With More Than Two Wires Patents (Class 361/50)
  • Patent number: 11677361
    Abstract: The invention provides a radio frequency (RF) amplifier apparatus including an amplifier and a resonance circuit. An input terminal of the amplifier receives an RF signal. The amplifier amplifies a first frequency component of the RF signal and outputs the amplified first frequency component to an output terminal of the amplifier. A first terminal and a second terminal of the resonance circuit are respectively coupled to the input terminal and the output terminal of the amplifier. The resonance circuit provides a low impedance path for a second frequency component of the RF signal between the input terminal and the output terminal of the amplifier, and provides a high impedance path for the first frequency component of the RF signal between the input terminal and the output terminal of the amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: RichWave Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Chih-Sheng Chen, Ching Wen Hsu
  • Patent number: 11469590
    Abstract: A protection circuit is disclosed. The protection circuit includes a direct current (DC) blocking component electrically connected between a neutral of the transformer and a ground, and an overvoltage protection device electrically connected in parallel with the DC blocking component. The overvoltage protection device is constructed to repeatably and reliably provide overvoltage protection in response to a voltage at the transformer neutral above a threshold. The DC blocking component has an impedance below a predetermined value, thereby effectively grounding the neutral of the transformer. The DC blocking component is persistently maintained in connection to the transformer neutral.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Emprimus, LLC
    Inventors: David Anderson, Greg Fuchs, Frederick R. Faxvog, George Anderson, Wallace Jensen
  • Patent number: 11418028
    Abstract: An appliance having a heater connectable to a power source to create a heater circuit is disclosed. The appliance includes a controller and a heater switch configured to be selectively closed in response to a control signal from the controller to complete the heater circuit and enable current to flow from the power source to the electric heater. The appliance further includes a heater feedback circuit comprising a plurality of resistors and configured to be connected to the power source and further configured to generate an output signal to the controller having a first state indicative of no current leakage from the heater circuit, a second state indicative of current leakage from the heater circuit where the polarity of the power source is normal, and a third state indicative of current leakage from the heater circuit where the polarity of the power source is reversed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Emanuela Antognoli, Wojciech A. Barczyk, Michal Pasiecznik, Marco Quintini, Waldemar Romanowski
  • Patent number: 11368017
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a safe operation method for voltage reduction arc suppression of a ground fault phase of a non-effective ground system, for use in ground fault safety operation of a neutral point non-effective ground generator or distribution network. When a single-phase ground fault occurs, an external voltage source is applied at a non-effective ground system side between a bus and the ground, or between a line and the ground, or between a neutral point and the ground, or between a shunting tap of a non-effective ground system side winding of a transformer and the ground, to reduce the fault phase voltage to be lower than the continuous burning voltage of a ground arc, thereby meeting the requirements of long-term non-stop safe operation. The operation means and control method effectively prevent power outages, and improve the reliability and security of power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: CHANGSHA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: Xiangjun Zeng
  • Patent number: 11258420
    Abstract: A mutually induced filter for filtering radio frequency (RF) power from signals supplied to a load is described. The mutually induced filter includes a first portion connected to a first load element of the load for filtering RF power from one of the signals supplied to the first load element. The load is associated with a pedestal of a plasma chamber. The mutually induced filter further includes a second portion connected to a second load element of the load for filtering RF power from another one of the signals supplied to the second load element. The first and second portions are twisted with each other to be mutually coupled with each other to further facilitate a coupling of a resonant frequency associated with the first portion to the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Sunil Kapoor, Aaron Logan, Hyungjoon Kim, Yaswanth Rangineni, Karl Leeser
  • Patent number: 10937615
    Abstract: Testable sealed and/or self-diagnosing electromagnetic or solid-state relays simplify troubleshooting of electrical circuits. The testable relay comprises a relay housing with terminals adapted to connect to a circuit and an opposing top wall with testable terminals formed as projections being flush with or extending from the top wall and being exposed for testing the relay by applying a multimeter device. A self-diagnosing relay comprises a relay housing with terminals adapted to connect to a circuit, and at least two light-emitting diodes (LEDs). One of the LED indicates the relay is energized, and another LED light is a diagnostic LED and indicates if the relay is damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Inventors: Edward W. Anderson, William A. Anderson
  • Patent number: 10158221
