Buffer, Rebound Preventing Patents (Class 200/288)
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Patent number: 11335519Abstract: A switching unit for switching an electrical current, the unit comprising separable fix and mobile electrical contacts and a mechanism capable of switching over the contacts between a closed state and an open state. The mechanism comprises a switching shaft coupled to a mobile electrical contact, a trip hook mounted to be pivoted on a fixed support of the mechanism and comprising a bore in which is housed an abutment and a link system coupling the switching shaft to the trip hook. The link system comprises an articulated linkage, which is rotationally linked with respect to the trip hook and which comprises a main bearing surface, which bears on the abutment when the switching mechanism is in the closed state. The abutment is configured to be elastically deformed when the switching mechanism passes from the open state to the closed state and the linkage exerts an effect on the abutment, so as to damp the impact of the linkage on the abutment.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2020Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SASInventor: Frédéric Court
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Patent number: 11227729Abstract: A damping and latching mechanism for a Thomson coil-based actuator used to open and close the separable contacts of circuit interrupters in circuit breakers uses magnetorheological fluid to actively control the damping of opening and closing strokes in a circuit breaker in order to decrease wear and tear on components that can result from contact-based damping mechanisms and to maintain the open and closed states of separable contacts in the circuit breaker.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2020Date of Patent: January 18, 2022Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITEDInventors: Paul R. Rakus, Hongbin Wang, Logan D. Weigle
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Patent number: 10650995Abstract: A vacuum interrupter includes a fixed side contact and a movable side contact; a fixed side electrode rod connected to the fixed side contact; a movable side electrode rod connected to the movable side contact; a fixed side reinforcement plate which is arranged between the fixed side electrode rod and the fixed side contact, and whose rim portion has a step portion to be arranged apart from the back of the fixed side contact; and a movable side reinforcement plate which is arranged between the movable side electrode rod and the movable side contact, and whose rim portion has a step portion to be arranged apart from the back of the movable side contact.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2017Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATIONInventors: Satoshi Ochi, Shinichi Miki, Taiki Donen
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Patent number: 10600592Abstract: A vacuum interrupter for interrupting a voltage. The vacuum interrupter including a vacuum bottle, a bi-stable mechanism, and a bellows assembly. The vacuum bottle having axially seperable contacts, wherein at least one of the contacts is a moveable contact. The bi-stable mechanism including an actuator, and a cam pivotable by the actuator, the cam moving the moveable contact. The bellows assembly reciprocating the moveable contact to prevent arcing between the contacts. The bellows assembly including a spring biasing the contacts apart from each other.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2014Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: Hubbell IncorporatedInventor: David A. Rhein
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Patent number: 10522314Abstract: A magnetic trip device comprises an actuator coil part having a plunger; an output plate configured to rotate in a first direction by the pressing of the plunger; a micro switch configured to output an electrical signal indicating a state of the circuit breaker; a switch driving lever mechanism configured to rotate to a first position for pressing the operation lever portion and a second position for releasing the operation lever portion; a driving lever bias spring for elastically pressing the switch driving lever mechanism; an automatic reset mechanism for pressing the plunger to the retracted position; a driving lever latch configured to rotate to a restraining position for preventing the switch driving lever mechanism from rotating to the first position, and a release position; and an avoiding portion formed on the output plate to avoid contacting with the switch driving lever mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2017Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: LSIS CO., LTD.Inventor: Kyuho Lee
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Patent number: 10504675Abstract: A contact spring for a cradle relay of an electrical switch comprises a switching leg and a hook extending from the switching leg. The switching leg has a contact. The hook has a first tongue bent back toward the switching leg.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2017Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: Tyco Electronics Austria GmbHInventors: Markus Gutmann, Rudolf Mikl
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Patent number: 10468219Abstract: A circuit interrupter having a status indicator providing a current status of the circuit interrupter, the status indicator presenting one of: an On state, an Off state or a Fault state. The status indication is provided as a visual status and is color coded to one of the three circuit interrupter states. The circuit interrupter further including, in one configuration, a rocker actuator that rotates about an axis and the status indication mechanism is coupled to the rocker actuator.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2017Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: Carling Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Michael Fasano
