Arc Runner (e.g., Arc Horn) Patents (Class 218/148)
  • Patent number: 11605514
    Abstract: A disconnector to reduce considerably high voltage and high frequency current generated during the service no-load opening and closing, the disconnector comprising a first main contact a second main contact, a sliding contact and an arcing horn having a length, the disconnector having a connected state, an intermediate state and a disconnected state, wherein in the connected state a first electrical contact is established between the first main contact and the second main contact, in the intermediate state the first electrical contact is interrupted while a second electrical contact exists between the sliding contact and a contact position on the length of the arcing horn, and in the disconnected state the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are interrupted, wherein at least a part of the length of the arcing horn comprises an electrical filter configured to provide a resistance and an inductance to an electrical current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: General Electric Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Eros Stella, Marco Nosilati, Enrico Zozzollotto, Fernando Moreira Lagos
  • Patent number: 10242814
    Abstract: An electric arc extinction chamber comprises a stack of electric arc splitter plates. The splitter plates define an inlet of the extinction chamber that is to be present facing electric contacts, and a back of the extinction chamber. At least one permanent magnet is present inside the extinction chamber in a central zone in the width direction of the extinction chamber and beside the back thereof. The magnet presents magnetization having a non-zero component along an axis extending between the inlet and the back of the extinction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: SOCOMEC
    Inventors: Jérôme Hertzog, Karine Coquil
  • Patent number: 9966209
    Abstract: A circuit interrupter having a first contact positioned on a moveable contact arm that is moveable into and out of physical contact with a stationary contact. An arc horn shield positioned on or affixed to an escapement that is coupled to the moveable contact arm, the arc horn shield including a substantially U-shaped tab that is provided as a protrusion with an arc receiving surface such that when the moveable contact is moved into the vicinity of the protrusion, any arc that may be formed between the contacts is passed from the moveable contact to the arc receiving surface to minimize damage to the moveable contact and extinguish the arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Carling Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Fasano
  • Patent number: 9824837
    Abstract: This service plug (1) has a connection terminal part (49), and the connection terminal part (49) has a pair of terminals (8) and an interlinking part (9) that is tailored to the spacing between the terminals (8) and joins the terminals (8) together. By removing the connection terminal part (49) from a power-supply circuit, the power-supply circuit is interrupted. The interlinking part (9) includes one or more thin interlinking plates (20) that are removably attached to the connection terminal part (49).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naoya Ooishi, Yukihisa Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 9543099
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a direct current relay, and more particularly, to a direct current relay capable of reducing an electronic repulsive force generated between a fixed contact and a movable contact by a permanent magnet installed to extinguish an arc. The direct current relay includes: a frame; first and second fixed contacts spaced from each other with a predetermined distance there between; first and second magnetic substances formed to enclose a lower part of the first and second fixed contacts; a movable contact movable to contact or to be separated from the first and second fixed contacts, having a first movable contact contactable to the first fixed contact, and having a second movable contact contactable to the second fixed contact; and a pair of permanent magnets installed on long sides of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: LSIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jung Sik An
  • Patent number: 9330861
    Abstract: An arc chute assembly for use in an automatic transfer switch includes a housing including a pair of opposing sidewalls and a primary deionization plate coupled between the pair of opposing sidewalls. The primary deionization plate includes a tongue portion oriented substantially midway between the opposing sidewalls and extending toward a contact assembly. The tongue portion is configured to facilitate suppressing an electric arc originating from the contact assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Arthur Evans, Jason Harmon
  • Patent number: 9224559
    Abstract: Disclosed is a unidirectionally switching direct-current contactor, having a double break having two contact points, which each have a fixed contact and a movable contact, wherein the movable contacts are arranged on a contact bridge and wherein a switch arc is formed at each of the contact points when the contact points open, and including an arc quenching device and having at least one blowing device for blowing at least one of the switch arcs from the corresponding contact point. The contactor includes a jumper plate arranged adjacently to the movable contact of the first contact point, wherein the contact bridge and the jumper plate are electrically insulated from each other and the jumper plate is connected potentially to the fixed contact of the second contact point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: SCHALTBAU GMBH
