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Patent 2703142 Summary

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(12) Patent: (11) CA 2703142
(54) English Title: COMMUNICATING FAULTED CIRCUIT INDICATOR APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF
(54) French Title: APPAREIL INDICATEUR DE CIRCUIT DEFECTUEUX PRESENTANT UNE FONCTION DE COMMUNICATION ET SA METHODE D'UTILISATION
Status: Granted
Bibliographic Data
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):
  • H02J 13/00 (2006.01)
  • G01R 31/00 (2006.01)
(72) Inventors :
  • BANTING, JOHN FREDERICK (United States of America)
(73) Owners :
  • EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED (Ireland)
(71) Applicants :
  • COOPER TECHNOLOGIES COMPANY (United States of America)
(74) Agent: SMART & BIGGAR LP
(74) Associate agent:
(45) Issued: 2016-01-26
(86) PCT Filing Date: 2008-10-30
(87) Open to Public Inspection: 2009-05-07
Examination requested: 2013-09-18
Availability of licence: N/A
(25) Language of filing: English

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): Yes
(86) PCT Filing Number: PCT/US2008/081695
(87) International Publication Number: WO2009/058939
(85) National Entry: 2010-04-20

(30) Application Priority Data:
Application No. Country/Territory Date
11/982,587 United States of America 2007-11-02
11/982,588 United States of America 2007-11-02

Abstracts

English Abstract




A communicating faulted circuit indicator ("FCI") apparatus, as well as
methods for using the apparatus. A sensor is
configured to collect data relating to a state of an electrical conductor. A
controller is logically coupled to die sensor and configured
to receive the data collected by the sensor and to determine whether to
communicate the collected data to a location remote from
the FCI. A communications facility is logically coupled to the controller and
configured to communicate the data to the remote
location in response to the controller's determination to communicate the data
to the remote location. The Communications facility
can include a cellular communications device. The remote location can comprise
a cellular communications device. The remote
location also can be a computer system configured to receive communications
from the FCi.


French Abstract

L'invention concerne un appareil indicateur de circuit défectueux présentant une fonction de communication (FCI) et sa méthode d'utilisation. Un capteur est conçu pour recueillir des données concernant l'état d'un conducteur électrique. Un contrôleur relié de manière logique à un capteur à puce est conçu pour recevoir les données recueillies par le capteur et pour déterminer si il faut communiquer les données recueillies à un emplacement éloigné du FCI. Une installation de communication reliée de manière logique au contrôleur est conçue pour communiquer les données à l'emplacement éloigné en réaction à la décision du contrôleur de communiquer les données à l'emplacement éloigné. L'installation de communication peut comprendre un dispositif de communication cellulaire. L'emplacement éloigné peut comprendre un dispositif de communication cellulaire. L'emplacement éloigné peut également comprendre un système informatique destiné à recevoir des communications provenant du FCI.

Claims

Note: Claims are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.


- 18 -
CLAIMS:
1. A faulted circuit indicator, comprising:
a sensor configured to collect data relating to at least one state of an
electrical
conductor;
a controller logically coupled to the sensor and configured to receive the
data
collected by the sensor and to determine, based on the data, whether to
communicate the
collected data to a location remote from the faulted circuit indicator; and
a communications facility within the faulted circuit indicator, logically
coupled
to the controller, and configured to communicate the data to the remote
location in response to
the controller's determination to communicate the data to the remote location
by way of
cellular communications;
wherein the communications facility comprises a second communications
device for communicating with at least one additional faulted circuit
indicator;
wherein the faulted circuit indicator receives information regarding the at
least
one additional faulted circuit indicator via the second communications device;
and
wherein the communications facility communicates the information regarding
the at least one additional faulted circuit indicator to the remote location
via ai least one of a
cellular communications device, radio frequency communications device, and a
wired
communications device.
2. The faulted circuit indicator of claim 1, wherein the controller
determines that
the data should be communicated to the remote location if the data indicates
that a fault has
occurred on the electrical conductor.
3. The faulted circuit indicator of claim 2, further comprising an
indicator that
displays an indication of the fault.

- 19 -
4. The faulted circuit indicator of claim 1, wherein the controller
determines that
the data should be communicated to the remote location if the data indicates
that a reportable
condition exists on the electrical conductor.
5. The faulted circuit indicator of claim 1, further comprising a memory
for
storing at least one of the data relating to the state of the conductor and
data relating to the
faulted circuit indicator.
6. The faulted circuit indicator of claim 1, wherein the data collected by
the
sensor comprises at least one of a current, a voltage, a temperature, zero
crossings, pressure,
tilt, a vibration, dissolved gas content, a battery status, a frequency, a
liquid level, and a power
factor.
7. The faulted circuit indicator of claim 1, wherein the location remote
from the
faulted circuit indicator comprises a computing device configured to receive
communications
from the faulted circuit indicator.
8. The faulted circuit indicator of claim 1, wherein the location remote
from the
faulted circuit indicator comprises a cellular communications device.
9. A system for collecting data relating to at least one state of a
plurality of
electrical conductors, comprising:
at least one first faulted circuit indicator and a second faulted circuit
indicator,
wherein each of the at least one first faulted circuit indicator comprises:
a first sensor configured to collect first data relating to at least one state
of a
respective first electrical conductor;
a first controller logically coupled to the first sensor and configured to
receive
the first data collected by the first sensor and to determine whether to
communicate the first
data to a location remote to the first faulted circuit indicator; and

- 20 -
a first communications facility logically coupled to the controller and
configured to communicate the first data to the second faulted circuit
indicator in response to
the first controller's determination to communicate the first data to the
remote location,
wherein the second faulted circuit indicator comprises:
a second sensor configured to collect second data relating to at least one
state
of a second electrical conductor;
a second controller logically coupled to the second sensor and configured to
receive the second data collected by the second sensor and to determine
whether to
communicate the second collected data to a location remote to the second
faulted circuit
indicator; and
a second communications facility logically coupled to the second controller
and configured to receive the first data from the at least one first faulted
circuit indicator and
to communicate at least one of the first data and the second data to the
remote location.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the first communications facility
comprises a
first wireless communications device for communicating with the second
communications
facility.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the second communications facility
comprises
at least one of a cellular communications device, a radio frequency
communications device,
and a wired communications device.
12. The system of claim 9, wherein the location remote from the faulted
circuit
indicator comprises a server configured to communicate at least one of the
first data and the
second data to at least one of a utility company computer or a personal
digital assistant.
13. The system of claim 9, wherein the location remote from the faulted
circuit
indicator comprises a server configured to translate at least one of the first
data and the second
data to at least one of the following protocols: ICCP, DNP, Multispeak.

