Dennis A Maller

US Patent:

6538345, Mar 25, 2003

Filed:

Oct 24, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/696655

Inventors:

Dennis A. Maller - Racine WI

Assignee:

Trombetta, LLC - Menomonee Falls WI

International Classification:

H02J 100

US Classification:

307 86, 307 64

Abstract:

An electrical control module, including a control circuit, and voltage rectifier for controlling a solenoid. The control circuit is adapted for use in a transfer switch receiving power from two power sources and sending power to a single load, such as a commercial building or hospital. The control circuit and solenoid are designed to work over a broad range of voltages to quickly and efficiently transfer power from the first power source to the second. The circuit is particularly well suited for use in a closed transition transfer switch where the second source is connected before the first source is disconnected.

US Patent:

6873514, Mar 29, 2005

Filed:

Jun 5, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/163627

Inventors:

Dennis A. Maller - Racine WI, US
Todd McMahon - Greenfield WI, US

Assignee:

Trombetta, LLC - Menomonee Falls WI

International Classification:

H01H009/00

US Classification:

361160, 361161, 361 2, 361 78, 361 88, 361 93, 361115, 361194, 361165, 361203, 318471, 318472, 318473, 236 67, 236 69, 236 88, 236104

Abstract:

An integrated solenoid system including a single housing containing a solenoid, a controller and one or more electrical connections. The controller includes temperature compensating means and/or voltage compensating means thereby providing predetermined, substantially constant currents to said solenoid. The housing includes an integral two-part end cover.

US Patent:

6943655, Sep 13, 2005

Filed:

Feb 27, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/788883

Inventors:

Todd McMahon - Greenfield WI, US
Dennis A. Maller - Racine WI, US

Assignee:

Trombetta, LLC - Menomonee Falls WI

International Classification:

H01H013/04
H01H009/02

US Classification:

335202, 335131, 335278, 335282, 335299

Abstract:

A direct current contactor having at least one low current terminal and at least two high current terminals is disclosed. The low current terminal is connected to a spring, which is nested in a chimney-shaped receptacle, where it is coupled to the contactor's coil. The chimney shaped receptacle also has a slot that receives a terminal blade that electrically connects the spring to the coil. The housing of the solenoid is designed with longitudinally extending channels that receive the receptacles, which prevents the assembly from rotating within the housing unit. Each terminal is provided with ribbed and knurled areas to restrict rotation of the terminal in the housing and the mating connection while tightening.

US Patent:

7728704, Jun 1, 2010

Filed:

Jun 7, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/810927

Inventors:

Stephen M. Schmidt - Menomonee Falls WI, US
Paul D. Lindsay - Cedarburg WI, US
Dennis A. Maller - Racine WI, US

Assignee:

Trombetta, LLC - Menomonee Falls WI

International Classification:

H01H 67/02
H01R 4/36

US Classification:

335126, 335131, 439810

Abstract:

Provided is a device mounted contactor and a method of reducing continuous charge distribution, especially in a vehicle. The contactor includes a housing, and a plurality of power terminals. The device may further include a conductance shield and support structure extending from the housing. Situated at least partially in the housing is a switch, which is capable of electrically coupling at least two of the plurality of power terminals. One or more electrically insulative covers may be provided. The contactor may also provide a fused accessory terminal, which is electrically coupled to one of the power terminals through a fuse. A method according to the present invention reduces continuous electrical charge distribution in an electrical circuit by mechanically attaching a first contactor power terminal to a battery terminal and electrically coupling a second contactor power terminal to a circuit, which may include a vehicle starter.

US Patent:

8154366, Apr 10, 2012

Filed:

Feb 25, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/660399

Inventors:

Stephen M. Schmidt - Menomonee Falls WI, US
Paul D. Lindsay - Cedarburg WI, US
Dennis A. Maller - Racine WI, US

Assignee:

Trombetta, LLC - Dover DE

International Classification:

H01H 67/02
H01R 4/36

US Classification:

335126, 335131, 439810

Abstract:

Provided is a device mounted contactor and a method of reducing continuous charge distribution, especially in a vehicle. The contactor includes a housing, and a plurality of power terminals. The device may further include a conductance shield and support structure extending from the housing. Situated at least partially in the housing is a switch, which is capable of electrically coupling at least two of the plurality of power terminals. One or more electrically insulative covers may be provided. The contactor may also provide a fused accessory terminal, which is electrically coupled to one of the power terminals through a fuse. A method according to the present invention reduces continuous electrical charge distribution in an electrical circuit by mechanically attaching a first contactor power terminal to a battery terminal and electrically coupling a second contactor power terminal to a circuit, which may include a vehicle starter.

US Patent:

20130106544, May 2, 2013

Filed:

Oct 26, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/282099

Inventors:

STEPHEN M. SCHMIDT - Menomonee Falls WI, US
Dennis A. Maller - Racine WI, US

Assignee:

TROMBETTA, INC. - Menomonee Falls WI

International Classification:

H01H 9/02

US Classification:

335202

Abstract:

An embodiment of an electrical contactor according to the present invention provides improved operability and manufacturability. Such electrical contactor may include a housing substantially surrounding an electrical conductor assembly and contact actuator. The conductor assembly includes a stationary contact assembly and a movable contact assembly. The contact actuator selectively mechanically interfaces to the movable contact assembly to make or break an electrical conduction. The contactor provides improved contact bounce dampening and actuator force characteristics. Methods according to the present invention include a method of manufacturing and a method of operating a solenoid actuated electrical contactor so as to minimize solenoid plunger acceleration and impact forces while making the electrical conduction and to maximize solenoid plunger acceleration and impact forces while breaking the electrical conduction.

US Patent:

D3429415, Jan 4, 1994

Filed:

Jan 24, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/825599

Inventors:

Carl H. Tannenbaum - Burlington WI
Robert E. Mitchell - Milwaukee WI
Wayne M. Groth - Milwaukee WI
Dennis A. Maller - Racine WI

Assignee:

Trombetta Corporation - Milwaukee WI

US Classification:

D13183

US Patent:

62561855, Jul 3, 2001

Filed:

Jul 30, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/364194

Inventors:

Dennis A. Maller - Racine WI

Assignee:

Trombetta, LLC - Menomonee Falls WI

International Classification:

H01H 4700

US Classification:

361152

Abstract:

An electrical control module and circuit for controlling a solenoid. The control circuit provides a constant voltage to a solenoid for a predetermined time period after which a pulse width modulated voltage is supplied. The circuit further includes components for reverse polarity protection, transient voltage protection, low gate drive voltage protection, reduced heat dissipation and improved magnetic drive under low input voltage conditions during application of the pulse width modulated voltage. The module may be used in conjunction with a single coil or a dual coil solenoid. The circuit may be utilized on a 12 volt or a 24 volt electrical system without adjustment.