applied Materials Inc.Inventors: You Wang, Shamouil Shamouilian, Arnold Kholodenko, Alexander M. Veytser, Surinder S. Bedi, Kadthala R. Narendrnath, Semyon L. Kats, Dennis S. Grimard, Wing L. Cheng, Ananda H. Kumar
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Patent number: 6487057Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a pair of separable contacts forming a pole, an operating mechanism for operating the electrical contacts, an electronic trip circuit responsive to currents flowing through the pole for operating the operating mechanism in response to predetermined current conditions to open the separable contacts, and a fail-safe mechanism for operating the operating mechanism in response to a failure in the electronic trip circuit. The fail-safe mechanism includes a solenoid that is electrically connected to be energized in response to a failure in the electronic trip circuit and a linkage that operates the operating mechanism in response to operation of the solenoid. An operating arm that moves in response to the solenoid, interacts with operating mechanism to prevent resetting of the operating mechanism following actuation of the solenoid.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2000Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Thomas Edward Natili
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Publication number: 20020171987Abstract: A circuit breaker that is capable of detecting ground faults as well as arc faults includes a at least a first current transformer, a line conductor extending through the current transformers, a circuit board, and a pair of sensing leads extending between the line conductor and the circuit board. In a first embodiment the line conductor is a relatively rigid line bus bar, and in a second embodiment the line conductor is a relatively flexible line shunt. The circuit board is disposed adjacent a first side of a separating wall within the circuit breaker, and the line conductor extends along the first side such that the sensing leads that extend between the line conductor and the circuit board do not pass through a plane defined by the separating wall. The circuit breaker includes a bimetal strip that is free of sensing leads that extend between the bimetal strip and the circuit board.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2001Publication date: November 21, 2002Inventors: Tejal Navin Dudhwala, Jeffrey Scott Gibson
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Patent number: 6483680Abstract: A method and relay for magnetizing inrush restraint in protective relays for power transformers. The method utilizes the phase angle relation between the fundamental component and the second harmonic in addition to the magnitude ratio. This is accomplished by calculating and utilizing the complex second harmonic ratio. The specially shaped operating characteristic for the complex second harmonic ratio is made dynamic providing for better security without jeopardizing dependability of the transformer protective relay.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2000Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: General Electric Co.Inventors: Ara Kulidjian, Bogdan Kasztenny
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Patent number: 6472971Abstract: A circuit breaker includes main circuit contact shoes disposed in a circuit breaker case and urged by a contact spring, a contact opening and closing mechanism located above the contact shoes and including an opening and closing lever, a toggle link, an opening and closing handle and a latch, and an overcurrent tripping device located above the contact shoes. The toggle link includes a first link extending between the opening and closing lever and a toggle shaft located above, and a second link extending between the toggle shaft and the latch to overlap the first link in the V-form, and an opening and closing spring extends between the toggle shaft and a tip of a handle lever coupled to the opening and closing handle to extend downward. As a result, a space occupied by the contact opening and closing mechanism section in the height direction can be reduced to make the circuit breaker more compact.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2001Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kentaro Toyama, Naoshi Uchida, Koji Asakawa, Isamu Ohshima
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Patent number: 6469880Abstract: A system and method for removing unwanted magnetic flux from a superconductor. A device can generate a controllable electric field potential using an asymmetric electric field potential to efficiently remove the magnetic flux in different directions in the superconductor.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2000Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: University of Notre DameInventors: Albert-Laszlo Barabasi, Boldizsar Janko, Choongseop Lee, Imre Derenyi
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Patent number: 6466421Abstract: Disclosed are a solid electrolytic capacitor comprising a valve-acting metal, an oxide dielectric layer formed on a surface of the valve-acting metal and a solid electrolyte layer provided on the dielectric film layer, in which the electrically conducting polymer composition layer contains as a dopant at least one anion selected from (1) an alkoxy-substituted naphthalene monosulfonate anion, (2) a heterocyclic sulfonate anion, and (3) an anion of an aliphatic polycyclic compound or a combination thereof with another anion having a dopant ability and a method for producing such a solid electrolytic capacitor. The solid electrolytic capacitor of the invention is excellent in voltage resistance, high frequency property, tan &dgr;, leakage current, heat resistance (reflow property), etc.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2000Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignee: Showa Denko K.K.Inventors: Ryuji Monden, Atsushi Sakai, Toru Sawaguchi, Hideki Ohata, Koro Shirane, Hiroshi Konuma, Yuji Furuta, Katsuhiko Yamazaki, Yoshiaki Ikenoue
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Publication number: 20020141121Abstract: The UVLO (undervoltage lockout) circuit provides a very low quiescent current that is independent of supply voltage. The circuit includes a low voltage IPTAT (current proportional to absolute temperature) generator coupled to a comparator 24 wherein a first input of the comparator 24 is coupled to the IPTAT generator in a way that forms a bandgap voltage with respect to ground and a second input of the comparator 24 is coupled to the IPTAT generator in a way that forms a bandgap voltage with respect to a supply node. This makes the quiescent current independent of the supply voltage because there is no voltage divider between the supply node and ground.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2002Publication date: October 3, 2002Inventor: Paul L. Brohlin