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Patent number: 10446347Abstract: A reed for a reed switch and a reed switch are provided. The reed may include a first portion having a first thickness and a first length, a second portion having a second thickness and a second length, and a hinged portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion, the hinged portion having a third thickness and a third length, wherein the third length is less than 150% of the first thickness and the third thickness is less than each of the first thickness and the second thickness. The reed switch may include the reed disposed in an insulating housing with a reed deformer to deform the reed.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2016Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: LITTELFUSE, INC.Inventor: Mark Pickhard
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Patent number: 10361050Abstract: An electrical relay (2) includes an electromagnetic drive system for providing bi-directional drive. The electrical relay (2) includes a first a coil (212) and a second coil (213). A current is supplied to the coils (212) and (213) in opposite directions. The two coils (212) and (213) can be used to accelerate the armature in either direction in relation to the two contacts. This can be used to drive the armature to either one of the contacts and to accelerate and decelerate the armature during a single transit. In the latter regard, the armature can be accelerated and decelerated to shorten the transit time, reduce bounce, reduce wear on the contacts, and allow for different contact material options.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2017Date of Patent: July 23, 2019Assignee: Zonit Structured Solutions, LLCInventors: Steve Chapel, William Pachoud
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Patent number: 10247031Abstract: A waveguide for a sensor system for mounting in a casing structure to measure the clearance between the casing structure and a rotary blade. The casing structure, which may be a turbine casing structure, includes a radially outer casing portion and a radially inner casing portion (e.g. a segment seal). The waveguide includes a radially outer portion for mounting in the radially outer casing portion and a radially inner portion for mounting in the radially inner casing portion. The two portions are sealed together and bridged by a sealing portion having a deformable portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2015Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plcInventors: Neal Carter, Francis Bridge
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Patent number: 10020154Abstract: An operating mechanism including a number of biasing elements and a number of linkage members is provided. The linkage members are operatively coupled to each other and each are movable between a second configuration, an initial tripped configuration, a rebound configuration, and a final tripped configuration. The biasing elements are operatively coupled to the number of linkage members and bias the number of linkage members to the final, first configuration. A stop member is coupled to one of the linkage members. The stop member moves with the associated linkage member. The stop member is positioned to contact a stop surface when the linkage members are in the rebound configuration. Contact between the stop member and the stop surface substantially arrests the motion of the linkage members.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2016Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITEDInventors: Raymond Lee Jurek, David Curtis Turner, Jack Edward Devine, Bradley Patrick Rizzo, Brian Scott Jansto
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Patent number: 9997302Abstract: An electrical component may include an electrically conductive element and electrical insulation that at least partially surrounds the element and without contact. A heat pipe may be surrounded by the insulation at least at one end and may partially protrude from the insulation, wherein the part of the heat pipe protruding from the insulation protrudes closer to the central element than the insulation.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2015Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Vladimir Danov, Stefan Kern, Jochen Schaefer
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Patent number: 9953777Abstract: A switching device has a housing-mounted contact and a movable contact. The movable contact is provided for making contact with the housing-mounted contact. The switching device has a switch lock with a latch and a latch support, wherein the latch support has a latching location for latching the latch to the latch support, wherein the switching device furthermore has a hand switching lever. A connecting rod is mounted movably on the latch support, the connecting rod bearing against a projection of the hand switching lever when the hand switching lever is arranged in the position in which the contacts are in contact. An actuation of the hand switching lever—for separating the movable contact from the housing-mounted contact—moves the connecting rod and thereby releases the latching of the latching support to the latch.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2015Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: EATON INDUSTRIES (AUSTRIA) GMBHInventor: Raffael Zimmel
