With Rigid Pivoted Member Carrying The Moving Contact Patents (Class 200/244)
  • Patent number: 6680676
    Abstract: Printed boards 31 and 38 are disposed in two layers inside a casing 1, and a selector cursor key and fixer keypad 21 is provided on the cover 2. Selector cursor key switches 34 are provided on the first printed board 31 on the keypad 21 side while a fixer key switch 39 is provided on the second printed board 38. A protrusion portion 21a of the keypad 21 is made to penetrate a through hole 33 of the first printed board 31 so as to face the fixer key switch 39. The selector cursor key switches 34 and the fixer key switch 39 are arranged adjacently to each other in planar view so as to be able to be pushed and operated through one selector cursor key and fixer keypad 21.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Hayashi, Akira Hasegawa, Hiroyuki Sato, Shinji Tomobe, Hiroshi Ohmura
  • Patent number: 6600115
    Abstract: A rod (40) is pivotally provided in a lever (28). The rod (40) is divided into a small-diameter lower rod (37) and a large-diameter upper rod (38). When a knob (45) is pivotally moved, the lower rod (37) and the upper rod (38) are moved in an integrated fashion. A movable contact (31) is slid by means of movement of a pusher (57) of the lower rod (37). In this case, the rigidity of the upper rod (38) is improved, and hence the upper rod (38) becomes less susceptible to deflection induced by the load of the spring (53). Accordingly, inclination of the knob (45) toward the lever (28) is prevented, and hence a clearance between the lever (28) and the knob (45) can be maintained constant by means of a single set consisting of a spring (53) and a moderation ball (54).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Hirofumi Hayashi
  • Patent number: 6590172
    Abstract: A circuit breaker is provided wherein the circuit breaker comprises a contact arm movable between a closed position, an open position and a blown open position wherein the contact arm is disposed in the circuit breaker. A bumper disposed to contact the contact arm when the contact arm is in the blown open position. In addition, a stop member disposed to be in contact with a linkage assembly so as to create a gap between the bumper and the contact arm when the contact arm is disposed in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Aniruddha Dattatraya Gadre, Hemant Kumar Mody
  • Patent number: 6590173
    Abstract: A current-interrupting section of a molded case circuit breaker includes fixed contact shoes and a rotary bridge-type contact shoe held in a contact shoe holder. A pair of pressure springs is assembled in the contact shoe holder to press the rotary contact shoe to the fixed contact shoes. The pressure spring is torsion coil springs and have U-shaped offset arm portion drawn out from the center of the coil. A pair of the torsion coil springs is arranged above and under the rotary contact shoe. Furthermore, legs of the torsion coil springs at ends are hooked to sidewalls of the contact shoe holder. The offset arm portions at the center of the torsion coil springs engage the rotary contact shoe at positions symmetrical with respect to the rotational center of the rotary contact shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoshi Uchida, Fumiyoshi Kawahara, Syuichi Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 6563407
    Abstract: A pivot joint for a movable contact arm assembly and a circuit breaker having an operating mechanism coupled to a line terminal, a trip mechanism and a load terminal with the load terminal coupled to a pivot mounting member. The pivot joint comprises a recess in a first sidewall of the contact arm with the recess co-axial with a mounting hole in the contact arm. A second recess is provided in a second sidewall of the contact arm with the second recess co-axial with the second mounting hole in the contact arm. The first and second recesses are co-axial with each other. A shaped washer, configured to fit in each of the first and second recesses is provided and maintained in position by a mounting axle configured to engage each shaped washer, each mounting hole and the pivot mounting member. The contact arm is then free to pivot about the mounting axle. A spring, with the spring configured to engage both ends of the mounting axle urge the contact arm against each shaped washer thereby completing the pivot joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Rodney C. Kramer
  • Patent number: 6480080
    Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker includes a switching mechanism and a current-interrupting section. The current-interrupting section is composed of an insulated case, fixed contact shoes arranged diagonally opposite to each other, a bridging rotary contact shoe, a contact shoe holder, and arc extinguishing devices. The fixed contact shoes are composed of linear contact shoe conductors to reduce a height of the section, and the fixed contact shoes are arranged vertically in parallel and opposite each other so that the fixed contact shoes and the rotary contact shoe form a Z-shaped conducting path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Asada, Naoshi Uchida, Kazunori Yonemitsu, Masaru Isozaki, Toshiyuki Onchi
