With Differential Sensing In A Single Phase System Patents (Class 361/45)
  • Patent number: 11923796
    Abstract: An apparatus for switching and/or protection of a load connected to said apparatus, said apparatus (1) comprising: a power switch (5) through which the connected load receives an electrical current; a sensor component (4) connected in series with said power switch (5) and adapted to generate directly an electrical voltage drop corresponding to a current rise speed of the electrical current flowing via the sensor component (4) and via the power switch (5) to said load; and a driver circuit (6) adapted to detect an occurring overcurrent depending on a voltage drop generated by said sensor component (4) with or without a voltage drop along the power switch (5) and to switch off said power switch (5) upon detection of an overcurrent within a switch-off period to protect said power switch (5) and said load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Future Systems Besitz GmbH
    Inventors: Philipp Steinberger, Hubert Lenker, Peter Spiel
  • Patent number: 11899045
    Abstract: A system and method for calibrating a capacitor voltage sensor that measures voltage on a power line coupled through a switch to a primary coil of a transformer. The method includes measuring a control voltage on a secondary coil of the transformer and measuring voltage on the capacitor sensor when the switch is known to be closed. The method identifies a calibration factor that when multiplied by the measured voltage on the capacitor sensor when the switch is closed makes the measured voltage on the capacitor sensor substantially equal to the control voltage. The method subsequently measures voltage on the capacitor sensor when the switch is open or closed during operation of the transformer, and multiplies the subsequently measured voltage on the capacitor sensor when the switch is open or closed by the calibration factor to obtain a measured voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: S&C Electric Company
    Inventor: David G. Porter
  • Patent number: 11874339
    Abstract: In an insulation resistance detection apparatus, a voltage determiner determines whether a detection voltage, which has changed by at least a preset value, becomes stable at around a changed voltage value. A resistance determiner determines a value of an insulation resistance between a ground portion and a power-supply path based on a currently sampled value of the detection voltage instead of a moving average in response to determination that the detection voltage, which has changed by at least the preset value, becomes stable at around the changed voltage value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryota Kubokawa, Masakazu Kouda, Toru Wakimoto, Yusuke Shindo, Akira Sumi
  • Patent number: 11867761
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a safety fault interrupter circuit. The safety fault interrupter circuit includes a safety fault monitor coupled to a first bias node and configured to selectively assert a fault interrupter signal based at least in part on a first bias voltage and a first power consumption. The safety fault interrupter circuit also includes a power fault monitor for the safety fault monitor, wherein the power fault monitor is coupled to a second bias node and is configured to selectively assert the fault interrupter signal based at least in part on a second bias voltage and a second power consumption that is less than the first power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Robert Mason Hanrahan
  • Patent number: 11852662
    Abstract: Provided are embodiments for circuit for detecting an open-wire condition for a differential input. Embodiments include a sensor, and a line replaceable unit (LRU) coupled to the sensor, wherein the LRU comprises a differential amplifier to provide a sensor output. Embodiments can also include a synchronous demodulator coupled to an output of the differential amplifier through an alternating current (AC) coupling network, wherein the synchronous demodulator is configured to receive the differential amplifier output and a reference signal at the synchronous demodulator signal input and reference input, and provide a synchronous demodulator output voltage to indicate an open-wire condition. Also provided are embodiments of a method for detecting an open-wire condition for a differential input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventor: Gordon Elliott Winer
  • Patent number: 11831150
    Abstract: A temporary power delivery system includes a power source, a booth stringer, and a portable GFCI device. The GFCI device is receives current from the power source by a first terminal and delivers current to the booth stringer by a second terminal. An electronic processor of the GFCI device compares a combined magnitude of current flowing through first and second phase conductors of the GFCI device to a magnitude of current flowing through a neutral conductor of the GFCI. The electronic processor also compares a first voltage between the first phase conductor and neutral conductor to a second voltage between the second phase conductor and neutral conductor. A circuit breaker of the GFCI device is opened if a difference between the combined magnitude of phase conductor current and neutral conductor current exceeds a first threshold or a difference between the first voltage and second voltage exceeds a second threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Roy Itzler, Nicole Gay
  • Patent number: 11831139
    Abstract: Circuit interrupting devices are provided. One circuit interrupting device includes a fault sensor configured to output a sensor signal; a voltage sensor configured to sense a reference voltage; and a controller configured to determine an occurrence of an actual fault based on the sensor signal and the reference voltage. The circuit interrupting device further includes an amplifier configured to receive the sensor signal and the reference voltage and output an amplified signal; an analog-to-digital converter configured to receive the reference voltage and the amplified signal and output respective digital signals corresponding to the reference voltage and the amplified signal; and a line interrupt assembly configured to interrupt current flow through a conductive path when a characteristic of the sensor signal exceeds an actual fault threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: LEVITON MANUFACTURING CO., INC.