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Patent number: 9953788Abstract: An electric circuit breaker including a spring energy store drive having a spring and a manual winding device for manually tensioning the spring. In accordance with an embodiment, the manual winding device includes a rotatable latching disk, a latching pawl arranged next to the disk, and a manual actuating device connected to the latching pawl. The latching pawl is guidable into a latching toothed portion of the disk. The pawl is also capable of moving, owing to an actuation of the actuating device. As a result, the disk is capable of rotating along a preset desired rotation direction for tensioning the spring. The latching toothed portion is asymmetrical and a force transmission from the pawl onto the disk is possible along the desired rotation direction. The disk slides along the pawl when the disk rotates along the desired rotation direction more quickly than the pawl.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2014Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGSELLSCHAFTInventors: Fabian Roehrig, Ralf Studt
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Patent number: 9834137Abstract: Methods and systems are provided pertaining to a turn signal. AUTO CANCEL of a turn signal may be performed electrically, eliminating cancelling pawls and undesirable noise emanating from such pawls as they click against conventional structure in predominantly mechanical turn signal systems. An electromagnetic brake may dampen or prevent turn signal stalk movement if an object is in a blind spot of a vehicle. Such brake may be released or canceled electronically and quietly.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2016Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignee: Kostal of AmericaInventors: Steven R. Hoskins, Michael F. Tefend
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Patent number: 9748051Abstract: There are provided a row of external permanent magnets and a row of internal permanent magnets; a floating output ring is provided on which is wound a 3-phase coil, between these rows. The floating output ring has no mechanical restraining relationship with any other member in the linear motor). Instead, a controller that controls a PWM inverter that injects AC exciting current into the 3-phase coil brings the central axes of the double cylinder and the floating output ring into coincidence by generating supporting force with respect to the floating output ring by magnetism, by controlling the d axis current component of the exciting current.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2015Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Yutaka Maruyama, Katsumi Suzuki, Yoshiaki Ohda, Satoshi Marushima
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Patent number: 9685292Abstract: A pole shaft catch assembly is for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker includes a housing, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The operating mechanism includes a pole shaft pivotably coupled to the housing and a yoke assembly coupled to the pole shaft. The pole shaft catch assembly includes a catch arm. The catch arm moves between an engaged position in which the catch arm engages the yoke assembly to restrict movement of the yoke assembly and the pole shaft, and a disengaged position in which the catch arm disengages the yoke assembly. A biasing element biases the catch arm toward the disengaged position. A trigger translates movement of the yoke assembly into movement of the catch arm.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2016Date of Patent: June 20, 2017Assignee: EATON CORPORATIONInventors: Andrew L. Gottschalk, Paul R. Rakus, Erik R. Bogdon
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Patent number: 9672996Abstract: The control device possesses a rigid main part combining most of the functional elements of this type of control device. It is made up of two portions of a rotary shaft, having placed between them a cam and a support arm that are connected together by a pivot that is offset relative to the axis of rotation. A toothed wheel having an inner set of teeth is placed around the support arm that is provided with a rachet system. The toothed wheel has an outer set of teeth-driven by a motor, via an intermediate gearwheel. The pivot controls the compression of the actuator spring by the assembly rotating. The device is applicable to high and medium voltage circuit breakers and switches.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2013Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: ALSTOM TECHNOLOGY LTDInventors: Simon Ardyna, Ernst Suter, Peter Von Allmen
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Patent number: 9595404Abstract: An electrical switching apparatus including a housing, a circuit interrupter mechanism movably disposed in the housing, and a damper assembly. The damper assembly includes a bracket that secures the damper assembly to the housing. A damper body is adjustably secured to the bracket. A stopper is coupled to the damper body and arranged to limit relative movement of the circuit interrupter mechanism with respect to the damper assembly. A damper rod extends through an opening in the stopper and has a surface that is arranged to interact with the circuit interrupter mechanism. The damper rod is arranged to damp movement of the circuit interrupter mechanism with respect to the damper body when the circuit interrupter mechanism is in contact with the surface of the damper rod.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2013Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Fangwei Zheng, Hairong Chen, Hao Wu, Zongfeng Ye
