Toggle Mechanisms Patents (Class 200/401)
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Patent number: 7038155Abstract: A latching mechanism is for locking an actuating shaft of an electrical switch, which can be transferred from an OFF position into an ON position by a drive train counter to the force of at least one first spring, in its ON position. The latching mechanism includes a first lever, which is pivotably coupled to the drive train of the actuating shaft and is supported against a stop held in a locking position. For accelerated release of the actuating shaft, also provided is a second lever, which has a working surface assigned to the stop. In this case, the second lever is held in a first stop position against the first lever by way of a second spring. When the second lever pivots under the action of an initiating force, which opposes the force of the second spring, the working surface acts in such a way on the stop that the stop is transferred into a release position.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2004Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Torsten Ahlert, Joerg-Uwe Dahl, Marc Liebetruth
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Patent number: 7009129Abstract: A switching device including housing and a breaker mechanism, the latter consisting of a trip lever, a catch, a displaceable contact arm and a deflection shaft that is fixed to the housing. The aim is to generate a constant contact force. To achieve this, the end of the catch is coupled to the displaceable contact arm by way of a bolt. The bolt is configured to be displaced in a receiving element that is formed by the housing.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2002Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Winfried Vierling
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Patent number: 6998549Abstract: An interlock assembly is for locking the operating assembly of a safety switch when the cover thereof is open or removed. The safety switch includes an enclosure with the cover and side walls. The operating assembly includes a bracket and a spring-toggle mechanism with a spring-biased drive link having an arm. An operating handle, which is coupled to the spring-biased drive link, operates the operating assembly. The interlock assembly includes a pivotal lever having a catch and a sensing portion. A pivot receives a blind rivet and pivotally couples the pivotal lever to the side wall. A torsion spring biases the pivotal lever toward engaging the arm of the spring-biased drive link in order that the catch engages and locks the arm when the cover of the enclosure is open. The sensing portion is engaged and pivoted by the cover when it is closed.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2005Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Douglas R. Bender, Eddie D. Carson
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Patent number: 6989502Abstract: An activating device for a switch assembly includes a control panel having a guiding track defined therein, a first arm pivotally connected to the control panel for connection to the first switch, a second arm pivotally connected to the control panel for connection to the second switch, a sliding block slidably received in the guiding track such that the first switch and the second switch are selectively switched on/off; a push rod pivotally received in the sliding block to alternately engage with the first arm and the second arm such that the first switch and the second switch are selectively switched off/on and a driving device to drive the sliding block to move in both the first direction and the second direction.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2004Date of Patent: January 24, 2006Inventor: Wen-Feng Lu
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Patent number: 6972388Abstract: A power circuit breaker includes a switching pole enclosure for accommodating at least one switching pole, whose switching contacts, when closed, rest against one another on a predetermined contact plane. It further includes a switching shaft for transferring drive forces to the at least one switching pole. The switching pole enclosure includes a first and a second enclosure shell, which rest against one another along a separating joint running essentially parallel to the contact plane, and in which the switching shaft is mounted by use of at least two switching shaft mounts held on the first enclosure shell. At least one first and one second fastening device, each serving the purpose of connecting the two enclosure shells, is in each case supported on the one hand on the second enclosure shell and on the other hand on one of the switching shaft mounts.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2004Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Joerg-Uwe Dahl, Michael Kruschke, Marc Liebetruth
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Patent number: 6940032Abstract: A three position apparatus and method of operation thereof is disclosed. The apparatus includes an actuator plate a first spring assembly in operable communication with the actuator plate a second spring assembly in operable communication with the actuator plate a first drive plate in operable communication with the actuator plate and first spring assembly and a second drive plate in operable communication with the actuator plate and second spring assembly. A driver is in operable communication with the first drive plate and with the second drive plate. The three position apparatus is configured to provide quick movement of the driver to at least three discrete positions.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2004Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Bahrudeen Sirajtheen, Radhesh R. Panchal
