公开(公告)号：US4351012A

公开(公告)日：1982-09-21

申请号：US140553

申请日：1980-04-15

Applicant: Robert T. Elms ,  Joseph C. Engel ,  Bernard J. Mercier ,  Gary F. Saletta ,  John T. Wilson

Inventor： Robert T. Elms ,  Joseph C. Engel ,  Bernard J. Mercier ,  Gary F. Saletta ,  John T. Wilson

IPC: G05D3/12 ,  H02H3/00 ,  H02H3/02 ,  H02H3/05 ,  H02H3/093

CPC classification number: H02H3/006 ,  H01H2071/006

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a digital electronic trip unit having a microprocessor. The front panel of the trip unit includes a potentiometer connected across a reference voltage, and a numeric display device. The potentiometer is adjusted by an operator to enter a value of a parameter defining the time-current characteristic of the circuit breaker. An analog-to-digital converter receives the voltage supplied by the potentiometer and converts it to a digital quantity for use by the microcomputer in performing limit checks with the current flow through the contacts of the breaker. The microcomputer formats the converted digital value of the potentiometer voltage and supplies it to a front panel-visible numeric display so that the value of the potentiometer setting as interpreted by the microcomputer in defining the time-current trip characteristic is presented on the numeric display to provide real-time feedback to the operator as he adjusts the parameter value.

Abstract translation: 断路器包括具有微处理器的数字电子跳闸单元。 跳闸单元的前面板包括连接在参考电压上的电位器和数字显示装置。 电位器由操作者进行调整，以输入定义断路器时间电流特性的参数值。 模数转换器接收由电位计提供的电压并将其转换为数字量，供微型计算机使用，并通过断路器的触点进行限流检查。 微型计算机对转换后的电位器电压进行格式化并将其提供给前面板可视数字显示屏，以便在数字显示屏上显示由微型计算机解释的电位器设置值，用于定义时间 - 电流跳闸特性 在调整参数值时，向操作员提供实时反馈。

公开(公告)号：US4338647A

公开(公告)日：1982-07-06

申请号：US140627

申请日：1980-04-15

Applicant: John T. Wilson ,  John A. Wafer ,  Joseph C. Engel ,  Robert T. Elms

Inventor： John T. Wilson ,  John A. Wafer ,  Joseph C. Engel ,  Robert T. Elms

IPC: H02H3/093 ,  H02H1/00

CPC classification number: H02H1/0069

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a microprocessor-based trip unit having an optically coupled data input/output system. A pulse transformer receives input pulses generated by the execution of instructions in said microcomputer and supplies these pulses to a plurality of optical isolators, thereby reducing the power requirements of the optically isolated interface system to a value sufficient to allow complete operating power to be supplied to the trip unit and the data input/output system from the sensing current transformers within the circuit breaker housing.

Abstract translation: 断路器包括具有光耦合数据输入/输出系统的基于微处理器的跳闸单元。 脉冲变压器接收通过执行所述微计算机中的指令而产生的输入脉冲，并且将这些脉冲提供给多个光隔离器，从而将光隔离接口系统的功率需求降低到足以允许完整的工作功率被提供给 断路单元和数据输入/输出系统中的断路器外壳内的感应电流互感器。

公开(公告)号：US4147962A

公开(公告)日：1979-04-03

申请号：US861591

申请日：1977-12-19

Applicant: Joseph C. Engel

Inventor： Joseph C. Engel

IPC: H05B41/42 ,  G05F1/00 ,  H05B37/02 ,  H05B39/04 ,  H05B41/36

CPC classification number: H05B41/42 ,  Y10S315/07 ,  Y10T307/951

Abstract: An energy-conserving solid-state-controlled illumination system which operates high-intensity-discharge lamps. The system operates the lamps at about a predetermined rated power consumption with a relatively high light output for a predetermined time when a high degree of illumination is desirable and thereafter operates the lamps at about a predetermined power less than rated power consumption when a lower degree of illumination can be tolerated.

