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  • HERMETICALLY SEALED MANUAL DISCONNECT
    Publication number: 20130102175
    Abstract: A hermetically sealed, high voltage manual disconnect that can be manually operated from outside the disconnect to transition between connect and disconnect states. The disconnect comprises a hermetically sealed housing having internal components for changing the state of the disconnect. A gas can fill the housing to allow for reliable high voltage operation. Different embodiments of the manual disconnect can include electrical and electronic components so that the state of the disconnect can be changed in response to an electrical signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: GIGAVAC, LLC
    Inventor: GIGAVAC, LLC
  • Hermetically sealed manual disconnect
    Patent number: 9013254
    Abstract: A hermetically sealed, high voltage manual disconnect that can be manually operated from outside the disconnect to transition between connect and disconnect states. The disconnect comprises a hermetically sealed housing having internal components for changing the state of the disconnect. A gas can fill the housing to allow for reliable high voltage operation. Different embodiments of the manual disconnect can include electrical and electronic components so that the state of the disconnect can be changed in response to an electrical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Gigavac, LLC
    Inventors: Mike Molyneux, Brent J Swartzentruber
  • Hermetically sealed relay having low permeability plastic housing
    Patent number: 7321281
    Abstract: A high voltage relay comprises a hermitically sealed housing made of ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) and having internal components for changing the state of said relay. Terminals are electrically connected to the internal components for connection to external circuitry and applying an electrical signal to control the state of the relay. A nitrogen and sulfur hexafluoride gas fills the housing to allow for reliable high voltage operation with the housing having low permeability to the molecules of the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Gigavac LLC
    Inventors: Mike Molyneux, Scott Hickman
  • Hermetically sealed manual disconnect
    Patent number: 10096942
    Abstract: A hermetically sealed, high voltage manual disconnect that can be manually operated from outside the disconnect to transition between connect and disconnect states. The disconnect comprises a hermetically sealed housing having internal components for changing the state of the disconnect. A gas can fill the housing to allow for reliable high voltage operation. Different embodiments of the manual disconnect can include electrical and electronic components so that the state of the disconnect can be changed in response to an electrical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: GIGAVAC, LLC
    Inventors: Mike Molyneux, Brent J Swartzentruber
  • Sealed contactor
    Patent number: 8446240
    Abstract: A low cost, sealed contactor comprises a hermetically sealed housing with a flat header having internal components for changing the state of said contactor. Terminals are electrically connected to the internal components for connection to internal circuitry and applying an electrical signal to control the state of the contactor. A solenoid-driven plunger with a hollow shaft is included. Power-reducing electronics located within the hermetically sealed housing are also included. Two contact springs are also included to improve electrical performance. O-rings are added to help seal the contactor and keep it hermetically sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Gigavac LLC
    Inventors: Brent J. Swartzentruber, Mike Molyneux, Daniel C. Sullivan
  • Sealed contactor
    Patent number: 7944333
    Abstract: A low cost, sealed contactor comprises a hermetically sealed housing with a flat header having internal components for changing the state of said contactor. Terminals are electrically connected to the internal components for connection to internal circuitry and applying an electrical signal to control the state of the contactor. A solenoid-driven plunger with a hollow shaft is included. Power-reducing electronics located within the hermetically sealed housing are also included. Two contact springs are also included to improve electrical performance. O-rings are added to help seal the contactor and keep it hermetically sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Gigavac LLC
    Inventors: Brent J. Swartzentruber, Mike Molyneux, Daniel C. Sullivan
  • SECTIONALIZED CONTACT CONTACTOR
    Publication number: 20150187518
    Abstract: Described herein are contactors comprising one or more split or otherwise sectionalized contacts. By comprising split contacts, contactors incorporating features of the present invention increase the number of electrical contact sites between the split contactor and another contactor, allowing current to flow through multiple sites and preventing or mitigating the formation of magnetic fields, harmonic resonance and resulting vibration and noise production. In some embodiments, the contactors comprise at least one bifurcated (split in two) moveable contact and at least one fixed contact. The bifurcated contact can be configured such that it can be easily manipulated as if it were a singular contact, while simultaneously providing the advantages of a bifurcated one.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Applicant: Gigavac, LLC
    Inventor: Mike Molyneux
  • Passive triggering mechanisms for use with switching devices incorporating pyrotechnic features
    Patent number: 11276535
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are passive triggering mechanisms for activation of pyrotechnic features within electrical switching devices, such as contactor devices and fuse devices. The activation of the pyrotechnic features is configured to change the configuration of the internal components of the switching device and prevent current flow through the device. In some embodiments, the triggering mechanisms comprise features that respond to a magnetic field, such as a reed switch. In some embodiments, the reed switch responds to elevated current flow and can then use the signal with the elevated current flow to activate the pyrotechnic feature. In other embodiments, the reed switch uses a power signal from a secondary power source to activate the pyrotechnic feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Gigavac, LLC
    Inventors: Murray Stephan McTigue, Daniel Sullivan, Michael Henry Molyneux
  • Contact levitation triggering mechanisms for use with switching devices incorporating pyrotechnic features
    Patent number: 11443910
    Abstract: Electrical switching device are disclosed having a housing with internal component within the housing. The internal components comprise contacts configured to operate, to change the state of the switching device from a closed state, allowing current flow through the switching device to an open state which interrupts current flow through the switching device. A pyrotechnic feature is included that is configured to interact with the internal components to transition the switching device from the closed state to the open state when the pyrotechnic feature is activated. The pyrotechnic feature is configured to trigger in response to levitation between the contacts at elevated current signal flowing through the switching device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Gigavac, LLC
