Michael C Little

US Patent:

6377143, Apr 23, 2002

Filed:

Mar 16, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/681320

Inventors:

Xin Zhou - Brookfield WI
Michael Thomas Little - Milwaukee WI

Assignee:

Eaton Corporation - Cleveland OH

International Classification:

H01H 6702

US Classification:

335132, 218154

Abstract:

A system and method for preventing contact weld under various fault current conditions is disclosed. The system includes a contactor having stationary and movable contacts biased towards each other and switchable between an open and closed position. Energization of an electromagnetic coil engages the contacts creating an electric path for current flow through the contactor. Pulse width modulation is used to lower the power to the coil and maintain the contacts in the closed position. The contactor is equipped with safeguards to prevent contact welding. Under low fault currents, welding is prevented by contact material composition. Under intermediate fault currents, the contacts are blown open and remain open using magnetic components until the arc dissipates and the contacts have cooled sufficiently. Under high fault currents, the arrangement causes the contacts to blow open and separate the armature from the coil preventing re-engagement of the contacts until the coil is energized again.

US Patent:

6456495, Sep 24, 2002

Filed:

Mar 13, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/523607

Inventors:

Christopher John Wieloch - Brookfield WI
Anthony Edward Develice - Brookfield WI
Michael Thomas Little - Milwaukee WI

Assignee:

Eaton Corporation - Cleveland OH

International Classification:

H05K 714

US Classification:

361729, 361683, 361732, 361801, 361802, 361788, 312215, 312222, 3122281, 3122232

Abstract:

A logic controller formed by self-contained device modules plugged onto a DIN rail and onto a backplane contained in the DIN rail, the modules variously comprising a power supply, a logic control, I/O devices and gateways, each I/O device having microprocessor power, and the modules having a sliding lock movable into position adjacent DIN-rail-engaging flexible tabs to block deflection of the tabs and removal of the module from the DIN rail.

US Patent:

6943654, Sep 13, 2005

Filed:

Nov 29, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/904781

Inventors:

Xin Zhou - Brookfield WI, US
Michael T. Little - Milwaukee WI, US
James Kinsella - Pleasant View TN, US
Chris Wieloch - Brookfield WI, US
Engelbert Hetzmannseder - Glendale WI, US

Assignee:

Eaton Corporation - Cleveland OH

International Classification:

H01H047/00
H01H067/02

US Classification:

335106, 335107, 335119, 335132, 361160, 361166

Abstract:

A modular asynchronous contactor assembly includes a contactor for each phase or pole of an electrical device. The contactor assembly is applicable as both a switching device and an isolation or load protection device. As such, each contactor is constructed so that each includes multiple contact assemblies. Moreover, the contactors within a single contactor assembly or housing can be independently controlled so that the contacts of one contactor can be opened without opening the contacts of the other contactors of the contactor assembly.

US Patent:

6956728, Oct 18, 2005

Filed:

Feb 28, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/248916

Inventors:

Xin Zhou - Brookfield WI, US
Michael T. Little - Milwaukee WI, US
James Kinsella - Pleasant View TN, US
Chris Wieloch - Brookfield WI, US
Engelbert Hetzmannseder - Glendale WI, US

Assignee:

Eaton Corporation - Cleveland OH

International Classification:

H01H047/00

US Classification:

361160, 361166

Abstract:

A modular asynchronous contactor assembly includes a contactor for each phase or pole of an electrical device. The contactor assembly is applicable as both a switching device and an isolation or load protection device. As such, each contactor is constructed so that each includes multiple contact assemblies. Moreover, the contactors within a single contactor assembly or housing can be independently controlled so that the contacts of one contactor can be opened without opening the contacts of the other contactors of the contactor assembly.

US Patent:

6967549, Nov 22, 2005

Filed:

Mar 18, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/083634

Inventors:

Xin Zhou - Brookfield WI, US
Michael T. Little - Milwaukee WI, US
James Kinsella - Pleasant View TN, US
Chris Wieloch - Brookfield WI, US
Engelbert Hetzmannseder - Glendale WI, US

Assignee:

Eaton Corporation - Cleveland OH

International Classification:

H01H047/00
H01H067/02

US Classification:

335106, 335107, 335119, 335132, 361160, 361166

Abstract:

A modular asynchronous contactor assembly includes a contactor for each phase or pole of an electrical device. The contactor assembly is applicable as both a switching device and an isolation or load protection device. As such, each contactor is constructed so that each includes multiple contact assemblies. Moreover, the contactors within a single contactor assembly or housing can be independently controlled so that the contacts of one contactor can be opened without opening the contacts of the other contactors of the contactor assembly.

US Patent:

7057311, Jun 6, 2006

Filed:

Mar 21, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/249207

Inventors:

Xin Zhou - Brookfield WI, US
Michael T. Little - Milwaukee WI, US
James Kinsella - Madison WI, US
Jan Walker - Franklin WI, US
Edward L. Wellner - Colgate WI, US
James A. Becker - Grafton WI, US

Assignee:

Eaton Corporation - Cleveland OH

International Classification:

H02H 3/08
H02H 3/00

US Classification:

307131, 307126

Abstract:

The present invention provides an electrical isolation apparatus having independently controllable contactors. The isolation apparatus includes a contactor for each phase or pole of an electrical device as well as each phase or pole of a load. Each contactor is constructed so that each includes multiple contact assemblies that may be independently controlled to open and close. Moreover, the contactors within a single contactor assembly or housing can be independently controlled so that the contacts of one contactor can be opened without opening the contacts of the other contactors in the contactor assembly. Additionally, the contactors are construct and controlled such that a single line side contactor and a single load contactor open simultaneously when an open circuit condition is desired.

US Patent:

7196434, Mar 27, 2007

Filed:

Mar 21, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/249206

Inventors:

Xin Zhou - Brookfield WI, US
Michael T. Little - Milwaukee WI, US
James Kinsella - Pleasant View TN, US
Christopher J. Wieloch - Brookfield WI, US

Assignee:

Eaton Corporation - Cleveland OH

International Classification:

H02H 3/08
H01H 83/06
H01H 77/00

US Classification:

307131, 335 7, 335 19

Abstract:

The present invention provides an electrical isolation apparatus having independently controllable contactors. The isolation apparatus includes a contactor for each phase or pole of an electrical device as well as each phase or pole of a load. Each contactor is constructed so that each includes multiple contact assemblies that may be independently controlled to open and close. Moreover, the contactors within a single contactor assembly or housing can be independently controlled so that the contacts of one contactor can be opened without opening the contacts of the other contactors in the contactor assembly. Additionally, the contactors are constructed and controlled such that a single line side contactor and a single load contactor open simultaneously when an open circuit condition is desired.