    Inventors: Robert Kralik, Andrej Ignatov
  • Publication number: 20150144598
    Abstract: An arc guider configured to provide an arc movement path, one side thereof forming a fixation projection and a center thereof forming a groove in a longitudinal direction, a fixation element sequentially including a main contact, an arc contact being spaced apart from the main contact and an insertion groove accommodating the arc guider and a plurality of projection fixing units being formed on both sides of the insertion groove and being curved toward the accommodated arc guider through an outer force so that the fixation projection does not escape wherein triangle V shaped groove marks by the outer force are formed in the plurality of the projection fixing units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Jae Goo Lyu
  • Patent number: 9040863
    Abstract: An arc guider configured to provide an arc movement path, one side thereof forming a fixation projection and a center thereof forming a groove in a longitudinal direction, a fixation element sequentially including a main contact, an arc contact being spaced apart from the main contact and an insertion groove accommodating the arc guider and a plurality of projection fixing units being formed on both sides of the insertion groove and being curved toward the accommodated arc guider through an outer force so that the fixation projection does not escape wherein triangle V shaped groove marks by the outer force are formed in the plurality of the projection fixing units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: HYUNDAI HEAVY INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jae Goo Lyu
  • Publication number: 20150129549
    Abstract: A small-size switch having an arc runner is provided. The switch includes fixed contacts each of which is bonded with each one end of fixed contactors 6U; movable contacts 10U each of which is bonded with each of movable contactors 9 and each of which can contact with or leave from each of the fixed contacts; an interphase barrier 80 that is disposed so as to partition the movable contacts 10U one by one and that is an insulator; and an arc runner that has an arc extinguish portion 12A and that is disposed so as not to intrude in a space where the interphase barrier 80 and the movable contactor 9 are most closely located.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Tomohiko Takemoto, Takashi Inaguchi
  • Patent number: 9029727
    Abstract: Circuit breakers include an arc chamber and an arc chute comprising a plurality of arc plates in the arc chamber. The circuit breakers also include a line conductor assembly with at least one arc runner attached to a line conductor in the arc chamber. The arc runner can extend below but adjacent to a bottom arc plate to thereby guide a respective arc into the arc chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Craig Joseph Puhalla, Xin Zhou, James Patrick Sisley, Lance Gula, Mark A. Janusek
  • Patent number: 9006601
    Abstract: A circuit breaker including a pair of separable contacts and an arc chamber is provided. The separable contacts include a fixed contact having an upper surface. The arc chamber includes magnetic members disposed on either side of the separable contacts. The magnetic members have a lower surface below the fixed contact upper surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Xin Zhou, Richard Paul Malingowski, Kelly Julia McCarthy, David E. Little
  • Publication number: 20150034600
    Abstract: A contact device includes a pair of fixed contacts fixedly disposed inside an arc extinguishing chamber and maintaining a predetermined interval from each other; a movable contact disposed inside the arc extinguishing chamber, and contacting to and separating from the pair of fixed contacts; a first arc root movement promotion portion formed on the pair of fixed contacts, and promoting a movement of a root of an arc in a direction away from the movable contact, the arc being generated when contacts are opened in which the movable contact moves away from the pair of fixed contacts; and a second arc root movement promotion portion formed on the movable contact, and promoting a movement of the root of the arc in a direction away from the relevant fixed contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Masaru ISOZAKI, Osamu KASHIMURA, Hiroyuki TACHIKAWA, Kouetsu TAKAYA, Yuji SHIBA
  • Publication number: 20150022291
    Abstract: A contact device includes a pair of fixed contacts fixedly disposed inside an arc extinguishing chamber and maintaining a predetermined interval from each other; a movable contact disposed to contact to and separate from the pair of fixed contacts; and an arc root movement promotion portion formed on the movable contact to promote a movement of root of arc in a direction away from the fixed contacts. The root of arc is generated when the movable contacts are opened and separated from the pair of fixed contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Osamu KASHIMURA, Masaru ISOZAKI, Kouetsu TAKAYA, Yuji SHIBA