  • Patent number: 6479774
    Abstract: A circuit breaker operating mechanism comprises a movable handle yoke, a mechanism spring extending in tension from the handle yoke to a pin, and a lower link extending from the pin to a crank operably connected to a contact arm bearing a movable contact. The crank is positionable in open and closed positions, being in an open position when the movable contact is separated from an associated fixed contact and being in a closed position when the movable contact is mated to said associated fixed contact. The circuit breaker further comprises an interface formed on said crank and a blocking prop having a first surface that engages said interface, the first surface preventing the crank from rotating towards the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Dave Christensen
  • Patent number: 6459060
    Abstract: An electric rocker switch is disclosed having a gull wing shaped rocking contact. The rocking contact pivots on a center terminal between a pair of upright blades. A centering protrusion disposed on a lower surface of the rocking contact rests between the uprights blades of the center terminal when the rocking contact is in a center position, thus preventing lateral movement of the rocking contact beyond the limits of the upright blades. First and second rocker contacts are located on opposite sides of the rocking contact. The first and second rocker contacts face toward first and second fixed contacts, respectively. Thus, the first rocker contact touches the first fixed contact when the rocking contact rocks to one side and the second rocker contact touches the second fixed contact when the rocking contact rocks to the other side. Positioning surfaces and top inside edges of the upright blades serve as pivots for the rocking contact as it rocks from side to side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Judco Manufacturing, Incorporated
    Inventor: Stephen Bartok
  • Patent number: 6403901
    Abstract: A contact system having a two-armed contact arm equipped at its opposite ends with contact pieces that can be brought into and out of contact with corresponding contact pieces of stationary busbars. The contact arm is mounted rotatably on a central bearing axis using an elongated hole, the two lever arms being acted upon by contact force springs that brace with one end against a switching shaft or a switching shaft segment. To provide a uniform contact pressure in the presence of differing wear of the contact pieces, the elongated hole extends in a direction that differs substantially from the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the contact arm and substantially from the longitudinal axis, and the longitudinal action direction of the contact force springs extends neither perpendicular to the longitudinal axis nor perpendicular to the extension direction of the elongated hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Moeller GmbH
    Inventors: Franz Boeder, Guido Dedenbach
  • Patent number: 6376788
    Abstract: An electromagnetic blow-open device for a pole of a circuit breaker where the pole has a stationary contact and a movable contact. The movable contact includes contact fingers mounted on a contact carrier. The contacts have an open position and a closed position. The pole further has an associated rotatable pole shaft. The electromagnetic blow-open device includes a collapsible linkage having a rigid position and a changeable position. The collapsible linkage is disposed between, and coupled to, the pole shaft and contact carrier. The collapsible linkage is maintains the stationary contact and the movable contact in the closed position while the collapsible linkage is in the rigid position and to allow the stationary contact and the movable contact to move to the open position when the collapsible linkage is in said changeable position. The electromagnetic blow-open device also includes an actuator arm which is coupled to the collapsible linkage and is responsive to an over-current condition in the pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: William John Jones, Perry Robert Gibson, James Jeffery Benke
  • Patent number: 6369340
    Abstract: A rotary contact circuit breaker employs a crank to couple a switching mechanism to the rotary contact pole structure. The use of a crank allows for the mechanism and pole structure the individually optimized without effecting the performance of the other. In particular the crank allows for a mechanism that is able to achieve maximum torque delivery to the pole structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger Neil Castonguay, Randall Lee Greenberg, Dave Scot Christensen
  • Patent number: 6310307
    Abstract: A rotary contact arrangement for circuit breakers of the type including a pair of movable contacts (30,36), one arranged on each end of the rotary contact arm (32), utilizes a single pair of contact springs (38), one spring on each side of the rotary contact arm (32). The springs (38) are aligned to intersect the axis of rotation of the rotary contact arm (32) for automatic uniform contact force adjustment throughout the operating life of the circuit breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ronald Ciarcia, Lei Zhang Schlitz
  • Patent number: 6262642