- 21 -
14. A faulted circuit indicator, comprising:
a sensor configured to collect sensor data relating to an electrical
conductor;
a controller logically coupled to the sensor and configured to receive the
sensor
data, the controller further configured to determine whether the sensor data
is indicative of a
fault on the electrical conductor; and
a communications facility within the faulted circuit indicator, logically
coupled
to the controller, and configured to transmit the sensor data to a remote
location;
wherein the communications facility is further configured to communicate with
a second faulted circuit indicator;
wherein the faulted circuit indicator receives information regarding the
second
faulted circuit indicator via the communications facility; and
wherein the communications facility further transmits the information
regarding the second faulted circuit indicator to the remote location.
15. The faulted circuit indicator of claim 14, wherein the communications
facility
is further configured to transmit an indication of a fault to the remote
location.
16. The faulted circuit indicator of claim 14, wherein the communications
facility
transmits the sensor data using cellular communications.
17. The faulted circuit indicator of claim 14, wherein the communications
facility
transmits the sensor data to the remote location if the sensor data is
indicative of a fault.
18. The faulted circuit indicator of claim 14, wherein the communications
facility
transmits the sensor data to the remote location if the sensor data indicates
that a reportable
condition exists on the electrical conductor.
19. The faulted circuit indicator of claim 14, wherein the communications
facility
transmits the sensor data to the remote location after a predetermined period
has elapsed.

- 22 -
20. The faulted circuit indicator of claim 14, wherein the sensor data
comprises the
amount of current flowing through the electrical conductor.
21. The faulted circuit indicator of claim 14, wherein the sensor data
comprises the
voltage on the electrical conductor.
22. The faulted circuit indicator of claim 14, wherein the sensor data
comprises a
temperature associated with the faulted circuit indicator.
23. The faulted circuit indicator of claim 14, wherein the sensor data
comprises the
power factor associated with the electrical conductor.
24. The faulted circuit indicator of claim 14, wherein the sensor data
comprises the
frequency of at least one of the voltage and the current on the electrical
conductor.
25. The faulted circuit indicator of claim 14, wherein the sensor data
comprises the
harmonic content on the electrical conductor.
26. The faulted circuit indicator of claim 14, wherein the sensor data
comprises a
pressure associated with the faulted circuit indicator.
27. The faulted circuit indicator of claim 14, wherein the sensor data
comprises the
tilt of the faulted circuit indicator.
28. The faulted circuit indicator of claim 14, wherein the sensor data
comprises the
amount of vibration experienced by the faulted circuit indicator.
29. The faulted circuit indicator of claim 14, further comprising a memory
for
storing the sensor data.
30. The faulted circuit indicator of claim 14, wherein the remote location
comprises a computing device configured to receive communications from the
faulted circuit
indicator.

- 23 -
31. The faulted circuit indicator of claim 14, wherein the remote location
comprises a cellular communications device.
32. The faulted circuit indicator of claim 14, further comprising an
indicator that
displays an indication of the fault.
33. A faulted circuit indicator, comprising:
a sensor configured to collect sensor data relating to an electrical
conductor;
a controller logically coupled to the sensor and configured to receive the
sensor
data, the controller further configured to determine whether the sensor data
is indicative of a
fault on the electrical conductor; and
a communications facility within the faulted circuit indicator, logically
coupled
to the controller, and configured to transmit the sensor data to a remote
location in response to
a request to transmit the sensor data;
wherein the communications facility is further configured to communicate with
a second faulted circuit indicator;
wherein the faulted circuit indicator receives sensor data regarding the
second
faulted circuit indicator via the communications facility; and
wherein the communications facility further transmits the sensor data
regarding
the second faulted circuit indicator to the remote location.
34. The faulted circuit indicator of claim 33, wherein the communications
facility
is further configured to transmit an indication of a fault to the remote
location.
35. The faulted circuit indicator of claim 33, wherein the collected data
comprises
at least one of current, a voltage, a temperature, zero crossings, pressure,
tilt, a vibration,
dissolved gas content, a battery status, a frequency, a harmonic level, a
liquid -level, and a
power factor.

- 24 -
36. The faulted circuit indicator of claim 33, wherein the communications
facility
transmits the sensor data using cellular communications.
37. The faulted circuit indicator of claim 33, wherein the communications
facility
transmits the sensor data to the remote location if the sensor data is
indicative of a fault.
38. The faulted circuit indicator of claim 33, wherein the request to
transmit the
sensor data originates from the remote location.
39. The faulted circuit indicator of claim 33, wherein the communications
facility
transmits the sensor data to the remote location after a predetermined period
has elapsed.
40. The faulted circuit indicator of claim 33, further comprising a memory
for
storing the sensor data.
41. The faulted circuit indicator of claim 33, wherein the remote location
comprises a computing device configured to receive communications from the
faulted circuit
indicator.
42. The faulted circuit indicator of claim 33, wherein the remote location
comprises a cellular communications device.
43. The faulted circuit indicator of claim 33, further comprising an
indicator that
displays an indication of the fault.

Description

Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.