  • Publication number: 20140263188
    Abstract: A circuit breaker including a pair of separable contacts and an arc chamber is provided. The separable contacts include a fixed contact having an upper surface. The arc chamber includes magnetic members disposed on either side of the separable contacts. The magnetic members have a lower surface below the fixed contact upper surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Xin Zhou, Richard Paul Malingowski, Kelly Julia McCarthy, David E. Little
  • Publication number: 20140202990
    Abstract: Circuit breakers include an arc chamber and an arc chute comprising a plurality of arc plates in the arc chamber. The circuit breakers also include a line conductor assembly with at least one arc runner attached to a line conductor in the arc chamber. The arc runner can extend below but adjacent to a bottom arc plate to thereby guide a respective arc into the arc chute.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventors: Craig Joseph Puhalla, Xin Zhou, James Patrick Sisley, Lance Gula, Mark A. Janusek
  • Patent number: 8735757
    Abstract: A switch unit 200 for a voltage circuit breaker that includes a first switch contact 202a and a second switch contact 202b. The first switch contact 202a is movable between a first position in which the first switch contact 202a contacts the second switch contact and a second position in which the first and second switch contacts 202a, 202b are separated from each other. Further, a positioning element to position an arc chute 100 on the switch unit. The arc chute 100 includes at least two stacks 102, 106 of a plurality of substantially parallel metal plates 104, 104a, 104b, . . . , 104n, 108, 108a, 108b, . . . , 108n. The switch unit includes a first connection device 120, 230a capable to electrically connect the first switch contact 202a to a predetermined metal plate 104a selected of the most proximal 25% metal plates of the first stack 102.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: Philippe Noisette, Yoann Alphand, Philippe Häberlin, Marc Blanc
  • Publication number: 20140131317
    Abstract: An arc runner assembly for use in a circuit interrupter provides a pair of arc runners that are situated at opposite sides of a stationary contact of the circuit interrupter. If used in a DC application, the arc runner assembly is configured to communicate a positive DC arc along one of the arc runners in a first direction away from the stationary contact and is further configured to communicate a negative DC arc along the other arc runner in another direction away from the stationary contact. The arc runner assembly additionally includes a support that is electrically engaged with a conductor of the circuit interrupter on a surface opposite that on which the stationary contact is disposed. The improved arc runner assembly advantageously facilitates extinction of electrical arc and extinguishes both positive and negative DC arcs in a DC application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard Paul Malingowski, James Patrick Sisley, Craig Joseph Puhalla, Kelly Julia McCarthy, Lance Gula
  • Publication number: 20130292359
    Abstract: Disclosed is a unidirectionally switching direct-current contactor, having a double break having two contact points, which each have a fixed contact and a movable contact, wherein the movable contacts are arranged on a contact bridge and wherein a switch arc is formed at each of the contact points when the contact points open, and including an arc quenching device and having at least one blowing device for blowing at least one of the switch arcs from the corresponding contact point. The contactor includes a jumper plate arranged adjacently to the movable contact of the first contact point, wherein the contact bridge and the jumper plate are electrically insulated from each other and the jumper plate is connected potentially to the fixed contact of the second contact point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: Schaltbau GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Kralik, Andrej Ignatov
  • Publication number: 20130206729
    Abstract: A switch suitable for DC applications includes: two fixed conductive contacts with first contact areas; a movable conductive bridge with two second contact areas for being connected to the two first contact areas in the on-status and for being disconnected from the two the first contact areas in the off-status; and two arc-extinguishing units configured to extinguish electric arcs occurring between the first and second contact areas after disconnecting the second contact areas from the first contact areas. First conductive arc-guiding elements extend from each first contact area into the corresponding arc-extinguishing unit and at least one second conductive arc-guiding element extends into the arc-extinguishing units suitably shaped to guide the electric arcs from each of the second contact areas of the movable bridge into the arc-extinguishing units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: EATON ELECTRICAL IP GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Volker Lang, Lutz Friedrichsen
  • Publication number: 20130180956
