Operating Means Patents (Class 200/17R)
  • Patent number: 6141223
    Abstract: A battery assembly is provided for holding a battery and for supplying power to an integrated circuit. When the battery is removed from the battery assembly, the battery assembly provides a LOW level signal to either the high voltage input (Vdd) of the integrated circuit or the reset port of the integrated circuit. The battery assembly includes a battery holder, a negative electrode attached to the battery holder and electrically connected to the a negative power line related to the integrated circuit, and a positive electrode also attached to the battery holder and connected to a positive power line to provide power to the integrated circuit. The positive and negative electrodes are disposed such that the battery may be held between the positive and negative electrodes, with positive and negative terminals of the battery in electrical contact with the positive and negative electrodes. The negative electrode includes an electrically conductive extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: SMK Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Tomio Fukushima
  • Patent number: 6130391
    Abstract: An actuating device operated by a hookstick is attached to an existing ring on a manually operated fused cutout switch or oil circuit recloser switch. The device comprises a cantilever and a clamp for attaching the cantilever about the existing ring. The cantilever a pair of lever arms, each having a hook-shaped receptacle for receiving a hookstick that is used to alternatively open or close the switch. Methods of actuating a manually operated recloser and lock-out switch and modifying such a switch to facilitate manual operation are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Taylor-Maddox Technical, Inc.
    Inventor: David G. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6130386
    Abstract: Disclosed and claimed is a switch. The switch can allow for push only, pull only, push-pull, left turn only, right turn only, left and right turn, or push-pull left turn right turn combinations of action, with the switch actions being maintained, momentary, or combinations of both in any switch with multiple positions. The switch can incorporate multiple means of mounting, multiple means of signal wire termination, an extensive variety of circuit possibilities, and an array of multiple LED illumination capability packaged in the smallest controller switch footprint available today. The resultant improvement in panel density and signal functions per cubic volume of space provides customers with unparalleled cost savings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Inventor: Alan David Jorczak
  • Patent number: 6118091
    Abstract: An insulating rib (42) is provided between surfaces (41a) of adjacent bus bar-receiving portions (41) of a box body (23) with which circuit terminal connection portions (25c) of adjacent bus bars (25) are held in contact, respectively. Each insulating rib (42) has an internal space (43) communicating with the exterior of a box body (23) of a plug box (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Matsumoto, Masahiro Deno
  • Patent number: 6114641
    Abstract: A circuit breaker rotary contact assembly employs a common pivot between the rotor assembly and the rotary contact arm. A pair of off-center expansion springs directly engage the rotor at one end and engage the rotary contact arm via a linkage arrangement at an opposite end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Randall L. Greenberg, Dave Christensen
  • Patent number: 6093901
    Abstract: An actuating device operated by a hookstick is attached to a manually operated oil circuit recloser switch. The device comprises a cantilever and an affixed switch lever. The cantilever includes a pair of lever arms, each having a hook-shaped receptacle for receiving a hookstick that is used to alternatively open or close the switch. Methods of actuating a manually operated switch in a recloser and lock-out device and modifying such a switch to facilitate manual operation are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Taylor Maddox Technical, Inc.
    Inventor: David G. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6091032
    Abstract: A tap changer has a bypass switch with a rotary pair of movable contacts engaging arc segmental fixed contacts of a length greater than the spacing between the movable contact which spacing is greater than the spacing between the fixed contacts of the bypass switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Dohnal, Klaus Hopfl, Silke Wrede
  • Patent number: 6084185
    Abstract: A safety switch includes a switch housing having at least one key channel into which a key can be introduced from the exterior. A plate cam projects into key channel and rotates when the key is introduced. A mechanism in secures the plate cam when the key has been fully introduced or completely removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Euchner GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Erik Bachle
  • Patent number: 6080942
    Abstract: A switch device for controlling electronic equipment. The switch device has a number of switch elements for setting operating functions of the electronic equipment and is changed over by a thrusting operation or by a rotating operation. The switch device includes a first operating unit supported reciprocably and rotatably, a first switch unit switched by a reciprocating operation of the first operating unit, a second switch unit switched by a rotating operation of the first operating unit and an intermittent rotating unit for supporting the first operating unit for intermittent rotation. The changeover operation of a large number of switch elements can be realized by a smaller number of operating units to enable size reduction of the device as such.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Takumi Sasaki
  • Patent number: 6060668
    Abstract: Set of switches mutual locking devices, comprising switches with actuator toggles and locking elements, each of the switches having a rocker supported by an elastic element and having Bowden type cables to be connected to the two arms of the rockers, the free end of a first cable of a switch being operationally connected to elements of actuation of a second switch and the free end of a second cable being operationally connected to the elements of actuation of a third switch, and the rockers being loaded at their ends to come into operational contact with the locking elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: ABB Sace L.V. S.p.A.