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Patent number: 6924446Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing and an operating mechanism having a cross bar supported by a first housing surface and moving in an arcuate path between open/tripped and closed positions, a pivotally mounted cradle including a latch, and pivotally mounted primary and secondary latches. The primary latch includes a pivot, an opening and a free end. The cradle latch rests within the opening when the contacts are not tripped open. The secondary latch includes a pivot and a surface. The latches are between a second housing surface and the cross bar in a first position. The cross bar is offset from the latches in a second position. The secondary latch surface and pivot are between the second housing surface and the primary latch pivot. The secondary latch surface engages the primary latch free end when the contacts are not tripped open and maintain the cradle latch within the opening.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2004Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Douglas C. Marks, David A. Parks, Robert M. Slepian, Amelia M. Stay, David E. Little
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Patent number: 6921873Abstract: A circuit breaker trip unit includes a housing and a rotary plunger pivotally mounted within the housing. The rotary plunger has an on position and a tripped position. A portion of the rotary plunger is pivoted outside of the housing in the tripped position. A trip bar is pivotally mounted within the housing and includes a first tab latching the rotary plunger in the first position and releasing the rotary plunger from the first position. The trip bar also includes a second tab. A trip actuator includes a solenoid and a rotary trip lever engaging the second tab of the trip bar, in order to pivot the trip bar and release the rotary plunger from the on position. A spring biases the trip bar, in order that the first tab latches the rotary plunger in the on position. A pair of springs biases the rotary plunger to the tripped position.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2003Date of Patent: July 26, 2005Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Michael P. Puskar, Thomas A. Whitaker, William M. Randal
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Patent number: 6919518Abstract: A transfer switch that includes output contacts, primary input contacts, secondary input contacts and a switch stack. The switch stack alternately connects the output contacts to the primary input contacts and the secondary input contacts via at least one conductive path. The transfer switch further includes at least one flux barrier that is at least partially positioned near the conductive path to minimize magnetic interaction with the conductive path as current travels through the switch stack.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2002Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Assignee: Onan CorporationInventors: Loren L. Rademacher, Larry H. Smith, Joseph T. Miller
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Patent number: 6917006Abstract: An operating mechanism for a rectilinear motion circuit-breaker, for performing an open-close-reopen cycle, and operating on an operating rod of the circuit-breaker and including closing and opening springs. The opening spring operates on the operating rod. The closing spring operates on a crank end whose other end is connected to a shaft fastened to a flywheel and on which is mounted a closing cam cooperating with a roller on the operating rod. A closing pawl retains the closing spring in a compressed position, opening the closing pawl releasing the closing spring to rotate the cam, thereby closing the circuit-breaker and rearming the opening spring. A rearming motor couples to the shaft by a freewheel. A pawl triggers opening retaining the operating rod against force of the opening spring in the closed position of the circuit-breaker and is adapted to receive an opening command.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2003Date of Patent: July 12, 2005Assignee: Areva T&D SAInventor: Félix Bachofen
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Patent number: 6911614Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a fixed contact; a movable contact disposed in a rotary-type contact holder; a switching device; an operation handle; and an over-current tripping device. The operation handle is operated to open and close main-circuit contact points through the switching device. The switching device includes a handle lever connected to the operation handle; a toggle linkage having an upper toggle link and a lower toggle link; a switching spring placed between the handle lever and an arm connecting point of the toggle linkage; and a side plate for holding the components. The circuit breaker further includes a device for preventing the operation handle from moving to an off position when the contact points are stuck together. The device includes first stoppers formed on a cross bar of the contact holder and the handle lever facing the cross bar, and a second stopper formed on the side plate.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2003Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: Fuji Electric FA Components & Systems Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hisanobu Asano, Mitsuhiro Mitsushige, Hideto Yamagata, Yasuhiro Takahashi
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Patent number: 6903293Abstract: A switch unit contains a case; a fixed contact members disposed on a bottom wall of the case; conductor plates rockably disposed on the bottom wall; driving bodies disposed on the conductor plates in a rotatable state in which the elevating movement thereof is allowed; a plate spring member for resiliently biasing the driving bodies; and a cover member for covering an upper opening of the case. The driving bodies are provided with pressed parts that protrude above the cover member. When the pressed part is driven to rotate laterally by the rocking operation of the operating knob, the driving body rotates, which causes the conductor plate to slide on the bottom wall. As a result, the switch unit is switched to its ON state.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2004Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Makoto Sasaki
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Circuit breaker including extension spring(s) between operating mechanism pivot and operating handle
