Rockwell Automation Technologies Incorporated

Rockwell Technologies, Inc.

Nexus Technologies, Inc.

John Herman Blakely

Gregory A Helton

Roger Alan Plemmons

Mark E Innes

Ricky A Hurley

Matthew Wilbur Naiva

David M Messersmith

Edward C Prather

Belvin S Freeman

Norman P Davies

Daniel J Conti

Brian C Langford

Ronald D Hreha

A desaturation detector receives signals from a gate driver and circuitry that indicate whether a power semiconductor device is on and in desaturation. A logic circuit produces a signal as a function of the signals, from which a latch circuit produces an output signal. The signal has first and second values respectively in an as-designed condition, and in a short-circuit condition in which the power semiconductor device is on and in desaturation. The output signal has the first value, and transitioned and latched to the second value in response to a transition to the short-circuit condition, which causes the gate driver to switch the power semiconductor device off. And filter(s) reduce noise within the desaturation detector.

Short-circuit protection for a power semiconductor device

An apparatus for protecting a motor includes two or more motor overloads, within a motor overload enclosure, protecting two or more motors. Each motor overload includes one or more current sensors where each current sensor includes a magnetic core and each current sensor includes a conductor positioned within the magnetic core where the conductor providing power to a motor protected by the two or more motor overloads ('protected motor'). Each motor overload includes a motor trip module that stops current flow to the protected motor in response determining that a thermal state of the protected motor has reached a thermal limit. Determining that the protected motor has reached a thermal limit includes using a current signal from at least one current sensor of the one or more current sensors that senses current of the protected motor to determine a thermal state of the protected motor.

Multimotor variable frequency overload

Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed, including an induction-motor controller that has a motor controller configured to receive alternating current (AC) power with a voltage that varies generally sinusoidally and transmit the AC power during a conduction angle of a cycle of the AC power. In some embodiments, the conduction angle varies generally sinusoidally at a lower frequency than the AC power, and the motor controller may be configured to not transmit the AC power outside of the conduction angle.

Control method and system

Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed, including a ground-fault sensor that has a plurality of conductors each disposed one inside of another except for an outer conductor and a field sensor configured to sense an electric field, a magnetic field, or both. In some embodiments, the field sensor is disposed adjacent the outer conductor.

Differential-mode current sensor

Differential-mode current sensor method

A sensing and switching device, such as an overload relay, is provided which includes a processor configured to make measurements and control operation (e.g., tripping) of the device. The processor regulates measurement of voltage and/or current, and the supply of power to power supplies. The power supplies store charge to provide operational power for the processor and that can be used for tripping and resetting contacts within the device. The processor opens a burden resistor measurement circuit when charge is being stored in the power supplies, and opens switches in the power supplies while closing the burden resistor switch to permit measurements. By alternatively switching for charging of the power supplies and making of measurements, the processor is able to reliably make measurements, control the device, and store sufficient power for operation of the device despite a demanding power budget.

Self powered electronic overload method and system

Differential-mode-current-sensing method and apparatus

A current measurement technique is disclosed in which a family of transformer coils having the same number of turns and the same winding resistance may be associated an active circuit for presenting a burden resistance of substantially zero value. The impedance of the coils will vary with their window size, and the active circuitry will reduce the burden resistance accordingly so that reductions and impedance do not result in introducing additional error into measurements. The circuitry may be used for measuring current in single conductors or in multiple conductors passing through the transformer coil, such as for ground fault measurement, monitoring and control.

Wide range current sensing method and system

A technique for reducing nuisance tripping is disclosed in which a desired limit temperature is determined for a component of a motor system. The limit is compared to actual temperature signals, or signals indicative of temperature of the component. The component may be the conductor or conductors providing power to the motor. A counter is augmented when the actual temperature exceeds the limit. The limit may be computed, such as based on a heating model. A trip signal is generated only when the actual temperature has exceeded the limit for a predetermined number of periods. The counter may be reset if the actual temperature drops below the desired limit.

Nuisance trip reducing motor control system and method

A technique is provided for controlling operation of motors of different sized or ratings. Components used to apply and interrupt current to the motors may be shared in control devices for the different motors. The components may include contactors or circuit interrupters, and instantaneous trip devices. The components may be sized for the higher rated motors, and be oversized for the lower rated motors. Control circuitry permits the devices to be controlled in accordance with the characteristics of the particular motor to which the devices are applied, providing accurate circuit interruption while reducing the number of different components and component packages in a product family for the various motors.

Motor overload tripping system and method with multi-function circuit interrupter

A sealed modular control and monitoring system is provided which affords location of electrical control and monitoring components adjacent to an application. The system comprises modular components which are mounted on a shared thermal base. The base is sealed to the components and presents thermal exchange features on interior and exterior surfaces thereof. Forced convection within the modular system is afforded by a circulating fan that directs air through the component circuitry and adjacent to the thermal base to remove heat from the circuitry during operation.

Reduced package volume convectively cooled sealed electrical system and method

A technique is provided for controlling and protecting loads such as electric motors. In the technique, current sensing circuitry detects electrical current applied to the load. Device thermal modeling circuitry, such as circuitry for modeling heating of a motor, determines heating based upon the sensed current, and generates a first trip signal in a first range based upon the current. Conductor thermal modeling circuitry estimates heating of conductors that supply current to the load, and generates a second trip signal in a second range based upon the conductor heating. The system provides an extended range of operation for a wide range of loads by effectively modeling conventional thermal overload and instantaneous trip devices.

Extended trip range motor control system and method

A motor control technique is disclosed in which a first algorithm controls interruption of power to a motor in a first current range. A second algorithm controls interruption of power in a second, higher current range. The algorithms may be adapted to specific motor sizes, ratings or classes. The extended range may extend from a transition point (e.g., 6&#x2013;10 times the FLC of the motor) to an upper limit. The upper limit may be determined based upon a current rating of an instantaneous trip device.

Combination-type motor control with extended current range

A device comprises a first magnetically conductive structure, a second magnetically conductive structure, and a circuit coupled the first and second magnetically conductive structures. The circuit senses information pertaining to a permeability of the first magnetically conductive structure relative to a permeability of the second magnetically conductive structure. The device may be used for various flux sensing and control applications, such as in current sensors.

Growing community of inventors

Weaverville, NC, United States of America

John Herman Blakely