The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 01, 2007
Filed:
May. 22, 2002
Douglas P. Cleereman, Greendale, WI (US);
William J. Mayer, Hales Corners, WI (US);
David S. Fisher, Brookfield, WI (US);
Douglas P. Cleereman, Greendale, WI (US);
William J. Mayer, Hales Corners, WI (US);
David S. Fisher, Brookfield, WI (US);
Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc., Mayfield Heights, OH (US);
Abstract
An system and method are disclosed for isolating and grounding a load device, where grounding only occurs after the voltage(s) on the load device have been reduced to acceptable levels. The system includes power and grounding contacts, a sensing device, and a control device. The power contact determines whether a power line is coupled to a terminal of the load. The grounding contact determines whether the terminal is coupled to ground. The sensing device is coupled to the terminal, and the control device communicates with the contacts and sensing device. Upon a signal being provided to the control device, the control device causes the power contact to decouple the terminal from the power line and, upon the sensing device determining that a condition has been met concerning the terminal, the control device causes the grounding contact to couple the terminal with ground and a system indication light to be illuminated.