公开(公告)号：US07151656B2

公开(公告)日：2006-12-19

申请号：US09981603

申请日：2001-10-17

Applicant: Robert F. Dvorak ,  Kon B. Wong

Inventor： Robert F. Dvorak ,  Kon B. Wong

IPC: H02H3/00

CPC classification number: H02H1/0015 ,  H02H3/44

Abstract: A system for determining whether arcing is present in an electrical circuit in response to a sensor signal corresponding to current in the circuit includes a circuit for analyzing the sensor signal to determine the presence of broadband noise in a predetermined range of frequencies, and producing a corresponding output signal. A controller processes the sensor signal and the output signal to determine current peaks and rise times and to determine, using the current peaks and rise times and the presence of broadband noise, whether an arcing fault is present in the circuit, by comparing data corresponding to the current peaks and rise times and broadband noise with preselected data indicative of an arcing fault. The circuit for analyzing and the controller are integrated onto a single application specific integrated circuit chip.

公开(公告)号：US06625550B1

公开(公告)日：2003-09-23

申请号：US09426832

申请日：1999-10-26

Applicant: Gary W. Scott ,  Kon B. Wong

Inventor： Gary W. Scott ,  Kon B. Wong

IPC: H02H310

CPC classification number: H01H71/125 ,  G01R31/008 ,  G01R31/1272 ,  H01H2083/201 ,  H02H1/0015 ,  H02H1/06 ,  H02H3/105 ,  H02H3/44

Abstract: An arc fault detector system detects arcing faults in an electrical distribution system by monitoring one or more conductors and producing an input signal representing one or more electrical signal conditions in the circuit to be monitored. This input signal is processed to develop signals representing the electrical current flow through the monitored circuit and broadband noise signal components. The system analyzes these signals to determine whether an arcing fault is present, and if so, outputs a trip signal which may be used directly or indirectly to trip a circuit breaker or other circuit interruption device.

Abstract translation: 电弧故障检测器系统通过监视一个或多个导体并产生表示待监测电路中的一个或多个电信号条件的输入信号来检测配电系统中的电弧故障。 该输入信号被处理以产生表示通过所监视的电路和宽带噪声信号分量的电流的信号。 系统分析这些信号以确定是否存在电弧故障，如果是，则输出可以直接或间接地用于跳闸断路器或其他电路中断装置的跳闸信号。

公开(公告)号：US06532424B1

公开(公告)日：2003-03-11

申请号：US09546510

申请日：2000-04-11

Applicant: Andy A. Haun ,  Robert F. Dvorak ,  Brett E. Larson ,  Brian Grattan ,  Kon B. Wong

Inventor： Andy A. Haun ,  Robert F. Dvorak ,  Brett E. Larson ,  Brian Grattan ,  Kon B. Wong

IPC: G01R3100

CPC classification number: H02H1/06 ,  H01H71/125 ,  H01H2083/201 ,  H02H1/0015 ,  H02H3/105 ,  H02H3/33 ,  H02H3/44

Abstract: An arcing fault protection assembly and a corresponding method determine whether arcing is present in electrical circuits. The assembly powers-up quickly without dissipating excessive heat while power is being supplied to the assembly. The assembly comprises a sensor, a broadband noise circuit, a controller, and a dual-mode power supply. The sensor detects a current flowing in an electrical circuit and develops a corresponding sensor signal. The broadband noise circuit determines the presence of broadband noise in the sensor signal and produces a corresponding output signal. The controller processes the sensor signal and the output signal in a predetermined fashion to determine whether an arcing fault is present in the circuit. The dual-mode power supply supplies power to the sensor, broadband noise circuit and controller using a first mode and later switching to a second mode. The first mode reaches steady state faster than the second mode.

