High Voltage Dissipation (e.g., Lightning Arrester) Patents (Class 361/117)
  • Patent number: 8593774
    Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamically defending a site from lightning strikes are provided. The systems and methods involve dynamically altering electrostatic fields above the site and/or dynamically intervening in lightning discharges processes in the vicinity of the site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Thomas Allan Weaver, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
  • Patent number: 8531811
    Abstract: A hybrid surge protection device (SPD) having a clamping voltage that is controlled by precisely limiting the overshoot voltage of a gas discharge tube (GDT) in a hybrid suppression network. The suppression network is conventionally connected between a protected line carrying current from a power source to a load and a return connection. The network includes a main surge suppression varistor (VR1) connected in series with the GDT. A clamping control circuit in parallel with the network includes a voltage limiting device (VR2) in parallel with the GDT for preventing voltage overshoot by the GDT above a limiting voltage responsive to an occurrence on the protected line of a surge combination wave. The clamping control circuit also includes a capacitor (C1) connected in parallel with the VR1 providing a bypass path for electrical current and voltage potential to the GDT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventors: John Ruess, Gregory Hoepfner
  • Patent number: 8531812
    Abstract: A surge arrester has a varistor element. A first and a second armature body are pressed against the varistor element by way of a bracing device. At least one of the armature bodies has a shoulder on which a cross-member of the bracing device is supported. A tensioning leg is fitted to the cross-member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gundolf Barenthin, Erhard Pippert, Dirk Springborn, Markus Sulitze
  • Patent number: 8526157
    Abstract: A surge arrester includes a gas-filled closed arrester body that is formed by a first annular ceramic body and two electrodes at a distance from one another. A second annular ceramic body is arranged in the interior of the arrester body and is at a distance from the first ceramic body and has a physical height that is less than the physical height of the first ceramic body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: EPCOS AG
    Inventor: Gero Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 8520354
    Abstract: In a lamination type semiconductor device, in the case where a power source plane is wrapped by a closed area to prevent the needless radiation from being leaked to the outside of the semiconductor package, a planar conductor for shield having an area intersecting with the respective layers is required. However, in a device for manufacturing the lamination type semiconductor device, a process for manufacturing the above-mentioned conductor cannot be realized ordinarily. In order to make the process possible, it is required to modify or replace a manufacturing apparatus of the semiconductor device, and accordingly a manufacturing cost will be considerably increased. In the present invention, a guard ring is arranged in an surrounding area of a power source plane. The guard ring is connected to a GND plane of another layer through a via. Consequently, the RF radiation occurs between the power source plane and the guard ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Tadashi Shimizu
  • Patent number: 8507042
    Abstract: Systems and methods for discontinuously applying an insulating primer to a carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) component are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for mitigating electrical surface discharges from a CFRP component includes first applying an insulating primer to a metallic component. Next, an insulating primer is applied discontinuously to the CFRP component adjacent the metallic component. The discontinuous application of the insulating primer forms a primed portions and unprimed portions. The unprimed portions are configured to enable electrostatic dissipation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Aaron T. Purdy, Theresa N. Ward, J. Sidney Clements, Michael G. Anderson, Julie K. Bennett, Kevin D. Pate
  • Patent number: 8503150