    Inventors: Lucio Azzola, Gustavo Brignoli
  • Patent number: 6031301
    Abstract: A simulated toggle switch capable of being set and reset by remote means and being manually operated. Control signals are received by two on-board electronic drive circuit assemblies which cause two corresponding magnetic solenoids to drive two cams clockwise or counterclockwise, independently of each other. This, in turn, causes a bat handle to move to an uppermost position, a lowermost position, or to be centered. In addition, the position of the switch is remotely sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: AAI Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Arthur Callahan, Jeffrey Joseph Perloski, Christopher Joseph Murk, John Nicholas Merkle, David Anthony Franckowiak
  • Patent number: 6013881
    Abstract: An operating head assembly for a key operated safety switch contains within its housing two inwardly biased locking plates surrounding and locking an operating cam. A key with beveled faces forces the locking plates outward, freeing the cam to rotate. A cross bar on the key rotates the cam to the operating position. The safety switch is thus not easily defeated by simple devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Scott Hall, Mark Andrew Mantua, David Elmer Olsen
  • Patent number: 5998750
    Abstract: A circuit operator with a push to test arrangement includes a housing. A first switch is mounted in the housing and has a toggle lever pivotably connected thereto so as to place the toggle switch in its on or off state. A second switch is also mounted in the housing and is connected to a push button for initiating tests. A single switch actuator allows a user to actuate the first switch and/or the second switch from an exterior of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: EGS Electrical Group LLC
    Inventors: John A. Wegener, Joe K. Hall, Richard C. Emerson
  • Patent number: 5998748
    Abstract: An actuating device operated by a hookstick is attached to an existing ring on a manually operated fused cutout switch or oil circuit recloser switch. The device comprises a cantilever and a clamp for attaching the cantilever about the existing ring. The cantilever a pair of lever arms, each having a hook-shaped receptacle for receiving a hookstick that is used to alternatively open or close the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: David G. Taylor
  • Patent number: 5990424
    Abstract: A breaker device is provided in which a lever can be locked in specified positions with an improved reliability and unlocking can be easily effected. A slider (60) carried by a lever (30) and a panel (22) of a casing (20) define a locking mechanism of the device. When the lever (30) is in a specified rotation position, the slider (60) and the panel (22) are engaged with each other to lock the lever (30) in that position. An unlock portion (62) for unlocking the locking mechanism is provided in a position to be covered by a handle portion (32) of the lever (30). Since this unlock portion (62) is protected by the handle portion (32), a tool or the like cannot come into contact with or strike the unlock portion (62). On the other hand, if a finger is placed on the handle portion (32) to rotate the lever (30), the tip of this finger is located at the underside of the handle portion (32), so that the unlock portion (62) can be easily operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Sho Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 5977500
    Abstract: A switch comprises a housing containing electrical contacts moveable from a power supply OFF position to a power supply ON position. A control mechanism is operatively coupled to the contacts, which contacts are operable by an actuator of predetermined configuration engaging with the control mechanism to change the status of the contacts. The control mechanism is moveable relative to the actuator in a direction transverse to the direction of insertion of the actuator to facilitate operative engagement therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: E. J. A. Engineering Limited
    Inventor: Mehdi Mohtasham
  • Patent number: 5962824
    Abstract: A trip link structure for a circuit breaker is disclosed and includes a plurality of circuit breakers arranged in a triangle shape and each having a fixed contact point and a movable contact point formed therein for thereby forming one unit including three circuit breakers as one unit with respect to three phases and an operational rod connected with the movable contact point, a main body engaging plate engaged to a front surface of the circuit breaker of each phase, a support bracket engaged to a front surface of each phase of the main body engaging plate, an operational link plate having a first connection portion hinged to the operational rod and a second connection portion supported by the first connection portion of a support bracket, a connection link having an upper end hinged to a third connection portion of the operational link plate connected with the circuit breaker of the upper side for thereby being downwardly extended and a lower end hinged to the third connection portion of the operational link
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: LG Industrial Systems, Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hee Il Ahn
  • Patent number: 5959270