CA 02703142 2013-09-18
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COMMUNICATING FAULTED CIRCUIT INDICATOR APPARATUS AND
METHOD OF USE THEREOF
[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The invention relates generally to faulted circuit indicators and
more
particularly to the communication of the state of a transmission line by the
faulted circuit
indicator, including real-time or near real-time measurements of electrical
current and voltage,
as well as other state information.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Faulted circuit indicators (FCIs) are used in the field of electric
power
distribution systems. Generally, FCIs are electrically connected to
transmission lines in a
power distribution system at various locations throughout the system, often in
close proximity
to system loads. When a fault occurs in a transmission line, FCIs between the
fault and the
source will detect that a fault has occurred. Typically, FCIs that have
detected a fault then
display an indication that the fault has been detected. A technician can then
identify a fault by
locating the transmission line between an FCI that indicates it has detected a
fault and an FCI
that displays no such indication.
=
[0004] Because of their binary nature, conventional FCIs provide
little assistance in
locating a transient or intermittent fault. Generally, conventional FCIs are
reset either by a
manual trigger, wherein a technician manually manipulates the FCI to remove
the fault
indication, or by a current trigger, wherein if the FCI determines that
conditions on the
transmission line have returned to normal, the FCI automatically resets. In
conventional FCIs,
an automatic reset is a desirable feature because it ensures that the FCI only
indicates existing
faults, which reduces the likelihood that a false fault indication will
increase the amount of
time necessary for a technician to diagnose and repair an actual fault.
However, an automatic
reset results in an intermittent or transient
=

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fault triggering an FCI's indicator only for a short time, followed by an
immediate reset
of the indicator, making the location of a fivalted FCI during the presence of
a faulted
condition nearly impossible.
[0005]
Additionally, conventional FCIs cannot monitor other conditions on a
=
transmission line that can pose risks to the life or performance of the
transmission line
and other related equipment. For example, power surges at certain levels can
not be
sufficient to result in a fault condition indicated by conventional FCIs.
However, such
power surges can shorten the life of a transmission line that experiences
those surges
and any transformers or other equipment attached to that line. Additionally,
conditions
such as excess heat or vibration on a line can indicate a problem on a
transmission line
that, with the use of conventional FCIs, cannot be detected until a fault
occurs,
potentially resulting in a loss of service for customers that might have been
avoided had
the condition been diagnosed earlier.
[0006]
Finally, when a fault occurs, the only way to determine which portion of
a transmission line contains the fault in conventional systems is to send
technicians to
the general vicinity of a power outage to search for PC's that indicate a
fault. Because
transmission lines often are located underground, this design can require the
technicians
to travel from FC to Fel on foot until they loeate the first faulted FCI.
Thus, even
with the help of .Fels, the process of locating a fault can be time consuming,
resulting
in increased costs to the electrical utility company servicing the fault, as
well as.
extended periods of outages for their customers.
[0007]
Conventional FCIs are not capable of determining and transmitting the
state of a transmission line, nor are conventional FCIs capable of
transmitting fault
information and state information relating to a transmission line to a remote
location.
[0008]
Accordingly, a need exists in the art for an FCI that is capable of
monitoring multiple line 'conditions,. including simple current flow, to
assist in the
determination of unfavorable conditions, storing historical fault and line
state
information to assist in the diagnosis of transient and intermittent faults,
and
communicating fault and line state information to a. =tote location to reduce
the time
needed to recover from a fault event.

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SUMMARY
[0009] An aspect of the invention can satisfy the above-described
needs by providing
a faulted circuit indicator that has a communications facility for
communicating data to a
remote location. The FCI includes a sensor for collecting data relating to the
state of an
electrical conductor. The sensor is coupled to a controller for receiving the
sensor data and
determining whether the data should be communicated to a remote location. The
controller is
further coupled to a communications facility that can communicate data
relating to the state of
the electrical conductor.
[0010] The communications facility can be a cellular
communications.device. The
controller can determine that the data should be communicated if the data
indicates that a fault
has occurred on the electrical conductor. Alternatively, the controller can
determine that the
data should be communicated if the data indicates that an adverse condition
exists on the
electrical conductor. The data can be the current flowing through the
conductor.
Alternatively, the data can be the voltage present on the conductor, the
temperature of the
conductor, the vibration present on the electrical conductor, or any other
suitable parameter.
[0011] The FCI can include a memory for storing data relating to the
state of the
electrical conductor, a record of the fact that a fault has occurred, or both.
The remote
location can be a computer configured to receive communications from the FCI.
Alternatively, the remote location can be a cellular communications device.
[0012] The FCI also can include a second communications device. The second
communications device can be used to allow a second faulted circuit indicator
to
communicate with the first FCI.
[0012a] In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is
provided a faulted
circuit indicator, comprising: a sensor configured to collect data relating to
at least one state of
an electrical conductor; a controller logically coupled to the sensor and
configured to receive
the data collected by the sensor and to determine, based on the data, whether
to communicate

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the collected data to a location remote from the faulted circuit indicator;
and a
communications facility within the faulted circuit indicator, logically
coupled to the
=
controller, and configured to communicate the data to the remote location in
response to the
controller's determination to communicate the data to the remote location by
way of cellular
communications; wherein the communications facility comprises a second
communications
device for communicating with at least one additional faulted circuit
indicator; wherein the
faulted circuit indicator receives information regarding the at least one
additional faulted
circuit indicator via the second communications device; and wherein the
communications
facility communicates the information regarding the at least one additional
faulted circuit
indicator to the remote location via at least one of a cellular communications
device, radio
frequency communications device, and a wired communications device.
[0012b] In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is
provided a system for
collecting data relating to at least one state of a plurality of electrical
conductors, comprising:
at least one first faulted circuit indicator and a second faulted circuit
indicator, wherein each
of the at least one first faulted circuit indicator comprises: a first sensor
configured to collect
first data relating to at least one state of a respective first electrical
conductor; a first controller
logically coupled to the first sensor and configured to receive the first data
collected by the
first sensor and to determine whether to communicate the first data to a
location remote to the
first faulted circuit indicator; and a first communications facility logically
coupled to. the
controller and configured to communicate the first data to the second faulted
circuit indicator=
in response to the first controller's determination to communicate the first
data to the remote
location, wherein the second faulted circuit indicator comprises: a second
sensor configured to
collect second data relating to at least one state of a second electrical
conductor; a second
controller logically coupled to the second sensor and configured to receive
the second data
collected by the second sensor and to determine whether to communicate the
second collected
data to a location remote to the second faulted circuit indicator; and a
second communications
facility logically coupled to the second controller and configured to receive
the first data from
the at least one first faulted circuit indicator and to communicate at least
one of the first data
and the second data to the remote location.

