With Plural Removable Control Units In Housing Patents (Class 361/614)
  • Patent number: 7612988
    Abstract: A switchgear installation has a cubicle with a door to provide access thereinto, and a low voltage circuit breaker is mounted therein and accessible through the door. Coupled to the circuit breaker is a logic module, and a portable user interface module is releasably mounted on the exterior of the cubicle and operatively connected to the logic module to display information concerning the operation of the breaker and to provide an interface for the user to interact with the logic module and thereby with the breaker. The user interface module includes a battery providing the required power for setting and monitoring the functions of the breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Satin America Corporation
    Inventor: Algerd M. Ulinskas
  • Patent number: 7609025
    Abstract: A kit comprising a plurality of power tools configured to operate at different voltages, a plurality of receivers configured to provide different output charging voltages and means for selectively engaging each receiver with only one or more power tools having an operating voltage equal to or greater than the output charging voltage of the receiver to charge the one or more power tool. The selective engagement means being in the form of a plurality of terminal block. Each terminal block may be secured to a respective one of the power tools. Each terminal block may include a rib and each receiver may define a slot to receivingly engage one of the ribs. The rib of each terminal block may be disposed at a different location than the ribs of the other terminal blocks, and the slot of each receiver may be positioned at a different location than the slots of the other receivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventor: Paul W. Griffin
  • Publication number: 20090244815
    Abstract: A modular electrical bus system has a grounding circuit through a plurality of modular I/O units with each unit being both electrically and mechanically connectable together via a bridge member connecting adjacent units and the main communication module. The bridge member and modular I/O units are grounded together with a ground circuit that extends within both components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Enrico De Carolis, John F. Eskew, Michael W. Hundt, Jeffrey Welker
  • Publication number: 20090116177
    Abstract: An electrical bus assembly for an electrical enclosure includes a single branch circuit with a plurality of branch circuit buses. First electrical bus members include first ends electrically connected to corresponding branch circuit buses, and second ends electrically connected to a first circuit breaker. Second electrical bus members include first ends electrically connected to corresponding branch circuit buses, and second ends electrically connected to a second circuit breaker. The single branch circuit provides electrical power to the first and second circuit breakers. The first electrical bus members extend in a first lateral direction with respect to the branch circuit buses, and the second electrical bus members extend in a second, opposite lateral direction. The electrical bus assembly enables the first circuit breaker to be disposed horizontally adjacent to the second circuit breaker within a corresponding one of the cells of the electrical enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventors: STANLEY E. MOORE, Amy W. Rowell, Michael H. Abrahamsen
  • Publication number: 20090086414
    Abstract: A system and method for connecting supply power to motor control components includes use of a motor control center subunit with moveable supply power contacts. After a motor control center subunit is secured into a motor control center compartment, the supply power contacts may be advanced to engage supply power buses. For disconnection, the supply power contacts may be retracted and isolated from the buses before physical removal of the subunit. A free wheeling mechanism prevents supply power contacts from advancing and retracting past a preset travel range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventors: Edgar Yee, Robert A. Morris, Daniel J. Leeman, Daniel B. Kroushl, George Norman Russ
  • Publication number: 20080218946
    Abstract: A bus-bar having a prismatic housing, an elongate conductor extending along a length of the housing, and a resilient retainer which extends along a length of the housing and retains the conductor in the housing is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Malcolm Cant, Jan Van Tilburg, Peter Dirk Jaeger
  • Patent number: 7417848
    Abstract: A reduced form factor component support is provided for motor control centers and similar packaged electrical systems. The reduced form factor component support may be used with smaller components, such as small motor starters, motor drives, and so forth. Electrical connections with standard bus bars in the enclosure are made through special connectors mounted on subplates in the rear of the enclosure, or by an invertible stab housing that can allow the reduced form factor component support to share conventional slots in a bus cover, thereby providing access to the supply power in the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Herberto Bergmann, Eric Krieg, Chester Malkowski, Jr., Arnaldo Hiroyuki Omoto, Luis Ricardo Luzardo Pereira, José Batista Ferreira Neto
  • Patent number: 7012800
    Abstract: The Switchgear unit, especially a motor starter, has a contactor and a power switch for short-circuit protection. The additional function of overload protection envisaged for the switchgear unit is integrated in an overload relay that is configured separately from the power switch. The components thereof extend into free areas formed by the arrangement of the contactor and power switch as standard components on a support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Klaus Busch, Manuela Forster, Michael Freimuth
  • Patent number: 6738692