    Abstract: A circuit interrupter having a compact design. According to some implementations, the circuit interrupter includes a conductor from a terminal to a contact having a portion that is angled with respect to the housing sides. This allows a fastener sleeve used to secure the device housing to be positioned closer to the center of mass of the housing, reducing the area of the housing. In some implementations, an arc splitter is provided which includes conductive plates that are angled with respect to the housing sides, allowing the area of the housing to be reduced. In some implementations, a terminal is designed to accommodate a connection without being doubled back, reducing the clearance required for the terminal and the overall area of the circuit interrupter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventors: Michael Fasano, Jianzhuan Lin, James Bugryn
  • Publication number: 20130062317
    Abstract: An installation switching device includes a cutout, which is designed on a fastening side, for fastening the installation switching device to a mounting rail, a vent opening, which is disposed on the fastening side, for discharging waste gases from an arc-quenching device, and a quick fastening device which is disposed on the fastening side. The quick fastening device includes a slide, which carries a movable projection and encloses the housing at the broad sides and which can be acted on by means of a spring toward the inner space of the recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: ABB AG
    Inventor: ABB AG
  • Publication number: 20130037520
    Abstract: A switch unit for a DC circuit is disclosed, which includes a first switch contact, and a second switch contact, which is movable between a first position, wherein the first switch contact contacts the second switch contact, and a second position, wherein the second switch contact is separated from the first switch contact. A positioning element to position an arc chute on the switch unit, the arc chute comprises a plurality of substantially parallel metal plates, the positioning element arranged to guide an arc, which is created between the first switch contact and the second switch contact, into the arc chute in an arc displacement direction in order to be extinguished. At least one gas emitting element, wherein at an interruption operation of the circuit breaker at its nominal current, the arc between the first switch contact and the second switch contact vaporizes a portion of the gas emitting layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: ABB TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventor: ABB TECHNOLOGY AG
  • Publication number: 20130037401
    Abstract: A switch device includes first and second contacting portions including first and second fixed contacting portions and first and second movable contacting portions, respectively, the first fixed contacting portion and the second fixed contacting portion being configured to be electrically connected to one of a power source and an electronic device while the first movable contacting portion and the second movable contacting portion are configured to be electrically connected to the other of the power source and the electronic device; a first electric arc runner provided near at least one of the first fixed contacting portion and the first movable contacting portion; and a second electric arc runner provided near at least one of the second fixed contacting portion and the second movable contacting portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: FUJITSU COMPONENT LIMITED
    Inventors: Takashi Yuba, Daiei Iwamoto, SeungSeok Beak, Koichi Kiryu, Akio Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20130001201
    Abstract: An arc runner configured to provide a substantially constant separation between a side surface of a conductive contact carrier and an arc discharge surface of the arc runner during an initial portion of a separation of two contacts. The arc discharge surface is preferably a flat surface oriented perpendicular to an axis of rotation of one contact away from the other. The conductive contact carrier having the side surface is configured to allow the arc runner to repeatedly travel along its side without mechanical interference during repeated openings and closings of the contacts. During the initial portion of the separation of the contacts, an electrical arc generated between the contacts during the separation is desirably transferred off of the contacts to the arc discharge surface after the separation between the contacts exceeds the distance between the side surface and the arc discharge surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad R. Mittelstadt, Jeff Kaufman
  • Patent number: 8334740
    Abstract: A contactor assembly includes a stationary contact, an arc contact, an arc arrestor, and a magnetic intensifier. The magnetic intensifier is constructed to be secured in generally close proximity to the stationary contact. During communication of power through the contactor assembly, the magnetic intensifier accentuates a magnetic field associated with the stationary contact and increases the magnitude of a magnetic force directed to the arc arrestor. A pair of arc guides extend along the magnetic intensifier and, cooperatively with the magnetic force, ensure efficient, repeatable, and expedient transfer of a circuit termination arc to the arc arrestor. Such a construction increases the operable range and lifecycle of the contactor by reducing the damage associated with propagation of the circuit termination arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Ramsey Annis, Robert Alfred Duchrow, Theodore John Houck, III, James Peter Miller
