Rockwell Automation Technologies Incorporated

Other

Mark A Clayton

David J Benard

Edward A Mallonen

Paul T Nolden

Garry L Renner

Mark J Cresanti

David J Bernard

Mop cloth for broom

Animal leash with sliding ring

Skateboard sling

Adjustable skateboard sling

In accordance with one embodiment, the present technique provides a circuit interrupter. The exemplary circuit interrupter includes conductive spanner that completes an electrical pathway between first and second electrical conductors. To facilitate a good electrical connection between the conductive spanner and the first and second conductors, the exemplary interrupter includes a biasing mechanism that biases the conductive spanner toward the first and second conductors. However, in the event of a fault condition, for instance, the conductive spanner is displaced away from the first and second conductors by magnetic forces, and the electrical path is interrupted. To facilitate this displacement, the biasing mechanism presents an opposing force to displacement relationship with a negative slope. That is to say, the biasing force provided by the biasing mechanism decreases as the distance between the conductive spanner and the first and second electrical conductors increases. Additionally, pistons driven by arc heated gases engage the biasing mechanism to assist the magnetic forces during the interruption of soft faults.

Method and apparatus for soft-fault tolerant circuit interruption

A method for interrupting current is provided wherein substantially all current is conveyed through a normal current carrying path in a circuit interrupter. A movable element is displaced for interruption of the current, and a balance is struck between the normal current carrying path and a parallel alternative or transient current carrying path. The transient current carrying path includes at least one variable or controllable resistance element. The transient current carrying path presents a substantially open circuit during normal operation. The variable resistance elements have a lower resistance during initial phases of circuit interruption, favoring transition of all current from the normal current carrying path to the transient path. Thereafter, the variable resistance elements increase in resistivity, producing additional back-EMF to drive the fault current to a zero level and to limit let-through energy.

Method for interrupting an electrical circuit

A technique is provided for enhancing performance of a circuit interrupter by deionizing arc plasma developed during an interruption event. A source material is disposed in a secondary current carrying path parallel to a primary current carrying path through the device. Upon movement of a movable contact in the primary current carrying path, current begins to flow through the source material, causing surface ablation of a material which deionizes arc plasma, resulting in greater voltage investment in the arc and more rapid extinction.

Method and apparatus for interrupting current through deionization of arc plasma

An electrical circuit interrupter includes a primary or normal current carrying path and a transient or alternative current carrying path. The normal current carrying path is established by a movable spanner extending between stationary contacts during normal operation. The transient current carrying path includes at least one variable resistance element which transitions from a lower resistance to a higher resistance during interruption. The transient current carrying path forms an open circuit in parallel with the normal current carrying path during normal operation. Upon interruption, the transient current carrying path is favored for the fault current, completely interrupting the normal current carrying path. The variable resistance elements increase their resistivity during this phase of operation to aid in providing high levels of back-EMF for complete interruption of fault current through the device and limitation of let-through energy.

Apparatus for interrupting an electrical circuit

A method for interrupting current is provided wherein substantially all current is conveyed through a first current carrying path in a circuit interrupter. A movable element is displaced for interruption of the current, and current is directed through both the first current carrying path and a second current carrying path in parallel with the first path The second current carrying path includes at least one variable or controllable resistance element. Both current carrying paths conduct current during interruption, with resistance of the paths driving the current to a null level. Current through the first current carrying path may be terminated prior to current through the second path. The variable resistance element draws current into the second current carrying path once an arc in the first path reaches a resistance sufficient to transition a portion of the current to both paths.

Method for interrupting a current-carrying path

A technique for reducing arc retrogression in a circuit interrupter includes providing a source material in a parallel current carrying path in the interrupter. The source material and parallel current carrying path support no current during normal operation. Upon interruption of a primary current carrying path, current flows through the source material, causing surface ablation of material which enhances the dielectric of the arc plasma, permitting more rapid entry of the arc into a dissipating structure such as a splitter plate stack. The source material transitions to a higher resistance level by heating to limit current flow during interruption.

Method and apparatus for reducing arc retrogression in a circuit interrupter

A technique is provided for forcing greater voltage investment in an arc developed during interruption of a current carrying path. A source element is provided in a secondary current carrying path parallel to a primary path through the device. Upon interruption of the primary current carrying path, an arc is forced to migrate towards a dissipating structure under the influence of an electromagnetic field. The source material then begins to carry current and undergoes surface ablation, releasing gas which is directed towards the migrating arc. The arc is thus caused to expand further, increasing voltage investment and resulting in more rapid extinction and reduction in let-through energy.

Method and apparatus for extinguishing an arc through material surface ablation

A ceramic heater having an alumina rod, an alumina based ribbon sintered to the rod, and a platinum resistor element bonded to the ribbon. Additionally, a method of making a ceramic heater having the steps of making a ceramic slurry; combining the ceramic slurry with a binder component to form a slip; depositing the slip onto a carrier film at a controlled thickness such that a deposited slip is formed; heat curing the deposited slip to form a cured slip ribbon; applying a platinum paste onto the ribbon in a specific pattern, the paste forming a platinum resistor element on the ribbon; applying the ribbon with the platinum resistor element onto an alumina rod; and, heating the rod with the ribbon and the platinum resistor element thereon, whereby the ribbon is sintered to the rod and the platinum resistor element is sintered and bonded to the ribbon.

Method of making a ceramic heater with platinum heating element

A ceramic heater which has an alumina rod, an alumina based ribbon sintered to the rod, and a platinum resistor element bonded to the ribbon. Additionally, a method of making a ceramic heater by preparing a ceramic slurry; combining the ceramic slurry with a binder component to form a slip; depositing the slip onto a carrier film at a controlled thickness such that a deposited slip is formed; heat curing the deposited slip to form a cured slip ribbon; applying a platinum paste onto the ribbon in a specific pattern, the paste forming a platinum resistor element on the ribbon; applying the ribbon with the platinum resistor element onto an alumina rod; and, heating the rod with the ribbon and the platinum resistor element thereon, whereby the ribbon is sintered to the rod and the platinum resistor element is sintered and bonded to the ribbon.

Growing community of inventors

Camarillo, CA, United States of America

Mark A Clayton