    Inventor: Michael Ostrovsky
  • Patent number: 11831149
    Abstract: To recognize a fault in an arrangement including a transformer having a primary winding connected in series with a DC voltage line and a secondary winding coupled magnetically to the primary winding, and including an evaluation unit that processes a secondary signal on the secondary winding, a signal component at at least one frequency is determined from the secondary signal and a signal level of the signal component is compared with a signal threshold. The fault is detected when the signal level falls below the signal threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: FRONIUS INTERNATIONAL GMBH
    Inventors: Bernd Hofer, Stefan Breuer, Christian Fasthuber, Walter Spitzer, Andreas Hofer
  • Patent number: 11830692
    Abstract: A state of a tripping solenoid in a circuit breaker is determined by a primary coil and a secondary coil wound around a hollow body of a solenoid. The secondary coil is positioned within magnetic coupling distance from the primary coil and is configured to produce a sensing voltage based on the primary coil voltage. A ferromagnetic plunger positioned in the hollow body, is configured to slide axially to a tripped position to trip the circuit breaker when a trip voltage is applied to the primary coil. A plunger position detecting circuit connected to the secondary coil, is configured to detect the position of the plunger in the hollow body of the solenoid based on the sensing voltage. A reduction or absence of the sensing voltage indicates a faulty or broken connection in the primary coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonardo Rangel Martinez, Skylar Frances Wetzel, Juan Ignacio Melecio Ramirez
  • Patent number: 11821940
    Abstract: A tester apparatus is described. Various components contribute to the functionality of the tester apparatus, including an insertion and removal apparatus, thermal posts, independent gimbaling, the inclusion of a photo detector, a combination of thermal control methods, a detect circuitry in a socket lid, through posts with stand-offs, and a voltage retargeting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: AEHR TEST SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Jovan Jovanovic, Kenneth W. Deboe, Steven C. Steps, Scott E. Lindsey
  • Patent number: 11799279
    Abstract: A ground fault sensing circuit system includes a current transformer having a first winding and a second winding on opposite halves of the current transformer, outputting first and second signals, each winding coupled to a processor that determines information about respective currents in conductors monitored by the current transformer, based on a combination of the first and second signals. In another embodiment, the current transformer has a third winding wrapped continuously around both halves of the current transformer, overlapped with the first and second windings, the third winding outputting a third signal coupled to the processor, which determines information about respective currents in conductors monitored by the current transformer, based on a combination of the first, second, and third signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy D. Schroeder, Juan Ignacio Melecio
  • Patent number: 11764551
    Abstract: A multipolar electrical protection system including a plurality of devices for switching an electric current. Each switching device has a plurality of compartments each comprising an extinguishing chamber and a pair of separable electrical contacts that are connected to upstream and downstream connection terminals, the separable electrical contacts being movable between open and closed positions under the action of a tripping device. The switching devices are separate from one another, while the upstream terminals of each device are connected by a first connector in order to keep them at one and the same electrical potential and the downstream terminals of each device are connected by a second connector in order to keep them at one and the same electrical potential. The switching devices are controlled by one and the same common tripping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventors: Marc Rival, Cyril Domenech, Stéphane Dye, Daniel Rota
  • Patent number: 11754655
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are described for calibration of a current transformer. In some examples, one or more electrical elements may be affected in order to set a calibration of the current transformer. A calibration circuit of the current transformer may be permanently or non-permanently affected according to a calibration code in order to set the calibration of the current transformer. For example, one or more fuses may be burned to lock in a certain configuration of the current transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Solaredge Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: David Braginsky, Dor Yairi, Ilan Yoscovich
  • Patent number: 11726125
    Abstract: A main electrical cabling is subject to variations in ambient temperature over its length. A detection system for detecting a fault in the main electrical cabling able to cause a serial arc, or heating within a connection, includes a monitor electrical cabling placed alongside the main electrical cabling and a controllable current generator injecting, at the input of the monitor electrical cable, a current proportional to the current flowing through the main electrical cabling. The main and monitor sets of electrical cabling being joined at the output, an electronic circuitry measures the difference between the electrical potential at the input of the main electrical cabling and that at the input of the monitor electrical cabling and detects a fault in the main electrical cabling when the difference of the electrical potentials exceeds a predefined threshold. A fault in the main electrical cabling is detected despite the variations in temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Airbus Operations (S.A.S.)