    Abstract: The electrical interface protecting apparatus is coupled between the wall-outlet and connected equipment to solve the difficulty of keeping broadband over power line modems and connected equipment safe from lightning and power surges while at the same time functioning effectively. The apparatus includes a low pass filter to prevent symmetrical signals from being attenuated and also an electromagnetic interference filter to provide clean and safe power at another outlet while preventing noise generated by connected equipment from being injected into the power line. It also provides a grounding means which reduces the leakage current flowing into the earth ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Universiti Malaysia Pahang
    Inventor: Pak Chuen Chang
  • Publication number: 20130188291
    Abstract: An electrical stimulator line protector, comprising a case having an upper surface and a lower surface, the case configured for implantation in the scalp or other subcutaneous areas of a patient; a storage slot disposed between the upper surface and the lower surface of the case, the slot configured to allow at least one electrical line to coil therearound, the upper surface, the lower surface and the slot to thereby shield the line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventor: Arnold B. Vardiman
  • Patent number: 8493706
    Abstract: A semiconductor module and a data memory module having the same are provided. The semiconductor module includes a substrate having a semiconductor device, a ground terminal, a protection pattern, and a switching element. The ground terminal and the protection pattern are formed on the substrate. The switching element connects the ground terminal and the protection pattern in series. The switching element electrically connects the protection pattern and the ground terminal when a voltage applied to the substrate is beyond a set voltage range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Gwang-Man Lim
  • Publication number: 20130181457
    Abstract: A discharge apparatus for a wind turbine enables electric charge to be discharged between a first and a second part of the wind turbine rotatable relative to each other. It has a charge transfer unit electrically connected to the first part, and an electrically conductive slideway electrically connected to the second part. The charge transfer unit has a sliding member made of an electrically insulating material and maintains mechanical contact to the slideway; and a spark-gap electrode electrically connected to the first part and arranged to move in unison with the sliding member over the slideway. The spark-gap electrode and slideway thereby form a spark gap with a spark-gap width controlled. Discharging is enabled by sparks bridging the spark gap, whereas the first and second parts are electrically isolated from each other in the absence of a spark.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventors: Claus Grøn Lyngby, Hans V. Erichsen
  • Patent number: 8477468
    Abstract: A voltage suppression device for suppressing voltage surges in an electrical circuit having a voltage sensitive element within a tubular casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Mersen USA Newburyport-MA, LLC
    Inventors: Jerry L. Mosesian, Jean-Francois de Palma, Mark A. Radzim
  • Patent number: 8467163
    Abstract: An apparatus for protecting equipment connected to a high voltage direct current line comprises a current valve having at least one semiconductor device and a rectifying member connected in anti-parallel therewith. A surge arrester is configured to connect said current valve to said line, and a control unit is configured to control the current valve to conduct for draining current from the line to ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventor: Gunnar Asplund
  • Patent number: 8462481
    Abstract: An anti-lightning system for a composite structure having an external surface configured to be subjected to an air flow, the aforementioned system including at least one electrically conducting strip and fasteners attaching this strip to the aforementioned structure. According to the disclosed embodiments, with this structure including holes configured to accept the fastenings for the strip, at least some these fastenings comprise an attachment element that attaches the lightning to this structure. This attachment element is configured to be inserted in the hole with its upper part substantially flush with the external surface of the structure, this attachment element being in electrical contact with the electrically conducting strip. The electrically conducting strip is configured to be positioned on the opposite side of the structure to the external surface and electrically earthed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations (SAS)
    Inventors: Charles Lambert, Christophe Bernus, Jacques Fournie, Jean-Claude Marty
  • Patent number: 8456787