  • Patent number: 7834290
    Abstract: A protection switch, particularly for rapid quenching of electrical arcing, includes at least one single-pole protection switch module having a housing, a movable contact mounted on a switching arm for pivoting against a fixed contact between a closed position and an open position and a quenching device for quenching electrical arcing of the switch. The quenching device includes a quenching chamber with an inlet and an outlet for the arc. A first running rail connects the fixed contact with a first side wall of the quenching chamber and a second running rail connects a stopping surface, against which the movable contact abuts in the open position of the switching arm, to a second side wall of the quenching chamber. A separation strip extends substantially from side wall to side wall at the outlet of the quenching chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Ellenberger & Poensgen GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Birner, Klaus Loos
  • Patent number: 7830232
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a conductor, a fixed contact connected to the conductor, and an arc runner disposed on the conductor adjacent the fixed contact. The arc runner includes a first portion abutting the fixed contact and a second portion disposed in a recess of the circuit breaker housing. The arc runner is adapted to draw an arc from the fixed contact. A circuit breaker operating mechanism cooperates with a movable contact for opening and closing the fixed contact and the movable contact. An arc chute is adjacent the arc runner. A trip unit cooperates with the operating mechanism to trip open the fixed and movable contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Louis F. Grahor, Roger W. Helms, Kimberley I. Morris, William M. Randal
  • Patent number: 7812276
    Abstract: An arc member is provided for an electrical switching apparatus. The electrical switching apparatus includes an operating mechanism for opening and closing separable contacts, and an arc chute disposed proximate the separable contacts to attract an arc generated thereby. The separable contacts include a stationary contact and a movable contact. The stationary contact has an edge, which is disposed in a plane. The arc member includes an arc element disposed between the stationary contact and the arc chute. The arc element has first and second portions and first and second arc attractors. The first arc attractor extends outwardly from the first portion toward the plane of the edge of the stationary contact to draw the arc from the separable contacts to the arc member. The second arc attractors, which are disposed on the second portion of the arc element, direct the arc into the arc chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: James G. Maloney, Michael J. Erb
  • Publication number: 20100170875
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a conductor, a fixed contact connected to the conductor, and an arc runner disposed on the conductor adjacent the fixed contact. The arc runner includes a first portion abutting the fixed contact and a second portion disposed in a recess of the circuit breaker housing. The arc runner is adapted to draw an arc from the fixed contact. A circuit breaker operating mechanism cooperates with a movable contact for opening and closing the fixed contact and the movable contact. An arc chute is adjacent the arc runner. A trip unit cooperates with the operating mechanism to trip open the fixed and movable contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: LOUIS F. GRAHOR, Roger W. Helms, Kimberley I. Morris, Williams M. Randal
  • Patent number: 7723634
    Abstract: A contactor assembly includes a stationary contact, an arc contact, an arc arrestor, and a magnetic intensifier. The magnetic intensifier is constructed to extend in generally close proximity to one of the stationary contact and the arc contact. During communication of power through the contactor assembly, the magnetic intensifier manipulates a magnetic field associated with current passing through the contactor assembly and increases the magnitude of a magnetic force directed to the arc arrestor. Preferably, the magnetic intensifier is formed integrally with a turnback associated with one of the stationary contact or the arc contact. Such a construction simplifies the manufacture and assembly of the contactor assembly and provides efficient and repeatable arc suppression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Ramsey Annis, Robert Alfred Duchrow, Susan L Beneke, legal representative, James Peter Miller
  • Patent number: 7716816
    Abstract: A method of forming a switch assembly that includes a magnetic intensifier constructed to extend in generally close proximity to one of the stationary contact and the arc contact. During communication of power through the contactor assembly, the magnetic intensifier manipulates a magnetic field associated with current passing through the switch assembly and increases the magnitude of a magnetic force directed to the arc arrestor. Preferably, the magnetic intensifier is formed integrally with a turnback associated with one of the stationary contact or the arc contact. Such a construction simplifies the manufacture and assembly of the contactor assembly and provides efficient and repeatable arc suppression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Ramsey Annis, Robert Alfred Duchrow, Susan L Beneke, legal representative, James Peter Miller