    Abstract: A safety switch includes a housing and a switching mechanism comprised of a controller drum which has opposite end faces and is rotatably mounted in the housing, and an actuator which is insertable from outside into the housing for rotating the controller drum about a predetermined angle and thereby actuating a switch plunger. Incorporated in the safety switch is a safety mechanism which includes at least one contact structure attached in fixed rotative engagement to one of the end faces of the controller drum and having an outer edge, and a plunger bearing on the outer edge of the contact structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Hans Bernstein Spezialfabrik fur Schaltkontakte GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Rolf Wecke, Ralph Hoppmann, Roland Monnings
  • Patent number: 5929404
    Abstract: A safety switch includes a switch housing which accommodates a switch as well as mechanical and electrical and electronic components, and a head portion securable to an end face of the switch housing in several predetermined angular positions and accommodating a mechanical switching element e.g. a switching wheel which is operated by an actuator. A rigid positioning element is detachably secured to the switch housing and formed with a safety member, whereby the positioning element is adjustable between a locked position in which the safety member is positively engaged in the head portion and an idle position in which the safety member is disengaged from the head portion for allowing a rotation and re-positioning of the head portion relative to the switch housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Hans Bernstein Spezialfabrik fur Schaltkontakte GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Rolf Wecke, Joachim Ulfik, Meinhard Gerner
  • Patent number: 5925860
    Abstract: A rotary control device and an electronic apparatus in which it is used are disclosed. The control device includes a flat cylindrical switch plate for selectively exposing function switches to the outside of the electronic apparatus in accordance with rotation of the switch plate. A plurality of switches are disposed on the switch plate, for generating manipulating signals. The switches are disposed along the circumference of the switch plate, and are selectively exposed to the outside of the electronic apparatus. The user can rotate the switch plate clockwise or counterclockwise to selectively expose the intended switches for activation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Joung Hoon Lee
  • Patent number: 5918731
    Abstract: A radius actuator including an actuating member having a shaft which projects into the holder and carries the ball on that end. The ball is fixedly clamped into a clamping part which consists of two halves connected with one another by screws and which is situated in a hollow chamber of the holder. A spring is between the clamping part and the holder in the hollow chamber. The holder is provided with two mounting bores which lead into the hollow chamber and are alignable with the screws of the clamping part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Hans Bernstein Spezialfabrik fur Schaltkontakte GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Rolf Wecke, Roland Monnings
  • Patent number: 5914467
    Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic transfer switch (ATS) having "operate," "test" and "isolate" positions for the switch per se. A handle selects one of the positions and a mechanical linkage couples the ATS and the handle to one another. In the improvement, the linkage has first and second members for applying motive force to the switch. The mechanical linkage has first and second rotary driver devices in engagement with the first and second members, respectively, thereby providing redundant switch-positioning mechanisms. The new ATS may be combined with a bypass switch having "normal," "auto" and "emergency" contact positions. A switch interlock linkage extends between the transfer switch and the bypass switch and includes a bypass plate and a transfer plate coupled to one another by a bar. The bypass switch includes a pivot-mounted first bypass interlock member obstructing substantial movement of the bypass plate when the bypass switch electrical contacts are in the "normal" position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Generac Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery J. Jonas, Robert D. Kern, Gerald C. Ruehlow
  • Patent number: 5898143
    Abstract: A key-operated safety switch including a control roller and a component for unlocking the control roller. The unlocking component may be applied by way of a cam surface against a lock engaged in a catch of the control roller, so as to free the control roller when the key is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Schneider Electric SA
    Inventor: Hugues Da Dalt
  • 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: 5868243
    Abstract: A safety switch for a guard device associated with a machine or a device, the safety switch has a switch housing, a switch head connected to the switch housing and having a drive device actuatable by a key insertable into and removable from the switch head, a switch actuating device which is displaceable counter to a restoring force into a position corresponding to a first switch position by an actuating force generated by the drive device and without this actuating force exerted by the restoring force assumes a position corresponding to a second switch position, a sensor detecting a presence and an absence of the switch head, and an actuator arranged in the switch housing and operating so that under a control of the sensor in the event of loosening of the switch head from the switch housing exerts a force on the switch actuating device in a direction of motion to the restoring force, that is equal to or greater than the restoring force, depending on whether the switch actuating device is to be held in a prev
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Euchner & Co.