    Abstract: A power pedestal includes a pedestal member including a base structured to be fixed to a platform and an enclosure extending from said base, a plurality of input power terminals mounted to said pedestal member and structured to be electrically connected to a power source, a number of output power receptacles mounted to said enclosure, a number of circuit interrupters having a ground fault detection capability and being structured to output an alarm signal in response to detecting a ground fault, a relay structured to receive the alarm signal from the circuit interrupters and to output an indicator signal, and an indicator unit structured to receive the indicator signal from the relay, the indicator unit including an indicator and being structured to illuminate the indicator in response to receiving the indicator signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Paul D. Seff, Christopher E. Drueke, Jason D. Easton, Tyler Devon Young
  • Patent number: 9318902
    Abstract: Provided is a power supply device which uses a simplified device configuration to reliably detect anomalies such as fused contacts, and which eliminates overcharging and secondary battery hazards caused by overcharging. The power supply device (1) is provided with: a control unit (7) for monitoring and controlling the operation of the power supply device (1), and for monitoring anomalies in the power supply device (1); a secondary battery (3) connected to the control unit (7), and for discharging electricity which has been charged; a main contact (9) connected to a battery circuit network (8) formed between the secondary battery (3) and a load (13); an auxiliary contact (10) connected in series to the main contact (9), and which is always on; and an anomaly detection circuit (11a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Kyushu Electric Power Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Kouji Kurayama
  • Patent number: 9267981
    Abstract: Equipment including at least one plug-in unit and a body device for receiving the plug-in unit is presented. The plug-in unit includes an electrically conductive structure (121, 122, 123) having at least one surface area capable of forming a capacitive coupling with a surface area of an electrically conductive part (130, 131) of the body device when the plug-in unit is inserted in the body device. The equipment further includes a monitoring circuit (124) for generating a signal indicative of electrical properties of a measurement circuit including the capacitive coupling and at least one galvanic contact provided by electrical connectors of the plug-in unit and the body device. The generated signal is also indicative of correctness of the installation of the plug-in unit. Thus, the correct installation of the plug-in unit can be electrically indicated and monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: CORIANT OY
    Inventors: Antti Holma, Heikki Laamanen, Petri Kohonen, Ian Leiman
  • Patent number: 9099258
    Abstract: A rocker contact switch for a GFCI device includes a base and first and second legs extending from the base. When the base is moved, the second leg rotates to contact a conductive member to put the GFCI device in an end of life condition. The first leg is substantially prevented from moving in response to movement of the base. A test button of the GFCI device is pushed a first distance to complete a first circuit that trips the GFCI device. The test button is pushed a second distance, which moves the base of the rocker contact switch, to complete a second circuit that puts the GFCI device in an end of life condition by moving the rocker switch base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: HUBBELL INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Kenny Padro
  • Publication number: 20140307353
    Abstract: A power system is for a facility. The power system includes a load panel powered from a split phase electrical distribution configuration having a first line, a second line and a neutral. A two-pole circuit interrupter in the load panel receives power from the first line, the second line and the neutral, and protects an unbalanced load. The two-pole circuit interrupter is structured to trip open or open responsive to an input. A circuit in the load panel is structured to determine that the neutral is broken or missing and responsively output to the input to cause the two-pole circuit interrupter to trip open or open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventors: VINCENT FERRI, GARRY B. THEADORE, TODD M. LATHROP
  • Patent number: 8605394
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus, methods, and systems for monitoring and detection of conditions indicative of an electrical fault for an electrical circuit or system. In one aspect, a central control can simultaneously monitor a plurality of geographically distributed electrical circuits or systems for conditions that have been predetermined to be indicative of an electrical fault or concern, and provide either some communication (e.g., a warning) or instruction (e.g., to terminate power) back to the monitored circuit/system, the owner/operator/user of the circuit/system, or both. The central control can collect, store, mine, and analyze data from the diverse monitoring of plural systems. A knowledge base can be built up over time and used to establish monitoring of the same, other circuits and systems, develop more accurate monitoring and communication of faults or concerns, and account for factors related to normal operation of a circuit or system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Joe P. Crookham, Myron Gordin, Darrell N. Chelcun
  • Publication number: 20130293990
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a circuit interrupting device including an actuator that provides an actuator stimulus upon the occurrence of the fault actuation signal. A circuit interrupter is positioned to electrically disconnect the first, second and third electrical conductors from each other upon the occurrence of the actuator stimulus. An automated test circuit is coupled to the circuit interrupting assembly. The automated test circuit is configured to automatically produce the simulated fault condition during a predetermined portion of an AC line cycle to determine whether the fault detection assembly is operational such that the fault detection assembly provides a fault detection signal without the circuit interrupter electrically disconnecting the first, second and third electrical conductors from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Dejan Radosavljevic, Jeffrey C. Richards, Kent R. Morgan, David A. Finlay, SR.