    Inventors: Bernard Victor Bush, Murray Stephan McTigue, Daniel Sullivan, David Hatch
  • Passive triggering mechanisms for use with switching devices incorporating pyrotechnic features
    Patent number: 10566160
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are passive triggering mechanisms for activation of pyrotechnic features within electrical switching devices, such as contactor devices and fuse devices. The activation of the pyrotechnic features is configured to change the configuration of the internal components of the switching device and prevent current flow through the device. In some embodiments, the triggering mechanisms comprise features that respond to a magnetic field, such as a reed switch. In some embodiments, threshold strength of a magnetic field needed to trigger the passive triggering mechanism, which corresponds to a threshold level of current running through the switching devices indicating a dangerous overcurrent, can be adjusted based upon the distance between the passive triggering mechanism and a portion of the device such as a power terminal or feature connected to a power terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Gigavac, LLC
    Inventors: Murray Stephan McTigue, Daniel Sullivan, Michael Henry Molyneux
  • Contactor device integrating pyrotechnic disconnect features
    Patent number: 10388477
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are contactor devices, for example, devices that can be utilized as switching elements, comprising fixed contacts that are electrically isolated from one another and one or more moveable contacts that are configured to electrically contact the fixed contacts to provide an electrical connection between them. Movement of the fixed contacts into and out of electrical contact with the fixed contacts controls flow of electricity through the devices. The contactor devices also include pyrotechnic disconnect elements, which function as a circuit break or fuse-like element to protect against overcurrent. When the electrical current through the contactor device reaches a threshold level, a pyrotechnic charge activates, permanently forcing the moveable contacts out of electrical contact with the fixed contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: GIGAVAC, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Sullivan, Murray Stephan McTigue, Michael Henry Molyneux
  • Passive triggering mechanisms for use with switching devices incorporating pyrotechnic features
    Patent number: 11387061
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are passive triggering mechanisms for activation of pyrotechnic features within electrical switching devices, such as contactor devices and fuse devices. The activation of the pyrotechnic features is configured to change the configuration of the internal components of the switching device and prevent current flow through the device. In some embodiments, the triggering mechanisms comprise features that respond to a magnetic field, such as a reed switch. In some embodiments, threshold strength of a magnetic field needed to trigger the passive triggering mechanism, which corresponds to a threshold level of current running through the switching devices indicating a dangerous overcurrent, can be adjusted based upon the distance between the passive triggering mechanism and a portion of the device such as a power terminal or feature connected to a power terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Gigavac, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Sullivan, Murray Stephan McTigue, Michael Henry Molyneux
  • Mechanical fuse device
    Patent number: 9887055
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are efficient mechanical fuse devices that are capable of functioning at high current levels. These devices comprise mechanical features configured such that the fuse devices have a non-triggered state, which allows current to flow through the device, and a triggered state, which does not allow current to flow through the device. In some embodiments, the devices are configured such that a certain pre-determined current level flowing through the device will generate a sufficient electromagnetic field to cause the mechanical elements to transition the fuse device into the triggered state and thus interrupt a connected electrical circuit, device or system. In some embodiments, these devices can also comprise hermetically sealed components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: GIGAVAC, LLC
    Inventors: Murray Stephan McTigue, Bernard Victor Bush, Eric Glenn Hufstedler, Brent James Swartzentruber, Michael Henry Molyneux, Daniel Sullivan
  • Switching device with improved epoxy hermetic seal
    Patent number: 11621131
    Abstract: Electrical switching devices, such contactor and fuse devices, are disclosed that have improved reliability particularly through thermal cycling. One electrical switching device according to the present invention comprises an outer housing and internal operational components within the outer housing. An internal housing in included in that outer housing that surrounds at least some of the internal operational components. A sealing material is also included within the outer housing that is capable of forming a hermetic seal within the outer housing, wherein the sealing material contacts the internal housing. The internal housing has a CTE that substantially matches the CTE of the sealing material. Electrical system according to the present invention comprises an electrical circuit and an improved electrical switching device electrically connected to the electrical circuit to reliably open or close the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Gigavac, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Sullivan, Murray McTigue, David Hatch
  • Mechanical fuse device
    Patent number: 11239038
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are efficient mechanical fuse devices that are capable of functioning at high current levels. These devices comprise mechanical features configured such that the fuse devices have a non-triggered state, which allows current to flow through the device, and a triggered state, which does not allow current to flow through the device. In some embodiments, the devices are configured such that a certain pre-determined current level flowing through the device will generate a sufficient electromagnetic field to cause the mechanical elements to transition the fuse device into the triggered state and thus interrupt a connected electrical circuit, device or system. In some embodiments, these devices can also comprise hermetically sealed components. In some embodiments, the fuse devices can comprise pyrotechnic features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Gigavac, LLC
    Inventors: Murray Stephan McTigue, Bernard Victor Bush, Eric Glenn Hufstedler, Brent James Swartzentruber, Michael Henry Molyneux, Daniel Sullivan
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