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[0012c] In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is
provided a faulted
circuit indicator, comprising: a sensor configured to collect sensor data
relating to an electrical
conductor; a controller logically coupled to the sensor and configured to
receive the sensor
data, the controller further configured to determine whether the sensor data
is indicative of a
fault on the electrical conductor; and a communications facility within the
faulted circuit
indicator, logically coupled to the controller, and configured to transmit the
sensor data to a
remote location; wherein the communications facility is further configured to
communicate
with a second faulted circuit indicator; wherein the faulted circuit indicator
receives
information regarding the second faulted circuit indicator via the
communications facility; and
wherein the communications facility further transmits the information
regarding the second
faulted circuit indicator to the remote location.
[0012d] In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is
provided a faulted
circuit indicator, comprising: a sensor configured to collect sensor data
relating to an electrical
conductor; a controller logically coupled to the sensor and configured to
receive the sensor
data, the controller further configured to determine whether the sensor data
is indicative of a
fault on the electrical conductor; and a communications facility within the
faulted circuit
indicator, logically coupled to the controller, and configured to transmit the
sensor data to a
remote location in response to a request to transmit the sensor data; wherein
the
communications facility is further configured to communicate with a second
faulted circuit
indicator; wherein the faulted circuit indicator receives sensor data
regarding the second
faulted circuit indicator via the communications facility; and wherein the
communications
facility further transmits the sensor data regarding the second faulted
circuit indicator to the
remote location.
[0013] Additional aspects, objects, features, and advantages of the
invention will
become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon consideration
of the following
detailed description of illustrated embodiments.

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=
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Figure
1 is a block diagram depicting a faulted circuit indicator system with
cellular communications capability according to an exemplary embodiment of the
invention.

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[0015] Figure
2 is a flow chart illustrating a method for communicating faulted
circuit indicator information using the FCI of Figure 1 according to an
exemplary
embodiment of the invention.
[0016] Figure
3 is flow chart illustrating a method for transmitting fault
inibrrnation and/or data to a remote location according to an. exemplary
embodiment of
the invention.
(00171 Figure
4 is a flow chart illustrating a method for clearing fault events
and line state history according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[00181 Figure
5 is a flow chart illustrating a method for oommunicating data to
individuals and/or an outage management system according to an exemplary
embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[00191 The
invention provides a faulted circuit indicator (FCI) system capable
of determining the state of a transmission line with respect to a variety of
characteristics, storing the state information, and communicating the state
information
by transmission of the information to a remote location.
[0020] The
FCI system is attached to a transmission line, which allows electric
utility companies to improve the ability to diagnose and repair problems
within an
electrical distribution system. The constant monitoring of state information
provides
notice of conditions, such as excessive heat or vibration that cannot register
as a fault
on conventional Fas, but nonetheless present situations that require attention
by the
utility company, allowing for repair before a fault intenupts power for the
utility
company's customers. Finally, the communication of fault and state information
to a
remote location allows a utility company to pinpoint a fault before sending
technicians
out to repair the line, thus reducing the amount of time required to repair a
fault
[00211 As
used herein, the term "transmission line" or "line" is intended to
encompass any type of conductor that is used to transmit electricity from one
location
to another, but particularly refers to utility cables, whether above ground,
underground,
or otherwise, as are commonly used in electricity distribution systems. The
term
"distribution system" refers to an electricity distribution system wherein
electricity

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generated at one or more electricity generation sites, or power plants, is
transported and
distributed to electricity consumers. The terms "technician" or "line
technician" are
interchangeably used to describe individuals whose responsibility includes
locating,
diagnosima and repairing faults in transmission lines.
[0022]
Resetting now to the attached figures, in which like numerals represent
like elements, certain exemplary embodiments of the invention will hereafter
be
described.
[0023] Figure
1 is a block diagram depicting a faulted circuit indicator system
100 with cellular communications capability according to an exemplary
embodiment of
the invention. FCI system 1.00 The FCI system 100 is electrically connected to
a
transmission. the 116. Generally, the connection between the FCI system 100
and the
transmission line 116 is provided by a clamping mechanism that ensures a
strong
connection between the Fel system 100 and the transmission line 116. The FCI
system
100 can be powered in a variety of ways. In an exemplary embodiment the FCI
system
100 can be powered by the magnetic field generated by the transmission line
116 to
which the Fri system 100 is connected, along with a battery that can power the
FCI
system 100 should current in the attached transmission line 116 be
interrupted,
Alternative power supplies include, but are not limited to, solar power,
current passing,
through the transmission line 116, a rechargeable 'battery that harvests
energy from the
current in the transmission line by using a current transformer, or by
utilizing the
reference voltage from tin energized conductor to an adjacent ground.
[0024] . The
FCI system 100 comprises a sensor 102 that measures conditions on
the transmission line 116. hi an exemplary embodiment, the sensor 102 can
measure in
real time or near-real time the current and voltage on the transmission line
116. In an
alternative embodiment, other types of sensors 102 can be used that are
capable of =
measuring any suitable parameter for conditions that can be present on the
transmission.
line 116 or the FCI system 100 itself, including but not limited to, line
temperature, line
tilt, ambient temperature, wind speed, liquid levels of electrical components,
dissolved
gas content or pressure from a monitored transformer, battery status,
frequency, zero
crossings, vibration, and/or power factor. The sensor 102 can be configured to
measure
one or more conditions. In some embodiments, two or more sensors 102 can be