  • Patent number: 8575941
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for identifying a faulted phase in at least one shunt capacitor bank. The apparatus generally includes a sampling circuit for sampling current or voltage signals associated with the shunt capacitor bank. A microcontroller is coupled to the sampling circuit and programmed to measure a compensated neutral point phase angle from the sampled signal, and compare the compensated neutral point phase angle with a fixed reference phase angle to identify the faulted phase of the shunt capacitor bank. The method generally includes the steps of sampling a current or voltage signal associated with the shunt capacitor bank, determining a compensated neutral point phase angle from the sampled signal, and comparing the compensated neutral point phase angle with a fixed reference phase angle to identify the faulted phase of the shunt capacitor bank. The invention also relates to an apparatus and method for identifying the location of the fault (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories Inc
    Inventors: Satish Samineni, Casper A. Labuschagne
  • Patent number: 8559143
    Abstract: A system and method for a vehicle control system is disclosed herein. The system includes an inverter circuit, a permanent magnet synchronous motor, and a crossover connected between the inverter circuit and the permanent magnet synchronous motor. The system may also include at least one current sensor installed between the inverter circuit and the permanent magnet synchronous motor. A contactor may also be connected between the inverter circuit and the permanent magnet synchronous motor and may pass or shut off electricity between the inverter circuit and the permanent magnet synchronous motor. The system may also include a control unit connected to the contactor and the current sensor. The control unit may detect a current abnormality using information from the current sensor and open the contactor if an abnormality is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Ikuo Yasuoka, Shinichi Toda, Mitsuhiro Numazaki, Hidetoshi Manabe, Takashi Takagi
  • Patent number: 8537516
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus, methods, and systems for the monitoring of grounding components in an electrical system. Methods of monitoring grounding components comprise a signal or plurality of signals imposed on a ground loop circuit by a first inductive element, a second inductive element which receives the signal(s), and circuitry which compares changes in the imposed signal(s) to a baseline to calculate impedance. Active monitoring of impedance enables contractors to ensure installation of a grounding system was performed correctly, and allows a user to track changes in impedance over the life of the electrical system such that, if an impedance threshold is reached, appropriate action may be taken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventor: Darrell N. Chelcun
  • Patent number: 8537509
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a ground fault detecting and controlling method for a parallel-structured high voltage system, and more particularly, such a ground fault detecting and controlling method for a parallel-structured high voltage system, in which it can be more precisely determined whether or not the system operation is emergently stopped based on individual insulation resistance values for respective items of the system, and it can be determined whether there is the possibility of temporary operation of the system in the emergency stop situation of the system operation. According to the present invention, a combined insulation resistance ground fault reference value is calculated based on individual insulation resistance values for respective items of the system, and the entire system is controlled by using the calculated combined insulation resistance ground fault reference value such that a high-accuracy ground fault detecting and controlling method can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Sang Yon Yoon
  • Publication number: 20130119933
    Abstract: In one implementation, a ground fault interrupt circuit is provided for a utility power connection to an electric vehicle charging unit. The ground fault interrupt circuit may include a gain amplifier having an input connected to be capable of receiving a differential current from a current sensing transformer and a comparator having an input connect to a reference voltage. It includes a rectifier circuit connected between the gain amplifier and the comparator with a charge accumulator circuit coupled between the rectifier and the comparator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventors: Albert FLACK, Scott BERMAN
  • Patent number: 8405939
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical device configured to be disposed in an electrical distribution system between a source of electrical power and an electrical load. The electrical distribution system includes at least one line hot conductor, a line neutral conductor, and a line ground conductor. The line neutral conductor is connected to the line ground conductor at a termination point in the electrical distribution system. The electrical load includes at least one load hot conductor, a load neutral conductor, and a load ground conductor. The device includes a grounding confirmation circuit that includes at least one signal generator that directs at least one test signal into a current path that includes at least the line ground conductor. The grounding confirmation circuit is configured to determine a ground continuity status of the current path based on at least one ground continuity measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua P. Haines, Kent R. Morgan, Brian Mueller
  • Publication number: 20130057990
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes a plurality of line terminals configured to be coupled to a source of AC power, a plurality of feed-through load terminals, and at least one set of receptacle load terminals configured to provide the AC power to a user load via an AC power plug. A circuit interrupter assembly includes a plurality of movable interconnection members. Each movable interconnection member includes a first interconnecting contact disposed on a first side thereof and a second interconnecting contact disposed on a second side thereof. The first interconnecting contact and the second interconnecting contact are offset from one another in a direction substantially orthogonal to a direction of movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: PASS & SEYMOUR, INC.