    Inventor: Erik Bachle
  • Patent number: 5864106
    Abstract: A battery disconnect switch is provided for breaking the conductive path in an electric vehicle comprising at least one conductor pin moveable between a conducting position and a non-conducting position. At least one spring is provided for biasing the conductor pin toward the non-conducting position. A surging mechanism moves the conductor pin to the conducting position and a locking mechanism holds the conductor pin in the conducting position against the bias of the spring. A release mechanism releases the locking mechanism allowing the bias of the spring to force the conductor pin to its non-conducting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Hartwig, Larry L. Neblett, Dean B. Clark, Min Sway-Tin, Thomas E. Zielinski
  • Patent number: 5861595
    Abstract: A portable circuit interrupting apparatus for use in association with a circuit isolating device such as a fuse cutout, disconnecting switch, or power fuse. The apparatus comprises a tubular housing, with a sleeve coaxially and slidably mounted within the housing. A ring engaging terminal is mounted to the housing and is adapted to engage a ring-like conducting part of the isolating device, and a hook engaging terminal is mounted to the sleeve and is adapted to engage a hook-like conducting part of the isolating device. The ring engaging terminal is mounted to the housing by means of a tubular cylinder fixed to the housing, and a shuttle slidably mounted in the tubular cylinder and so as to be lockable in each of at least two axially spaced apart positions, and the ring engaging terminal is fixed to the shuttle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Utility Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene H. Wood, Michael G. Nolte, Ronny D. Jergenson
  • Patent number: 5856642
    Abstract: The present invention provides a clutch-coupled crossarm mounted switch operator. The switch operator of the invention includes rotational motor means, a non-positive contact or infinite engagement clutch mechanism, and an output coupling. The rotational motor means further includes an input shaft to which the clutch mechanism is coupled. The infinite engagement clutch mechanism does not depend on rotational alignment means for engagement of the clutch. The clutch further includes an output shaft to which the output coupling is coupled. The output coupling is in turn coupled to a gang operated switch element that causes the switch contacts of the gang operated switch to open and close. Use of the clutch coupled switch operator thus effects the opening and closing of the gang operated switch contacts. Further, disengagement of the clutch mechanism allows the user to exercise and test the rotational motor means without displacing the contacts of the gang operated overhead high voltage air switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Inertia Engineering and Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Dean Carnell Sanders
  • Patent number: 5847338
    Abstract: A slidable element is provided for easy positioning in a guide slot when a handle is withdrawn. A handle 40 is inclinably provided on a mount body 35 bearing a movable electrode 31 by a support shaft 45. The support shaft 45 is loosely movable with respect to the mount body 35 by being fixed to the handle 40 and being inserted through oblong holes 42 formed in bearing portions 41 of the mount body 35. In order to withdraw the handle 40, it is necessary to position slidable projections 70 at the bottom ends of linear portions 75 of guide slots 74 while the handle 40 is pulled up. Since the support shaft 45 is movable upward within the oblong holes 42, the handle 40 can singly be pulled up while the movable electrode 31 is still engaged with the fixed electrodes 11a, 11b. During this time, the slidable projections 70 can be positioned and passed through the linear portions 75 of the guide slots 74 with a small force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Heiji Kuki, Kazumoto Konda, Tsutomu Tanaka, Kunihiko Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5836441
    Abstract: An accessory module monitoring and controlling the status of a circuit breaker. The accessory module attaches to the side of a circuit breaker and has a mechanism similar to the mechanism in a circuit breaker. The mechanism has multiple positions that correspond to the multiple states of a circuit breaker. Suitably shaped actuators transform the relatively large-scale motions of the mechanism into small-scale motions and transfers these to buttons on switches. Depressing these switches, depending on the position of the mechanical assembly makes and breaks circuits that are in communication with a remote site thereby indicating the status of the circuit breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Jerry Lynn Scheel, Randy Luther Siebels
  • Patent number: 5834717