Patent number: 6870115Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a case having an opening, separable contacts housed within the case, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The operating mechanism includes a pivot and a pair of extension springs for moving the operating mechanism to close the separable contacts. The operating mechanism also includes an operating handle for operating the operating mechanism. The operating handle includes a first handle portion extending through the opening of the case and a second portion having a pair of elongated arms within the case. The extension springs extend between the elongated arms and the pivot.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2003Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Robert M. Slepian -
Patent number: 6864451Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a case having an opening, and separable contacts having a closed position and an open position housed within the case. An operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts includes a pivot and a pair of extension springs for moving the operating mechanism to close the separable contacts. The operating mechanism further includes an operating handle for operating the operating mechanism. The operating handle includes a first or handle portion extending through the opening of the case and a second arm portion having a pair of elongated arms within the case. Each one of the extension springs extends between a corresponding one of the elongated arms and the pivot. The operating mechanism further includes a pair of links having an unbroken state corresponding to the closed position of the separable contacts and a broken state. One of the links pivots about the pivot.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2003Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Robert M. Slepian
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Patent number: 6864450Abstract: An improved circuit breaker includes an inertial time delay mechanism that permits a self-powered trip unit to become fully operational before inputting into the trip unit a signal indicating a change in the state of the circuit breaker. The time delay mechanism includes an inertia member, a first spring, and a second spring, and is activated upon the rotation of a lay shaft of an operating mechanism of the circuit breaker. The first spring extends between the inertia member and a housing of the circuit breaker and biases the inertia member from an initial position toward a terminal position. The second spring extends between the lay shaft and the inertia member and biases the inertia member toward the initial position when the circuit breaker is in an OFF condition. The combined action of the first and second springs on the inertia member provides a time delay using a relatively small inertial mass.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2004Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Steven Zhenghong Chen, Daniel Evan Palmieri, Paul Thomas Bottegal, Anthony Thomas Ricciuti, Robert Nicklas Krevokuch
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Patent number: 6822179Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a body having a chamber defined therein. Two terminals are provided in the chamber and extend out from the body. The first terminal has a first node, and the second terminal has a bimetallic strip and a second node on the bimetallic strip and electrically connected with the first node. A reset button is pivotally mounted in the chamber and has a tab formed at a bottom side of and near the first terminal. A swing member has a first pin pivotally mounted in the tab and a second pin under the tab and connected with the first pin by a linkage. An elastic strip is received in the tab and has a leg extending downwards to abut the second pin of the swing member. Even if the reset button is blocked, the bimetallic strip still can deform to terminate the circuit in an excessive-consumption condition.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2003Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Inventor: Albert Huang
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Patent number: 6822178Abstract: Cluster assemblies for both low and medium voltage applications which allow a movable circuit breaker to connect to a fixed part of the switchgear. The assembly apparatus comprises a plurality of conducting bridge elements consisting of resilient finger springs held in a predetermined geometrical configuration by a guide plate and a locator plate, wherein the locator plate is fixedly attached to a conductor. The resilient finger springs act to engage and hold a second conductor, thus making the electrical connection. The apparatus is scalably configured to address any range of low and medium voltage current necessary to be carried by the switchgear using simple and easily manufactured components.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2003Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: Pacific Breaker Systems, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Billings, Jose M. Gomes, Keith I. Gray, Jose A. Robledo
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Patent number: 6812423Abstract: A circuit breaker includes separable contacts, a trip mechanism having an armature mechanism responsive to selected conditions of current flowing through the contacts, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the contacts. The operating mechanism includes an open position, a closed position, a tripped open position, a lock, a first link and a second link having a base and a pair of legs. The lock is pivotally mounted to and substantially between the legs of the second link. The first link is pivotally mounted to the second link. The first link and the second link have an unbroken state in the closed position and a broken state in the tripped open position. The lock maintains the unbroken state in the closed position and responds to the armature mechanism to release the first link and the second link to the broken state in the tripped open position.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2003Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Craig A. Rodgers, Lance Gula, Robert M. Slepian