    Abstract: Bus container 1 of cylindrical shape is filled with insulating gas and main circuit conductor 2 is housed with bus container 1 in taut condition. Bus container 1 has flange 3. Current transformer container 4 is installed adjacently to bus container 1. Current transformer container 4 includes inner cylinder 5 and outer sealing member 6. On the periphery of inner cylinder 5, three current transformers 11 are provided interposing insulative cushioning material 10. Other longitudinal end of inner cylinder 5 and bus container 1 are arranged so that insulation gap 9 is formed in between. Between inner cylinder 5 and outer sealing member 6 on insulation gap 9 side, varistor 15 of which resistance varies depending on a applied voltage is electrically connected through bonding conductor 16. Varistor 15 turns into a conducting state when a surge voltage over a predetermined intensity is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Rei Henmi, Kyuji Yaginuma
  • Patent number: 8456789
    Abstract: A tunable coaxial surge arrestor includes an inner conductor within a bore of an outer body of the coaxial surge arrestor. An inner end of a stub is coupled with the inner conductor. The stub is also coupled with the outer body at a selectable location along the length of the stub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Andrew LLC
    Inventors: Kendrick Van Swearingen, Albert Cox
  • Patent number: 8456790
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a wind-power generating system 10 includes: a lightning protecting device including a receptor 70 provided on a blade surface and a lightning conductor 73 grounding the receptor 70; an airflow generating device 60 provided on the blade surface and including first and second electrodes 61, 62 separated via a dielectric 63; a discharge power source 65 including switches 90, 91 able to connect the first and second electrodes 61, 62 to output terminals 84, 85 respectively and a switch 92 able to connect the first or second electrode 61, 62 to a grounding conductor 100; and a thundercloud detecting device detecting information regarding thundercloud approach. When the information regarding the thundercloud approach is detected, the second electrode 62 is connected to the grounding conductor 100 and the first and second electrodes 61, 62 are disconnected from the output terminals 84, 85.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Motofumi Tanaka, Naohiko Shimura, Shohei Goshima, Hisashi Matsuda, Hiroyuki Yasui, Toshiki Osako, Masahiro Asayama
  • Patent number: 8451575
    Abstract: Provided is a lightning arrester capable of previously discharging charges charged depending on an approach of lightning before the lightning occurs, thereby preventing the lightning. The lightning arrester includes: a conductive rod installed at an upper part of an object to be protected from lightning and connected to a ground part; an insulator coupled with one end of the rod; a charge pipe having a cylindrical shape with pin-shaped projections extending inward therefrom and in which space charges are charged; and a charge rod inserted into the charge pipe and connected in the middle of the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Uijae Electrical Research Institute
    Inventor: Young-Ki Chung
  • Patent number: 8446703
    Abstract: The invention relates to a surge arrester having at least one varistor block 1, one end fitting 3, one reinforcing element 9 which holds the varistor block 1 firmly on the end fitting 3 with a tensile load, and at least one anchoring element 27 which holds the reinforcing element 9 firmly on the end fitting 3 with a tensile load wherein the anchoring element 27 has at least one edge 29 which cuts into the reinforcing element 9. The anchoring element 27 is preferably a cutting-ring screw union.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Tridelta Uberspannungsableiter GmbH
    Inventors: Hartmut Klaube, Hubert Lauritsch
  • Patent number: 8436243
    Abstract: An anti-lightning system for a composite structure having an external surface liable to be subjected to an air flow, the aforementioned system including at least one electrically conducting strip and fasteners fastening the aforementioned strip to the structure, the aforementioned strip being electrically connected to an electrical earth for removing current. According the disclosed embodiments, the aforementioned strip has a shape intended to collaborate with a housing created at the aforementioned external surface so that the external surface of the strip lies flush with the aforementioned external surface of the structure, and the aforementioned fasteners include an upper part flush with the external surface of the strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations (S.A.S.)