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combined to measure multiple conditions. The sensor 102 communicates the
measurements to a controller 104 as sensor data.
[00251 The
controller 104 analyzes the sensor data and takes appropriate
actions. In an exemplary embodiment, the controller 104 can be a
microcontroller
programmed to analyze the sensor data and to respond appropriately. In ai
alternative
embodiment, the controller 104 can be any suitable -control mechanism capable
of
receiving sensor data and controlling peripheral systems, such as a memory
108, a
communications facility 110, and an indicator 106. For example, the controller
104 can
comprise any combination of analog and/or digital electronics capable of
establishing
that a fa.uit event has occurred.
[0026] In one
embodiment, the controller 104 can be programmed to recognize
certain 'changes in the sensor data as fault events. For example, the
controller 104 can -
treat a drop in current in excess of a programmed threshold as indicative of
the
existence of a fauh. However, the controller 104 can be programmed to identify
any
-condition that occurs on the transmission line 116 as indicative of a fault.
For example,
the controller 104 can be programmed to identify a surge in current or voltage
in excess
of a predetermined threshold, a temperature reading in excess of a
predetermined.
threshold, and/or vibration in excess of a predetermined threshold as a fault.
The
thresholds can be defined by the -utility company employing the Fel system 100
in an
electrical distribution system and can vary based on conditions in a
particular area. If
the controller 104 detei ______________________________________________ mines
that a fault has occurred, it can communicate that fact. to
an indicator 106, a memory 108, and/or a communications facility 110 of the
FCI
system 100. In an alternative embodiment, the sensor .102 can comprise
circuitry for
determining whether a fault condition has occurred and for notifying the
controller 104
of the fault event.
[00271 In
embodiments where the controller 104 receives sensor data from the
sensor 102, the controller 104 can be further programmed to identify certain
other data
that can he valuable to a utility company in diagnosing problems or
inefficiencies in a
distribution system. The controller 104 can be configured to record data in
the memory
108 for later analysis by the utility company, a line technician, or another
interested
party. By way of ex.ample, an increase in temperature on a transmission line
116 may

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not result in a fault event, but may indicate that the transmission line 116,
or some of its
nearby equipment such as transformers, capacitors, capacitor banks, circuit
breakers::
and fuses, has developed a flaw that is creating additional resistance on the
transmission line 116 and reducing efficiency. Similarly, the controller 104
can be
programmed to monitor the zero crossings that occur on a transmission line 116
over a
certain period of time. Information relating to zero crossings can be used to
identify
harmonics and momentaries that potentially indicate an unstable condition.
Because
the controller 104 (and/or sensor 102) has identified the condition before a
fault has
occurred, the utility company can determine whether remedial action is
necessary to
improve the performance of the transmission system or to prevent a. fault that
may
result in a loss of power to the utility company's customers.
[00283 The
controller 104 can be further programmed to identify data relating
to the RI system 100 itself and to record that. data in the memory .108. .For
example,
the controller 104 can identify and record battery status, geographic
coordinates,
ambient temperature, mind speed, liquid levels, dissolved gas content,
pressure, and/or
any other suitable data that may be of interest to a utility company.
0029] The
controller 104 can be further configured to communicate fault
determinations to an indicator 106 and to communicate fault determinations and
sensor
data to a communications facility 110. If, as described above, the controller
104
(and/or sensor 102) determines that a fault. event has occurred, then the
controller 104
can communicate that information to an indicator 106. Further, without regard
to
Whether a fault event has been established, the controller 104 can communicate
sensor
data to the memory 108 or to a communications facility 110.
[0030] For
example, the controller 104 can be programmed to transmit sensor
data from the sensor 102 after the passage of a set period of time ¨ for
example, once
per day ¨ without regard to the data's contents. Such programming would allow
a
utility company to have frequent updates regarding the performance of the
distribution
system. The controller 104 also can be programmed to store sensor data after
the
passage of a set period of time ¨ for example, once per hour ¨ and then to
transmit the
stored information over a different period of time ¨ for example, once per
day. The
periodicity of recording and transmitting of sensor data is at the discretion
of the utility

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company to meet the particular needs of the environment in which the FCI
system 100
is deployed. The controller 104 also can be programmed to transmit any sensor
data.
that meets any of the fault or storage conditions described above.
[0031] The
indicator 106 can be a display that is mounted on the FCI system
100 and situated such that it can be viewed from a distance. Thus, the
indicator 106
can provide a visible indication that a fault has occurred. In one exemplary
embodiment, the indicator can comprise a high visibility display device.
However, the
indicator alternatively can be a liquid crystal display (LCD) or other similar
display
device. Additionally, the indicator 106 can emit an audible sound that can
alert a
technician in the general vicinity of the FCI system 100 that the FCI system
100 has
detected a fault condition. The audible indicator 106 can be in addition to,
or an
alternative to, a visible indicator 106.
[0032] The
memory 108 can be any suitable storage device, such. as flash
memory or dynamic random access memory (DRAM). lithe controller 104 determines

that sensor data should be recorded, such as when. the data repmsents an
unusual
condition or a fault, the controller 104 can record that data in the memory
108, and can
optionally record information that relates to the data, such as the time the
data was
measured, the geographic coordinates of the FCI that recorded the data, the
ambient
conditions at the time the data was recorded, or any other data that the FCI
has
measured or recorded.
(003.31 The
memory 108 also can store information that relates to the Fa.
system 100. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, upon installation, the
memory
108 can be programmed with the global coordinates of the .FCI system 100.
Altelnatively, the memory 108 can store other identifYing information, such
as, but not
limited to, the street address of the installation, a unique identifier for
the FCI system
100, grid coordinates, or an identifier for a nearby utility pole or other
landmark.
(00341 The
communications facility 110 provides a system that is capable of
transmitting data to a remote location 114. In an exemplary embodiment, the
communications facility 110 communicates with the remote location 114 using
cellular
technologies, such as GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) or CDMA
(Code Division Multiple Access). The communications facility 110 also can
include