    Abstract: A rotary contact arrangement for circuit breakers of the type including a pair of contact springs arranged on each side of a rotary contact arm, as the contact springs interconnect between the rotors and the contact arm via a pair of U-shaped levers. The provision of the U-shaped levers provides uniform contact pressure between both pairs of fixed and moveable contacts to prevent contact erosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Rolf-Dieter Bauer
  • Patent number: 6259048
    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: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Randall L. Greenberg, Dean A. Robarge, Dave S. Christensen
  • Patent number: 6191374
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a contact lever for an electrical switch designed for automatic adjustment of the main contacts. During assembly the pivot shaft is inserted in an oblong opening in the contact lever. The switch position is changed from open to closed by rotating the contact lever on the pivot shaft. The pivot shaft includes two conically extending shoulders that correspond in shape to chamfers located at the edge of the oblong opening. The conical shoulders and chamfers comprise a portion of the bearing surface between the contact lever and the pivot shaft. A sliding bearing pair is formed during switch operation wherein the contact lever is limited to a centrally aligned position in the open position and allowed additional freedom of motion at the end of the closing operation. The additional freedom of motion allows for precise automatic contact alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Claus-Peter Schulze
  • Patent number: 6188031
    Abstract: A movable contact arrangement for a low-voltage circuit breaker which has a contact lever bracket equipped with contact levers and may move around a pivot bearing for opening and closing the circuit breaker. A journal, which engages with a bearing opening close to an inner end of a stationary conductor segment, is molded onto a main arm of the contact lever bracket. The journal is positioned more or less in the center and has a length that does not exceed the width of the contact arrangement. The bearing opening is also positioned within the width of the contact arrangement. This reduces the width of the circuit breaker, especially in multipole designs, while simultaneously improving the load carrying capacity and service life of the pivot bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Sezai Türkmen
  • 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: 6064017
    Abstract: A switch having a contact lever and a compression member connected so as to bias the contact lever into a contact position. The contact lever includes a joint-receiving opening disposed therein. A bearing is insertable into the joint-receiving opening of the contact lever and supports a pivot which forms a connection between the compression member and the contact lever. The joint-receiving opening includes two portions configured one behind the other in the direction of compression of the compression member. The bearing is insertable into the first opening portion in a direction different from the direction of compression and then movable in the direction of compression to produce an interlock connection with the second opening portion of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: AEG Niederspannungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Claus-Peter Schulze
  • Patent number: 6015957
    Abstract: An air circuit breaker movable contact arm assembly is presented. The movable contact arm assembly comprises an electrically-conductive support having at least one slot formed therein to receive a first end of the movable contact arm. The movable contact arm comprises first and second sides which face side walls of the electrically-conductive support within the slot. A spring washer is disposed at the first end of the movable contact arm and loads the second side of the movable contact arm against one side wall of the electrically-conductive support to form a variably conducting joint therebetween. By using a spring washer, the movable contact arm pivotally engages the other facing side wall of the electrically-conductive support to provide a variable pivot point. The variable pivot point of the contact arm assembly permits an additional degree of freedom allowing the movable contact arm to rotate about a separate, variable pivot point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas F. Papallo, Jr., Raymond K. Seymour, Anupam Tiwari
  • Patent number: 6005206
    Abstract: The contact fingers of electrical switching apparatus have radial convex surfaces centered on the pivot pins which seat on concave surfaces in the molded contact carrier to transmit bending loads on the pin into the carrier. A seal member which snaps onto the end of the pivot pin has fins which extend between the contact fingers to block flow of arcing gases through the carrier. For lower current ratings, some of the contact fingers are replaced by annular spacers which also transmit bending moments into the carrier and restrict gas flow. A stop ledge on the carrier against which the contact springs bias the contact fingers has a recess which allows the center fingers to project farther toward the stationary contacts so that the arc toes on these fingers are the last to separate on opening and the arc is concentrated on them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Richard Rakus, Glen Charles Sisson, Perry Robert Gibson, Keith Lynn Mayhood