    Abstract: An on-load tap changer of a step switch has a force-storage unit which has a charging slide continuously movable by a bidirectionally rotatable drive shaft and an output part that when tripped suddenly follows the movement of the charging slide and rotates a switching shaft. Respective switches for each phase are each actuatable by respective actuating elements that coact with edges of respective concentric cams rotatable by the switching shaft. An axially movable switching unit is mounted on the switching shaft and the switching unit carries cam disks for actuating the switches, each cam disk being subdivided into an upper and a lower subdisk with different shapes. The switching unit is movable in a direction dependent on the rotation direction of the drive shaft into an upper or a lower position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen GmbH
    Inventors: Josef Neumeyer, Leonhard Pillmeier
  • Patent number: 5828017
    Abstract: An electrical switch apparatus suitable for isolating high voltage equipment and bus-bar systems in utility sub-stations. The switch apparatus comprises a pair of detachable couplers which are connected by a high voltage flex cable, and a pair of terminal adapters. The terminal adapters are connected to respective terminals of the bus-bar or other sub-station equipment. The terminal adapters each include a member for engaging one of the couplers and forming a conductive path between the terminals. To break the conductive path, one or both of the couplers are conveniently detached using a hook-stick. The switch apparatus is easily adapted to various spacings and provides a convenient replacement for conventional blade disconnect switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: LaPrairie Electrical Products
    Inventors: Joseph Fiorini, Cong Doan
  • Patent number: 5821484
    Abstract: A safety switch, operable by a removable coded actuator, is designed for mounting on a support surface in four different orientations. The switch has a substantially square cross-section and grooves or holes for receiving mounting fasteners extend across each side of the switch housing, the grooves being located in a common plane intermediate the ends of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: K.A. Schmersal GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Klaus Schulze, Siegfried Schulz
  • Patent number: 5821485
    Abstract: A circuit breaker trip unit enclosure is adapted to receive rotary knobs that are limited in rotation in proportion to the circuit breaker short circuit rating. The externally-accessible rotary knobs extend within the enclosure to contact with a potentiometer affixed to the circuit breaker trip unit printed circuit board. A stop member is inserted within the enclosure access opening to detent the rotary knob shank that extends through the access opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Paul H. Singer, Paul T. Rajotte
  • Patent number: 5808249
    Abstract: The present invention provides a circuit breaker assembly having a base, cover, and switch handle adapted to withstand an external force applied to a lever of the switch handle. During normal operation the handle rotates on small-diameter pivots in elongated bearing slots. Under abnormal conditions that occur when the lever of the switch handle is inadvertently struck, such as when the circuit breaker is dropped on the lever of the switch handle, the pivots slide in the elongated bearing slots. The force is borne by large-diameter hubs which come in contact with mating bearing surfaces. Thus, the pivots are not shorn off during such incidents, which would damage the circuit breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Donald Charles Francis, Jr., Randall Luther Siebels, Brett Eugene Larson
  • Patent number: 5808251
    Abstract: An operation selector arrangement is provided for an operating mechanism that is controlled by movement of an operating shaft between the operational positions. Blocking features are provided for preventing operation between predetermined operational positions without first manipulating the blocking features. In a preferred arrangement, a an operating handle is utilized to operate the operation selector arrangement. A blocking member prevents operation of an operation selector between two operating positions without first stopping at an intermediate position, removing the operating handle, moving the blocking member, and then reinserting the handle. The blocking member is separately securable from the operation selector such that personnel may be authorized to operate the operation selector while other personnel are additionally authorized to manipulate the blocking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: S&C Electric Company
    Inventor: Buddy B. McGlone
  • Patent number: 5760353
    Abstract: A compact safety switch comprises a housing having an axially sliding ram mounted therein. The lower end of the ram is in contact with an actuating rod of a switch, which is aligned with the ram. The upper end of the ram lies against a cam formed in the outer surface of an indexing wheel. A pre-tensioned helical spring surrounds the lower end of the ram for holding the ram in place. The indexing wheel is provided on one end of the cam with a radial notch for locking a key inserted into the keyway and at an opposite end of the cam with a resting notch. The safety switch further includes an interlocking mechanism having a stator located concentric to the ram and an armature integral with the ram. With the key inserted in the keyway, the armature is pushed out of the stator and the upper end of the ram is held in engagement with the resting notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Euchner & Co.