    Inventor: Patrick Oms
  • Patent number: 11721508
    Abstract: Ground-fault circuit interrupter positioned between energy controlled supply circuit and load circuit which includes fault detection circuit that senses ground path current leakage to the load circuit, fault processing circuit that detects presence of fault and generates fault output signal when fault detected, and control circuit switch connected to fault processing signal output, wherein control circuit switch is opened by presence of fault output signal, thus isolating load circuit from supply circuit. Preferably fault processing circuit and control circuit are optically linked, such that when fault is detected, control circuit switch is opened by optical fault output signal, thus isolating load circuit from the supply circuit. Circuit interrupter may couple another circuit interrupter via power distribution control unit, optionally manageable remotely via automated control interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Inventors: Mark Telefus, Stephen C. Gerber
  • Patent number: 11705714
    Abstract: A switching apparatus includes first and second electric terminals, and first and second electric branches comprising one or more switching devices. The second electric branch is electrically connected in parallel with said first electric branch between said first and second electric terminals. The switching apparatus comprises a current blocking circuit adapted to block a current along said second branch. The current blocking circuit includes a first switching device of solid-state type and a first electronic circuit electrically connected in parallel to said first switching device of solid-state type. The switching apparatus further comprises a current limiting circuit adapted to limit a current flowing along said second electric branch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Thorsten Strassel, Antonello Antoniazzi, Markus Abplanalp, Thierry Delachaux
  • Patent number: 11685269
    Abstract: A detection device includes a detection mat having a plurality of detection coils, and at least one pair of groups of detection coils, the pair of groups of detection coils includes first and second groups of detection coils. The first and second group of detection coils comprises first and second first and second impedance values. The detection device includes one or more drive sub-systems and a comparison sub-system. The drive sub-systems are operatively coupled to the detection mat and configured to excite at least one pair of groups of detection coils. The comparison sub-system is operatively coupled to the detection mat and configured to receive a differential current signal from the pair of groups of detection coils, the comparison subsystem is configured to generate a control signal based on the differential current signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Viswanathan Kanakasabai, Deepak Aravind, Suma Memana Narayana Bhat, Adnan Kutubuddin Bohori
  • Patent number: 11681310
    Abstract: An arc detection and intervention system for a solar energy system. One or more arc detectors are strategically located among strings of solar panels. In conjunction with local management units (LMUs), arcs can be isolated and affected panels disconnected from the solar energy system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Tigo Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Eizips, Shmuel Arditi
  • Patent number: 11581726
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a self-check chip of a leakage protector. The self-check chip includes a power-on reset circuit, used for resetting the self-check chip after being powered-on; a reference voltage module, used for providing a reference voltage for a comparator module; a bias circuit, used for providing direct-current bias for the reference voltage module, the comparator module and a ring oscillator; the comparator module, used for monitoring an open-circuit condition of a trip coil and the change of a thyristor anode voltage and generating a power frequency clock; the ring oscillator, used for providing a clock for a counting module and a digital processing module; the counting module, used for generating a self-check signal, a leakage trigger signal, a PHASE pin detection signal and a reset signal of the counting module and the digital processing module; a trip enabling signal generation module; and the digital processing module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: ZHEJIANG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Yan Han, Mohan Yu, Zhijie Cheng
  • Patent number: 11575255
    Abstract: A temporary power delivery system includes a power source, a booth stringer, and a portable GFCI device. The GFCI device is receives current from the power source by a first terminal and delivers current to the booth stringer by a second terminal. An electronic processor of the GFCI device compares a combined magnitude of current flowing through first and second phase conductors of the GFCI device to a magnitude of current flowing through a neutral conductor of the GFCI. The electronic processor also compares a first voltage between the first phase conductor and neutral conductor to a second voltage between the second phase conductor and neutral conductor. A circuit breaker of the GFCI device is opened if a difference between the combined magnitude of phase conductor current and neutral conductor current exceeds a first threshold or a difference between the first voltage and second voltage exceeds a second threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Roy Itzler, Nicole Gay