Abstract translation: 一种节能的固态照明系统，可操作高强度放电灯。 当需要高度的照明时，该系统以大约预定的额定功率消耗具有相对高的光输出预定时间，然后在低于额定功率消耗的约 照明可以容忍。

公开(公告)号：US07280337B2

公开(公告)日：2007-10-09

申请号：US10912376

申请日：2004-08-05

Applicant: Joseph C. Engel

Inventor： Joseph C. Engel

IPC: H01H73/00

CPC classification number: H01H89/06 ,  H01H47/226 ,  H01H71/04 ,  H01H2300/03 ,  Y02B90/224 ,  Y04S20/14

Abstract: A controllable circuit breaker includes a housing, first and second inputs adapted to receive respective external close and open signals, a third input adapted to receive a control voltage, a set of main contacts, an operating mechanism for opening and closing those contacts; a set of secondary contacts connected in series with the main contacts, and a latching solenoid including a plunger latchable to a first position which closes the secondary contacts and to a second position which opens the secondary contacts. When separately energized, first and second coils operate the plunger to respective first and second positions. The first and second coils have a common node which is electrically connected to the third input. A non-mechanical, electronic control circuit within the housing is adapted to receive the external close and open signals and responsively energize the first and second coils, respectively, for a predetermined time.

Abstract translation: 可控断路器包括壳体，适于接收相应的外部闭合和打开信号的第一和第二输入端，适于接收控制电压的第三输入端，一组主触点，用于打开和关闭这些触点的操作机构; 一组与主触点串联连接的次级触头，以及一个闭锁螺线管，包括可锁定到第一位置的柱塞，该第一位置关闭次级触点和打开次触点的第二位置。 当单独通电时，第一和第二线圈将柱塞操作到相应的第一和第二位置。 第一和第二线圈具有电连接到第三输入的公共节点。 壳体内的非机械电子控制电路适于接收外部闭合和断开信号，并且响应地分别在第一和第二线圈上激励预定时间。

公开(公告)号：US07253602B2

公开(公告)日：2007-08-07

申请号：US11038899

申请日：2005-01-19

Applicant: Randal P. Shvach ,  Joseph J. Matsko ,  Mark G. Solveson ,  Charles J. Luebke ,  Joseph C. Engel

Inventor： Randal P. Shvach ,  Joseph J. Matsko ,  Mark G. Solveson ,  Charles J. Luebke ,  Joseph C. Engel

IPC: G01R15/18 ,  G01R15/20 ,  G01R33/07 ,  G01R19/20

CPC classification number: G01D21/00 ,  G01K13/00 ,  G01K2215/00 ,  G01R15/14 ,  G01R15/146 ,  G01R15/183 ,  G01R15/202 ,  H01H1/0015 ,  H01H2300/03 ,  Y02B90/224 ,  Y04S20/14

Abstract: A sensor apparatus is for a power bus including a plurality of characteristics. The sensor apparatus includes a housing; one or more sensors each adapted to sense a characteristic of the power bus; and a circuit adapted to transmit or receive a wireless signal. A processor includes a low-power mode and a routine adapted to wake up from the low-power mode, to input the sensed characteristic from the one or more sensors, to output a corresponding signal to the circuit to transmit as the wireless signal, and to sleep in the low-power mode. A power supply is adapted to power the sensors, the circuit and the processor from flux arising from current flowing in the power bus. The power supply includes one or more voltages.

Abstract translation: 传感器装置用于具有多个特性的电力总线。 传感器装置包括壳体; 一个或多个传感器，每个传感器适于感测电力总线的特性; 以及适于发送或接收无线信号的电路。 处理器包括低功率模式和适于从低功率模式唤醒的程序，从一个或多个传感器输入感测到的特性，以将对应的信号输出到电路作为无线信号进行发送;以及 以低功耗模式睡觉。 电源适于为传感器，电路和处理器供电，从电流总线中流过的电流引起。 电源包括一个或多个电压。

公开(公告)号：US06720872B1

公开(公告)日：2004-04-13

申请号：US10197647

申请日：2002-07-16

Applicant: Joseph C. Engel ,  Robert T. Elms ,  John C. Schlotterer

Inventor： Joseph C. Engel ,  Robert T. Elms ,  John C. Schlotterer

IPC: G08B2900

CPC classification number: H02H3/334 ,  H01H83/04 ,  H01H2083/201

Abstract: An arc fault/ground fault circuit interrupter for a power circuit includes a line terminal; a load terminal; and separable contacts electrically connected between the line and load terminals. An operating mechanism opens the separable contacts and has a closed position for closing the separable contacts. A trip mechanism cooperates with the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts. A ground fault protection circuit is operatively associated with the power circuit. An arc fault protection circuit is also operatively associated with the power circuit. A circuit tests the ground fault protection circuit, tests the arc fault protection circuit, and restores the operating mechanism to the closed position responsive to sequential activation of test and reset buttons.