    Inventor: Werner Rapp
  • Patent number: 5744767
    Abstract: A radius actuator for operating a safety switch, includes a holder and a spring-biased operating key which is secured in the holder by a carrier member and moveable between a slanted initiation position and a switch-actuating position, with the operating key being tiltable relative to the carrier member about a first pivot axis and lockable in place. A base plate is attached to the key-distant end of the carrier member such that the carrier member is tiltable about a second pivot axis and lockable in place, whereby the second pivot axis is in offset disposition to the first pivot axis by 90.degree., thereby allowing a slanted positioning of the operating key over a wide range. The base plate is displaceable within the holder in direction of the longitudinal axis of the carrier member and tiltable relative thereto in opposition to the force exerted on the base plate by a spring which is received in the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Hans Bernstein Spezialfabrik Fur Schaltkontakte GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Rolf Wecke, Roland Monnings
  • Patent number: 5739489
    Abstract: A drive mechanism for driving a rotary signalling switch of a high voltage electrical apparatus, in particular a disconnector or a grounding switch, the mechanism connecting the rotary shaft of the signalling switch to a rotary actuator shaft of an actuator mechanism for actuating the contacts of the apparatus so that the contacts of the signalling switch are opened or closed when the contacts of the apparatus are opened or closed, the actuator shaft being displaced at an angular velocity .omega..sub.ht during an operation to open or close the contacts of the apparatus. The drive mechanism constitutes a positive action mechanism connected between said drive shaft and said rotary shaft, and includes drive device for driving the rotary shaft of the signalling switch at the beginning and at the end of an operation at a velocity .omega..sub.cs greater than .omega..sub.ht.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: GEC Alsthom T & D SA
    Inventors: Jean Marmonier, Bernard Gelloz
  • Patent number: 5739488
    Abstract: The present invention provides a handle for controlling a switch mechanism of an interior assembly of an electrical distribution device having a plurality of modules. The electrical distribution device has an enclosure for housing the interior assembly. The handle includes a first piece having an elongated shape with two ends. The first end is adapted to be manually controlled by an operator and has a mating surface. The opposite end is secures the handle to the switch mechanism. A second piece has a complimentary shape for abutting the mating surface of the first piece at least near the first end. The first and second pieces are fastened without discrete fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Terry Allen Cassity, David Emerson Greer
  • Patent number: 5719541
    Abstract: A relay includes a base member; a magnetic system mounted on the base member and including an armature, a contact arrangement with a contact spring formed with a contact piece, and an actuating element coupled to the armature for transmitting armature movement to the contact spring. The armature element is linked to the contact spring at attack points between which the contact spring has zones of different configuration whereby the magnetic system is loaded substantially evenly upon actuation of the contact spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Eh-Schrack Components-Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Leopold Mader
  • Patent number: 5712459
    Abstract: A push-type switch 12 with the operation of a switching component 24 through a long extended push component 11 is described. The switch features, in the push direction 13, a push-type guideway and an elastic support which acts against the application of the push. An extended, torsionally and flexurally rigid transmission component 30 is arranged between switching component 24 and push component 11. The transmission component is supported like a flap in a pivotable manner around the axis of a hinge 31. The hinge runs parallel to its transmission component lengthwise direction and crosswise to the direction of the push 13.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Valeo Borg Instruments GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Ziegler
  • Patent number: 5710399
    Abstract: A field-installable circuit breaker trip actuator unit includes a flux shifter unit that interfaces with the circuit breaker operating mechanism and is installable without dismantling the circuit breaker components. The flux shifter unit responds to an electronic trip unit to articulate the circuit breaker operating mechanism and separate the circuit breaker contacts upon occurrence of an overcurrent condition. A reset arrangement allows the trip actuator unit to be automatically reset upon completion of the contact separation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Jeffrey D. Lord
  • Patent number: 5708239
    Abstract: Electrical plate terminals 18 and 21 are provided on the left and right sides of a main switch box. Between these is provided a switch mechanism chamber 15 in which associated rod terminals 26 and 27 project from right and left. A connecting tube 28 is provided between the rod terminals 26 and 27 and is mounted for sliding movement in conjunction with pivotal movement of a lever 12 so as to connect and disconnect the terminals 27 and 28. The switch mechanism has a low operating force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazumoto Konda, Sho Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 5703339
    Abstract: A safety switch has a key (1) which, when inserted into and removed from a key channel (9), forcibly rotates a cam plate (7) and so switches over the switch. The safety switch further has an interlocking device for the cam plate (7) which is disposed adjacent the latter, can be forcibly released by the key (1) when it is introduced into the key channel (9) and has at least one locking member (21) which can be displaced in translation and, in its locked position, engages in an interlocking manner with a housing disposed adjacent the cam plate (7). The locking member (21) can be displaced into the released position by the key (1) by means of an actuating member (15) which is moveable together with the locking member (21) and is integral therewith. The part of the actuating member (15) which projects into the key channel (9) in the locked position is connected to the locking member (21) by means of a material section which is laterally guided past the axis of rotation (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Euchner & Co.