  • Patent number: 11557918
    Abstract: A wall outlet inductive charger includes a base connected to a set of terminals for receiving power supply conductors. A faceplate is connected to the base. The faceplate includes a charging portion. A device support extends from the faceplate. A charger housing is connected to the base and positioned between the base and the faceplate. A charging pad including an inductive coil is positioned in the charger housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Sorin Mortun
  • Patent number: 11509127
    Abstract: A device, system, and method is disclosed for improving safety of a power system. For example, a differential current may be detected using at least one sensor by temporarily enabling sampling of current flowing through one or more conductors. Additionally, current flow may be temporarily altered in order to sample current in a system. The measurements may be handled locally and/or remotely and appropriate actions may be taken to enhance the overall safety of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: SolarEdge Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Tzachi Glovinsky, Ilan Yoscovich
  • Patent number: 11476662
    Abstract: An arrangement contains a polyphase transformer which has primary windings and secondary windings. The secondary windings are connected to form a star circuit, the star point of which is connected to earth potential by means of an overvoltage-limiting device. The overvoltage-limiting device has a first overvoltage-limiting component. A switch, which electrically bridges the first overvoltage-limiting component in its closed state, is assigned to the first overvoltage-limiting component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Siemens Energy Global GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Torsten Priebe, Christian Schacherer, Roland Schuster
  • Patent number: 11469556
    Abstract: Current leakage interrupter, having a shell consisting of an upper shell and a lower shell, a PCB inside the shell, a detection device and a trip device mounted to the PCB, power lines electrically connected to the trip device through the detection device, and pins electrically connected to the trip device. The lower shell has pin holes; front ends of the pins extend out of the pin holes. A reverse hook is provided at an inner side of the lower shell at an edge of each pin hole to fix onto a first side of a rear end of a corresponding pin; a second side of the rear end of each pin is extended and bended into a bended portion; a supporting seat is also provided at the inner side of the lower shell at the edge of each pin hole to support the bended portion of the corresponding pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Inventor: Hin Yeung Li
  • Patent number: 11444448
    Abstract: An leakage current detection and protection device includes a leakage current detection module for detecting a leakage current on the power supply lines and generating a detection feedback signal in response thereto, a self-test module for testing whether the leakage current detection module is faulty, and a trip module for disconnecting the power supply lines in response to the self-test fault signal. The self-test module includes a simulated leakage current trigger circuit for generating a simulated leakage current trigger signal, a simulated leakage current generating circuit for generating a simulated leakage current signal in response to the simulated leakage current trigger signal, a trigger signal turn-off module for turning off the simulated leakage current trigger signal in response to the detection feedback signal, and a fault signal generating module for detecting a fault in the leakage current detection module and generating a self-test fault signal in response thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Inventor: Chengli Li
  • Patent number: 11411259
    Abstract: The invention is directed to provide a battery pack in which a current sensor is eliminated and the whole size is reduced. In order to solve the problem described above, a battery pack of the invention includes a battery group in which a plurality of battery cells (lithium ion battery 11, 12) are connected in series, a resistor (bus bar 20) connected in series to the battery group, cell voltage detection lines (cell voltage detection lines 101 to 104) arranged at both ends of the battery cells (lithium ion battery 11, 12) and the resistor (bus bar 20), and a battery controller connected to the cell voltage detection lines (cell voltage detection lines 101 to 104), in which one cell voltage detection line (cell voltage detection lines 101 to 104) adjacent to the battery cell (lithium ion battery 11, 12) includes a terminal which is branched and connected to the battery controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: HITACHI ASTEMO, LTD.