    Abstract: A power conversion and energy management system preferably includes a controller, one or more standard modules, and a custom (or semi-custom) backplane. The backplane preferably accommodates one or more modules and uses the modules to control power quality and/or flow to one or more input and/or output connections. The standard modules are preferably power modules such as an inverter module, converter module, or grid connect module. In addition to accommodating the modules, the backplane can include system components other than power electronics. The backplane can, for example, include external connectors, disconnects, fusing, and so forth, for a given application. The backplane can further include internal DC and AC buses to interconnect the modules. The backplane can also include a communications module, a user interface, a socket for control firmware, and slots for accommodating the standard modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Sustainable Energy Technologies
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Schienbein, Donald J. Hammerstrom, Gerald W. Droppo, Brent Earle Harris
  • Patent number: 6675302
    Abstract: A modular power node comprises modules containing components ultimately connectable to a load to modify power supplied to that load to make the power supplied to the load suitable therefor, the modules being shaped to conform to and contact one another to minimize node size by mutually supporting one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: SPD Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: John I. Ykema
  • Patent number: 6653802
    Abstract: A standard electronics rack-mounted dimming control system includes a chassis having spaces for power modules and a control module which can be inserted into and removed from the chassis without removing the chassis from the rack. Control electronics for generating drive signals for power control devices in the power modules are consolidated in the control module, thereby reducing the per-channel cost of the power modules an protecting the control electronics from heat generating power devices in the power modules. A power module includes an integral chassis and heatsink which forms the top, bottom and side walls of the module. The integral chassis and heatsink includes fins running the length of the module so that cooling air can flow through grooves between the fins when two modules are arranged side by side in the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Terrence Leroy Nelson, Richard Alan Leinen
  • Patent number: 6582031
    Abstract: A trainline communication controller for placement on a rail car or locomotive of a train in order form a network having a housing with a front plate assembly which includes a plurality of external electrical receptacles. A plurality of circuits, including surface connectors, are positioned in the housing. A printed circuit board including connector smating directly with the surface connectors of the circuits and where in the receptacles are mounted on the printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventors: Gary S. Newton, Abraham Long, Jr., Anthony W. Lumbis
  • Patent number: 6473294
    Abstract: A large number of switching devices, for example contactors, can be supplied with power and information in particular in switchgear cabinets. A multilayer supply board includes a large number of suitable recesses with fingers which form contacts. The recesses preferably form an array with m rows and n columns in the supply board. The multilayer supply board preferably includes at least a number of layers of electrically conductive boards which are insulated from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Reinhard Maier
  • Patent number: 6411500
    Abstract: A switchgear and control unit with a communications capability is provided that includes a bus system with a power bus, and can easily be expanded allowing connection to the power bus with protection against direct contact. The switchgear and control unit is provided with a modular support having an integrated, modular bus system. Connections to a power bus section are arranged in a guide shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Peter Kaaden, Joachim Bury
  • Patent number: 6351715
    Abstract: An electrical integrated modular power node includes a power module having a common backplane with a plurality of bus bars for supplying the power requirements for the node, functional components and circuitry for connection through selected bus bars to a power supply for providing loads with power as required thereby with individual functional modules providing geometrical packages having bounding surfaces conforming to bounding surfaces of adjacent modules including the power module, for enclosing and supporting functional components and circuitry design so the conforming surfaces of the modules abut with one another in a position to be connected at abutting surfaces with at least some of the modules facing the power module to connect to connectors on the bus bars providing power as required by the load to which circuitry within the connected module is connected with the connectors mechanically supporting the modules relative to power module and to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: SPD Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: John I. Ykema
  • Patent number: 6191948
    Abstract: A device, used in particular in telecommunications technology to supply power to parallel-connected, electrical loads has side-by-side arranged potential lines. These are secured inside a connecting housing, with connections for supplying the operating potential. The connections supply plug-in modules for connecting individual loads, which modules are fitted against the connecting housing in longitudinal direction of the potential lines. The potential lines are configured as rigid, parallel bus bars that project on a side from the connecting housing. With the aid of passages that make contact with the bus bars, the plug-in modules are fitted side-by-side onto the bus bars, such that they fit against the connecting housing or against each other, and are frictionally secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Ellenberger & Poensgen GmbH
    Inventor: Lothar Beyer
  • Patent number: 6175503