Abstract translation: 电弧故障保护组件和相应的方法确定电路中是否存在电弧。 组件在向组件供电时，快速启动，不会耗散过多的热量。 组件包括传感器，宽带噪声电路，控制器和双模电源。 传感器检测在电路中流动的电流并形成相应的传感器信号。 宽带噪声电路确定传感器信号中宽带噪声的存在并产生相应的输出信号。 控制器以预定方式处理传感器信号和输出信号，以确定电路中是否存在电弧故障。 双模式电源为传感器，宽带噪声电路和控制器供电，使用第一种模式，然后切换到第二种模式。 第一种模式比第二种模式更快地达到稳定状态。

公开(公告)号：US06246556B1

公开(公告)日：2001-06-12

申请号：US09026193

申请日：1998-02-19

Applicant: Andrew A. Haun ,  Alan G. Coats ,  Kon B. Wong ,  Robert F. Dvorak ,  Gary W. Scott

Inventor： Andrew A. Haun ,  Alan G. Coats ,  Kon B. Wong ,  Robert F. Dvorak ,  Gary W. Scott

IPC: H02H300

CPC classification number: H02H1/0015 ,  H01H71/125 ,  H01H2083/201 ,  H02H1/06 ,  H02H3/105 ,  H02H3/44

Abstract: An electrical fault detector system detects electrical faults in an electrical distribution system by monitoring one or more conductors and producing an input signal representing one or more electrical signal conditions in the circuit to be monitored. This input signal is processed to develop a first signal representing the electrical current flow through the monitored circuit and a second signal representing signal components in a selected frequency range typical of arcing faults, and which exceed a predetermined threshold. The system also detects ground faults in the circuit being monitored.

Abstract translation: 电气故障检测器系统通过监测一个或多个导体并产生表示待监测电路中的一个或多个电信号状况的输入信号来检测配电系统中的电气故障。 该输入信号被处理以形成表示通过被监测电路的电流的第一信号和表示在电弧故障典型的并且超过预定阈值的选定频率范围内的信号分量的第二信号。 该系统还检测被监控电路中的接地故障。

公开(公告)号：US07068480B2

公开(公告)日：2006-06-27

申请号：US10107621

申请日：2002-03-27

Applicant: Kon B. Wong ,  Gary W. Scott

Inventor： Kon B. Wong ,  Gary W. Scott

IPC: H02H9/08

CPC classification number: H02H1/0015 ,  G01R31/14 ,  H02H3/44

Abstract: A method of determining whether arcing is present in an electrical circuit includes sensing a change in current in the circuit and developing a corresponding input signal, analyzing the input signal to determine the presence of broadband noise in a predetermined range of frequencies, and producing a corresponding output signal, and processing the input signal and the output signal in a predetermined fashion to determine whether an arcing fault is present in the circuit. The processing includes determining a type of load connected to the electrical circuit, based at least in part upon the input signal and the output signal.

公开(公告)号：US06456471B1

公开(公告)日：2002-09-24

申请号：US09466362

申请日：1999-12-17

Applicant: Andy A. Haun ,  Brian G. Grattan ,  Kon B. Wong ,  Robert F. Dvorak ,  Gary W. Scott

Inventor： Andy A. Haun ,  Brian G. Grattan ,  Kon B. Wong ,  Robert F. Dvorak ,  Gary W. Scott

IPC: H02H300

CPC classification number: H01H71/125 ,  H01H71/128 ,  H01H2083/201 ,  H01H2300/03 ,  H02H1/0015 ,  H02H1/06 ,  H02H3/105 ,  H02H3/44 ,  Y02B70/3241 ,  Y02B90/224 ,  Y04S20/14 ,  Y04S20/227

Abstract: An arc fault circuit interrupter system for use with an electrical circuit includes an arcing fault detector which monitors the electrical circuit and a controller which generates a trip signal in response to the detection of arcing faults. The controller may also generate one or more communication signals corresponding to information relating to the operation of the arcing fault circuit interrupter. The system may also include one or more of the following: a communication port which communicates to a user the information relating to operation of the arc fault circuit interrupter in response to the communication signals; a memory for retaining predetermined information related to the condition and operation of the arcing fault circuit interrupter, with or without a backup memory; and a combined self-test/reset switch.