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components for any number of wireless or wired communications protocols,
including,
but not limited to, any of the 802.11 standards, Bluetooth (IEEE 8023 53),
ZigBee
(IEEE 802.15.4), Internet Protocol, licensed or un-licensed radio, fiber, or
power line
carrier communications technologies. The communications facility 110 can
provide the
function of communicating sensor data to a remote location 114.
100351 In an
exemplary embodiment, the remote location 114 can be related to
a utility company's central office and has the capability of simultaneously
monitoring
communication feeds from numerous FCI systems 100 and communicating
information
from those feeds to an entity or individual that is responsible for repair and

maintenance to the distribution system. In this embodiment, the remote
location 114
comprises a central server that is connected to a utility company's outage
management
system. Upon receiving communication of fault or sensor data, the server then
processes the information and translates the data format as necessary into an
appropriate format such as, but not limited to, Distributed. Network Protocol
(DNP),
Inter-Control Center Communications Protocol (ICCP), Multi speak, or other
communications protocols. The server then transmits the information to the
outage
management system, where it can be viewed on the utility company consoles.
Either
the server or the outage management system also can provide direct
communications to
individuals, who can address the problem. For example, upon receiving
information
relating to a fault, the system can automatically direct an electronic mail,
message or
telephone call to a line technician in the area, who can receive the message
on a mobile
communications device, such as a wireless phone, personal digital assistant,
or other
suitable communications device.
100361 In an
alternative embodiment, the remote location 114 can comprise a.
system capable of generating information that is accessible by the utility
company, such
as a World Wide Web page that graphically displays information to the viewer.
In this
embodiment, upon receiving a communication of fault or sensor data, the server

generates a web page that, if accessed, displays some or all of that
intbrmation to the
viewer. Utility company representatives then can visit the web page to
retrieve the
data. The server in this embodiment also can provide cormnunications to
individuals

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via telephone or electronic mail message, as described with respect to the
previous
exemplary embodiment.
[0037] in
another alternative embodiment, the remote location 114 can be a.
communications device, such as a cellular telephone, or a personal digital
assistant
(PDA). The remote location also can be any location accessible via the
interne, such
as an electronic mail address. In this embodiment, the communications facility
100
uses cellular communications to communicate directly with the remote location
114 via
telephone, short message service (SMS) message, or deetronic mail. In this
embodiment, the FCI system 100 can provide direct notice to individuals who
are in a
position to address any concerns that raised by the communication.
[0038] The
communications facility 10 also can facilitate communications
between two or more FCI systems 100. This embodiment is especially
advantageous
when multiple FCI systems 100 are located within a short distance of one
another.. .By
way of example only, it may be desirable to install three FCI systems on a
single three--
phase transmission line, such that one FCI system monitors each individual
phase. In
such an implementation, it can be desirable to implement cellular
communications M
the communications facility 11.0 of one of the FCI systems 100. The FCIs then
communicate with one another using a short .range wireless protocol, such as
Bluetooth.
WiFi, or 2!..igBee, or a wired protocol, such as power line canier networking.
If one of
the Fels in which cellular communications is not installed detects a fault
condition, or =
determines that sensor data should be transmitted to a remote location using
cellular
communications, that FCI can transmit to the cellular-enabled FCI system .100
using
the short range wireless protocol or the wired protoceil, and the cellular-
enabled FCI
system 100 can relay the transmission to the remote location 114. This
multiple FCI
embodiment is also applicable to Kis located in dose proximity to each other
on
different transmission lines or other equipment. "Close proximity" can be
within the
communications distance of the short range wireless protocol or the wired
protocol.
=
[0039] in
exemplary embodiments, the reset interface 112 can have two distinct
reset instructions: an indicator reset and a memory reset. The indicator reset
instruction
removes the fault indication, while the memory reset instruction clears at
least some of
the sensor data from the memory 108. The memory reset instruction can comprise

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parameters that indicate the portions of the memory to be cleared. For
example, the
memory reset instruction can specify that. only sensor data recorded before a
certain
date should be cleared, that all sensor data should be cleared, that sensor
data and
infomation relating to the FCI should be cleared, that all data other than
information
relating to the FCI should be cleared, and/or other suitable parameters that
identify
which memory should be erased. While both the indicator reset and the memory
reset
instructions can be triggered by the same event, it may be desired in some
instances to
reset one or the other in isolation.
[0040] For
example, in an exemplary embodiment, the controller 104 can be
programmed to respond to the resumption of proper current flow after a fault
event by
issuing an indicator reset instruction but not a memory reset instruction. In
this mode
of operation, a record of the fault event, as well as the conditions that
accompanied the
event, wIll remain in memory 108 even though the fault indicator 106 has been
cleared.
The information can then be downloaded .from the memory 108 and analyzed, and
the
FCI system 100 will not indicate a fault situation when none presently exists.
Thus, the
invention can provide automatic reset when. proper current flow resumes, while
also
storing data that can be used to diagnose and locate transient or intermittent
faults.
[00411
Additionally, the vase interface 112 can receive reset instructions
directly from a technician that is "on-site." In an exemplary embodiment, the
technician provides reset instructions by activating one or more buttons (not
shown) on
the FCI system 100 or a keyboard not shown) connected to the FCI system 1.00.
In an
alternative embodiment, reset instructions can be provided via switches or
other
common input techniques such as from a computer, FDA, or a cellular telephone.
[0042J In an
exemplary embodiment, the sensor 102, controller 104, memory
108, communications facility 110, and reset interface 112 can be provided
inside a
weatherproof housing, while the indicator 106 is disposed on the outer surface
of the
housing such that the indicator 106 can be viewed from a distance. In
alternative
embodiments, each. component can be disposed either inside or outside the
housing.
The housing can be clamped to the transmission line 116 with a clamping
mechanism, .
and the sensor 102 can be logically coupled to a portion of the clamping
mechanism.

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[00431
Figure 2 is a flow chart illustrating a method 200 for communicating
faulted circuit indicator infomiation using the FCI system 100 of Fiore 1
according to
an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The method 200 will be described
with
reference to Figures 1 and 2.
[0044] In
step 205, the sensor 102 collects data from the transmission line 1.16,
the FCI system 100, or its surroundings. In step 210, the controller 104
analyzes the
collected data to determine whether the collected data constitutes a fault,
whether the
data should be reported, and/or whether the data should be stored in memory
108.
[0045] in
step 215, the controller 104 determines whether a fault condition has
occurred based on the analysis conducted in step 210. if the controller 104
determines
in step 215 that a fault condition has occurred, then the method 200 branches
to step
220. In step 220, the controller 104 communicates the presence of the fault
condition
to the indicator 106, which displays an indication that a fault has occurred.
The method
200 then proceeds to step 225.
[00461
Referring back to step 215, if the controller 104 determines that a fault
condition did not occur, then the method 200 branches directly to step 225.
[0047] In
step 225,. the controller 104 determines whether the collected data
and/or the fault condition is such that reporting is required. In an exemplary