    Abstract: An interconnect for engaging a rectifier module with a rectifier cabinet has a first portion which includes AC output contacts, DC input contacts, a cabinet data signal connector and sidewalls which define an enclosed space of the rectifier cabinet. A second portion of the interconnect includes DC output contacts, AC input contacts, a module pin data signal connector and a housing which encloses a rectifier unit. A guide member is mounted to one of the first and second portions of the interconnect. A guide member hole is included with the other of the first and second portions of the interconnect for engaging with the guide member to align the first portion of the interconnect with the second portion of the interconnect. A pair of guide pins are mounted to one of the data signal connectors for engaging within sockets of the other of the data signals connectors for aligning the data signal connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: ADS, The Power Resource, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald Michael Hogan, Steven Jeffery Marzec, Lyle James Ratner
  • Patent number: 6088219
    Abstract: A removable access opening cover is magnetically held in place over an access opening in magnetically permeable cell doors of a switchgear assembly by magnetic strips secured to flanges extending along edges of the cover. A window in the cover allows observation of the interior of an unoccupied cell or monitoring of indicators on the front panel of electrical apparatus such as a circuit breaker mounted in the cell. The cover can be stowed by magnetically attaching it to a magnetically permeable surface such as the metal side wall of the switchgear cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Yanniello, Marlyce J. Scott
  • Patent number: 6061229
    Abstract: A mounting arrangement for communications network base stations within a tower interior wherein each base station is secured between upper and lower platform plates by a pair of co-axial swivel mounts. The swivel mounts allow the base stations to be rotated about a vertical axis between a first angular position suitable for the base station to operate and to allow the platform to be raised and lowered and a second position in which the base station door can be fully opened to provide access to the base station interior for maintenance purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Frank V. Gates, Daniella R. Rubinovitz
  • Patent number: 6002579
    Abstract: A switchgear unit comprising two switching devices (1, 2) which are provided with a reversing combination, which switchgear unit is of simple design and allows easy assembly and disassembly by the customer. The reversing combination comprises an assembly which is composed of a support (3) and an anchor (4) and is inserted into slots (7, 8) in connecting side walls (5, 6) of the switching devices (1, 2). The anchor (4) prevents the contact carriers (10) of the switching devices (1, 2) from being released at the same time and, when one of the switching devices (1 or 2) is switched on, prevents the contact carrier (10) of the other switching device (2 or 1) from being released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Johann Drexler, Manfred Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5982610
    Abstract: In a multisided access communication distribution cabinet, an adjustable tie rod is configured as part of mounting units. The adjustable tie rod is located between grooming bars of the mounting unit, fitted within slots allowing for the adjustable tie rod to move within an area defined by the slots. Wires/cables are passed through an opening defined by the adjustable tie rod and one of the grooming bars. Once the wires have been located in a desired location, the adjustable tie rod is moved into close association with the grooming bar such that the wires are held in a fixed position. Thereafter the adjustable tie rod is placed in a fixed position thereby holding the wires/cables in a secure manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: RELTEC Corporation
    Inventors: William A. Crawford, David J. Michlovic, Larry N. Cleveland
  • Patent number: 5969938
    Abstract: A chassis for receiving power supply modules therein, including: (1) a cabinet; (2) an elongated bus bar assembly suspendable within the cabinet from a mount coupled to the cabinet at an end thereof, the bus bar assembly having a pair of conductors, the pair of conductors having terminal connectors associated therewith for receiving output terminals of a power supply module received into the cabinet (3) a shelf, oriented laterally with respect to the bus bar assembly and located proximate the terminal connectors, that supports at least one power supply module received into the cabinet, the bus bar assembly being suspendable to eliminate a need for support of a weight of the bus bar assembly apart from the mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent M. Byrne, Edward C. Fontana
  • Patent number: 5905631
    Abstract: Guide members to guide the guide edges of plug-in units upon insertion of the plug-in units into the U-shaped bus duct of a low voltage switchgear assembly. The guide fittings are arranged on the inside of the side legs of the U-shaped bus duct, and the plug-in units are held between the side legs of the bus duct. Each of the guide members extends from and is made of the same material continuous with its corresponding side wall of the bus duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Klockner-Moeller GmbH
    Inventor: Johannes Winkler
  • Patent number: 5901033
    Abstract: An equipment/distribution cabinet which contains electrical/electronic device modules. The cabinet allows for front, side and rear access for replacement, servicing and maintenance of the modules carried by the cabinet. The cabinet further includes mounting units which creates areas within which the modules are mounted within the cabinet. The mounting units connect to corner supports assisting in the front, side and rear access. The mounting units further include integrated wire and cable passage ways and tie bars allowing for organization of the wiring within the cabinet. The cabinet is produced to allow either top or bottom access and can accept a plurality of input voltage levels. The cabinet is constructed so that modules having a variety of different functional characteristics and sizes may be intermixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Reltec Corporation
    Inventors: William A. Crawford, David J. Michlovic
  • Patent number: 5889648