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Patent number: 6812422Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a case, separable contacts, an operating mechanism having an open position, a snap closed position, a closed position, an operating handle for moving the operating mechanism between the open and closed positions, a movable contact arm carrying a movable contact, a link having a first end pivotally mounted with respect to the case, a second end and a projection, and a linkage. A first end of the linkage is pivotally mounted to the link second end. A second end of the linkage is pivotally mounted to the movable contact arm. A flexible cantilever lever is fixed within the case, engages the link projection and holds the link in the open position of the operating mechanism. The flexible cantilever lever flexes and releases the link projection and releases the link as the operating handle moves the operating mechanism from the open position to the snap closed position.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2003Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Robert M. Slepian
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Patent number: 6803535Abstract: A trip indicator of a circuit breaker is set to the tripped position through engagement by the cradle, which is unlatched by the trip mechanism. Even though the cradle is automatically reset by a reset spring, the trip member indicator is retained in the tripped position by an indicator spring. The trip indicator member is returned to the untripped position by a reset member on the circuit breaker operating member as the latter is rotated by the circuit breaker handle to the ON position. The trip indicating member is transversely displaced through an out of round pivot mount as the operating member is rotated to the off position before the cradle unlatches when the circuit breaker blows open in response to a short circuit.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2004Date of Patent: October 12, 2004Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Michael Jerome Whipple, Edward Ethber Lias
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Patent number: 6803536Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a case, separable contacts housed within the case, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the contacts. The operating mechanism includes a first pivot, a catch link and a U-link. The catch link has a first end and a second end, is pivotally mounted to the first pivot at the first end of the catch link, and is pivotally mounted to the U-link at the second end of the catch link. An operating handle includes a first handle portion extending through an opening of the case, a second elongated arm portion within the case, and a second pivot between the first and second portions. An independent operating handle link has a first end and a second end, is pivotally mounted to the second pivot at the first end thereof, and is pivotally mounted to the first pivot at the second end thereof.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2003Date of Patent: October 12, 2004Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Robert M. Slepian
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Patent number: 6800823Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a case, separable contacts having a fixed contact and a movable contact, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The operating mechanism includes a closed position, an open position, an operating handle for moving the operating mechanism between the open and closed positions, a movable contact arm carrying the movable contact, a linkage having a first end and a second end, and a snap lever. The second end of the linkage is pivotally mounted to the movable contact arm. The snap lever holds the linkage in the open position of the operating mechanism and releases the linkage as the operating handle moves from the open position toward the closed position of the operating mechanism, in order to snap close the separable contacts.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2003Date of Patent: October 5, 2004Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Richard P. Malingowski, Craig A. Rodgers, Lance Gula, Randal D. Gazdecki, Robert M. Slepian
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Patent number: 6800824Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a case, a frame fixedly disposed within the case, separable contacts, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The frame includes a tab. The operating mechanism includes an operating handle, a closed position, an open position, a linkage, such as a pair of links, having a first end and a second end, and a link pivotally mounted to the case and to the first end of the linkage. The tab of the frame engages and stops movement of the link in the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2003Date of Patent: October 5, 2004Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Robert M. Slepian, Craig A. Rodgers, Lance Gula
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Patent number: 6777636Abstract: A low-voltage power switch, includes a drive device, fixed by way of a supporting framework and an associated switch shaft, fixed by way of two axially external bearing sub-assemblies, to the switch pole sub-assembly. In order to ensure that the fitting corresponds to a position based on separate examination of the drive device, the bearing arrangement has an additional, axially central bearing sub-assembly. The bearing sub-assembly includes two half-shells which are axially fixed by way of guide surfaces, whereby one is radially supported on the switch pole sub-assembly and the other is radially supported on the supporting framework of the drive device.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2003Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Torsten Ahlert, Ludvik Godesa, Marc Liebetruth