    Inventor: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8331067
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing ground fault protection to a lifting device utilizing an electromagnet and powered by a generator. The apparatus and method rectifies an AC voltage emanating from the generator source and monitors unsafe operating conditions of the generator's circuit wherein operation of the lifting device is ceased when predetermined electrical operating parameters are exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Ephaugh, Inc.
    Inventor: John Samila
  • Patent number: 8311785
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to minimize saturation in a ground fault detection device are disclosed. An example method includes connecting a capacitor simulator to a node of the ground fault detector device to prevent saturation, and monitoring power-line conductors for ground fault conditions with the ground fault detector device. An example apparatus to simulate a saturation capacitance in a ground fault device includes a sense coil induced by power-line conductors, and at least one of an amplifier or a current detector including an input connected to the sense coil and an output connected to a ground fault detector. The example apparatus also includes a saturation capacitor simulator connected to a node of at least one of the amplifier or the current detector to prevent saturation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Artur J. Lewinski, Ross Teggatz, Thomas Edward Cosby
  • Publication number: 20120257316
    Abstract: Electrical load controls are provided which include an electrical switch assembly and a fault protection device within a common housing. The switch assembly includes an actuator, and is responsive to actuation of the actuator to switch ON or OFF electricity to the load. The protection device automatically responds to a fault condition by overriding the switch assembly by automatically blocking electrical connection between phase input and output terminals and neutral input and output terminals of the load control. The actuator includes a single external interface element. In one embodiment, actuation of the actuator switches ON or OFF electricity via control of the fault protection device, and in another embodiment, movement of the interface away from the housing exposes within the housing an internal user interface for the fault protection device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: Leviton Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael KAMOR, Adam KEVELOS
  • Patent number: 8259423
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a charge port integrated with the vehicle. The charge port includes electrical contacts configured to receive electrical power from an electric grid, and a fault interrupt circuit electrically connected with the electrical contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Allan Roy Gale, Michael W. Degner, Steven F. Chorian, Venkateswa Anand Sankaran
  • Patent number: 8139328
    Abstract: There is disclosed a circuit interrupting device with symmetrical inputs comprising a first input configured for connection to a power source or a load circuit and a second input configured for connection to a power source. There are a plurality of electrical conductors extending from the first and second inputs and a third input configured for connection to a load provided by a user. There is also a first set of transformers comprising at least one differential transformer and at least one neutral transformer connected to detect leakage current in a load circuit coupled to the first set of terminals. There is also a second set of transformers comprising at least one additional differential transformer and at least one additional neutral transformer connected to detect leakage current in a load circuit coupled to the second set of terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Levitron Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas L. DiSalvo, James A. Porter
  • Publication number: 20120019966
    Abstract: A system is provided including: (1) an arc fault circuit interrupter having a line side terminal and a load side terminal, wherein the line side terminal is coupled to a voltage source, and (2) a current source coupled to the load side terminal to backfeed the arc fault circuit interrupter. Numerous other aspects also are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: SIEMENS INDUSTRY, INC.
