Electricity: measuring and testing – Measuring – testing – or sensing electricity – per se – Magnetic saturation
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-09
2001-01-16
Patidar, Jay (Department: 2862)
Electricity: measuring and testing
Measuring, testing, or sensing electricity, per se
Magnetic saturation
C324S127000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06175229
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a new and improved apparatus for use in sensing electrical current in a conductor and more specifically to an apparatus which utilizes a sensor which is responsive to magnetic flux emanating from a conductor to provide an output signal which varies as a function of the current in the conductor.
Current transformers or toroids have previously been utilized to sense the amount of current passing through a conductor. Current transformers are relatively large in volume and mass. Several different size current transformers are required to accommodate various current levels. Current transformers are frequency sensitive and must be derated to thoroughly compensate for a continuous thermal current factor.
It has previously been suggested that a magnetic flux sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor, could be utilized to provide an output signal which varies as a function of the amount of current being conducted through a conductor. Hall effect sensors have been positioned at different distances from the conductor. The use of magnetic flux sensors, such as Hall effect sensors, is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,539,520; 4,587,509; 5,172,052; and 5,416,407.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a new and improved apparatus for use in sensing electrical current in a conductor. The apparatus includes a magnetic flux concentrator which may extend around a portion of a conductor. The magnetic flux concentrator may include main sections formed of a magnetic material and one or more intermediate sections formed of a nonmagnetic material. A magnetic flux sensor is disposed on an intermediate section of the magnetic flux concentrator. A plurality of magnetic flux sensors may be utilized if desired.
The main sections of the magnetic flux concentrator may include magnetic flux conductive columns which are connected with one or more intermediate sections. The main sections may also include magnetic flux conductive connector sections which project from the columns. The connector sections may be engaged by an intermediate section formed of a nonmagnetic material. The columns may be at least partially disposed in openings in the conductor. A magnetic flux conductive base may interconnect the columns.
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Becker James A.
Eckroth Kurt V.
Solveson Mark G.
Eaton Corporation
Patidar Jay
Tarolli, Sundheim, Covell Tummino & Szabo L.L.P.
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