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Patent number: 6777635Abstract: A limiting circuit breaker comprises two separable contacts 68, 70 and a mechanism 12 with energy storage 36 operated by an opening catch 30. The mechanism 12 drives a movable cage 58 between a closed position and an open position to perform opening of the contacts. One of the contacts is movable with respect to the cage 58 in the closed position and can thus take a separated position. A Thomson effect electromechanical actuator 100 is provided to drive the movable contact 68 to the separated position. A latch 80 enables the movable contact to be held in the separated position. In the event of a fault requiring a very high-speed response, separation of the contacts is obtained by means of the Thomson effect actuator and is then confirmed by opening of the mechanism. In other cases, only the mechanism operates to perform opening.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2003Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SASInventors: Pierre Baginski, Grégoire Brun, Jean-Paul Ferrand, Jacques Joubert, Christian Pellegrin, Richard Vacher
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Publication number: 20040149557Abstract: A switch having independently operable toggle and rocker functions. The switch having a housing, a toggle member pivotally mounted in the housing, the toggle member having upper and lower portions. The upper portion being movable for providing a toggle function of the switch, the lower portion being attached to the upper portion and having at least one first contact element coupled thereto. The switch having a rocker member coupled to the housing for providing a rocker function, the rocker member defining a central opening for receiving the upper portion of the toggle member, and having a second contact element coupled thereto. The switch including a circuit board inside the housing having a first conductive portion adjacent the first contact element, and a second conductive portion adjacent the second contact element. The toggle and rocker members being independently operable for providing toggle and rocker functions of the switch respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2003Publication date: August 5, 2004Applicant: Carling Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Walter Sadowski, Rick Olson, Shakib Saria
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Publication number: 20040124074Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a fixed contact; a movable contact disposed in a rotary-type contact holder; a switching device; an operation handle; and an over-current tripping device. The operation handle is operated to open and close main-circuit contact points through the switching device. The switching device includes a handle lever connected to the operation handle; a toggle linkage having an upper toggle link and a lower toggle link; a switching spring placed between the handle lever and an arm connecting point of the toggle linkage; and a side plate for holding the components. The circuit breaker further includes a device for preventing the operation handle from moving to an off position when the contact points are stuck together. The device includes first stoppers formed on a cross bar of the contact holder and the handle lever facing the cross bar, and a second stopper formed on the side plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2003Publication date: July 1, 2004Inventors: Hisanobu Asano, Mitsuhiro Mitsushige, Hideto Yamagata, Yasuhiro Takahashi
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Publication number: 20040094397Abstract: A medium voltage switching device comprising an electromagnetic actuation chain and power supply means for providing electric power to said electromagnetic actuation chain. The power supply means comprise at least a first power supply device which is electrically connected to a medium voltage power distribution line, so as to drain electric power directly from it, and second circuit means for storing at least the electric energy drained for the medium voltage power distribution line, and for providing said electromagnetic actuation chain with a power supply.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2003Publication date: May 20, 2004Inventors: Carlo Gemme, Andrea Moratto, Roberto Borlotti, Osvaldo Prestini
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Patent number: 6734378Abstract: An operating shaft (1) for operation of switching contacts in a multipole electrical power breaker has a shaft tube (2), which is intended to provide a rotating bearing, and levers (4) which project from it and are composed of dye-cast metal. These levers (4) are mounted on the shaft tube (2), which is formed from a tubular semi-finished product composed of a metal which has a higher melting point than that of the levers (4). All the levers on an operating shaft (1) can be formed as an integral dye-cast body (3) or as individual dye-cast bodies. The described configuration allows operating shafts (1) for power breakers of different sizes to be manufactured integrally.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2001Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Ludvik Godesa, Peter Petznik
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Patent number: 6586693Abstract: A latching mechanism for a circuit breaker operating mechanism includes a primary latch with a cross bar and a first pair of elongated leg members flexibly mounted to the cross bar. A secondary latch is pivotally mountable to the circuit breaker operating mechanism, with the first pair of elongated leg members being in removable engagement with the secondary latch. In one embodiment, the cross bar is flexible and deflects at a point along a longitudinal axis thereof. In another embodiment, the cross bar is flexible and twists about its longitudinal axis.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2000Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Roger Neil Castonguay