Abstract translation: 电源电路的电弧故障/接地故障电路断路器包括线路终端; 负载端子; 以及电连接在线路和负载端子之间的可分离触点。 操作机构打开可分离触点并且具有用于闭合可分离触点的闭合位置。 跳闸机构与操作机构配合以使可分离触点断开。 接地故障保护电路与电源电路可操作地相关联。 电弧故障保护电路也可操作地与电源电路相关联。 电路测试接地故障保护电路，测试电弧故障保护电路，并根据测试和复位按钮的顺序激活将操作机构恢复到关闭位置。

公开(公告)号：US5940256A

公开(公告)日：1999-08-17

申请号：US336721

申请日：1994-11-09

Applicant: Raymond W. MacKenzie ,  Joseph C. Engel

Inventor： Raymond W. MacKenzie ,  Joseph C. Engel

IPC: H01H73/18 ,  H01H83/02 ,  H02H1/00 ,  H02H1/04 ,  H02H3/33 ,  H02H3/44 ,  H02H3/00

CPC classification number: H02H1/043 ,  H02H1/0015 ,  H02H3/335 ,  H02H3/44

Abstract: A circuit breaker responds to sputtering arc faults by counting the times that a bandwidth limited di/dt signal exceeds a threshold magnitude within a selected time interval. In the exemplary circuit breaker, if the threshold is exceeded twice within a one second interval, a trip solenoid is energized. The di/dt sensor can share a sensing coil with a ground fault detector. Alternatively, the resistance of the neutral lead within the circuit breaker is utilized to sense current which is converted to a bandwidth limited di/dt signal for level detection and counting of sputtering arc events.

公开(公告)号：US5691869A

公开(公告)日：1997-11-25

申请号：US471132

申请日：1995-06-06

Applicant: Joseph C. Engel ,  Raymond W. MacKenzie

Inventor： Joseph C. Engel ,  Raymond W. MacKenzie

IPC: G01R19/165 ,  H02H1/00 ,  H02H1/04 ,  H02H3/16 ,  H02H3/33 ,  H02H3/52 ,  H02H3/00

CPC classification number: H02H1/0015 ,  H02H1/043 ,  H02H3/33

Abstract: A low cost analog arcing detector and a circuit breaker incorporating such a detector provide a variable response time to arcing faults based upon the amplitude of the arcing current. A filter generates pulses having an amplitude proportional to the amplitude of the step increase in current generated by the striking of the arc. The pulses are rectified and the amount by which the single polarity pulses exceed a threshold value, selected to eliminate nuisance trips on current step increases characteristic of some common loads, is integrated by a capacitor connected to a resistor which continually adjusts the capacitor voltage in a sense opposite to that of the pulses. The capacitor and resistor are selected to generate a trip signal as a function of the accumulated, time attenuated magnitude of the step increases in current associated with each striking of the arc current. Preferably, the pulses are squared before the reference current is subtracted to provide faster response for large amplitude arc currents, while avoiding false trips caused by known loads. Preferably, the arcing detector is used with a ground current detector which provides further protection by tripping on ground currents flowing through carbon tracks deposited by arcing currents below the threshold of the arcing fault detector.