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Patent number: 9536694Abstract: A pole shaft catch assembly is for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker includes a housing, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The operating mechanism includes a pole shaft pivotably coupled to the housing and a yoke assembly coupled to the pole shaft. The pole shaft catch assembly includes a catch arm. The catch arm moves between an engaged position in which the catch arm engages the yoke assembly to restrict movement of the yoke assembly and the pole shaft, and a disengaged position in which the catch arm disengages the yoke assembly. A biasing element biases the catch arm toward the disengaged position. A trigger translates movement of the yoke assembly into movement of the catch arm.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2014Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: EATON CORPORATIONInventors: Andrew L. Gottschalk, Paul R. Rakus, Erik R. Bogdon
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Patent number: 9524833Abstract: An action output device for a micro breaker, connecting with more than one micro breaker, includes: a shell, the shell comprises: a motor, which is for outputting a torque; an action unit, which is for achieving switching the micro breaker on and off, comprising a rotating part, a poking part, and a linking piece, wherein, the torque outputted by the motor is got by the rotating part; the linking piece is drove to swing by the poking part; the linking piece is connected with an action mechanism of the micro breaker for driving to switch on and off; and a control unit, which controls the motor turning on and off.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2010Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: HUBEI SHENGJIA WIRING CO., LTD.Inventor: Jiasheng Wan
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Patent number: 9425006Abstract: A switch assembly including a vacuum switch mounted to an at least partly electrically conductive housing, and a holder for a vacuum bottle. The housing includes at least one gas entry opening at a lower end of the housing and at least one gas exit opening at an upper end of the housing, and a first free heat convection path between the openings to provide cooling. A second free heat convection path may be provided in a free space between the holder and vacuum bottle. A switching device for connecting the vacuum switch to a second electric conductor. An electric power distribution switchgear, encapsulating at least one three-phase module including a switching device.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2013Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: ABB Technology LtdInventors: Elham Attar, Ståle Talmo, Thor Endre, Tom-Rune Bjortuft
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Patent number: 9393901Abstract: Methods and systems are provided pertaining to a turn signal. AUTO CANCEL of a turn signal may be performed electrically, eliminating cancelling pawls and undesirable noise emanating from such pawls as they click against conventional structure in predominantly mechanical turn signal systems. An electromagnetic brake may dampen or prevent turn signal stalk movement if an object is in a blind spot of a vehicle. Such brake may be released or canceled electronically and quietly.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2014Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: Kostal of AmericaInventors: Steven R. Hoskins, Michael F. Tefend
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Patent number: 9378909Abstract: A spring contact, an inertia switch, and a method of manufacturing an inertia switch are provided. The spring contact includes a conductive body portion having an outer edge and an inner edge partially surrounding an open area, a split in the conductive body portion, the split extending between the outer edge and the inner edge, and a conductive contact finger extending from the inner edge into the open area. The inertia switch includes a shell; a mass movably positioned within the shell; the spring contact positioned within the mass; a biasing member positioned between the spring contact and the header; and a conductive member extending through the header. The biasing member provides a bias between the spring contact within the mass and the conductive member. The method includes at least partially closing the split in the spring contact during insertion of the spring contact within the mass.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2014Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: Circor Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: David Gass, Brent Salamone, Corey C. Jordan
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Patent number: 9105426Abstract: An electrical wiring device includes dampening member placed in contact with a stationary contact. The dampening member absorbs and thus decreases at least a portion of the vibration that occurs in the stationary contact when it is impacted by a movable contact in the electrical wiring device. Thus, the noise associated with the impact is lessened. In certain exemplary embodiments, the dampening member is a bumper cap which partially encases a portion of the stationary contact. In certain exemplary embodiments, the dampening member is a bumper pad intimately disposed between an edge of the stationary contact and a wall of the housing, such that movement or vibration of the stationary contact is lessened.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2013Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignee: Cooper Technologies CompanyInventors: Erik Gouhl, Robin Lu