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Patent number: 6577214Abstract: A sliding cover plate for the adjustment screws of a circuit breaker is slidably mounted on the housing of a motor operator. The sliding adjustment plate includes snap-in tabs for engaging slots within the motor operator housing, permitting the cover to be snapped in place, and then slidably moved between a position wherein the adjustment screws are covered, and a position wherein the adjustment screws are exposed. The cover may be secured in the position wherein the adjustment screws are covered. The cover includes a first portion defining apertures corresponding to two adjustment screws, and a third, detachable portion defining an aperture for a third adjustment screw, thereby permitting the cover plate to be utilized with both three-pole and four-pole circuit breakers.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2002Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Dean Basil DeGrazia, Erik Russel Bogdon, Dominic Patrick Martelli
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Publication number: 20030070908Abstract: An electric transfer switch unit for selective connection to different power supplies is provided with moveable contacts, associated stationary contacts connected to said power supplies, a turnable drive handle and a toggle mechanism for connecting the drive handle to the moveable contacts. The toggle mechanism includes a spring system adapted for storing and releasing mechanical energy upon turning of the drive handle. Use of the spring system assures swift and stable turning of the drive handle for shifting between the different power supplies.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventors: Katsuhiro Yoshida, Hisayuki Nagase
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Patent number: 6541727Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker incorporates vacuum switches operated by a toggle mechanism. Pole arms tied together by a cross bar are rotated simultaneously by the toggle mechanism. A drive link translates the rotational movement of each pole arm into linear movement of a driven member along the axis of the movable electrode of the associated vacuum switch. A coupling bracket has a base section secured to the movable electrode, longitudinal sections straddling the movable electrode axis and terminal sections extending inward toward the plane of rotation of the pole arm from the ends of the longitudinal sections. Coupling members extend from the driven member through slots in the terminal sections of the coupling bracket. Springs couple the free ends of the coupling members to the coupling bracket to open and close the vacuum switch with operation of the toggle mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: H. Richard Beck, Douglas C. Marks, R. Michael Slepian, Kevin S. Sprinker, Edward L. Wellner
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Patent number: 6538223Abstract: An electric transfer switch unit for selective connection to different power supplies is provided with moveable contacts, associated stationary contacts connected to said power supplies, a turnable drive handle and a toggle mechanism for connecting the drive handle to the moveable contacts. The toggle mechanism includes a spring system adapted for storing and releasing mechanical energy upon turning of the drive handle. Use of the spring system assures swift and stable turning of the drive handle for shifting between the different power supplies.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2002Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ISEInventors: Katsuhiro Yoshida, Hisayuki Nagase
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Patent number: 6534737Abstract: A transfer switch that absorbs the kinetic energy of a toggle mechanism within the transfer switch just before moving contacts on the toggle mechanism engage a set of stationary contacts. The transfer switch includes output contacts, primary input contacts, secondary input contacts and a toggle mechanism. The toggle mechanism includes moving contacts that alternately connect the output contacts with the primary and secondary input contacts. The transfer switch further includes a dampener that reduces the kinetic energy of the moving contacts before the moving contacts engage the input contacts.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2002Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: Onan CorporationInventors: Loren L. Rademacher, John E. Morley, Constantine Xykis
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Patent number: 6515245Abstract: A drive mechanism of a circuit breaker comprises a master mechanism and a slave mechanism. The master mechanism is composed of an energy storage sub-assembly comprising an energy storage spring driven by a loading shaft, and an opening and closing sub-assembly driving a switching shaft. The master mechanism is controlled by a closing latch and an opening latch. The slave mechanism comprises a closing assistance spring connected to the loading shaft by means of a loading cam and a multifunctional lever. Rotation of the loading shaft loads the assistance spring and commands relaxation thereof. The assistance spring drives the switching shaft by means of an arm operating in conjunction with a crank in the form of a hook. At the end of closing travel, the arm uncouples from the crank and withdraws so as not to hamper opening of the mechanism. The assistance mechanism enables the energy delivered globally by the drive mechanism to be increased.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2001Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries S.A.Inventors: Reynald Marin-Pache, Alain Bechard, Denis Perrin
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Publication number: 20030020600Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a control system for acoustical function control in a motor vechicle using a speech input system (10,11) that receives a spoken command and converts it into corresponding control signals, the systems being activated by an operating element (12) that is actuated manually and, upon being actuated, outputting to an operating person an indication of its readiness to receive a voice command,Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2002Publication date: January 30, 2003Inventor: Winfried Koenig