    Inventors: Olivier Gattus, Charles Lambert, Jacques Fournie, Jean-Christope Loche, Mathieu Giraudineau, Gautier Destombes, Gilles Mercadier, Patrick Lieven, Damien Binaud
  • Publication number: 20130100570
    Abstract: A lightning current transfer assembly (2) for a wind turbine (1) is arranged to transfer lightning current from a wind-turbine part (8) to another part (8) rotatable relative to it. The assembly comprises at least one electric contact arrangement (11?, 11?) comprising complementary contact members (12a?, 12b?, 12a?, 12b?) which provide electric connection by mechanically contacting each other while being movable relative to each; a spark gap (4) connected in series with the movement-enabling contact arrangement (11?, 11?); and a spark-gap-bridging resistance (6) connected parallel to the spark gap (4). Thereby, the assembly provides at least two alternative current paths: (i) a lightning current path across the at least one electric contact arrangement and the spark gap, and (ii) a permanent-discharge current path across the at least one electric contact arrangement and through the spark-gap-bridging resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S
    Inventors: Claus Grøn Lyngby, Hans V. Erichsen
  • Patent number: 8428878
    Abstract: A lightning strike simulation apparatus includes a storage device for storing lightning strike data, a setting unit for setting a simulation target in a simulation space, a downward leader advancing unit for advancing a downward leader from a lightning strike start position set by the setting unit, an upward leader advancing unit for advancing upward leaders from lightning strike-receiving candidate points set in the simulation space when a distance between a leading edge of the downward leader and a reference point is within a first threshold value, and a lightning strike point determination unit for, when a distance between a leading edge of the downward leader and a leading edge of any one of the upward leaders is within a second threshold value, determining that the lightning strike-receiving candidate point corresponding to the any one of the upward leaders is a lightning strike point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takehiro Naka, Tsuyoshi Wakasa, Shinji Arinaga
  • Patent number: 8422188
    Abstract: An ESD protection device that has low capacitance, excellent discharge characteristics, and improved heat resistance and weather resistance is provided. A functional layer 31, which is a composite having a conductive inorganic material 33 discretely dispersed in a matrix of an insulating inorganic material 32, is disposed between electrodes 21 and 22 disposed on an insulating substrate 11 and facing but spaced apart from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Hirobe, Kensaku Asakura, Atsushi Hitomi, Takeshi Urano
  • Patent number: 8410955
    Abstract: A module with a radio transceiver device, an actuator, and an activation device. Also disclosed is a system comprising such a module and a central unit, and a method with such a module and a central unit and the activation device with the radio transceiver device. The radio transceiver device is coupled with the actuator and with an electrical energy source, and the activation device is constructed to feed electrical energy from the electrical energy source to the radio transceiver device and the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Enocean GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Schmidt, Andreas Schneider, Christian Bach
  • Patent number: 8405949
    Abstract: A current sensor for measuring the inhomogeneity of potential distribution of an arrester having a metal casing, a protection circuit of sampling resistor, a signal conditioning circuit, a signal acquisition circuit, an electro-optical conversion circuit, and a battery module. The signal acquisition circuit includes MSP430F149 micro controller unit having an A/D converter and a serial port. The current sensor is an active sensor, works in a high floating potential, and has a good real time response, high accuracy, low power consumption, good electromagnetic compatibility, and strong anti-interference capability even under harsh electromagnetic conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: China Electric Power Research Institute
    Inventors: Baoshan Wang, Xi Zhang, Lin Tang, Yi Xiong, Zhongqiu Zuo, Jinchao Jia, Li Chen
  • Patent number: 8400744
    Abstract: A module for a high voltage electronic circuit breaker that includes a power supply and related circuitry for suppressing high voltage transients. The power supply receives a range of voltages, such as up to 600V, and is powered from the line current instead of through a transformer, exposing the module electronics to potential voltage transients. A large capacitor is connected to the high voltage input for absorbing the energy of a voltage transient. Transient voltage suppressors are connected in parallel to the capacitor to absorb any further energy in the transient not absorbed by the capacitor. Inductors are series-connected with the high voltage input to present an impedance and inductance to the voltage transient, reducing the transient before it reaches the power supply. Inductors in the trip coil and the indicator coils also present an impedance and inductance to the transient, further enhancing protection against transients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry J. Zylstra, Steven M. Meehleder
  • Patent number: 8395876
