General Electric Company

Charles Stephan Pitzen

William James Premerlani

Kanakasabapathi Subramanian

Robert Joseph Caggiano

Brent Charles Kumfer

David J Lesslie

John Norton Park

Joshua Isaac Wright

Parag Thakre

Edward K Howell

Christopher Fred Keimel

Javier I Larranaga

Joseph Criniti

Marcelo Esteban Valdes

Kathleen Ann O'Brien

Fengfeng Tao

Esteban Santos

Alberto Anibal Figueroa

Edward E Kim

Dennis C Zuffelato

Anilkumar Dinker Pandit

K V Sridhar

M Natarajan

A Ramadevi

Madhu Sudan

Thuong Phung

Nathaniel B Vicente

Joseph P Smith

Robert J Cassagrande

Efrain Ralat

Jose F Gonzalez

Edward Keith Howell

David James Lesslie

A current control device is disclosed. The current control device includes control circuitry and a current path integrally arranged with the control circuitry. The current path includes a set of conduction interfaces and a micro electromechanical system (MEMS) switch disposed between the set of conduction interfaces. The set of conduction interfaces have geometry of a defined fuse terminal geometry and include a first interface disposed at one end of the current path and a second interface disposed at an opposite end of the current path. The MEMS switch is responsive to the control circuitry to facilitate the interruption of an electrical current passing through the current path.

Micro-electromechanical system based switching

The present invention comprises a method for over-current protection. The method comprising monitoring a load current value of a load current passing through a plurality of micro-electromechanical switching system devices, determining if the monitored load current value varies from a predetermined load current value, and generating a fault signal in the event that the monitored load current value varies from the predetermined load current value. The method also comprises diverting the load current from the plurality of micro-electromechanical switching system devices in response to the fault signal and determining if the variance in the load current value was due to a true fault trip or a false nuisance trip.

Resettable MEMS micro-switch array based on current limiting apparatus

Electrical distribution systems implementing micro-electromechanical system based switching devices. Exemplary embodiments include a method in an electrical distribution system, the method including determining if there is a fault condition in a branch of the electrical distribution system, the branch having a plurality of micro electromechanical system (MEMS) switches, re-closing a MEMS switch of the plurality of MEMS switches, which is furthest upstream in the branch and determining if the fault condition is still present. Exemplary embodiments include an electrical distribution system, including an input port for receiving a source of power, a main distribution bus electrically coupled to the input port, a service disconnect MEMS switch disposed between and coupled to the input port and the main distribution bus and a plurality of electrical distribution branches electrically coupled to the main distribution bus.

Micro-electromechanical system based selectively coordinated protection systems and methods for electrical distribution

The present invention provides a remote operable over-current protection apparatus. The apparatus includes control circuitry integrally arranged on a current path and a micro electromechanical system (MEMS) switch disposed on the current path, the MEMS switch responsive to the control circuitry to facilitate the interruption of an electrical current passing through the current path. The apparatus further includes a communication connection in signal connection with the control circuitry such that the control circuitry is responsive to a control signal on the communication connection to control a state of the MEMS switch.

Remote-operable micro-electromechanical system based over-current protection apparatus

A motor starter is provided. The motor starter includes micro-electromechanical system switching circuitry. The system may further include solid state switching circuitry coupled in a parallel circuit with the electromechanical switching circuitry, and a controller coupled to the electromechanical switching circuitry and the solid state switching circuitry. The controller may be configured to perform selective switching of a load current from a motor connected to the motor starter. The switching may be performed between the electromechanical switching circuitry and the solid state switching circuitry in response to a load current condition appropriate to an operational capability of a respective one of the switching circuitries.

Micro-electromechanical system based electric motor starter

A field configurable contactor is disclosed. The contactor preferably includes a plurality of spaces adapted to receive any number, up to its limit, of contact modules. Each contact module preferably includes a pair of contacts and a spring biased cam follower which opens and closes the contact pair when a cam profile of the contactor moves according to energization or de-energization of the contactor. The contact module can be either &ldquo;normally open&rdquo; or &ldquo;normally closed&rdquo; depending on its initial placement onto the contactor relative to the cam profile. A latch assembly in the contactor may hold the contactor mechanically during de-energization.

Field configurable contacts and contactor

An arrangement for connection between motor controller electronic components and silicon controlled rectifiers (SCR) contained within the controller circuit is presented with line and load straps being arranged on the bottom surface of the motor controller compartment at opposite ends thereof. The SCR's are positioned under the compartment on an elongated heat-sink support plate. Intermediate block connectors interconnect the SCR's with the controller line and load straps.

Thermally efficient motor controller assembly

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Avon, CT, United States of America

Charles Stephan Pitzen