    Inventor: John DeBoer
  • Patent number: 8018235
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to facilitate ground fault detection with a single coil and an oscillator are disclosed. An example ground fault detection device includes a sense coil including a secondary winding surrounding a line conductor and a neutral conductor, the line conductor and the neutral conductor forming a primary winding. The example ground fault detection device also includes a voltage oscillator connected in series with the secondary winding to drive an oscillation component, and at least one of a detector or an amplifier connected in series with the secondary winding to detect at least one of a neutral-to-ground fault or a line-to-ground fault.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Artur J. Lewinski, Ross Teggatz, Thomas Edward Cosby
  • Patent number: 7969154
    Abstract: Various systems, methods and apparatus are described for detecting an excessive or faulty ground current in a conductive wire or electronic device. A ground current detector is coupled to a known earth ground to determine whether other ground lines are carrying excessive, faulty and/or leaking currents. If these types of unsafe conditions are detected, then a user can take appropriate action to locate and correct these problems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Echostar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: Kirk Lenzie, Casey Gold, Vincent Nguyen, Sam Chaisitti
  • Patent number: 7948722
    Abstract: A differential protection device comprising: differential current measuring means, processing means connected to the measuring means and comprising operating rating selection means and time delay selection means to select tripping curves, actuating means, and test means connected to the measuring means. In the protection device the test means are associated with the operating rating selection means and with the time delay selection means to select a minimum or reduced operating rating and to select a minimum or reduced time delay when said test means are actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventor: Mustapha Chelloug
  • Patent number: 7944213
    Abstract: A device and method to determine the presence of a ground fault that distinguishes between the capacitive portion of the currents to ground, and the resistive portion of the currents to ground by ascertaining aspects of the voltage and residual current waveforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: George William Roscoe, Thomas Frederick Papallo, Jr., Cecil Rivers, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7852090
    Abstract: Various systems, methods and apparatus are described for detecting an excessive or faulty ground current in a conductive wire or electronic device. A ground current detector is coupled to a known earth ground to determine whether other ground lines are carrying excessive, faulty and/or leaking currents. If these types of unsafe conditions are detected, then a user can take appropriate action to locate and correct these problems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: Kirk Lenzie, Casey Gold, Vincent Nguyen, Sam Chaisitti
  • Publication number: 20100309592
    Abstract: In a first aspect, a ground fault circuit interrupt (“GFCI”) device is provided for use with an AC power system that includes a line conductor, a neutral conductor and a transformer. The line conductor and the neutral conductor are each coupled between a source and a load, and the neutral conductor is coupled to ground at the source. The transformer includes a first primary winding coupled in series with the line conductor, a second primary winding coupled in series with the neutral conductor, and a secondary winding. The device includes a grounded neutral fault detector circuit coupled to the secondary winding. The grounded neutral fault detector circuit: (a) drives the secondary winding with a multi-frequency AC signal, (b) monitors a multi-frequency load signal in the secondary winding, and (c) provides a first detection signal if the monitored load signal exceeds a predetermined threshold. Numerous other aspects are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventor: Hugh T. Kinsel
  • Patent number: 7835120
    Abstract: A circuit breaker apparatus may be used to interrupt overcurrent and ground fault in a circuit. The circuit breaker apparatus may include an overcurrent coil for tripping the circuit breaker apparatus, a voltage coil also for tripping the circuit breaker apparatus located proximate to the overcurrent coil, and ground fault electronics connected to the voltage coil and structured to detect a ground fault in the circuit when the ground fault exceeds a threshold level. The ground fault electronics can be structured to send a trip signal to the voltage coil when a ground fault is detected, and the voltage coil can be structured to trip the circuit breaker apparatus when it receives the trip signal from the ground fault electronics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Carling Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Fasano
  • Patent number: 7764473
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes for each neutral and phase power conductor, a current sensor sensing an alternating current flowing in a corresponding power conductor, a comparator determining whether the sensed alternating current is positive or negative, a rectifier rectifying the sensed alternating current to provide a rectified current value, and an analog-to-digital converter converting the rectified current value to a signed digital value having a positive sign. A processor cooperates with the comparators and the analog-to-digital converters and includes a routine that changes the positive sign of the signed digital value to a negative sign if the sensed alternating current is negative, adds the signed digital value for each power conductor to provide a sum, and employs the sum to determine whether to output a ground fault signal. The processor further cooperates with an operating mechanism to trip open separable contacts responsive to the ground fault signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Todd M. Shaak, Harry J. Carlino
  • Patent number: 7751161
    Abstract: A circuit is disclosed for disconnecting a power source upon the detection of a leakage. The circuit comprises a disconnect switch for disconnecting the power source. A primary circuit controls the disconnect switch. A secondary circuit senses a leakage current. An optical switch interconnects the primary circuit and the secondary circuit for opening the disconnect switch upon the secondary circuit sensing a leakage current. The circuit is suitable for use as a leakage current detection and interruption circuit for completely electrically disconnecting and isolating the power source and the primary circuit from the secondary circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Technology Research Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas S. Williams
  • Patent number: 7636224
    Abstract: The invention refers to a method and an apparatus (1) for protecting people against leakage currents while using appliances such as home appliances or the like. The apparatus (1) is provided with a differential switch (20) normally open and a differential current transformer (39) which generates a signal proportional to the leakage current, an elaboration unit (50) interfaced with the latter acquires said signal and keeps the switch (20) closed until a dangerous condition is met, corresponding to an acquired signal having a magnitude greater than a limit value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Trinity S.A.