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Patent number: 6506990Abstract: A multipole electrical switchgear apparatus comprises a drive mechanism equipped with a pole shaft and a plurality of breaking modules. Each module comprises a vacuum cartridge moved by a movable rod articulated on a transmission lever. The pole shaft is linked to the transmission levers by means of a connecting rod. This common connecting rod gives the kinematic transmission system a great strength. Furthermore, it enables switchgear apparatuses having variable distances between breaking modules to be produced inexpensively, based on a standard pole shaft. Finally, it enables differentiation of the switchgear apparatuses to be delayed.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2001Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAInventors: Reynald Marin-Pache, Thierry Milan, Denis Perrin
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Patent number: 6492607Abstract: A mechanism for the rapid closure of electrical contacts on a modular electrical apparatus includes movable electrical contacts that pivot with respect to a rotatable contact support and are maintained in a rest position by springs. A manually actuated control lever imparts opposing rotary movements to the control lever and the movable contacts. A cam, driven by the control lever, and a finger attached to each movable contact move in paths that intersect when the movable contacts are separated from the fixed contacts. The cam and finger are locked during a portion of control lever rotation before it reaches a stable position wherein the fixed and movable contacts are closed. The contact support continues to travel while a contact spring accumulates energy, which is dissipated only when the cam and finger separate. During a final stage of motion of the control lever, the cam freely rotates relative to the control lever, with its range of motion being limited only by a stop element on the cam.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2001Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Assignee: Hager ElectroInventors: Didier Bruckert, Francis Diebold, Olivier Duez, Thierry Sitz
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Patent number: 6479774Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 10, 2000Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Dave Christensen
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Patent number: 6480079Abstract: An electric circuit breaker (10) has a toggle mechanism (18) having two movable over center joints (3, 4) connected between a push-button (16) and a movable contact mechanism (30). When the push-button is depressed a first link rotates bringing the first movable over center joint (3) across a center position represented by a first imaginary straight line (1) to a stop surface (28). A spring member (36) provides a bias which acts on the second movable over center joint (4) normally maintaining the second movable joint against the stop surface so that with the two movable over center joints biased against the stop surface the movable contact mechanism is moved to a closed contact position when the push-button is depressed.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2002Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: William J. Bentley, Eric W. Morrison, Christian V. Pellon, Nicholas V. Pellon
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Patent number: 6472971Abstract: A circuit breaker includes main circuit contact shoes disposed in a circuit breaker case and urged by a contact spring, a contact opening and closing mechanism located above the contact shoes and including an opening and closing lever, a toggle link, an opening and closing handle and a latch, and an overcurrent tripping device located above the contact shoes. The toggle link includes a first link extending between the opening and closing lever and a toggle shaft located above, and a second link extending between the toggle shaft and the latch to overlap the first link in the V-form, and an opening and closing spring extends between the toggle shaft and a tip of a handle lever coupled to the opening and closing handle to extend downward. As a result, a space occupied by the contact opening and closing mechanism section in the height direction can be reduced to make the circuit breaker more compact.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2001Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kentaro Toyama, Naoshi Uchida, Koji Asakawa, Isamu Ohshima
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Patent number: 6459059Abstract: A return spring mechanism is arranged to operate with a circuit breaker operating mechanism during a trip condition. The circuit breaker operating mechanism is movable between a tripped position, a reset position, an off position and an on position. The return spring mechanism is attached to the exterior of the circuit breaker frame and includes a return spring with a fixed end attached to the frame. When the circuit breaker is tripped, the return spring mechanism operates to provide an additional force to the handle yoke. The additional force applied by the return spring is predetermined to position the handle yoke intermediate to the handle yoke positions when the circuit breaker is off and on. Thus, the movement of the handle yoke to the intermediate position provides clear indication that the circuit breaker is in the tripped condition.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2000Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Randy Greenberg, Roger N. Castonguay, Dave Christensen, Hassan Girish