    Abstract: A surge arrester is described which includes at least two electrodes. At least one of the electrodes includes a ventilation channel. The internal area of the surge arrester is connected to an external area of the surge arrester via the ventilation channel, wherein the ventilation channel is closed by means of a fusible element. The fusible element is preferably arranged at that end of the ventilation channel which faces the external area of the surge element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: EPCOS AG
    Inventors: Rainer Morczinek, Gero Zimmermann, Peter Bobert
  • Patent number: 8395875
    Abstract: A spark gap for protecting electronic circuits from excessive electrical surges comprises a substrate containing an opening, a dielectric medium occupying the opening, and first and second electrodes. The first electrode is embedded in the substrate, on one side of the opening, and has a first conductive surface that extends through the substrate and is substantially exposed in the opening and to the dielectric medium. The second electrode is embedded in the substrate, on another side of the opening, and has a second conductive surface that extends through the substrate and is substantially exposed in the opening and to the dielectric medium. The first conductive surface is in opposing relation to the second conductive surface, and they are spaced apart by a predetermined distance to establish a gap width. An electrical arc is generated across the opening when a voltage potential difference between the conductive surfaces exceeds a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: Andrew F. Tresness
  • Patent number: 8390976
    Abstract: A lightning proof device for filter has a lightning proof device provided between a signal source input end and a filtering system of the filter. The lightning proof device has a first and a second metal inducing sheets opposite to each other, a filtering capacitor being provided corresponding to the first metal inducing sheet. The first metal inducing sheet is connected with the signal source input end of the filter and a first electrode end of the filtering capacitor, and a second electrode end of the filtering capacitor with the filtering system of the filter. The second metal inducing sheet is connected to the ground end. A gap is formed between the first and the second metal inducing sheets. In this manner, surge signal is absorbed and released by the gap in preliminary stage and the residual surge energy is filtered and de-energized by the filtering capacitor in final stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Soontai Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun-Yi Li
  • Patent number: 8383944
    Abstract: A metal fitting integration type stress-relief cone is provided with a stress-relief cone which includes a cylindrical rubber-like elastic body on an outer circumference of a cable core and a metal fitting which surrounds the cable core and is integral with a low-voltage side of the stress-relief cone. The stress-relief cone is provided with a cylindrical semi-conducting body part at the low-voltage side and has a bell-mouthed electric-field stress-control part in an end of a high-voltage side, an insulating body part on the high-voltage side with a low-voltage side end concentric with the semi-conducting body part and a cylindrical insulation protective layer which is arranged continuously at the end of the low-voltage side of the insulating body part and is integral with the outer circumference of the semi-conducting body part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: SWCC Showa Cable Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisaya Takayasu, Nobuyuki Sema
  • Patent number: 8373065
    Abstract: An omnidirectional, external, lightning protection system which serves to minimize damage from lightning current and lightning electromagnetic impulse (LEMP). Embodiments of the present invention disclose a variety of individual structural components which may be rapidly assembled to form an air termination system, down conductor system, and earth termination system, according to established standards of lightning protection. The apparatus may be erected to protect a structure, area, or equipment and dismantled to its components parts when no longer required. The assembled structure may serve as a temporary or permanent protective structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Hidetaka Azuma
  • Patent number: 8367930
    Abstract: A grounding mechanism is used for an electronic device. The electronic device includes a housing and a battery cover. The grounding mechanism typically includes an elastic member including a main portion, a first bent portion, a second bent portion and a clamping portion. The main portion is attached to the housing. The first bent portion and the second bent portion respectively extend from two opposite ends of the main portion. The clamping portion extends from one side of the main portion, and includes two arms for clamping one part of the battery cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventor: Shi-Xu Liang
  • Patent number: 8358491
    Abstract: An exemplary over-voltage protection device used in an electronic device includes a housing capable of being grounded, a circuit board, a connecting member detachably attached to the circuit board and the housing to electrically connect the circuit board with the housing, and a protection member connected to the circuit board and circuitry of the electronic device. When an over-voltage is generated in the electronic device, the over-voltage is transmitted to the ground through the protection member, the circuit board, the connecting member, and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yang-Yuan Chen, Heng-Chen Kuo