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Patent number: 9064645Abstract: In order to take maximum advantage of the modularity provided by a multipole circuit breaker with double enclosure (100), a new architecture is proposed. The outer case (48) of the switchgear apparatus (100) is formed directly when assembly of the breaking device (600) is performed by juxtaposition and securing between single-pole breaking units (10), spacers (46) and side walls (50), trip device (7) and cover (64). The spacers (46) can thus be used for various functionalities, and in particular to modify the external aspect of the switchgear apparatus (100) or the nature of the trip device (7) in delayed manner.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2010Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SASInventors: Jean-Pierre Nereau, Christophe Grumel, Marc Rival, Hervé Anglade
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Publication number: 20150041293Abstract: A circuit breaker is disclosed which includes a plurality of fixed contacts and a plurality of corresponding movable contacts. An actuating shaft is operatively connected to and actuates the plurality of movable contacts to couple with/separate from the corresponding fixed contacts. A supporting device for the actuating shaft can be movably connected to a wall of the circuit breaker, and the actuating shaft can be operatively coupled to the supporting device to rotate around a rotation axis relative to the wall of the circuit breaker and the supporting device itself. The circuit breaker can include an adjustment device for adjusting at least the position of the actuating shaft relative to the wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2014Publication date: February 12, 2015Applicant: ABB S.p.A.Inventors: Maurizio CURNIS, Edoardo SCOLA
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Patent number: 8658928Abstract: A switch has a housing, a contact mechanism having a movable contact piece disposed in the housing, an operating element that operates the movable contact piece, a spring member of the contact mechanism that operates the movable contact piece to open and close a contact, and a regulating mechanism that suppresses vibration of the spring member arranged at a position contacting the spring member.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2011Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: OMRON CorporationInventors: Abe Takayuki, Kenichi Ando, Shigenobu Kishi, Yuya Kudo
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Patent number: 8378242Abstract: A circuit breaker having a stopping groove engaged with part of the main shaft and a rebound preventer rotatably installed in the circuit breaker. The stopping groove includes first and second contact surfaces contactable with the part of the main shaft upon the rotation of the main shaft. Further, an extending line of a force applied from the part of the main shaft to the second contact surface passes through the center of the rotation of the rebound preventer upon a reverse rotation of the main shaft.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2009Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: LS Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.Inventor: Dae Seong Kim
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Publication number: 20120312667Abstract: A power breaker incudes a fine motion mechanism portion having a chattering suppression portion formed of ring members and a ring member provided with sloping surfaces or curved surfaces at positions corresponding to one another in a state stacked up in a center axis direction, so that an impact generated upon collision of a movable electrode with a fixed electrode when a circuit is closed is trapped as a compression force. Hence, kinetic energy generated upon collision is consumed by energy absorption by friction due to a spring property of the ring members and a frictional force on the contact surfaces. It thus becomes possible to reduce a generation time of a chattering action.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2010Publication date: December 13, 2012Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATIONInventors: Hiroshi Hasegawa, Takakazu Inoue
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Patent number: 8053693Abstract: In an electrical switch, in particular an electrical microswitch, has at least one electrical contact designed as a hollow-shape section of a component of an electrically conducting material. In this electrical switch, the occurrence of vibrations with the introduction onto an opposing contact is prevented.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2010Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Saia-Burgess Oldenburg GmbH & Co., KGInventors: Rolf Bertram, Martin Koepsell, Bruno Stenzel
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Publication number: 20100230261Abstract: Disclosed is a circuit breaker having a rebound preventor, the circuit breaker including, a main body, a fixed contact fixed to the main body, a movable contact contactable with or separated from the fixed contact and movably installed at the main body, a main shaft connected to one side of the movable contact and rotatably installed on the main body, a trip mechanism coupled to another side of the main shaft and configured to rotate the main shaft, and a rebound preventor having one end rotatably installed on the main body and provided with a stopping unit formed at another end thereof and engaged with the main shaft, wherein the rebound preventor is rotated with being engaged with the main shaft, and the stopping unit restricts a reverse rotation of the main shaft in a state where the rebound preventor has been rotated over a prescribed range.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2009Publication date: September 16, 2010Applicant: LS INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS CO., LTD.Inventor: Dae Seong Kim