    Inventors: Akihiro Machida, Tatsumi Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 11391768
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for in-situ determination of arc location within a radio-frequency (RF) waveguide. At least one pair of sound vibration transducers are coupled to positions within the waveguide from which data is collected. When a threshold level of voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) is exceeded, then transducer data is processed to determine time-of-flight (TOF), to then compare data between transducers, to identify the faster longitudinal component with speed of sound in the material of the waveguide, from which longitudinal position information about the arc is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: James Rosenzweig, Nathan Majernik
  • Patent number: 11391773
    Abstract: The present invention provides a semiconductor integrated circuit for detecting leakage current to determine whether an electric leakage occurs in an electric line based on an induced voltage input from a leakage current detection unit 20 installed in the electric line, and an earth, leakage circuit breaker having the semiconductor integrated circuit. A semiconductor integrated circuit 100 for detecting leakage current includes: a signal amplification unit 110 configured to amplify the induced voltage; an interruption determination unit 130 configured to compare an output voltage output from the signal amplification unit with a preset reference voltage, and output an interruption signal for interrupting a power supply to the electric line; a flare current stabilization (FCS) circuit 150 for a signal amplification unit connected to the signal amplification unit; and a flare current stabilization (FCS) circuit 170 for an interruption determination unit connected to the interruption determination unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: SUNNYIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Sun-Jung Kim
  • Patent number: 11385300
    Abstract: The line power and neutral conductors for a circuit interrupter such as a miniature circuit breaker, using ground fault sensing via a current transformer, are arranged as a rigid conductor formed from a flat plate and surrounding and holding an insulated flexible conductor when passing through the Ground Fault Interrupter current transformer. The rigid conductor can provide a shaped current path to maximize the effectiveness of the current transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis W. Fleege, Chad Mittelstadt, Randall J. Gass, Douglas P. Vanwaart, Jason Potratz
  • Patent number: 11373825
    Abstract: A circuit interrupting device with a temperature activated permanent lockout trip mechanism is provided. The temperature activated permanent lockout trip mechanism is located in close proximity to a section of conductor that generates heat. An energized first solenoid generates a magnetic force capable of moving an armature that unlatches a latch releasing a spring to open a main contactor removing power from an electrical circuit. The temperature activated permanent lockout trip mechanism upon reaching a predetermined temperature which is higher than the predetermined temperature threshold of the temperature sensing switch also generates a mechanical force capable of moving the armature that unlatches the latch releasing the spring to open the main contactor removing power from the electrical circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: SIEMENS INDUSTRY, INC.
