Patents by Inventor Denis Vial

Denis Vial has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5886311
    Abstract: A multipole switch comprises a plurality of single-pole switch modules arranged side by side in compartments of the insulating case. Each switch module comprises an individual switching bar supporting the movable contact, said bar being formed by a vertical-axis rotary insulating stud having an end-piece for guiding in rotation at one of its ends, and driving means at the other end. A pair of actuating rods is mechanically coupled to the driving means of all the switching bars, and cooperates with connecting rods of the operating mechanism to perform movement of the actuating rods in translation in opposite directions when moving from the open position to the closed position, and vice-versa, said elongate actuating rods extending parallel to one another in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the different rotary studs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Schneider Electric SA
    Inventors: Robert Morel, Henri Auque, Philippe Hartmann, Denis Vial, Michel Faure
  • Patent number: 5313180
    Abstract: A movable contact bridge of a molded case limiting circuit breaker is supported by a bar by a system of springs enabling opening with electrodynamic repulsion. The contact bridge cooperates with stationary contacts rigidly secured to current input conductors in the shape of half-loops. An anvil is adjoined to the rear of the stationary contacts to increase the closing impact effect of the contact bridge and prevent contact resistance dispersions. The anvil is made of ferromagnetic material increase the magnetic field for blowout of the arc to the extinguishing chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Merlin Gerin
    Inventors: Denis Vial, Jean Bofils, Marc Rival
  • Patent number: 5310971
    Abstract: The contact bridge of a molded case circuit breaker is rotatably mounted in a bar by two springs arranged symmetrically from the rotation axis. Each spring is, on the one hand, anchored to the contact bridge, and, on the other hand, anchored to a rod housed in a notch of the bar. The same springs provide contact pressure and slowing-down of opening of the contact bridge at the end of repulsion travel by electrodynamic effect. The contact bridge bears on its edge cam surfaces which, at the end of opening travel, engage the anchoring rods to move them in the notches in the elongation direction of the tension springs. The energy of the contact bridge is thus taken up and stored in the springs causing slowing-down of the contact bridge. The profile of the cams can be chosen to enable reclosing of the contact bridge, this reclosing naturally being delayed by the slowing-down effect at the end of travel. The cam profile can also ensure latching of the contact bridge in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Merlin Gerin
    Inventors: Denis Vial, Jean Bonfils, Marc Rival
  • Patent number: 4939492
    Abstract: The tripping adjustment range of a magnetic trip device with a plunger core is increased by providing, in the movable plunger core, a groove whose edges define polar surfaces bounding air-gaps with the edges of the yoke in such a way as to generate in the minimum adjustment position a force which is added to the attractive force of the movable core by the stationary core, and inversely a force in the maximum adjustment position which is subtracted from the attractive force of movable plunger core. The trip device excitation coil is offset with respect to the yoke to increase the adjustment range, and a return device with adjustable stop and decreasing return force as the movable core approaches the stationary core, contributes to increasing this tripping threshold adjustment range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Assignee: Merlin Gerin
    Inventors: Andre Raso, Pierre Laffont, Denis Vial