  • Patent number: 5994988
    Abstract: A circuit breaker (10) has a housing (12). A crossbar (114) is pivotally connected to the housing to pivot about an axis (117) between open and closed positions. A load contact arm (110) is pivotally connected to the crossbar (114). The load contact arm (110) is capable of pivoting about the axis (117). A cam mechanism (140) is mechanically coupled to the load contact arm (110). The cam mechanism (140) is slideably mounted within the crossbar (114) for movement between first and second positions. In the first position of the cam mechanism (140), the load contact arm (110) pivots through an angle (.beta.) about the axis, relative to the crossbar (114) between the "touch" and closed positions, and the load contact arm (110) pivots together with the crossbar (114) through an angle (.alpha.) about the axis (117) between the open and "touch" positions. (2) In the second position of the cam mechanism (140), the load contact arm (110) is free to pivot about the axis (117) through the angle .alpha.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Ferree, Bernard DiMarco, Robert E. Black
  • Patent number: 5899323
    Abstract: A contact guide member extends transversely to the contact fingers on the contact carrier of electrical switching apparatus and has spaced openings through which the contact fingers extend and are held in spaced relation. The contact finger guide member is positioned to isolate the arc toes adjacent the free ends of the contact fingers from the main contacts and the contact springs in order to protect the latter items from the arc gases and debris generated during arcing. The openings in the contact finger guide member are elongated to permit differentially pivoting of the contact fingers, but not axial movement. The contact finger guide member slides in a pocket molded in the end face of the contact carrier and is captured by and moves with the contact fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Paul Richard Rakus
  • Patent number: 5898146
    Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker has modular crossbar members which connect the contact arm carriers of a desired number of poles for opening and closing the separable contacts of all of the poles simultaneously by a single spring powered operating mechanism. The modular crossbar members comprise shaft sections which engage openings in the contact arm carriers of adjacent poles. Bearings support the shaft sections and mount the contact arm carriers for rotation about a common pivot axis. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the modular crossbar member is a single continuous metal shaft overmolded with an electrically insulative resin which also forms the bearing. Alternatively, separate metal shaft sections seat in sockets on either side of the molded bearing. In both instances, the shaft sections are keyed to the openings in the contact arm carriers for transmission of torque. In the exemplary crossbars, the shaft sections are hexagonal in cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Henry Richard Beck, Kenneth Martin Fischer, David Edward Little, Joseph Bell Humbert, Roger William Helms
  • Patent number: 5874699
    Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker has a moving conductor assembly which includes a modular carrier assembly incorporating a plurality of spring biased contact cam members each of which engages contact pressure lobes on a pair of contact arm laminations to provide contact pressure. In response to the magnetic repulsion forces generated by a short circuit, the springs compress allowing the cam members to pivot and side step the contact pressure lobes so that the contact arm blows-open with little resistance. The cam members and springs are preassembled in a transverse channel in the carrier body and laterally retained in place by side plates for easier pivotal attachment of the contact arm laminations to the lobes on the side plates. The side plate lobes raise the contact arm relative to the mass of the carrier to reduce eddy current heating and provide a positive off indication for welded contacts by restricting movement of lower toggle links of the operating mechanism which are coplanar with the side plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Henry Richard Beck, Kenneth Martin Fischer, David Edward Little, Joseph Bell Humbert, Roger William Helms
  • Patent number: 5874874
    Abstract: The helical contact compression springs of a circuit breaker are preassembled in a contact clip for easier assembly of the circuit breaker. The bottom wall of an elongated trough formed by the clip is pierced by holes forming cylindrical protrusions extending into the trough. The clip is placed over the springs supported in a row in a fixture. A die head presses on the spring clip to compress all the springs and then simultaneously insert punches into the holes in the clip to expand the protrusions and secure the springs to the clip. The fixture includes a slide mounted on guides for movement between a loading position and an operating position under the die head. A support block is pivoted on the slide to present one of two sets of spring recesses for circuit breakers having different current ratings with the slide in the loading position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Roger W. Helms, Joseph B. Humert, Henry R. Beck, David E. Little, Kenneth M. Fischer