Abstract translation: 低成本的模拟电弧检测器和结合这种检测器的断路器基于电弧电流的幅度提供对电弧故障的可变响应时间。 滤波器产生具有与通过触发电弧产生的电流的阶梯增加幅度成比例的幅度的脉冲。 脉冲被整流，并且单极性脉冲超过阈值的量被选择以消除电流阶跃上的麻烦跳闸增加一些常见负载的特性，通过连接到电阻器的电容器来集成，电阻器连续地调节电容器电压 感觉与脉冲相反。 选择电容器和电阻器来产生跳闸信号，作为与每次触发电弧电流相关联的电流的步长增加的累积时间衰减幅度的函数。 优选地，在减去参考电流之前对脉冲进行平方，以便对大幅度电弧电流提供更快的响应，同时避免由已知负载引起的错误跳闸。 优选地，电弧检测器与接地电流检测器一起使用，该接地电流检测器通过跳过在流过电弧电流故障检测器的阈值的电弧电流沉积的碳轨迹的接地电流来提供进一步的保护。

公开(公告)号：US5579194A

公开(公告)日：1996-11-26

申请号：US354999

申请日：1994-12-13

Applicant: Raymond W. Mackenzie ,  Joseph C. Engel

Inventor： Raymond W. Mackenzie ,  Joseph C. Engel

IPC: H01H47/32 ,  H02H6/00 ,  H02H5/04

CPC classification number: H01H47/325 ,  H02H6/005

Abstract: A motor starter includes separable contacts interconnected between an alternating current (AC) power source and an AC motor for switching an AC load current which flows from the power source and through the separable contacts; a dual-slope analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion circuit for sensing the load current and generating a current value; and a microcomputer with a coil drive circuit for selectively opening the separable contacts as a predetermined function of the current value. The dual-slope A/D conversion circuit includes current transformers for sensing the AC load current and for selectively providing a received current therefrom, a current reference for selectively providing a reference current, a multiplexer for multiplexing the currents, and a class B preamplifier for amplifying and rectifying the multiplexed AC current. The dual-slope A/D conversion circuit also includes a dual-slope integrator which generates an integration value by positively integrating the received current and by negatively integrating the reference current; a comparator which compares the integration value with a predetermined threshold value and generates a comparison signal for the microcomputer; and a bias amplifier for biasing the current transformers with a voltage which is about equal to a bias voltage of the preamplifier. The preamplifier, the dual-slope integrator, and the bias amplifier may each include a Norton amplifier.

Abstract translation: 电动机起动器包括互连的交流电（AC）电源和交流电动机之间的可分离触点，用于切换从电源和可分离触点流出的交流负载电流; 用于感测负载电流并产生电流值的双斜率模数（A / D）转换电路; 以及具有用于选择性地打开可分离触点的线圈驱动电路作为电流值的预定函数的微型计算机。 双斜率A / D转换电路包括用于感测AC负载电流并用于选择性地提供其接收电流的电流互感器，用于选择性地提供参考电流的电流参考，用于多路复用电流的多路复用器和用于 放大并整流多路交流电流。 双斜率A / D转换电路还包括双斜率积分器，其通过积极积分所接收的电流并通过对参考电流进行负积分来产生积分值; 比较器，其将积分值与预定阈值进行比较，并产生微机的比较信号; 以及偏置放大器，用于以大约等于前置放大器的偏置电压的电压来偏置电流互感器。 前置放大器，双斜率积分器和偏置放大器可以各自包括诺顿放大器。

公开(公告)号：US5315531A

公开(公告)日：1994-05-24

申请号：US915171

申请日：1992-07-15

Applicant: David M. Oravetz ,  Robert T. Elms ,  Joseph C. Engel ,  Frank Klancher ,  Thomas J. Kenny

Inventor： David M. Oravetz ,  Robert T. Elms ,  Joseph C. Engel ,  Frank Klancher ,  Thomas J. Kenny

IPC: G01R21/133 ,  G01R21/00 ,  G01R22/00 ,  G08C25/00 ,  H05K11/00

CPC classification number: G01R21/133

Abstract: A PC computer monitors the energy, power, voltage, and current consumed at a plurality of local stations placed behind the electrical meter of the utility company for individual billing of the local users, a bidirectional communication line being used therebetween. A command from the PC computer causes at each station the power, voltage, current and totalized energy to be stored, and thereafter the PC computer derives individually the results for separate estimations and central billing.

Abstract translation: PC计算机监视在公用事业公司的电表之后的多个本地电台消耗的能量，功率，电压和电流，用于本地用户的单独计费，其间使用双向通信线路。 来自PC机的命令导致每个站的功率，电压，电流和总能量被存储，此后，PC计算机分别得出结果以进行单独的估计和中央计费。