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Patent number: 7633364Abstract: A dampening apparatus has a housing with a plurality of first guide members and a plurality of second guide members coupled together. A first biasing member is located in an area proximate to the first guide members and within the housing. A first planar member is provided having a plurality of first apertures with the first guide members or the second guide members passing through the first apertures. A plurality of second planar members is provided having a plurality of second apertures with the second guide members passing through the second apertures. A plurality of second biasing members is located in an area proximate to the second guide members. An elongated shaft is coupled to the first planar member. The dampening apparatus could be included in a circuit interrupter.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2006Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: John R. Moffat, Timothy G. Robirds
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Patent number: 6590172Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 29, 2002Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Aniruddha Dattatraya Gadre, Hemant Kumar Mody
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Patent number: 6420669Abstract: A modular toggle mechanism assembly has a housing assembly, a toggle handle pivotally mounted in the housing assembly and movable between a first position and a second position, biasing means for selectively biasing the toggle handle in the first position or the second position, and an actuator arm connected to the toggle handle and capable of selectively actuating an external switching device as a function of the position of the toggle handle. The modular toggle assembly also includes an external switching device in selective association with the toggle handle. The housing assembly includes an upper housing and a lower housing configured to be secured together, wherein a portion of the toggle handle extends from an opening in the upper housing for user operation of the handle.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2000Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: David Shenker, David B. Balaban, Michael Ostrovsky, John LiBretto
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Patent number: 6246021Abstract: A switching device has an openable contact arrangement including at least one movable contact member disposed on a movable contact arm and at least one stationary contact member. At least one movable braking body is provided for limiting the movement of the contact arm in opening the contact arrangement. The inertias of the contact arm with the movable contact member and the braking body are designed so that the contact arm is braked and the braking body is moved upon an impact of the contact arm with the braking body.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1999Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Assignee: Moeller GmbHInventors: Lutz Thilker, Albert Zacharias
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Patent number: 5931289Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a releasable retaining mechanism for releasably retaining a movable contact arm of the circuit breaker to prevent "sneak" during movement of the contact arm to the closed position, as well as, to prevent "bounce" during movement of the contact arm to the open position. The releasable retaining mechanism preferably includes a hook member rigidly secured to the movable contact arm and a retaining spring secured to the operating mechanism of the circuit breaker. The hook member engages the retaining spring when the movable contact arm is in the open position. The releasable retaining mechanism further includes a release finger extending from the operating mechanism adjacent the retaining spring, the release finger being positioned to contact the retaining spring when an operating handle of the circuit breaker is moved to actuate the operating mechanism in order to place the movable contact arm in a closed position.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1998Date of Patent: August 3, 1999Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Yu Wei Chou
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Patent number: 5758764Abstract: To prevent the contacts of an electrical switch bouncing when the switch is operated, with the attendant arcing and contact erosion, spring mass mechanisms are added adjacent the spring arms and contacts to engage such spring arms and contacts and transfer the vibrational energy to such spring mass mechanisms and permit the spring arms and contacts to operate without any contact bounce. An energy absorber can be used alternatively to absorb the vibrational energy. A combination of spring mass mechanism for one spring arm/contact assembly and an absorber for the second spring arm/contact assembly can be employed.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1996Date of Patent: June 2, 1998Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Nick Garoffolo, Paul Kadar, Steve Campolo
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Patent number: 5310971Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 2, 1993Date of Patent: May 10, 1994Assignee: Merlin GerinInventors: Denis Vial, Jean Bonfils, Marc Rival