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Publication number: 20020135964Abstract: An isolating circuit breaker (40) for pole mounting (12) in relation to a electrical distribution line, said isolating circuit breaker including: an isolating switch (50) with a pivoting link (52), said isolating switch having respective terminals (45, 44) for electrical coupling to load and supply conductors (54, 53) of the electrical distribution line; a circuit interrupter (55) disposed in series with the isolating switch (50), intermediate said load and supply conductors and preferably incorporated in the pivoting link of the isolating switch; an actuator (58) arranged for selectively opening and closing the circuit interrupter (55); an electronic controller (61) controlling operation of the isolating circuit breaker in response to electrical conditions in the distribution line; and said isolating switch, circuit interrupter, actuator and electronic controller arranged together on a mounting structure (41, 42, 43) adapted for pole mounting.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2001Publication date: September 26, 2002Inventor: David R. Murray
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Patent number: 6456473Abstract: A current loop input overload protection system for a controller having multiple inputs includes zener diodes that limit the maximum voltage that can be applied to any input. If an electrical short of a temperature, pressure or humidity transducer forces an input to the maximum voltage, an electrical supply monitor immediately disables the transducer's power supply to protect the input components. After awhile, the overload protection system automatically and periodically attempts to reset the power supply to determine whether the short has been corrected.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 1999Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: American Standard Inc.Inventor: John C. Olson
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Patent number: 6456477Abstract: A differential transconductance amplifier detects changes of the variable capacitor in a low-impedance, bridge circuit and feeds back current to balance the bridge. The voltage that controls the feedback current is proportional to capacitance over a wide dynamic range.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2000Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Inventors: Robert B. McIntosh, Winfield Hill
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Patent number: 6456479Abstract: A connection assembly for facilitating connection between a terminal block and a module containing protective relay circuitry. The assembly includes a keycode plate molded to align with and fit over terminal block connection elements extending through openings provided in the keycode plate. The assembly also includes one or more keycode elements fitting into keycode element reception areas provided in the keycode plate, and a module cover having pre-existing slots located and dimensioned so as to align with and receive corresponding keycode elements. The assembly substantially ensures that the correct module is connected to a correct terminal block and substantially prevents an incorrect module from being connected to an incorrect terminal block.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2000Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Clive Dias
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Publication number: 20020131223Abstract: An electrical switchgear device includes a conductor, a base, and a current sensor positioned to detect current in the conductor and attached to the base using a support element. The device also includes an apparatus mounted to the base to interrupt current through the conductor when a signal from the current sensor indicates a predetermined condition. A housing positioned on the base encapsulates the current sensor, the support element, the current interrupting apparatus, and a portion of the conductor.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2001Publication date: September 19, 2002Inventors: Ross S. Daharsh, Daniel Schreiber, Paul N. Stoving, Dan G. Marginean
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Patent number: 6448884Abstract: A circuit breaker includes: a heating portion charged with heating agent and having a conductivity which is arranged between a first connecting terminal connected to a power source side and a second connecting terminal connected to a load side; an ignition portion for causing the heating agent charged in the heating portion to generate heat by igniting an ignition agent; an expandable/contractable elastic member arranged near the heating portion or in contact with the heating portion and pressing the heating portion; an outer container receiving the elastic member, the ignition portion and the heating portion; a pressing operation restricting member preventing the elastic member from being pressed to the heating portion which is melted due to heat of the heating agent; and a heat conduction member bringing any one of the first connecting terminal and the second connecting terminal into contact with the ignition portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2000Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Noboru Yamaguchi, Hideo Takahashi
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Patent number: 6449137Abstract: In a multiple break contact device for electrical switchgear the fixed contacts of the switching device are mounted in such a way that they can move linearly along an axis. The multiple break contact device has improved resistance to erosion.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2000Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: Moeller GmbHInventors: Norbert Roesner, Michael Wohlang
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Patent number: 6448881Abstract: An actuating device (22) operated by a hookstick (12) is attached to a manually operated fused cutout switch (10) or a oil circuit recloser switch (22). The device (22) is readily clamped to a ring (14) of the switch with a locking member (30) and a cantilever (24), each defining a boss or raised portion (34) and (60, 64, selectively for the cantilever), which bosses are disposed within the ring (14) to bear against an inner surface of the ring. A fastener (40) secures the locking member (30) and the cantilever (24) together. The hookstick (12), being engaged in the receptacle (48, 50), moves the actuating device (22) to alternatively open or close the switch. An alternate embodiment of the cantilever and a method of actuating a manually operated switch are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2000Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: Taylor-Maddox Technical, Inc.Inventor: David G. Taylor