    Inventors: Werner Rapp, Peter Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5693922
    Abstract: A load tap changer (LTC) comprising in part a diverter switch is disclosed. The diverter switch includes a movable main contact (38); first and second fixed main contacts (40a, 40b); a pantograph system (30) for translating a rotational motion of a shaft (22) to a substantially linear motion of the movable main contact; and a link system (10) comprising a gear (12) adapted to be rotated by a motor, a spring battery (26) for storing energy of the motor, link means (14, 16, 18) for coupling the gear to the spring battery, and the shaft (22) coupled to the link means, wherein the spring battery is operable to rotate the shaft and to thereby effect the movement of the movable main contact. A predetermined amount of rotation of the shaft effects a movement of the movable main contact from a contacting relation with the first fixed main contact to a contacting relation with the second fixed main contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: ABB Power T&D Company Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Tuohy, Leslie R. Wilson, Stephen A. Perkins
  • Patent number: 5679936
    Abstract: The plunger of a latching control button is held in its retracted position by a latching ring which is rotatable about the axis of the system and releases the plunger when the control member is depressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: B A C O Constructions Electriques Anct. Baumgarten
    Inventors: Maurice Schaeffer, Fabien Fantini
  • Patent number: 5679935
    Abstract: A moving contact assembly to which a moving contact is fitted so as to allow a normally open common fixed contact part to elude the moving contact and axially pass through is mounted detachably on a fixed core. A contact mold having a normally closed fixed contact part and a cap switch provided with a normally open fixed contact part, a normally closed common fixed contact part, and a normally open common fixed contact part are made axially separable. The contact mold is turned 90 degrees in one direction to allow the normally open common fixed contact part to elude the moving contact and axially pass through. Thus, when the contact mold is turned 90 degrees in the other direction to the contact mold's former condition, the moving contact can be positioned within a recessed groove of a common fixed contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hidekazu Baba, Keisaku Zenmei, Shuzo Isozumi
  • Patent number: 5663541
    Abstract: A manual switch for direct current reversible electric winch motors, which switch includes a switch housing that may be mounted on or built into the winch housing of an electric winch or connected by means of appropriate wiring to the electric winch motor for operating the winch under circumstances where automatic operation of the winch is not possible. The switch housing includes four fixed contacts that are electrically isolated from each other and from the housing and a pair of contact bars which are spring-loaded inside the housing to facilitate selective engagement with the respective fixed contacts responsive to manual operation of the switch to operate the reversible electric winch motor in the forward or reverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Inventor: George M. Mc Gregor, II
  • Patent number: RE36834
    Abstract: An electrical switch comprises a housing provided with at least one fixed contact part and one switching contact part, which moves in cooperation therewith. At least one actuating element is movably mounted in the housing. The actuating element influences switching positions of the switching contact part. Also disclosed is a camform which defines the switching positions and which interacts with a spring-loaded plunger associated with the actuating element in order to create operating forces. Moreover, a displaceable spring-loaded retaining device is disposed within the housing which enables the electrical switch to be held firmly in a locked position .Iadd.within a receptacle.Iaddend.. Finally, at least one actuating element cooperates with a retaining device through a transfer device so that by use of increased force, the actuating element is brought into a functional position which does not correspond with any of the switching positions. The retaining device is brought into its unlocked position .Iadd.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Leopold Kostal GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Kossakowski, Hubert Gerbersmann, Michael Barwanitz, Hans-Joachim Frohne, Stefan Muller