Abstract translation: 与电路一起使用的电弧故障电路断续器系统包括一个监视电路的电弧故障检测器和一个响应于电弧故障检测产生跳闸信号的控制器。 控制器还可以产生对应于与电弧故障电路断续器的操作有关的信息的一个或多个通信信号。 该系统还可以包括以下中的一个或多个：响应于通信信号向用户通信与电弧故障电路断续器的操作有关的信息的通信端口; 存储器，用于保持与备用存储器有关的与电弧故障电路断续器的状态和操作有关的预定信息; 以及组合的自检/复位开关。

公开(公告)号：US06621669B1

公开(公告)日：2003-09-16

申请号：US09466393

申请日：1999-12-17

Applicant: Andy A. Haun ,  Robert F. Dvorak ,  Brett E. Larson ,  Brian Grattan ,  Kon B. Wong

Inventor： Andy A. Haun ,  Robert F. Dvorak ,  Brett E. Larson ,  Brian Grattan ,  Kon B. Wong

IPC: H02H300

CPC classification number: H01H71/125 ,  H01H2083/201 ,  H01H2300/03 ,  H02H1/0015 ,  H02H1/06 ,  H02H3/105 ,  H02H3/44 ,  Y02B70/3241 ,  Y02B90/224 ,  Y04S20/14 ,  Y04S20/227

Abstract: An arcing fault protection assembly in an electrical outlet, and a corresponding method determine whether arcing is present in an electrical device connected to the outlet. The assembly comprises a sensor, a broadband noise circuit, a controller and s an electrical device. The sensor detects a current and develops a corresponding sensor signal. The broadband noise circuit determines the presence of broadband noise in the sensor signal and produces a corresponding output signal. The controller processes the sensor signal and the output signal in a predetermined fashion to determine whether an arcing fault is present. The sensor, the broadband noise circuit and the controller are mounted to the outlet receptacle or to an outlet box which houses the receptacle. The electrical device is connected in parallel to the first electrical outlet on the load side of the sensor.

Abstract translation: 电气插座中的电弧故障保护组件，并且相应的方法确定在连接到出口的电气设备中是否存在电弧。 组件包括传感器，宽带噪声电路，控制器和电气设备。 传感器检测电流并形成相应的传感器信号。 宽带噪声电路确定传感器信号中宽带噪声的存在并产生相应的输出信号。 控制器以预定方式处理传感器信号和输出信号，以确定是否存在电弧故障。 传感器，宽带噪声电路和控制器安装到出口插座或容纳插座的出口盒。 电气设备与传感器负载侧的第一个电源插座并联连接。

公开(公告)号：US06414829B1

公开(公告)日：2002-07-02

申请号：US09454565

申请日：1999-12-07

Applicant: Andy A. Haun ,  Brian G. Grattan ,  Kon B. Wong ,  Robert F. Dvorak ,  Gary W. Scott

Inventor： Andy A. Haun ,  Brian G. Grattan ,  Kon B. Wong ,  Robert F. Dvorak ,  Gary W. Scott

IPC: H02H300

CPC classification number: H01H71/125 ,  H01H2083/201 ,  H01H2300/03 ,  H02H1/0015 ,  H02H1/06 ,  H02H3/105 ,  H02H3/44 ,  Y02B70/3241 ,  Y02B90/224 ,  Y04S20/14 ,  Y04S20/227

Abstract: A system for producing a simulated ground fault when arcing is present in an electrical circuit includes a sensor which monitors the electrical circuit. An arcing fault detection circuit determines whether an arcing fault is present in response to the sensor and produces a trip signal in response to a determination that an arcing fault is present in the electrical circuit. A ground fault simulator circuit produces a simulated ground fault in response to the trip signal.