  • Patent number: 8345400
    Abstract: A surge suppression circuit for a load control device allows the load control device to pass hipot testing, while providing improved protection of the load control device during surge events. The load control device comprises a load control circuit and a filter circuit for preventing noise generated by the load control circuit from being provided to an AC power source. The surge suppression circuit comprises a clamping device adapted to be electrically coupled across the AC power source, and first and second spark gaps coupled across the filter circuit for limiting the magnitude of the voltage generated by inductive components of the filter circuit. The filter circuit may comprise a common-mode choke, and two series-connected capacitor having their junction connected to earth ground. Alternatively, the filter circuit may additionally comprise a differential-mode choke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Dragan Veskovic
  • Patent number: 8345399
    Abstract: An electrical protection assembly for connection between an electrical power supply line and electrical equipment has an insulating mounting structure; a first arm connectable to a live conductor for connection to a fusible device at a first end and a voltage surge protection unit at a second end, pivotally attached to the mounting structure in a displaceable manner intermediate its ends; a first connection arrangement at the first end of the first arm for connection to the fusible device; and a second connection arrangement at the second end of the first arm for connection to the voltage surge protection unit. The assembly further includes first and second springs for urging the first arm relative to the mounting structure. The springs may urge the second connection arrangement towards the voltage surge protection unit and the first connection arrangement away from the fusible device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: The Trustees for the Time Being of the Philip Edward Lawrence Risi Trust
    Inventor: Philip Edward Lawrence Risi
  • Patent number: 8339759
    Abstract: A relocatable power tap that includes a surge protector. The surge protector provides three modes of transient voltage surge protection while limiting leakage current caused by the relocatable power tap to less than a current limit value (e.g., 100 micro-amperes [“?A”]). The surge protector includes a first transient voltage clamp connected between a line conductor and a neutral conductor, a second transient voltage clamp connected between the line conductor and a ground conductor, and a third transient voltage clamp connected between the neutral conductor and the ground conductor. The transient voltage clamps are, for example, varistors having non-linear current-voltage characteristics. In the presence of voltages that exceed the clamping threshold voltages of the transient voltage clamps, the transient voltage clamps are configured to conduct the current associated with the transient voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Trippe Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Eugene A. Weil
  • Patent number: 8331074
    Abstract: An electrical assembly having an elongated electrical component, such as a surge arrester, coupled to a grading device for distributing an electric field along the electrical component as a continuous operating voltage is applied to the electrical component. The grading device includes a grading body that is coupled to the electrical component. The grading body includes semi-conductive materials. The semi-conductive materials can be nonmetallic. The grading device has improved flashover resistance over conventional metal grading devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Chao Zhang, Jeffrey J. Kester, Charles W. Daley
  • Patent number: 8310800
    Abstract: A fault sensor is disclosed for detecting the failure of a surge suppression device such as a metal oxide varister (MOV). The fault sensor comprises a fault sensor conductive layer overlaying an insulated portion of the surge suppression device. A fault sensor connector is connected to the fault sensor conductive layer for conducting a fault current upon a failure of the insulated portion of the surge suppression device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Technology Research Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas S. Williams
  • Publication number: 20120282097
    Abstract: A lightning protection system for a wind turbine includes at least one insulated high-voltage cable, a pick-up unit and an additional insulated high-voltage cable. The at least one insulated high-voltage cable is electrically connected to a lightning receptor and to the pick-up unit. The pick-up unit is electrically connectable to an electrically grounded member by the additional insulated high-voltage cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventors: Bastian LEWKE, Kaj OLSEN
  • Patent number: 8305184