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Patent number: 6445559Abstract: A handle assembly and an alignment member are mounted on a joining structure that fixedly joins a pair of circuit breakers together. A support assembly is mounted in a cassette that removably receives the circuit breakers and joining structure. The support assembly includes a support bar that is moveable between an inward position and an outward position and that provides vertical support to the joining structure and to the circuit breakers to resist sagging of the circuit breakers at the joining structure to facilitate alignment of the circuit breakers with the cassette and installation of the circuit breakers therein. The handle assembly includes a handle that is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2000Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Norman J. Phillips, Paul A. Taylor, Robert L. Gottardi
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Patent number: 6445558Abstract: The power supply tuning circuit in accordance with the present invention is provided with a plurality of power supply circuits. Each power supply circuit includes a latch circuit. The latch circuit records a tuning signal. The recorded tuning signal causes the corresponding transistor to switch on/off. In this manner, pseudo-tuning is performed. After a tuning signal is supplied to the latch circuit, the tuning signal is supplied to another power-supply circuit. Thus, pseudo-tuning can be preformed simultaneously for a plurality of power supply circuits.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1998Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasuhiro Matsumoto, Mikio Sakurai
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Patent number: 6445555Abstract: Circuitry detects a quench in a superconducting magnet and discharges the superconducting magnet into a load, such as a utility system, at a substantially constant voltage. The circuitry can be an inverter, arranged between the superconducting magnet and the load, which may operate in overload mode during discharge. Discharging occurs until the amount of energy in the superconducting magnet is below a predetermined level.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1999Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Assignee: American Superconductor CorporationInventors: Warren Elliott Buckles, Douglas C. Folts
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Patent number: 6442011Abstract: A Hall effect sensor is transported to and away from a conductor to vary the sensitivity range of the sensor to current flow in the conductor. The device comprises a bracket supported on the conductor which holds a jack screw. At the lower end of the jack screw is a sensor block which holds the Hall effect sensor. The sensor block translates in a slide guide of the bracket, but is prevented from rotating. At the upper end of the jack screw is a knob for rotating the jack screw. Rotating the jack screw causes the sensor block to slide closer or farther from the conductor, which varies its sensitivity in measuring a magnetic field generated by a current in the conductor.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2000Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Farshid Attarian, Joseph Criniti, Alberto A. Figueroa, Javier Ignacio Larranaga, Esteban Santos
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Patent number: 6433986Abstract: An electrical board is provided which includes a switch pattern disposed in a device or apparatus such as a camera, for example, for receiving an operation input in response to an operation from the exterior, and a connection land portion formed to be continuous with the switch pattern. Further, an electrical board device is provided which uses first electrical board as a first electrical board, and which further includes a second electrical board having a different switch pattern formed in a position different from the switch pattern of the first electrical board and connected to the connection land portion of the first electrical board. Thus, devices having different external appearances can be attained even if the devices require the same specification, and the board space can be efficiently used and the board itself can be made small.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2000Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideaki Matsuoto, Tatsuya Suzuki, Tatsuo Takanashi
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Patent number: 6433988Abstract: An apparatus comprises a protection group. The protection group includes components, a signal bus, including segments and connectors, that couple the components. The components also include a plurality of working components, and a protection component. Each connector is included in a working component. Each segment couples two adjacent components. The signal bus is terminated by the protection component. A method comprises generating a first signal from a plurality of working components. The first signal is analyzed by a protection component to determine if any working component is improperly functioning. The protection component transmits a second signal to the plurality of the working components to turn off an improperly functioning working component. Data signals are routed by coupling the improperly functioning working component through a signal bus to the protection component. The data signals are processed by the protection component.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1997Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.Inventors: Gregory D. Lowe, Dale Moore
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Publication number: 20020105771Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing, separable contacts, an operating mechanism having a pivotally mounted operator handle for opening and closing the separable contacts, and a trip mechanism releasing the operating mechanism to move the operator handle to its tripped position. A micro-switch includes an actuator lever movable between an actuated position and a non-actuated position and adapted to engage a surface of the operator handle. The micro-switch also includes a normally open contact having a closed state corresponding to the actuated position and an open state corresponding to the non-actuated position. The operator handle surface engages and moves the actuator lever to the actuated position in only the ON position of the operator handle. The actuator lever is in the non-actuated position in the OFF position and the tripped position of the operator handle.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2001Publication date: August 8, 2002Inventors: Kevin Anthony Simms, Jeffery Wayne Lockhart, Wayne Gerald Adamson