    Inventor: Sandro Zandonella Balco
  • Patent number: 7633728
    Abstract: An arc fault circuit interrupter includes separable contacts, an operating mechanism, a current sensor sensing current flowing through the contacts and outputting a sensed current, and a processor determining and storing peak values of the sensed current for plural half-cycles. The processor provides arc fault detection, determines whether a first predetermined plurality of half-cycles occur in succession and correspond to non-unity power factor, and responsively inhibits the detection for a first predetermined time, and whether a second predetermined plurality of half-cycles occur in succession, each with smaller peak amplitude than that of an immediately preceding half-cycle of like or differing polarity, and responsively inhibits the detection for a second predetermined time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin L. Parker, Robert T. Elms
  • Patent number: 7633727
    Abstract: A circuit interrupter includes band pass filters cooperating with a current sensor to output bands having different, non-overlapping ranges of frequencies, peak detectors cooperating with the filters to detect corresponding peak current values, envelope detectors cooperating with the filters to detect corresponding occurrences from the bands being within corresponding predetermined magnitude ranges, a counter counting the occurrences, and a processor providing and disabling series arc detection when sensed current is greater than a first predetermined value. The processor determines tallies responsive to peak current values exceeding corresponding thresholds, determines series arcing from sensed current being less than the first predetermined value for a predetermined time, the tally for a current half-cycle being nonzero, and a count for the current half-cycle being different than the count for an immediately previous half-cycle of like polarity by at least a second predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Xin Zhou, John J. Shea, Kevin L. Parker, Theodore J. Miller
  • Patent number: 7626788
    Abstract: A control circuit of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI), includes a load connection circuit used to connect power end and load end while transferring AC thereof, a creepage detection circuit, a trip control circuit and a trip circuit, and further includes a self-diagnosis current generation circuit, a self-diagnosis display circuit and a first switch duct. When the input AC in positive half-cycle, one of the said trip circuit and the self-diagnosis display circuit is electrically connected, while another should be electrically connected while the input AC in negative half-cycle, so without manpower-provided simulated signal, the control circuit of GFCI can be self diagnosed of creepage protection function, for the feedback of the stand or fall circs in time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Suzhou Songbao Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kunliu Wang, Fudong Shu, Kuiyang Zhang
  • Patent number: 7623329
    Abstract: A circuit is disclosed for disconnecting a power source upon the detection of a leakage current comprising a power cable having an insulated first and a second wire. The power cable has a conductive shield surrounding the first and second wires with a drain wire electrically contacting the conductive shield. A disconnect switch is interposed between the power source and the power cable. A primary circuit controls the disconnect switch. A secondary circuit is connected to the drain wire for sensing a leakage current between the conductive shield and one of the first and second wires. An optical switch interconnects the primary circuit and the secondary circuit for opening the disconnect switch upon the secondary circuit sensing a leakage current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Technology Research Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas S. Williams, Frank S. Brugner, Jr., Paul R. Gandolfi
  • Patent number: 7558033
    Abstract: An arc fault circuit interrupter includes separable contacts, a neutral conductor, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, at least one current sensor structured to sense current flowing through the separable contacts and output a sensed current value; and a processor. The processor includes a first routine structured to provide parallel arc fault detection, a second routine structured to provide series arc fault detection, and a third routine structured to enable the first routine and disable the second routine for a predetermined time when the sensed current value is greater than a predetermined value and to enable the second routine and disable the first routine for the predetermined time when the sensed current value is less than the predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Xin Zhou, John J. Shea, Joseph C. Engel, Kevin L. Parker, Theodore J. Miller
  • Patent number: 7538647
    Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter device is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Howard S. Leopold
  • Patent number: 7443309
    Abstract: A self testing fault detector having a line side and a load side and a conductive path there between, said apparatus is provided. The self testing fault detector includes a controller, adapted to perform periodic status tests on a protection circuit of the self testing fault detector without interrupting power to the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: John R. Baldwin, David Yu, Nelson Bonilla
  • Patent number: 7440246
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to resettable circuit interrupting devices and apparatus capable of being tested and reset from remote locations, and in particular to portable circuit interrupting devices and apparatus capable of being tested and reset from remote locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Gaetano Bonasia, James Richter, Steve Campolo