  • Patent number: 5685418
    Abstract: A switch device (100) has a configuration that supports installation. The switch device (100) has two segments (110, 120) that have selectively coupled contact portions (130, 113). The two segments (110, 120) are joined together by a detachable grasp member (140) to form a continuous structure. The detachable grasp member (140) is detached from the two segments (110, 120), when the switch device (100) is installed, to separate the two segments (110, 120) except for the selectively coupled contact portions (130, 113).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Kok Huat Chong, Julio Cesar Castaneda
  • Patent number: 5684280
    Abstract: A device for switching an electric motor, particularly for braking an electrically operated tool, comprises change-over switches 19' and 20' for connecting and disconnecting the electric motor to and from an associated power source, for reversing the polarity of a field winding or armature winding of the electric motor, and for enabling and disabling an electric braking circuit for the electric motor, also an actuating member 21' for the change-over switches 19', 20', a movable contact 32', which is associated with each change-over switch and is movable between a fixed ON contact 30' and an OFF contact 30, which is spaced an arcproof distance from said ON contact, and a sliding guide 40', which is associated with at least one movable contact 32' and is adapted to guide said movable contact over at least part of its path of movement during the switching operation. The actuating member consists of a switching slider 21', which cooperates with a toggle lever 54.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Heinrich Kopp AG
    Inventors: Herbert Franz, Peter Krebs
  • Patent number: 5638944
    Abstract: An anti-theft sensor contact mechanism for an ignition system of an automotive vehicle has a sensor contact mechanism 24 which utilizes a non-conducting lever 46 to sense the physical presence of a lock liner 26 within a lock cylinder 28 of the ignition system and to depress a moveable contact 40 against a stationary contact 38 of the same metal for closing a path in an electrical monitoring, or sensing, circuit 32. When the lock liner 26 is removed, such as when tampered with during theft of the vehicle, the sensor contact mechanism 24 causes a break in an electrical path in the circuit 32 through movement of the moveable contact 40 to a non-contacting position with the stationary contact 38 so that a conventional alarm system may be triggered to sound an audible or visible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: David A. Diebel, David R. Mannisto, Alan J. Minsterman, John F. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 5570777
    Abstract: A switch integrally formed with a printed circuit board includes pairs of conductors printed on the board, a switch lever and a conductive sphere. The sphere is located in a hole in the lever and is held down against the conductors by a leaf spring which is riveted to the lever. The lever pivots relative to the board about a stud staked to the board. Each pair of conductors terminate at a depression within which the sphere rests to close the circuit between the pair of conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Paragon Electric Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward L. Skarivoda
  • Patent number: 5566818
    Abstract: In a movable contactor device in a circuit breaker, two contactor elements are arranged in such a manner that they are in parallel with each other and are independent of each other, to form a movable contactor for each phase. The two contactor elements have respective movable contacts separated from each other, and are rotatably coupled through a supporting shaft to a connecting conductor having three prong-shaped contact pieces. The number of contact points with the stationary contact can be increased as much.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsunori Kuboyama, Naoshi Uchida
  • Patent number: 5539167
    Abstract: A blade suspension assembly for a circuit breaker comprises a pivot pin, a torsion spring, an elongated blade, and a blade carrier. The torsion spring includes a lateral middle section, a pair of end legs disposed on opposite sides of the middle section, and a lateral hole extending therethrough. The blade includes an electrical contact mounted thereto, a lower bearing surface, and a lateral circular aperture. The blade carrier includes first and second pairs of bearing surfaces. To assemble the blade suspension assembly, the torsion spring is placed over the blade with the lateral middle section abutting the lower bearing surface of the blade, with the end legs disposed on opposite sides of the blade, and with the lateral hole in the torsion spring disposed in line with the circular aperture in the blade. Next, the pivot pin is inserted through the lateral hole in the torsion spring and through the circular aperture in the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Square D. Company