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Publication number: 20020105770Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a set of main separable contacts, an operating mechanism for operating the main separable contacts, a set of secondary separable contacts in series with the main separable contacts, and a solenoid mechanism for operating the secondary separable contacts. A first auxiliary switch is responsive to the operating mechanism, and a second auxiliary switch, electrically connected to the first auxiliary switch, is responsive to the solenoid mechanism. An input terminal for a control voltage is electrically connected to the first and second auxiliary switches. A first diode is electrically connected with a forward polarity between the first auxiliary switch and an output terminal. A second diode is electrically connected with a reverse polarity between the second auxiliary switch and the output terminal.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2001Publication date: August 8, 2002Inventors: Daniel Ray Seese, Wayne Gerald Adamson, James Leo Lagree, Joseph Jacob Matsko
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Patent number: 6426860Abstract: The present invention provides for a device for holding a substrate in an exposure system. In the exposure system, the substrate is positioned on a table movable in the X and Y coordinates of an X, Y plane, and the exposure system provides a metering assembly between a table surface and the substrate to adjust the distance and to align the substrate in relation to an exposure optics, from where a corpuscular radiation is directed right-angled onto a substrate surface, corresponding to the Z coordinate. The device for holding the substrate includes two mounting plates aligned parallel to the X, Y plane, adjusted upon the table in a direction to the exposure optics and with different distances to the table surface, the first mounting plate of which being directly connected to the table.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2000Date of Patent: July 30, 2002Assignee: Leica Microsystems Lithography GmbHInventors: Gerhard Schubert, Ulf-Carsten Kirschstein, Stefan Risse, Gerd Harnisch, Gerhard Kalkowski, Volker Guyenot
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Patent number: 6421217Abstract: An accessory includes a trip arm biased by a spring to pivot in a clockwise direction about a trip arm pivot. A latch is arranged to pivot about a latch pivot and has the trip arm acting on a latch surface on the latch to bias the latch in a counter clockwise direction about the latch pivot. An electromechanical device including a plunger acts on the latch pulling it clockwise about the latch pivot. When a signal is provided to the electromechanical device, the plunger is released allowing the trip arm to pivot clockwise about the trip arm pivot due to the spring and actuates the operating mechanism. To reset the trip arm and the latch, a reset lever is arranged to pivot about the latch pivot. The reset lever includes a tab portion configured for interfacing the operating mechanism, and a drive portion for interfacing the trip arm. This, when the operating mechanism is reset, a portion extending from an operating handle interfaces the tab portion to pivot the reset lever clockwise about the latch pivot.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2000Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Roger N. Castonguay, James L. Rosen
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Patent number: 6421216Abstract: An overcurrent protection system giving rapid response to relatively small overcurrents has a sensor element and an interruption element in series between a power source and a load. The sensor element is functionally linked to the circuit interruption element via a control element. When current exceeds a predetermined amount, the sensor element transfers heat to the control element which causes the circuit interruption element to change from a conducting state to a non-conducting fault state. The control element may include a PTC device.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2000Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Assignee: EWD, LLCInventors: Inho Myong, Michael Brown, Douglas A. Burcicki, Glen A. DeGrendel
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Publication number: 20020080546Abstract: A new and improved apparatus is disclosed that would cut power in an automobile immediately after an accident. The apparatus would in effect be an electrical circuit breaker that would be connected to the battery, with the electrical circuit breaker programmed to automatically cut power to the battery after an accident. Many times, after vehicle accidents, fuel is spilled. When this occurs, the spilled fuel poses a great danger of ignition, especially if power still remains in the vehicle. All it would take would be an accidental spark or contact with a charged part of the vehicle, and the spilled fuel would ignite and cause substantially more damage than an automobile accident alone would create. By including a circuit breaker in conjunction with the battery, the circuit breaker would automatically cut power to the battery after an accident and greatly reduce the chance of a fire starting from any spilled fuel that might be present.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2001Publication date: June 27, 2002Inventor: Peter Zdziech
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Patent number: 6411190Abstract: A current sensor 73 detects a current flowing through a first buss bar 11. When a current value detected by the current sensor 73 became equal to or greater than a threshold current value, a CPU 74 outputs a driving control signal to a driving circuit 77, and the driving circuit 77 operates an, ignitor 29 through a second substrate 65 and a terminal 50. Therefore, the ignitor 29 ignites, a second projection 41 is melted by heat of a heating agent 27, a compression spring 34 is expanded and a thermite case 26 jumps up. Thus, electrical connection between the thermite case 26 and the first and second buss bars 11, 19 is interrupted.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2000Date of Patent: June 25, 2002Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Noboru Yamaguchi, Takashi Gohara, Yasuhiro Tamai, Hideo Takahashi, Mitsuaki Morimoto, Yoshinori Ikuta