Abstract translation: 在电路中存在电弧时产生模拟接地故障的系统包括监测电路的传感器。 电弧故障检测电路响应于传感器中是否存在电弧故障，并且响应于确定电路中存在电弧故障而产生跳闸信号。 接地故障模拟电路响应于跳闸信号产生模拟接地故障。

公开(公告)号：US06259996B1

公开(公告)日：2001-07-10

申请号：US09129685

申请日：1998-08-05

Applicant: Andy A. Haun ,  Alan G. Coats ,  Kon B. Wong ,  Robert F. Dvorak ,  Gary W. Scott

Inventor： Andy A. Haun ,  Alan G. Coats ,  Kon B. Wong ,  Robert F. Dvorak ,  Gary W. Scott

IPC: H02H310

CPC classification number: H01H71/125 ,  H01H2083/201 ,  H01H2300/03 ,  H02H1/0015 ,  H02H1/06 ,  H02H3/105 ,  H02H3/44 ,  Y02B70/3241 ,  Y02B90/224 ,  Y04S20/14 ,  Y04S20/227

Abstract: An arc fault detector system detects arcing faults in an electrical distribution system by monitoring one or more conductors and producing an input signal representing one or more electrical signal conditions in the circuit to be monitored. This input signal is processed to develop signals representing the electrical current flow through the monitored circuit and broadband noise signal components. The system analyzes these signals to determine whether an arcing fault is present, and if so, outputs a trip signal which may be used directly or indirectly to trip a circuit breaker or other circuit interruption device.

Abstract translation: 电弧故障检测器系统通过监视一个或多个导体并产生表示待监测电路中的一个或多个电信号条件的输入信号来检测配电系统中的电弧故障。 该输入信号被处理以产生表示通过所监视的电路和宽带噪声信号分量的电流的信号。 系统分析这些信号以确定是否存在电弧故障，如果是，则输出可以直接或间接地用于跳闸断路器或其他电路中断装置的跳闸信号。

公开(公告)号：US5839092A

公开(公告)日：1998-11-17

申请号：US825005

申请日：1997-03-26

Applicant: Robert J. Erger ,  Kon B. Wong ,  Charles D. Bettis

Inventor： Robert J. Erger ,  Kon B. Wong ,  Charles D. Bettis

IPC: G01R31/02 ,  G01R31/12 ,  H02H1/00 ,  G01R31/08

CPC classification number: G01R31/025 ,  G01R31/1272 ,  H02H1/0015

Abstract: A system for detecting arcing faults in a line conductor carrying an electrical current between a power source and a load, the electrical current defining an AC waveform comprising a series of alternating positive half cycles and negative half cycles. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of obtaining current samples in a series of half cycles of the waveform, determining the peak current of each of the half cycles, and comparing the peak currents to determine changes in slope between half cycles. The number of changes in slope occurring within a selected time interval are counted and an arc indicative signal is produced when the number of reversals in polarity in slope occurring within the selected time interval equals or exceeds a predetermined threshold number. In another embodiment, the method comprises, in addition to the steps above, the steps of normalizing each of the current samples and autocorrelating the normalized current samples to obtain a measure of significant waveform shape changes between consecutive half cycles. Both the number of changes in slope and the number of significant waveform shape changes occurring within a selected time interval are counted and an arc indicative signal is produced when the number of reversals in polarity or the number of waveform changes equal or exceed predetermined threshold values.

Abstract translation: 一种用于检测在电源和负载之间承载电流的线路导体中的电弧故障的系统，所述电流限定包括一系列交替的正半周期和负半周期的AC波形。 在一个实施例中，该方法包括以下步骤：以波形的一系列半周期获得当前样本，确定每个半周期的峰值电流，以及比较峰值电流以确定半周期之间的斜率变化。 在所选择的时间间隔内发生的斜率的反转次数等于或超过预定的阈值数时，计数在所选择的时间间隔内发生的斜率的变化数，并产生圆弧指示信号。 在另一个实施例中，除了上述步骤之外，该方法还包括对每个当前采样进行归一化并自动关联归一化电流采样以获得连续半周期之间的有效波形形状变化的量度的步骤。 对所选择的时间间隔内发生的斜率变化数量和有效波形形状变化的数量进行计数，并且当极性反转次数或波形数量变化等于或超过预定阈值时，产生圆弧指示信号。