Geoffrey Freeman Butland

Title: Inventor Spotlight: Geoffrey Freeman Butland

Introduction

Geoffrey Freeman Butland is a notable inventor based in Farmington, CT, USA. He holds four patents that reflect his significant contributions to electrical engineering, particularly in the realm of circuit breakers and their accessory functionalities. His innovative work demonstrates a focus on enhancing safety and performance in electrical systems.

Latest Patents

One of Geoffrey's latest patents is for a "Circuit breaker closing actuator and method of operation." This invention offers a sophisticated closing actuator designed to communicate with a trip unit that sends and receives data from remote locations. The actuator validates incoming signals and activates a driving circuit capable of closing the circuit breaker, thus improving operational efficiency and reliability.

Another recent contribution is the "Method and apparatus for accessing and activating accessory functions of electronic circuit breakers." This patent introduces an electronic trip unit featuring a programmed microprocessor and a module plug that facilitates communication. The microprocessor can recognize various program identifiers, enabling it to perform multiple functions such as load monitoring and fault alarms based on the identified programs. This innovation positions him as a pioneer in optimizing the functionality of circuit breakers.

Career Highlights

Geoffrey has a diverse career, working for esteemed companies like General Electric Company and GE Fanuc Automation North America, Inc. His experiences in these organizations have significantly shaped his development as an inventor, allowing him to apply his skills to real-world challenges in electrical engineering.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Geoffrey has collaborated with talented individuals such as Michael Sullivan Tignor and Michael B. Bradley. These partnerships have undoubtedly enriched his inventive process and contributed to the success of his patents.

Conclusion

Geoffrey Freeman Butland is an influential figure in the field of electrical engineering, with his innovations paving the way for advancements in circuit breaker technologies. His patents not only exemplify his ingenuity but also reflect his commitment to improving safety and efficiency in electrical systems. As technology continues to evolve, inventors like Butland play a crucial role in shaping the future of innovation in this critical industry.