embodiment, the controller 104 can be programmed to make this determination
based
on the data. itself, or based on other factors, such as the passage of a set
period of time,
or a.direct demand from the 'utility company. If reporting is required, then
the method
200 branches to step 230, wherein the controller 104 communicates the sensor
data
and/or the fault information, together with a communication instruction, to
the
. communications facility I 10õ which transmits the collected data
and/or the fault
information to the remote location 114. Step 230 will be described in further
detail
hereinafter with reference to Figure 3. The method 200 then proceeds to step
235.
[0048]
Referring back to step 225, if the controller 104 determines that the data
should not be reported, the method 200 branches directly to step 235.
[0049] In
step 235, the controller 104 determines whether the collected data
and/or fault infbrmation should be stored in the memory 108. The determination
can be
made based on the controller's programming, as described above with respect to
Figure

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I. If yes, then the method 200 branches to step 240, wherein the controller
104 stores
the coll.ected data and/or fault information in the memory 108. The method 200
then
proceeds to step 245.
[0050]
Referring back to step 235, if the controller 104 determines that storage
is not required, then the method 200 branches directly to step 245.
100511 In
step 245, the controller 104 determines whether a reset has been.
triggered. If a reset has been triggered, the method 200 branches to step 250,
wherein
the controller 104 can clear the fault indication, the memory .108, or both.
The reset
procedure of step 250 is discussed in father detail hereinafter with reference
to Figure
4.
[0052] The
method 200 then proceeds to step 255. Referring back to step 234,
If the controller 104 determines that. a resent has not been triggered, then
the method
200 branches directly to step 255.
[0053] In
step 255, the controller 200 determines whether to continue
monitoring the transmission line 16. If yes, then the method 200 branches back
to step
205. If not, then the method 200 ends.
[00541 Figure
3 is now chart illustrating a method 230 for transmitting fault
infimmation and/or data to the remote location 114 according to an exemplary
embodiment of the invention, as referenced in step 230 of Figure 2. The
exemplary
method 230 will be described with mierence to Figures 1 and 3.
[00551 In
step 305, the controller 104 determines, based on its programming,
the data to be transmitted. This data can include information relating to a
fault, if a
fault event triggered the transmission. The data also can relate to
measurements of the
sensor 102, or other information relating to the FCI system 100, such as its
global
coordinates.
[0056] In
step 310, if any of the data to be transmitted resides in the memory
108, the controller 104 retrieves that data. In step 315, the controller 104
transmits the
data to the communications facility 110.
[0057] in
step 320, the controller 104 determines, based on its programming,
whether the data should be transmitted to a remote server or other similar
system. If
the controller 104 determines that data should not be transmitted to a remote
server, the

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method. 230 branches to step 330. If, however, the controller 104 determines
in. step
320 that data should be transmitted to a remote server, then the method 230
branches to
step 325, wherein the communications facility 110 transmits the data to a
remote
server. In an exemplary embodiment, the data transmission is performed with
cellular
communications, although in other embodiments, the transmission may be by any
of
the wireless or wired transmission protocols described above with respect to
Figure 1,
The method 230 then proceeds to step 330.
[0058] In
step 330, the remote server communicates data to individuals or a
utility company's outage management service to allow the individual or utility

company to respond to the data. The communicating feature of step 330 is
discussed in.
.further detail hereinafter with respect to Figure 5. The method 230 then
proceeds to
step 335.
[0059] In
step 335, the controller 104 determines, based on its programming,
Whether the data should be transmitted to an individual, such as a line
technician. if the
controller 104 determines that data should not be transmitted to an individual
or
individual(s), then the method returns to step 240 of Figure. 3. If, however,
the
controller 104 determines that the data should be transmitted to an
individual, then the
method 230 branches to step 340, wherein the communications facility 110 uses
a.
cellular protocol to transmit the data to an individual or individual(s). For
example, the
communications facility 110 could place a telephone call to the individual or
individual(s). However, in an exemplary embodiment, the communications
facility 110
can send a text message or electronic mail message directly to a cellular
enabled device
or device(s), such as a telephone or a personal digital assistant. The method
230 then
proceeds to step 240 of Figure 2.
[0060] Figure
4 is a flow chart illustrating a method 250 for clearing fault
events and line state history according to an exemplary embodiment of the
invention, as
referenced in step 250 of Figure 2. The method 250 will be described with
reference to
Figures 1 and 4.
[0061] in
step 405, the controller 104 determines, based on its programming,
whether a reset signal instructs clearing the memory 108. As described above,
a variety
of events can trigger a reset, and a utility company can desire to have some
events reset

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at least a portion of the memory 108, while others reset only the fault
indication. if the
controller 104 determines that the received reset signal does not instruct,
resetting the
memory 108, then the method 250 proceeds to step 415.
[0062] if,
however, the controller 104 determines that the received reset signal.
does instruct resetting the memory 108, them the method 250 branches to step
410,
wherein the controller 104 clears at least a portion of the data from the
memory 108,
based on the instructions in the reset signal. The method 250 then proceeds to
step 415.
[0063] In
step 415, the controller 104 determines whether the reset signal
instructs clearing the fault indicator 106. If the controller 104 determines
that the
received reset signal does not instruct resetting the fault indicator 106,
then the method
250 branches to step 255 of Figure 2.
[0064) if,
however, the controller 104 determines that the received reset signal
instructs resetting the fault indicator 106, the method 250 branches to Step
420, wherein
the controller 104 clears any indication that a fault has occurred from the
fault indicator
106. After clearing the fault indication, the method 250 proceeds to step 255
of Figure
[0065] Figure
5 is a flow chart illustrating a method 330 for communicating
data to individuals and/or an outage management system according to an
exemplary
embodiment of the invention. Figure 5 presumes that a fault or other
information of
interest has been detected and. has been transmitted to a central server. The
method 500
will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 5.
[0066] In
step 505 it is determined whether the server can contact the utility
company's outage management system (OMS). If the server can contact the outage

management system, the method 500 proceeds to step 510, wherein the server
transmits
the data to the OMS. The OMS can then display the data to operators on the
utility
company's existing systems. If the server cannot contact the utility company's
OMS,
the method 500 branches to step 515. The remote server also has capability to
store all
incoming information for historical purposes. This data historian can be used
to
analyze and improve the utility system performance.
[0067] In
step 515, it is determined whether the server can contact individuals
directly. If the server cannot contact individuals directly, the method 500
proceeds to