    Inventors: Teresa I. Hood, Joel L. Miller, John M. Winter, Christopher K. Goble
  • Patent number: 5502285
    Abstract: A device for separating a pair of electric contacts which tend to weld and consist of a stationary contact 11 and a contact 12 which is movable away from the stationary contact, particularly in a circuit breaker is provided. The device includes a tripping lever 17, which is biased in a contact-separating direction and serves to actuate the movable contact 12, and means 19 for holding the tripping lever 17 in its stand-by position. The movement of the tripping lever 17 from its stand-by position involves a displacement of a lever fulcrum to a first position where a strong separating force is exerted on the movable contact 12 and then to a second position where a weaker separating force is exerted on the movable contact 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Heinrich Kopp AG
    Inventor: Peter Flohr
  • Patent number: 5495080
    Abstract: This electrical switch (1) consists of a flat spring, profiled in order to provide both a contact function and a spring function; the flat spring (1) includes a first leg (2) which can be deformed by bearing on a fixed pivot pin (3) of a support (4), and a second leg (5), which can move at the same time as the first leg deforms and whose end (5a) can assume either of two positions for contacting pins (14,15) of an electrical circuit. The switch according to the invention is less bulky than the usual switches by virtue of its flat shape, less expensive to manufacture, because it only consists of a single component, and easy to install on its support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: Rockwell Body and Chassis Systems
    Inventors: Pierre Periou, Enrico Fin
  • Patent number: 5459295
    Abstract: A switch in which an armature swingably coupled to a stationary terminal is operated by a depression of a push button to trip between the contacts. A movable spring is laid between the stationary terminal and the armature to assist the trip of the armature and the stationary terminal is welded to the armature. The switch can be manufactured relatively readily without increase in the number of components, and is high in the reliability in electrical connection of the stationary terminal and the armature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventors: Fumitaka Ohta, Masayuki Maeda, Isao Kato, Tomonori Morimura, Hiroyoshi Yamada
  • Patent number: 5401924
    Abstract: A remote battery switch for motor vehicles provides for the remotely controlled disconnection and connection of the vehicle electrical system, for long term storage or carjacking threats. The switch attaches directly to the side terminal or top post connector of a standard motor vehicle battery, without further need for additional structural attachment. A cord or cable is run from the battery switch to the vehicle passenger interior, and is preferably discreetly accessible by the vehicle operator should the need arise. The cord or cable serves to open the switch by releasing a magnetic contact and withdrawing the magnetic switch bar against a spring, whereupon the switch bar is caught and retained by a double acting catch. A second pull on the cord releases the catch, whereupon the spring pulls the magnetic switch bar into magnetic contact with the other switch point to close the circuit. Thus, the switch may be remotely opened and closed using purely tensile forces in the cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Inventor: Frank Armanno, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5391847
    Abstract: In an electric switch, a movable contact element (6, 106) is linked to a first fixed contact (3, 103) by an end portion (14, 114) having a sharp-edge outline and housed in a seating having a rounded outline. The movable contact element (6, 106) has an interconnecting portion (9, 109) provided with a frusto-conical projection to be engaged in a coupling opening (18, 118) having rounded edges and formed in a second fixed contact (4, 114), so as to establish an electric continuity between the first and second fixed contacts when the movable contact element (6, 106) is brought to a closed condition. A first silver insert (16, 116) is joined on the interconnecting portion (9, 109), which insert has a larger volume than a second silver insert possibly joined on the edges of the coupling opening (18, 118).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Inventor: Cesare Gallone
  • Patent number: 5371662
    Abstract: A movement-controlled light emitting device includes a conductive swivel device rotatably fastened inside a casing mounted on a sports shoe and oscillated to intermittently connect the two opposite ends of a light emitting circuit as the shoe is moved, causing the light emitting element of the light emitting circuit to emit light intermittently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Inventor: Tseng Shen-Ko
  • Patent number: 5361051