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Patent number: 6400244Abstract: A three-position control apparatus has a control shaft secured to a Maltese cross provided with two drive slots and rotated from a determined angular position to an angular position from among two other determined angular positions. The Maltese cross is rotated in this way by one or the other of two studs fixed to a drive shaft and associated with a cam that is complementary to the Maltese cross. Rotation of the drive shaft is limited by the action of a fixed stop abutment which stops the rotation in each of the two rotation directions at the two chosen starting and finishing end positions, and by a complementary shaft-stopping mechanism that prevents the shafts from rotating from the determined intermediate position by interposing a stop element in the path that is followed by a projecting complementary element carried by one of the shafts as it rotates.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2000Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignee: AlstomInventors: Dario Bergamo, François Biquez
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Patent number: 6373010Abstract: An energy storage mechanism for a circuit breaker motor operator is disclosed. The energy storage mechanism has a first elastic member; a first fixture having a plurality of slots therein, the first fixture positioned in the first elastic member; a second fixture having a plurality of members defining an aperture; a second elastic member engaged to the second fixture and positioned within the aperture; wherein the second fixture is engaged to the first fixture. A motor operator for a molded case circuit breaker is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2000Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Janakiraman Narayanan, Mahesh Rane, Biranchi Narayan Sahu, Anilkumar D. Pandit, Kadaba V. Sridhar
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Patent number: 6373009Abstract: A safety switch with a spring toggle linkage which causes the switch shaft to rapidly rotate for opening and closing the switch has a lost motion coupling between the switch handle and the switch shaft which engages at about the point of toggling to assure positive operation of the switch.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2000Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Richard D. Prohaska, Warren Clift Sipe
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Patent number: 6361848Abstract: A switch having a molded article of which the entirety or a part is composed of an organic and inorganic complex composition is provided, wherein the base inside of the base of a box is composed of for example an organic and inorganic complex composition with the resin content at 15 to 70 wt % and the content of one or more inorganic compounds capable of dehydration at 150° C. or more at 80 to 30 wt %.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1999Date of Patent: March 26, 2002Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shunichi Katsube, Tosikazu Uemoto, Kenichi Nishina, Kazunori Fukuya, Shinji Yamagata, Satoru Yamasaki, Mitsugu Takahashi, Kazuharu Kato, Takao Mitsuhashi, Hiroshi Adachi, Shoji Yamaguchi, Itsuo Nishiyama, Fumiaki Baba
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Patent number: 6331685Abstract: A mounting system for a circuit breaker comprising: a mounting box; an angular mounting plate, including a planar portion retained to a mounting wall of a mounting box, and an angular portion at about 200° in which a circuit breaker body is retained; a mechanical breaker actuator handle, retained to the mounting wall, including an actuator bar coupled to the breaker actuator handle; an actuator rod coupled to the actuator bar of the breaker actuator handle, and to a movable break contact of the circuit breaker, in order to operate it against a fixed breaker contact, on and off, by a rotational operation of the breaker actuator handle; and an overload actuator handle including a short overload actuator arm coupled to the overload actuator handle; and a link arm coupled to the overload actuator arm, in order to operate it, on and off, by a rotational operation of the overload actuator handle.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2000Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: Prolec GE, S. de R.L. de C.V.Inventor: Demófilo Maldonado-Cortés
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Patent number: 6274833Abstract: A plug-in trip unit joint 900 for a molded case circuit breaker 10, with the circuit breaker 10 having an operating mechanism 40 with a movable contact arm 45 mounted on a cross-bar 55, a trip bar 618 and a line terminal mounted in a first housing and a trip unit 600 and a load terminal 16 mounted in a second housing. The plug-in trip unit joint 900 comprises a trip unit stab 910 coupled to the trip unit 600 and load terminal 16 and extends from the second housing and a movable contact arm clamp assembly 909 mounted in the first housing and aligned to selectively engage the trip unit stab 910 wherein the line terminal 18 and the load terminal 16 are electrically coupled together and with the trip unit in selective contact with the operating mechanism 40 of the circuit breaker 10.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2000Date of Patent: August 14, 2001Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.Inventor: G. Lawrence Moody
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Patent number: 6222143Abstract: a A positive OFF toggle mechanism 402 is disclosed for a circuit breaker having “ON”, “OFF,” and “TRIPPED” conditions and corresponding handle positions. The circuit breaker 10 includes a pair of contacts 44, one of which is coupled to an operating mechanism 40 having a pivoting member 13. The positive OFF toggle mechanism 402 includes a lower toggle member 404 having a first end 412 operatively coupled to the contact 44 coupled to the operating mechanism 40 and a second end 408 coupled to a toggle pivot pin 416a; an upper toggle member 410 having a first end 412 coupled to the toggle pivot pin 416a and a second end 408 in operative contact with a toggle pin mounted on the operating mechanism 40.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2000Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.Inventors: Robert P. Lawson, Andrew Hall