    Abstract: Surge arrester with a module 1, 3, 9, 25, which comprises a stack of varistor blocks 1, two end armatures, between which the stack of varistor blocks 1 is held, a plurality of reinforcing elements 9, which extend between the end armatures 3 and are fixed to said end armatures, the reinforcing elements 9 surrounding the stack of varistor blocks, and at least one stabilizing disc 25, which is arranged between two varistor blocks 1 in the stack and guides the at least one reinforcing element 9, and with an outer housing 5 with screens, in which outer housing the module is at least partially accommodated. In the case of the surge arrester according to the invention, the outer housing is designed in such a way that the module is accommodated without any gas, liquid or volumes or cavities therebetween. Furthermore, each of the stabilizing discs 25 is arranged in the region of one of the screens 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Tridelta Uberspannungsableiter GmbH
    Inventors: Hartmut Klaube, Hubert Lauritsche
  • Patent number: 8300378
    Abstract: One form of the invention provides a method and apparatus for preventing an extraordinary electromagnetic pulse from reaching and rendering inoperative an electrical component of an electrical power system, wherein the component is located in a conductive path of the system that receives the pulse. The method and apparatus comprises the steps or means for detecting the presence of the pulse in the conductive path prior to the pulse reaching and rendering inoperative the electrical component. The pulse is diverted around the electrical component with a low inductance, high current capacity circuit relative to the electrical component before the pulse can reach and render the electrical component inoperative. The foregoing invention may beneficially utilize a high-speed current shunt comprising a flat conductive metal strap having a defined current-measuring region, a tapered parallel-plate transmission-line matching transformer attached to the current-measuring region and an output via a coaxial cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Fusion Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Curtis A. Birnbach
  • Patent number: 8300379
    Abstract: The high-voltage insulator for securing a high-voltage conductor in an electrical plant or in an electric power line comprises an insulating core, the first end of which is used for mechanically connecting to a high voltage conductor and/or to its coupling elements, the second end being provided with a metal fastening element for fixing the insulator to a support, such as a tower. In order to impart lightning protection properties to the insulator, it is additionally provided with a multi-electrode system including m electrodes which are mechanically attached to the insulating core and are arranged between the ends thereof. The electrodes are disposed in such a way as to support a formation of an electric discharge between the adjacent electrodes, between the electrode adjacent to the first end of the insulating core and to the high voltage conductor or to said coupling elements, and between the electrode adjacent to the second end of the insulating core and the metal fastening element attached to the tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Otkrytoe Aktsionernoe Obschestvo “NPO Streamer”
    Inventor: Georgy Viktorovich Podporkin
  • Patent number: 8284536
    Abstract: A luminaire can comprise an electronic circuit, such as an LED driver or electronic ballast. A surge protection device in the current path between a power supply and the luminaire components can be configured to protect the electronic circuitry by absorbing and/or redirecting energy of a surge by switching into a low-impedance state while maintaining the protected circuitry (including its internal protective components, if any) in a high-impedance state. The surge protection device can comprise a MOV stage and a filter stage, for example. The surge protection device can be configured as a replaceable module, with the luminaire including an assembly designed to receive the module and allow for easy replacement over the useful life of the other components. Use of fuses or thermal components may cause the surge protection device to interrupt power flow if protection is lost due to internal failure, indicating when module replacement is needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: ABL IP Holding LLC
    Inventors: Michael M. Minarczyk, Robert Scites, Yaser Abdelsamed
  • Patent number: 8274356
    Abstract: A resistor includes a ceramic body, metal electrodes on sides of the ceramic body, each of which is connected to an electrode lead, and an insulating layer contacting a metal electrode among the metal electrodes. The insulating layer is meltable in response to heat. A conductive connector contacts the insulating layer above the metal electrode and is configured to short the metal electrodes when the insulating layer melts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: EPCOS (Zhuhai FTZ) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jifeng Qin, Dongjian Song, Shaoyu Sun
  • Patent number: 8246770
    Abstract: A method for reworking an electrically conductive layer of a composite skin is disclosed in which a patch replaces the altered section of the electrically conductive layer. The method is performed by removing a portion of the electrically conductive layer to reveal the underlying composite skin. A patch is formed, having an electrically conductive section coupled to an adhesive having a low dielectric breakdown strength, and is then introduced over the underlying composite skin such that the adhesive layer covers the underlying composite skin and overlaps an unremoved portion of the electrically conductive layer. The patch is applied such that the electrically conductive section within the patch covers the adhesive layer and overlaps the unremoved section of the electrically conductive layer. The adhesive layer preferably has a low dielectric breakdown strength, so that electricity from lightning which strikes the composite skin may be conducted through the adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Patrice Ackerman, Steven Blanchard, Daniel Kovach