    Inventors: Hugh T. Kinsel, Joselito Endozo, Russell Thomas Watford
  • Patent number: 11348743
    Abstract: The utility model discloses an automatic balance apparatus with a double-moving-contact spring leaf in a socket, which may ensure that two moving contacts are in good contact with corresponding stationary contacts. The automatic balance apparatus includes a lifting slide block, where the lifting slide block is provided with a lifting base below the spring leaf, a balance warped plate corresponding to an arrangement direction of moving contacts is movably disposed in the lifting base, and upward protruding portions are respectively disposed on two sides of the top surface of the balance warped plate. The utility model is particularly applicable to various ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: JIANGSU BAREP INTELLIGENCE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jiangang Chen, Xiaobo Zheng, Feng Zhao
  • Patent number: 11324542
    Abstract: A device is provided for generating RF power for an electrosurgical instrument, wherein the circuit provides the electrosurgical current according to a specified set of predefined parameters. The invention further includes at least one read and write RFID that reads information from a RFID tag. The circuit changes the parameters based on the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Inventors: Alan G Ellman, Alfredo Micalizzi
  • Patent number: 11264791
    Abstract: A protective wiring device disposed in an electrical distribution system, the device comprising: a plurality of line terminals comprising a line-side phase terminal and a line-side neutral terminal; a plurality of load terminals comprising a load-side phase terminal and a load-side neutral terminal; a line conductor electrically coupling the line-side phase terminal to the load-side phase terminal; a neutral conductor electrically coupling the line-side neutral terminal to the load-side neutral terminal; a controller configured to transmit wirelessly data derived from signals present on at least one of the line conductor or the neutral conductor and to receive wirelessly receive at least one command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony M. Testani, Joshua P. Haines, Thomas Cunningham
  • Patent number: 11228175
    Abstract: A DI-circuit breaker device includes a summation current converter for detecting fault currents in a phase conductor and a neutral conductor, and a detection device for detecting fault states of a protective ground conductor. The detection device detects the presence of a phase voltage on the protective ground conductor as a fault state. The detection device has a capacitive sensor which, when touched by a user, forms an electric capacitor with an impedance relative to ground potential. The detection device further has evaluating electronics adapted to determine a phase position by connecting the sensor to the phase conductor and, separately therefrom, to the neutral conductor. The evaluating electronics determine the absence of a phase voltage on the protective ground conductor when there is no voltage between the neutral conductor and the protective ground conductor when phase is present at the phase conductor. Further, a corresponding operating method is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Heinrich Kopp GmbH
    Inventor: Nicolas Schuck
  • Patent number: 11112444
    Abstract: Disclosed is an aircraft sensor fault detection system. The system includes a sensor system having a sensing apparatus to measure a parameter of an environment and a measurement circuit coupled to the sensing apparatus. The system includes a source of alternating current connected to the sensor system. The system further includes an alternating current measurement system that measures alternating current passing through the sensor system and indicates an error when a threshold based on a change in impedance of the sensing apparatus is exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gary M. McBrien, James A. Gosse
  • Patent number: 11108222
    Abstract: A neutral grounding resistor fault protection arrangement. The fault protection arrangement may include a neutral grounding resistor, the neutral grounding resistor comprising a ground end and a non-ground end; a sense circuit, coupled to the non-ground end of the neutral grounding resistor; and a neutral grounding monitor, coupled to the non-ground end of the neutral grounding resistor, the neutral grounding monitor comprising an injection signal generator, the injection signal generator arranged to generate a frequency of 240 Hz or greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Kristophor Jensen, Kip M. Larson, Cornelis Verhey
  • Patent number: 11095107
    Abstract: An electronic protection device (1) for a LV electric line (100) including one or more conductors (P, N), comprising: one or more pairs of electric contacts (2) electrically connectable with corresponding conductors of said electric line and adapted to be mutually coupled or decoupled, said electric contacts being coupled when said protection device is in a closed state and being decoupled when said protection device is in a tripped state or open state; a control unit (3) comprising a controller (31) including data processing resources, said controller being capable of testing the operating conditions of said electronic protection device; a signalling arrangement (7) including one or more signalling devices (71) driven by said controller. Said signalling arrangement comprises a first signalling device (71) adapted to provide light signals (L1, L2, L3) indicative of the operating conditions for said electronic protection device, when said electronic protection device is in a closed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Agostino Butti, Antonio Currá, Vittorio Cozzi