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Patent number: 5260533Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker having current limiting capabilities is dimensionally optimized for relatively smaller frame size circuit breakers. The handle yoke is supported with rollers thereby allowing the crossbar to be disposed in the space normally utilized for the handle yoke pivot axis. A clinch joint arcer assembly with a plurality of arcing contact arms, each pivotally connected by a clinch joint to a pivotally mounted main contact arm permits additional main contact arms to be provided in the same space normally occupied by the arcing contact arms alone. Additionally, arcing contact spring housings protect the arcing contact springs from deterioration due to corrosive ionizing gases generated during interruption. A positive off link assembly prevents the operating handle from being placed on an OFF position when the main contacts are welded together and transfers the force applied to the operating handle to the upper link to allow the weld to be broken.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1991Date of Patent: November 9, 1993Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.Inventors: John K. Livesey, Richard E. White, Alfred E. Maier, Amelia M. Stay, Douglas C. Marks, Walter O. Jenkins
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Patent number: 5199557Abstract: In a process of producing an electric or electronic component, particularly a key, a continuous track of a metal foil is machined into two metallic terminal components constituting links between two carrier strips. A base housing component is cast from a high temperature resistant material around the terminals and is connected to the carrier strips through two tags protruding outwards from opposite, outer side surfaces of the base housing component. In an inner recess of the base housing component a domed metal disc having an acoustically damping coating on the convex side surface thereof, an elastically compressible rubber component and a push button are arranged. On top of the base housing component, a top housing component preferably made from the same high temperature resistant plastics material is arranged. Within the recess of the base housing component, the terminals define electric contacts with which the domed metal disc cooperates.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1990Date of Patent: April 6, 1993Assignee: MEC A/SInventors: Gert Brandt, Soren R. Hansen
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Patent number: 5192841Abstract: A circuit breaker having a chassis, an electrical contact structure, and a shock absorber mechanism. The contact structure includes a movable first electrical contact and a second electrical contact. The first contact has a first movement range. The shock absorbing mechanism, which absorbs energy from the movement of the first contact, includes a metallic bar pivotally mounted on the chassis, and first and second limit members fixed to the chassis. The first and second limit members define a second movement range which overlaps the first movement range. A spring weakly biases the metallic bar towards the second limit member. The first contact, during movement thereof to an open position, strikes the metallic bar. Kinetic energy is removed from the first electrical contact by the metallic bar without bounce of the electrical contact, and the metallic bar pivots against the first limit member, transferring the shock of stopping the first contact to the chassis.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1991Date of Patent: March 9, 1993Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.Inventors: Stanislaw A. Milianowicz, Edward J. Klimek, Robert N. Krevokuch
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Patent number: 5149928Abstract: An arc spinner interrupter apparatus includes a first electrical contact assembly having a fixed contact and an arcing element. A second electrical contact assembly includes an arm selectively movable along a path into and out of engagement with the fixed contact. The arcing element extends beyond the fixed contact in a direction parallel to the path of the arm and is biased toward a position at least partially within the path of movement such that the arm impacts and engages the arcing element during movement toward the fixed contact. A mass is biased toward a position in contact with the arcing element for dampening oscillation of the arcing element in a direction transverse to the path of movement. When the arm impacts the arcing element the kinetic energy of the arcing element acting in the transverse direction is transferred from the element to the mass and oscillation of the element is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1991Date of Patent: September 22, 1992Assignee: A. B. Chance CompanyInventor: Eugene L. Kamp
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Patent number: 5132496Abstract: A membrane switch comprises an upper flexible layers, separation layer and a lower conductive layer mounted on a support. The membrane switch is designed to absorb the noise created when a key is depressed and an operating block collides with the layers directly beneath it. By creating several holes in the one or more of the lower layers of the membrane switch, and optionally the support that geometrically surrounds the aperture of the separation layer, the colliding force of the operating block on the laminated membrane switch is dispersed and much of the noise is absorbed.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 1991Date of Patent: July 21, 1992Assignee: Acer Inc.Inventor: Keh-Houng Lee