  • Patent number: 8248740
    Abstract: One form of the invention provides a method and apparatus for preventing an extraordinary electromagnetic pulse from reaching and rendering inoperative an electrical component of an electrical power system, wherein the component is located in a conductive path of the system that receives the pulse. The method and apparatus comprises the steps or means for detecting the presence of the pulse in the conductive path prior to the pulse reaching and rendering inoperative the electrical component. The pulse is diverted around the electrical component with a low inductance, high current capacity circuit relative to the electrical component before the pulse can reach and render the electrical component inoperative. The foregoing invention may beneficially utilize a high-speed current shunt comprising a flat conductive metal strap having a defined current-measuring region, a tapered parallel-plate transmission-line matching transformer attached to the current-measuring region and an output via a coaxial cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Fusion Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Curtis A. Birnbach
  • Patent number: 8231751
    Abstract: A method for reworking an electrically conductive layer of a composite skin is disclosed in which a patch replaces the altered section of the electrically conductive layer. The method is performed by removing a portion of the electrically conductive layer to reveal the underlying composite skin. A patch is formed, having an electrically conductive section coupled to an adhesive having a low dielectric breakdown strength, and is then introduced over the underlying composite skin such that the adhesive layer covers the underlying composite skin and overlaps an unremoved portion of the electrically conductive layer. The patch is applied such that the electrically conductive section within the patch covers the adhesive layer and overlaps the unremoved section of the electrically conductive layer. The adhesive layer preferably has a low dielectric breakdown strength, so that electricity from lightning which strikes the composite skin may be conducted through the adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Patrice Ackerman, Steven Blanchard, Daniel Kovach
  • Patent number: 8232472
    Abstract: An early streamer emission terminal is disclosed. According to embodiments, the early streamer emission terminal creates an upward propagating streamer earlier than conventional lightning protection systems and/or devices. In particular, the early streamer emission terminal collects ground charges during an initial phase of thunderstorm development. When a thunderstorm begins to generate downward step leaders, the ambient electric field around a grounded lightning protection system induces current into the grounded lightning protection system. The induced current is a flow of negative charge toward the ground, while a positive charge is released to form an upward streamer. The construction of the early streamer emission terminal triggers the flow of positive upward charge microseconds earlier than traditional lightning rods or other similar devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Alltec Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher A. Bean, Woei Chiang Lee
  • Patent number: 8218776
    Abstract: A surge protection circuit acquires a surge signal from a left channel (LC) signal line and a right channel (RC) signal line. After the surge signal being transmitted on the LC signal line and the RC signal line is removed, an audio signal outputted from a signal input device is transmitted to an audio output device via the LC signal line and the RC signal line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun-Te Wu
  • Patent number: 8203819
    Abstract: An electrical protection component with a short-circuiting device includes a gas-filled surge arrester that includes at least two electrodes. Preferably, one electrode in each case is arranged at the ends of the surge arrester. The electrical protection component has a thermal short-circuiting device, wherein the thermal short-circuiting device includes a clip having at least two sections. At least a first section of the clip is attached to the surge arrester by snap action. At least a second section of the clip at least partly surrounds the first section and is spaced apart from the first section by means of a fusible element. The second section has a short-circuiting link at an end. The short-circuiting link electrically connects the electrodes of the surge arrester to one another in the case where the fusible element melts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: EPCOS AG
    Inventor: Peter Bobert
  • Patent number: 8199452
    Abstract: A surge arrester is connected in an output current path from an electrical power supply system. A cut-off arrangement is also provided in the output current path and has a first electrode and a second electrode. The second electrode has a recess in which at least part of a gas generator is arranged. The recess is covered by a cover. When the cut-off arrangement responds, an additional volume for accommodation of expanded gas is provided upon demand, in addition to an arcing area provided in the interior of the cut-off arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bernd Kruska, Kai Steinfeld