  • Patent number: 10958062
    Abstract: Current transformer circuit systems and methods dynamically switch a load. The current transformer circuit includes a current source circuit including at least one current transformer to produce a current output wave. A burden circuit includes at least one burden resistor and a voltage sensor, at least a portion of the current output wave to be passed through the burden resistor, and the voltage sensor to sense a voltage across the respective at least one burden resistor. A switch circuit includes at least one switch, the switch circuit coupled to the burden circuit. A microcontroller circuit includes a microcontroller, the microcontroller circuit coupled to a power circuit and the switch circuit, the microcontroller being configured to control the switch circuit to dynamically switch a secondary loading of the at least one current transformer between the burden resistor and a low resistance load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew E Carlson, Daniel J Bolda, Joseph A Johnson, David M Messersmith
  • Patent number: 10958063
    Abstract: Plug-on ground fault modules are configured with a housing and at least one ground fault terminal. The at least one ground fault terminal can be a rigid or semi-rigid member that is configured to slidably engage a circuit breaker terminal. The modules also include aground fault circuit coupled to the ground fault terminal and at least one printed circuit board in the housing with components of the ground fault circuit including at least one solenoid assembly coupled thereto with a respective magnetized or magnetic plunger member residing on or adjacent thereto, and at least one current transformer. The modules also include at least one collar assembly residing in the housing spaced apart from the solenoid assembly and plunger member that is arranged to be able to engage a lever in the circuit interrupter to delatch the circuit interrupter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Sandy Omar Jimenez, James Gerard Maloney, Rajesh Kumar Reddy Appal
  • Patent number: 10943310
    Abstract: An intelligent circuit breaker electrically is capable of being actuated and interfacing with a conventional circuit breaker. The intelligent circuit breaker includes a wireless transceiver for communicating with other intelligent circuit breakers, a breaker controller, memory, and a display. The memory may be used to temporarily store data of interest regarding the intelligent circuit breaker's status, power consumption, operating history, and the like. The intelligent circuit breaker may advantageously be constructed in a form factor which is compatible with standard circuit breaker panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Racepoint Energy, LLC
    Inventors: Robert P. Madonna, Siegmar K. Eschholz, Anna E. Demeo, William H. Dillon
  • Patent number: 10852326
    Abstract: The line power and neutral conductors for a circuit interrupter such as a miniature circuit breaker, using ground fault sensing via a current transformer, are arranged as a rigid conductor formed from a flat plate and surrounding and holding an insulated flexible conductor when passing through the Ground Fault Interrupter current transformer. The rigid conductor can provide a shaped current path to maximize the effectiveness of the current transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC USA, INC.
    Inventors: Dennis W Fleege, Chad Mittelstadt, Randall J Gass, Douglas P Vanwaart, Jason Potratz
  • Patent number: 10830832
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to directionality of events on line sensors for power lines. In an embodiment, a line sensor may include phase detection circuitry that detects a feature of an operating parameter of a power line prior to an occurrence of an event. The phase detection circuitry may provide a time associated with the feature. The line sensor may include sensor circuitry that sends an activation signal. The line sensor may include a controller that, upon receiving the activation signal, measures samples of the operating parameter. The line sensor may determine a relative direction of the event based on the plurality of times detected prior to the event and the measured samples of the operating parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Kei Hao, Naiden K. Spasov, Armando Guzman-Casillas
  • Patent number: 10826311
    Abstract: An alternating-current voltage detection circuit for detecting an alternating-current voltage from an alternating-current power source according to one or more embodiments may include: a rectification circuit that performs full-wave rectification on an alternating-current voltage from the alternating-current power source and supplies a rectified output to a load; a series circuit comprising a first capacitor and a second capacitor electrically connected in series between one end of the alternating-current power source and the ground terminal of the rectification element; a discharge circuit that causes the second capacitor to discharge such that an absolute value of dv/dt voltage does not reach a predetermined voltage, wherein the second capacitor is electrically connected to the ground terminal side of the rectification element; and a predetermined period generator that outputs a signal after an elapse of a predetermined period of time from stoppage of a discharge operation of the discharge circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: SANKEN ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Osamu Ohtake
  • Patent number: 10804693