    Abstract: Assemblies for providing the contacts of a circuit breaker with a pivoting motion. Each assembly is adapted to electrically couple the contact to the base of the assembly which is connectable to a terminal of the circuit breaker. Each assembly includes an arm for supporting an electrical contact, a pivot pin for pivotally mounting the arm, a base for supporting the pivot pin, and means for urging the pivot pin into contact with contact surfaces of the base. The arm is pivotable about the longitudinal axis of the pivot pin, and the arm and pivot pin are arranged such that at least two contact locations occur between the arm and the pivot pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard DiMarco, Steven A. Kaufman
  • 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: 5302787
    Abstract: An improved miniature circuit breaker is provided which is adapted to improved automatic assembly of all components thereof. Key components of the breaker are individually and collectively designed to be susceptible to total Z-axis assembly. In particular, the circuit breaker operating mechanism which operates the contacts thereof to make or break the electric circuit is formed of elements designed to interact in a Z-axis assemblable fashion. The movable contact is defined on a contact carrier or blade assembly which is adapted for Z-axis assembly and also provides increased arc erosion resistance and improved opening of the breaker contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Thomas A. Edds, Gary W. Scott, Matthew D. Sortland, Eugene W. Wehr, John M. Winter, James V. Fixemer, Charles H. Wagner
  • Patent number: 5302785
    Abstract: A compact molded case circuit breaker operating mechanism crossbar assembly allows a unitary crossbar design to be used within a wide range of circuit breaker ampere ratings. A common phenolic crossbar and a metal staple are used for the higher ratings. An L-shaped filler in combination with the crossbar and staple are used to adapt the crossbar to the staple for the lower ratings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, David Arnold
  • Patent number: 5302788
    Abstract: Molded case circuit breaker having collapsible toggle linkage with rectangular cross section knee pin non-rotatably held within open rectangular slots in upper link, bifurcated movable contact fingers loosely guided for pivotal movement about fixed pin to break contact welds, helical compression springs biasing bifurcations against faces of a stationary connector, trapezoidal cross section shaft biasing shaft against a fixed corner of clamping strap and frame, increasing clamping force and increasing tool clearance, operating handle which changes pivot point moving to RESET position, reducing lateral force component of operating springs for reliable return of handle to OFF position, dual stops for movable contact fingers to spread impact forces along fingers, greater contact separation in poles not containing operating mechanism, slot motor laminations providing metal reinforcement to separate arc chamber housing which is cooperatively interlocked with base to distribute structural strength, terminal cover wi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Donald A. Link, Michael R. Larsen, Edward L. Wellner
  • Patent number: 5293507
    Abstract: A movable contact piece support structure for a seesaw switch including guide portions formed in walls of the seesaw switch and slits formed by cutting the movable contact piece and bending back a pair of flaps to make a pair of bent portions. The size and shape of the guide portions and the angle at which the bent portions are bent are chosen so that the movable contact piece rests on the guide portions and on a central contact with the bent portions in contact with the guide portions. The guide portions are further shaped such that bent portions slide smoothly on the guide portions as the movable contact piece rocks back and forth between on and off positions of the seesaw switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Hayakawa
  • Patent number: 5278370
    Abstract: A push switch includes a sideway U-shaped spring element positioned in a recess of a holder which is precision-formed of plastic resin by molding while keeping upper and lower sections of the U-shaped spring element compressed. The lower section of the spring element being divided into an upper contact portion and a lower contact portion having a length larger than the upper contact portion. The contact spring element is then housed in a casing provided with fixed contacts. The contact spring element being pivotally supported though a support shaft in the casing while contacting the lower contact portion with a first fixed contact and striking an upper plate of the holder against a stopper to stop upward pivotal movement of the holder due to the restoring force of the spring element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Mitsuku Denshi Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Muneyoshi Miyata, Nobuji Hasegawa, Satoshi Myojin
  • Patent number: 5266760