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step 520, wherein the server transmits the data to an individual via telephone
call, text
message, electronic mail message, or other similar form of communication. if,
in step =
515, it is determined that the server should not contact individuals, the
method 500
branches to step 525.
[0068] In
step 525, the server can generate an alternative presentation of the
transmitted data for the utility company. In an exemplary embodiment, the
server .
generates a web page or other content that is suitable for Internet
transmission that the
utility company can visit through a standard intemet browser or other network.

communications mechanism. The web page will present the data transmitted by
the
FCI system 100 in a graphical or textual form. This method also allows for the

information to be presented via telephone calls, text. massages, electronic
mail, and
other similar forms .of communication. Once the alternative presentation is
generated,
the method 500 proceeds to step 530.
[0069] In
step 530, the location of the transmitting FCI system 100 is
determined, in an exemplary embodiment, this information is determined from
the data
itself, which preferably contains geographic coordinates for the FCI system
100 or the
address where the FCI system 100 is installed. Alternatively, the location of
the .FCI
system 100 can be determined by resolving a unique identifier fbr the FCI
system 100
that is transmitted with the data using a table or other database that
includes
associations between FCI system 100 unique identifiers and locations. After
determining the location of the transmitting FCI system 100, the method 500
proceeds
to step 535,. wherein a line technician makes any necessary repairs.
[0070] Based
on the foregoing, it can be seen that the invention provides a
faulted circuit indicator apparatus having a communications facility that is
capable of
transmitting data to a remote location. The invention also provides a method
for
communicating faulted circuit indicator information, as well as a method for
using a
communicating faulted circuit indicator. The invention is not limited to
faulted circuit
indicators, but may also be used to detect and report conditions on a variety
of other
apparatuses, such as transformers, low power conductors, capacitor banks, or
other
components of an electrical distribution system. Many other modifications,
features,
and embodiments of the invention will become evident to those of ordinary
skill in the

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art. It. Should be appreciated, therefore, that many aspects of the invention
were
described above by way of example only and are not intended as required or
essential
elements of the invention unless explicitly stated otherwise. Accordingly, it
should be
understood that the foregoing relates only to certain embodiments of the
invention and
that numerous changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit
and scope
of the invention as defined by the following claims. It should also be
understood that
the invention is not restricted to the illustrated embodiments and that
various
modifications can he made within the scope of the following claims.

Representative Drawing
A single figure which represents the drawing illustrating the invention.
Administrative Status

For a clearer understanding of the status of the application/patent presented on this page, the site Disclaimer , as well as the definitions for Patent , Administrative Status , Maintenance Fee  and Payment History  should be consulted.

Administrative Status

Title Date
Forecasted Issue Date 2016-01-26
(86) PCT Filing Date 2008-10-30
(87) PCT Publication Date 2009-05-07
(85) National Entry 2010-04-20
Examination Requested 2013-09-18
(45) Issued 2016-01-26

Abandonment History

There is no abandonment history.

Maintenance Fee

Last Payment of $473.65 was received on 2023-12-14


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Payment History

Fee Type Anniversary Year Due Date Amount Paid Paid Date
Application Fee $400.00 2010-04-20
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 2 2010-11-01 $100.00 2010-09-15
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 3 2011-10-31 $100.00 2011-09-20
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 4 2012-10-30 $100.00 2012-09-27
Request for Examination $800.00 2013-09-18
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 5 2013-10-30 $200.00 2013-09-26
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 6 2014-10-30 $200.00 2014-09-22
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 7 2015-10-30 $200.00 2015-09-18
Final Fee $300.00 2015-11-16
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 8 2016-10-31 $200.00 2016-09-16
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 9 2017-10-30 $200.00 2017-09-19
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 10 2018-10-30 $250.00 2018-09-21
Registration of a document - section 124 $100.00 2018-12-13
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 11 2019-10-30 $250.00 2019-09-20
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 12 2020-10-30 $250.00 2020-09-18
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 13 2021-11-01 $255.00 2021-09-21
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 14 2022-10-31 $254.49 2022-09-22
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 15 2023-10-30 $473.65 2023-09-20
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 16 2024-10-30 $473.65 2023-12-14
Owners on Record

Note: Records showing the ownership history in alphabetical order.

Current Owners on Record
EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
Past Owners on Record
BANTING, JOHN FREDERICK
COOPER TECHNOLOGIES COMPANY
Past Owners that do not appear in the "Owners on Record" listing will appear in other documentation within the application.
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Document
Description 
Date
(yyyy-mm-dd) 
Number of pages   Size of Image (KB) 
Abstract 2010-04-20 1 69
Claims 2010-04-20 6 370
Drawings 2010-04-20 5 214
Description 2010-04-20 17 1,823
Representative Drawing 2010-06-09 1 16
Cover Page 2010-06-11 2 56
Claims 2013-09-18 7 264
Description 2013-09-18 20 1,834
Representative Drawing 2016-01-07 1 15
Cover Page 2016-01-07 1 51
Correspondence 2010-06-08 1 19
PCT 2010-04-20 1 49
Assignment 2010-04-20 2 63
Prosecution-Amendment 2011-03-16 2 77
Prosecution-Amendment 2011-06-13 2 73
Correspondence 2011-01-31 2 135
Prosecution-Amendment 2012-02-16 15 727
Prosecution-Amendment 2012-06-28 2 79
Prosecution-Amendment 2013-07-04 2 87
Prosecution-Amendment 2013-09-18 15 581
Prosecution-Amendment 2014-02-14 2 78
Correspondence 2015-01-15 2 63
Correspondence 2015-07-22 1 153
Final Fee 2015-11-16 2 74