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes an automatic test circuit configured to commence an automatic test at a predetermined time such that a test current propagates on a test conductor. The sensor assembly provides a sensor test output responsive to the test current only if both the differential transformer and the grounded neutral transformer are operative. A fault detector circuit is configured to generate a test detection signal in response to the sensor test output only if the fault detector circuit is operable and the at least one power supply is substantially charged. A device integrity evaluation circuit includes a timer that effects a tripped state when a time measurement exceeds a threshold, the test detection signal resetting the time measurement when properly wired before the time measurement exceeds the predetermined threshold but does not reset the time measurement when miswired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael F. McMahon, Kent R. Morgan
  • Patent number: 10788540
    Abstract: Implementations of fault detection circuits may include a first current transformer coupled to a second current transformer, a positive feedback circuit including the first current transformer, the second current transformer, a first switch, and one of a comparator, an amplifier, and an inverter. The circuit may also include a plurality of logic gates that may be coupled with the positive feedback circuit. The positive feedback circuit may be configured to oscillate upon detecting a ground neutral fault and to send a fault signal to the plurality of logic gates. The plurality of logic gates may be configured to analyze the fault signal and open the first switch. The plurality of logic gates may be further configured to identify whether the fault signal represents one of a true fault or a noise fault by analyzing the output of the positive feedback circuit after the first switch has been opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventors: Riley Beck, Rishi Pratap Singh
  • Patent number: 10770844
    Abstract: A leakage current protection plug includes a body formed by a top cover and a base, a moving assembly disposed in the body, and output wires. The moving assembly includes a control circuit board, and a detector assembly and a trip assembly disposed on the control circuit board, wherein power input insertion plates and power output moving contact arms are assembled with the moving assembly. Each output moving contact arm is formed integrally and fixed to the detector assembly, and the output ends of the output moving contact arms are directly connected to the output conductor wires. The device has a simple overall structure and can be reliably assembled. By using integrally formed output moving contact arms to directly couple the input and output, it improves the accuracy of the leakage current detection parameters, reduces internal transfers and solder points, and reduces the size and cost of the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Chengli LI
    Inventor: Chengli Li
  • Patent number: 10746808
    Abstract: An electric leakage detecting device using a middle point grounding method in which detection current flowing in the resistors as well as sensitivity for detecting current is kept low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masaji Haneda
  • Patent number: 10673224
    Abstract: An arc fault detection arrangement for a DC electric bus, the DC electric bus having a plurality of electric lines adapted to electrically connect a source section and a load section of an electric apparatus, the arc fault detection arrangement including an arc fault detector adapted to receive and process detection signals indicative of AC currents flowing along the electric lines characterized in that it includes a current sensing device. The current sensing device includes: primary winding means including a plurality of first primary winding conductors adapted to be electrically connected in series with source portions and load portions of corresponding first line conductors of the electric lines; secondary winding means magnetically coupleable with the first primary winding means, the secondary winding means comprising at least a first secondary winding conductor electrically connected with the arc fault detector to provide the detection signals to the arc fault detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: ABB SCHWEIZ AG
    Inventor: Sauro Macerini
  • Patent number: 10622800
    Abstract: The line power and neutral conductors for an arc fault sensing circuit interrupter such as in a miniature circuit breaker are arranged as a rigid conductor surrounding and holding an insulated flexible conductor when passing through the Ground Fault Interrupter current transformer. Voltage metering takes place across the rigid conductor to enable arc fault detection and ground fault detection in the miniature circuit breaker within the space of a single current transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall J Gass, Jason Potratz, Dennis W Fleege
  • Patent number: 10569895
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for aircraft power distribution include a bipolar high voltage direct current source component; an electrical loading component capable of drawing electrical power from the bipolar high voltage direct current source component; a set of switching components configured to selectively couple power from the bipolar high voltage DC source component to the electrical loading and a ground fault interruption component coupled to the set of switching components. The ground fault interruption component is configured to detect a ground fault based on a sensed difference between a current flowing out of the set of switching components and back from the electrical loading component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: GE Aviation Systems Limited
    Inventor: Peter James Handy