    Abstract: A seismic cabinet for containing electronic equipment. The cabinet includes a support bracket for attachment to the electronic equipment. Rails inside the cabinet allow attachment of the equipment and associated fanout panels to the cabinet. A removable screenlike top portion allows cable access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Storage Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Alan Heavirland, Darrel W. Spiczka, Jerome F. Kemp
  • Patent number: 5838533
    Abstract: A housing assembly for electrical components includes a plurality of tubular housing sections which are fixedly interconnected. Portions of the housing sections are then removed to form openings in the housing assembly. The openings formed in the housing assembly may be formed in either interior or exterior walls of the housing assembly. Each of the tubular housing sections forms a compartment in which an electrical component may be mounted. By removing portions of a plurality of the interior walls of the housing assembly, a chamber which extends across end portions of a plurality of the compartments is formed. Front and rear end plates may be connected with the housing assembly. In addition, covers may be provided for openings formed in the exterior of the housing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Berdj N. Yazaryan, Vanacan Tatavoosian
  • Patent number: 5712779
    Abstract: A DC electrical power supply system for converting AC power to DC power for various telecommunications equipment loads includes plural rectifiers mounted on one or more shelves and adapted to be inserted on and removed from said shelves, at will. One or more voltage converters may be inserted and removed from said shelves at will and include adapter plates for supporting the converters in place of a rectifier unit. The power supply system includes a frame supporting the shelves and a cabinet which includes busworks for connecting the rectifiers to circuit breaker tiers and to a battery pack. Low voltage disconnect devices may be interposed in the buswork at selected locations to provide operation in a battery protection mode, load protection mode and load shedding mode. The circuit breaker tiers, buswork, shelving, rectifier units and converters are all accessible for connection and disconnection from the front side of the power supply system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Yuasa Exide, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Steven Sheppard, Mark L. Barnett, Guenter H. Lehmann, Arif Oguz, Richard Vasquez
  • Patent number: 5654871
    Abstract: A motor control center of the type including a short circuit protective device such as a circuit breaker or fusible disconnect, and a motor starter for interacting with an electric motor includes a wiring access cabinet at the top of the control center. The multi-phase conductors within the access cabinet are protected by means of a pair of slidably-arranged access doors. The doors are arranged in a different position along the front of the access cabinet to access each of the individual phase conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Lloyd E. Wentler, Edgar Yee, Tomas Bienvenido Reyes, Kevin F. Nolan
  • Patent number: 5450048
    Abstract: A removable calibrating unit comprises a body, a front panel and a part in the form of a reversible ramp. The reversible ramp comprises an end close to the front panel and an end away from the front panel. Extraction of the removable unit is achieved by means of a pin comprising an extraction lug. When the pin is subjected to rotational movement in one direction, the lug moves from the end close to the front panel to the end away from the front panel and results in extraction of the unit by applying thereon a force separating the unit from the circuit breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: Merlin Gerin
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Leger, Gilles Savoyat
  • Patent number: 5394296
    Abstract: A modular power source monitoring and control system is mounted within a common power panel enclosure and includes a main lug assembly and a metering, relaying and control assembly. The main lug assembly includes a mounting and power connecting arrangement and a connector lug arrangement. The metering, relaying and control assembly includes a mounting and power connecting means and an electrical circuit for metering and controlling a power source. For both assemblies, the mounting and power connecting arrangement is in the form of a base member having a pair of mounting brackets on either side and conductor stabs extending from the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Irvin B. Erickson, Jr., Richard D. Werner
  • Patent number: 5245506
    Abstract: A switchboard assembly comprises a plurality of circuit breaker compartments each having plural-phase power supply side disconnecting parts and load side disconnecting parts disposed thereinside, a plurality of conductor compartments having plural-phase power supply buses disposed thereinside, and a plurality of circuit breakers each having plural-phase circuit breaking parts accommodated in each of the circuit breaker compartments. In the switchboard assembly, the plural-phase circuit breaking parts are disposed in the depthwise direction of the circuit breaker compartments, and each of the conductor compartments is disposed between the opposing ones of the circuit breaker compartments so as to reduce the overall size of the switchboard assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Toru Tanimizu
  • Patent number: 5245527
    Abstract: An ac drive controller including a phase assembly for each phase of a polyphase supply to a motor, each phase assembly including an invertor module and a corresponding filter module. The electrical interconnections between each filter module and each invertor module occur through electrically conductive clips and corresponding bus bars to which the electronic switching devices in the invertor are also connected. The filter and invertor module interconnections are located as close as possible to the points where the electronic switching devices are connected to the buses to minimize stray reactances while allowing for simplified assembly and servicing of the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Siemens Electric Limited
    Inventors: David L. Duff, Nareshroy M. Patel