    Abstract: Molded case circuit breaker having collapsible toggle linkage with rectangular cross section knee pin non-rotatably held within open rectangular slots in upper link, bifurcated movable contact fingers loosely guided for pivotal movement about fixed pin to break contact welds, helical compression springs biasing bifurcations against faces of a stationary connector, trapezoidal cross section shaft biasing shaft against a fixed corner of clamping strap and frame, increasing clamping force and increasing tool clearance, operating handle which changes pivot point moving to RESET position, reducing lateral force component of operating springs for reliable return of handle to OFF position, dual stops for movable contact fingers to spread impact forces along fingers, greater contact separation in poles not containing operating mechanism, slot motor laminations providing metal reinforcement to separate arc chamber housing which is cooperatively interlocked with base to distribute structural strength, terminal cover wi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Donald A. Link, Michael R. Larsen, Peter J. Theisen, Edward L. Wellner
  • Patent number: 5146194
    Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker is provided with a pivotally mounted contact arm assembly, formed as a clinch joint. The contact arm assembly is a bifurcated assembly formed from two coextensive members fastened together at one end defining a surface for carrying a movable main contact. The other end of the members is bent outwardly defining spaced apart arm portions for receiving a pivot bracket. The pivot bracket is provided with an aperture and aligned with apertures in the spaced apart portions for receiving a pivot pin and defining a pivot axis. The pivot bracket is rigidly connected to a load conductor. The current that flows through the contact arm is transferred to bosses integrally formed adjacent the apertures in the pivot bracket. Screw adjustable spring members are provided for adjusting the friction and the electrical resistance between the contact surfaces of the contact arm assembly and the bosses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Altenhof, Jr. James N., Ronald W. Crookston, Walter V. Bratkowski, James W. Barkell, Jr., Marvin D. Fisher
  • Patent number: 5093544
    Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker having a pair of movable contact arms arranged within each pole of a multi-pole arrangement utilizes a shunt clip between the movable contact arms to insure electrical continuity between the contact arms and the contact arm support base. The movable contact arms and the support base are both accurately positioned within the circuit breaker case by means of an interference-fit between the outside edges of the support base and the interior sidewall surfaces of the circuit breaker case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David J. Lesslie, Dennis J. Doughty, Michael C. Guerrette
  • Patent number: 5032813
    Abstract: A laminated contact assembly formed from a plurality of contact arm subassemblies includes a contact arm portion, for carrying a movable main or arcing contact, and a stationary conductor portion. A flexible shunt, form wound from a flat electrical conductor, is used to connect the contact arm portion to the stationary conductor portion. The flexible shunt is formed into a V-shape defining two depending legs. The free ends of the shunt defining bulb portions are inserted into keyholes formed in the contact arm portion and the stationary conductor portion. A pin is inserted into a central portion of the bulb portion to exert radially outward forces against the interior surface of the keyhole to increase the contact force between the bulb portions and the keyholes to form joints having a lower electrical resistance. The pin may be inserted into the central portion of the bulb portion by orbital riveting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Lance Gula, Roger W. Helms
  • Patent number: 5030804
    Abstract: The invention relates to a contact arrangement, particularly intended for current-limiting low-voltage circuit breakers, with a double-break movable contact arm, the central part of which is attached to an insulating shaft which is rotatably journalled in elongated holes in stand parts on each side of the contact arm. In the closed position of the arrangement, the movable contact arm is pressed against two U-shaped fixed contact arms with the aid of two torsion springs. The contact arms have flat shape and are arranged with their broad sides facing each other. The shaft consists of two sleeve-formed holders surrounding the torsion springs. One holder exhibits a stop face for a latching member for arresting the movable contact arm in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Assignee: Asea Brown Boveri AB
    Inventor: Assadollah Abri
  • Patent number: 5023416
    Abstract: A circuit breaker in which a movable contactor is held by a holder of electrically insulating material which is rotatably supported through a switching shaft on a casing. The movable contactor is driven by a switching mechanism to be swung about the switching shaft together with the holder to perform a switching operation. The movable contactor is slidably electrically connected to a connecting conductor secured to the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Oyama, Naoshi Uchida, Makoto Unuma, Tatsunori Takahashi, Hisaji Shinohara, Kiyoshi Kandatsu