  • Patent number: 7423854
    Abstract: An interrupter circuit is disclosed for interrupting power in a power cable from a power source. The power cable comprises an insulated line wire and an insulated neutral wire with a conductive shield surrounding the line wire and the neutral wire. A non-insulated drain wire contacts the conductive shield. An outer insulating layer is molded about the conductive shield. A disconnect switch is interposed between the power source and the power cable with a disconnect switch driver controlling the disconnect switch. A sensing circuit is connected between the drain wire and the disconnect switch driver for sensing a leakage current between the conductive shield and one of the insulated line wire and the insulated neutral wire for opening the disconnect switch for disconnecting the power cable from the power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Technology Research Corporation
    Inventors: Paul R. Gandolfi, Frank S. Brugner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7319574
    Abstract: A non-invasive underground arc fault detection apparatus is for an underground electrical conductor. The apparatus includes an electric circuit having an opening for admitting the electrical conductor therethrough. The electric circuit includes one or two transducers adapted to output a first signal representative of current flowing in the electrical conductor and a second signal. An arc fault detection circuit cooperates with the electric circuit to output a third signal derived from the first signal. The third signal is representative of an arc fault of the electrical conductor. An audible annunciator cooperates with the arc fault detection circuit to annunciate the third signal. A power supply cooperates with the electric circuit and is adapted to power the arc fault detection circuit and the annunciator from the second signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph C. Engel
  • Patent number: 7023196
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting high level arc faults in aircraft power systems are disclosed. One embodiment of the invention with reduced susceptibility to nuisance trips includes three low pass filters each having an output connected to a threshold detector. In addition, a three input comparator is connected to an output of each of the threshold detectors and a fault verification circuit is connected to an output of the three input comparator. An embodiment of the method of the invention for detecting arc faults in three phase aircraft power systems involves detecting at least one of the three phases having a current exceeding a predetermined threshold, detecting differences between the three phases and generating a signal indicative of difference being detected between the three phases for a time period exceeding a predetermined duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Leach International Corporation
    Inventors: Imtiaz Khan, Malcolm Critchley
  • Patent number: 6765390
    Abstract: A tester for verifying the integrity of insulation in a branch circuit of a power distribution system. Two test circuits are included; the first providing an insulation test; and a second, a shared/grounded neutral test. In the insulation test, a 500-volt ac output limited to 5 milliamps is selectively applied to the pairs of wires of the branch circuit. If an output current of greater than 3 milliamps is recorded, an insulation failure is noted and the operator proceeds to the second test which applies a pulsed 3 volt, 1 ampere current-limited voltage across the suspected leads. One of the suspected leads is monitored with a portable ammeter to detect any pulse current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Tracy Elms
  • Patent number: 6556395
    Abstract: A device for providing ground fault protection for one or more loads in an electrical wiring system. The device includes a pickup for sensing electrical characteristics associated with conductors supplying power to the one or more loads and generating a pick up signal when predefined electrical characteristics are sensed; a ground fault detector powered using conductors that are independent of the conductors supplying power to the one or more loads, said ground fault detector being configured to receive said pickup signal, detect ground faults from said pickup signal, and generate a trigger signal when a ground fault is detected, and a power disconnect responsive to said trigger signal such that when said trigger signal is generated power to the one or more loads is disconnected. A corresponding method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: David Y. Chan, Roger M. Bradley, Frantz Germain
  • Patent number: 6268988
    Abstract: A method of detecting absence of connection of an external ground to a ground connection point associated with an AC supply circuit of a power supply. The AC supply circuit has hot and neutral conductors, with the neutral conductor externally connected to ground. The math involves (a) passing a current from the hot conductor to the neutral conductor via the ground connection point, (b) detecting passage of the current, (c) shutting down operation of the power supply upon detection of the current, and (d) bypassing at least an effective portion of the current from the ground connection point to external ground on connection of the ground connection point to external ground, thereby disabling the detection of passage of the current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Neonics Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Buddy A. T. Baker