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Patent number: 5012053Abstract: A contact structure of a switching device having a pivoted movable contact arm for reducing contact chatter, i.e., bounce, at the instant of closing or separation is given. Such chatter is mainly caused by clearances existing around pivots of the movable contact arm and operating mechanisms. A contact spring for applying a contact pressure when the switch is closed is provided between a portion of the movable contact arm at the other side of a contact in relation to the pivot of the movable contact and a stationary portion of the switching device. Also, a stopper is provided on a contact arm support member engagable with the contact arm at a side of the contact. With structure the movable contact arm and operating mechanisms are perfectly biased by the contact spring always in one direction and prevents free movement of the movable contact arm.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 1989Date of Patent: April 30, 1991Assignee: Terasaki Denki Sangyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Wasaburo Murai
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Patent number: 4933519Abstract: A grounding switch device for a metal-clad switchgear is adapted to be inserted into a standard circuit breaker cell allows the bus and line conductors within the switchgear assembly to be grounded for maintenance. A plurality of fixed and selectable test ports are provided to facilitate various electrical tests. The ground switch device is disposed on a frame and contains a ground contact assembly for providing sliding contact between the ground switch device and the ground bus within the circuit breaker cell. The ground contact assembly is in electrical contact with a movable contact. The movable contact is adapted to engage a stationary contact mounted on a mounting plate, attached to the frame by way of an insulator. A selector switch assembly connects the stationary contact to either the upper bus terminals or line terminals in the metal-clad switchgear assembly. The contact portion of the movable contact is U-shaped having two spaced-apart blades.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1988Date of Patent: June 12, 1990Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.Inventors: Stanislaw A. Milianowicz, Nagar J. Patel, Henry J. Remic, Jr., Paul T. Bottegal
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Patent number: 4912289Abstract: A relatively quiet switch assembly having a plurality of spaced contact sets with snap-acting transfer actuation and interconnected by a common bus plate. The bus plate is formed of a swandwich construction having a thin (0.001 Inch) core layer of visco-elastic polymer and thicker layers of copper bonded to both sides of the core layer for sound attenuation upon contact transfer. Where the bus plate is formed to a right-angle bend of R/t-1.2 the inner layer is formed of half-hard material and the outer layer of fully annealed material.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1988Date of Patent: March 27, 1990Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Richard L. Lauritsen, Conrad W. Pastwa, Daniel A. Wycklendt
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Patent number: 4855549Abstract: A circuit breaker has a stationary contact arm (2) having a stationary contact (3), a first contact arm (107) having a contact (6) for contacting the stationary contact (3) and an extended terminal portion (107) for connecting a flexible wire (8) and a second contact arm (110) for pivoting the first contact arm, and a third contact arm (110a) that pivots about a common axis of the second contact arm and is provided with a flattened U-shaped aperture (114) thereon, and which is connected with an oblong aperture of the second contact arm by a connecting member (16).Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1988Date of Patent: August 8, 1989Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Haruhisa Toda, Shiroo Murata
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Patent number: 4814564Abstract: A bounce-free acceleration switch includes a resiliently mounted movable contact (14) which cooperates with a counter contact (15). The kinetic energy of the movable contact (14) is transmitted through an impact body (16) to a resiliently mounted massive body (17) which, when swinging back to its rest position, engages a stop (18). Re-transmission of the kinetic energy from the massive body (17) to the impact body (16) and thus to the contact couple (14, 15), which would cause contact bouncing, is prevented by providing a spacing (s) between the massive body (17) and the impact body (16) in the rest position of the apparatus, and by the fact that during the deflecting and swinging-back movement of the massive body (17) the impact body (16) returns towards its rest position and is therefore not hit again by the massive body (17).Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1987Date of Patent: March 21, 1989Assignee: SDS-Relais AGInventor: Heinz Ritter
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Patent number: 4786771Abstract: A circuit interrupter comprises a toggle link having an upper toggle link and a lower toggle link pivotally connected by a knee pin to each other, a movable contact arm having a movable contact element secured thereon and connected to the lower toggle link of the toggle link, and a toggle link stopper capable of contacting the upper toggle link for preventing the bouncing back of the movable contact arm during tripping of the movable contact arm. The toggle link stopper is provided with a first stop surface which is brought into engagement with the upper toggle link when the movable contact arm is being tripped open and a second stop surface which is brought into engagement with the upper toggle link at a position closer to the knee pin than to the first stop surface when the movable contact arm is bouncing back. Thus, the toggle link is engaged by two stop surfaces at two stages, enabling the preventing of the bouncing of the movable contact arm.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 1987Date of Patent: November 22, 1988Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tsukasa Iio, Yoshinori Mochizuki, Hiroshi Fujii, Yasusi Genba, Hideaki Moriwaki