  • Publication number: 20090255792
    Abstract: A contact arm assembly including a plurality of substantially parallel plates having a space between each of the plurality of substantially parallel plates and a plurality of finger assemblies, at least one of the plurality of finger assemblies being pivotally attached to the plurality of substantially parallel plates and being located in the space between each of the plurality of substantially parallel plates, each of the plurality of finger assemblies having a body and an arc runner, the arc runner being locked against the body in at least two locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventors: Yatin Vilas Newase, Janakiraman Narayanan, Pankaj Agrawal, Soundararajan Narayanasamy, Mahesh Jaywant Rane
  • Publication number: 20090200271
    Abstract: A line terminal for a circuit breaker includes a body forming two opposing legs and a third leg. The opposing legs are configured to form a passage for receiving a stab from a panel board. The two opposing legs are biased toward each other, and each of the opposing legs has a convex surface facing the passageway for engaging and maintaining alignment of the stab. A fixed contact is attached to the third leg. The fixed contact connects to a moveable contact of a circuit breaker. An arc runner is connected to the third leg and at least partially encloses a perimeter of the fixed contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Hai Chen, John D. Stephenson
  • Patent number: 7551050
    Abstract: A contactor assembly includes a stationary contact, an arc contact, an arc arrestor, and a magnetic intensifier. The magnetic intensifier is constructed to be secured in generally close proximity to the stationary contact. During communication of power through the contactor assembly, the magnetic intensifier accentuates a magnetic field associated with the stationary contact and increases the magnitude of a magnetic force directed to the arc arrestor. A pair of arc guides extend along the magnetic intensifier and, cooperatively with the magnetic force, ensure efficient, repeatable, and expedient transfer of a circuit termination arc to the arc arrestor. Such a construction increases the operable range and lifecycle of the contactor by reducing the damage associated with propagation of the circuit termination arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Ramsey Annis, Robert Alfred Duchrow, Theodore John Houck, III, James Peter Miller
  • Publication number: 20090145882
    Abstract: A protection switch, particularly for rapid quenching of electrical arcing, includes at least one single-pole protection switch module having a housing, a movable contact mounted on a switching arm for pivoting against a fixed contact between a closed position and an open position and a quenching device for quenching electrical arcing of the switch. The quenching device includes a quenching chamber with an inlet and an outlet for the arc. A first running rail connects the fixed contact with a first side wall of the quenching chamber and a second running rail connects a stopping surface, against which the movable contact abuts in the open position of the switching arm, to a second side wall of the quenching chamber. A separation strip extends substantially from side wall to side wall at the outlet of the quenching chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: ELLENBERGER & POENSGEN GMBH
    Inventors: Markus Birner, Klaus Loos
  • Patent number: 7064640
    Abstract: The invention relates to a low voltage circuit breaker which comprises a contact system for a principal current and an arc extinction chamber. An are transmitting element is disposed between the contact system for the principal current and the arc extinction chamber. Said are transmitting element comprises at least one are guiding element which makes it possible to direct said arc in a certain manner to the arc extinction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jörg-Uwe Dahl, Hans-Joachim Kuhrt, Detlev Schmidt, Günter Seidler, Ingo Thiede, Sezai Türkmen
  • Patent number: 6809282
    Abstract: An electromagnetic circuit breaker is provided with a pair of magnets on opposing sides of the contacts in the open position. A magnetic field generated by the magnets combines with the magnetic field generated by the electrical arc created upon opening of the contacts during an overcurrent condition sensed by the breaker. The combined magnetic fields deflect the arc current, shifting the arc current away from the contact points and lengthening the path of the arc, thereby increasing the voltage rating of the breaker, by decreasing the intensity of an associated arc current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Carling Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Fasano
  • Patent number: 6417474
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a load terminal and a line terminal; a pair of main contacts; a separable pair of arcing contacts; and a moving conductor assembly having a contact carrier mounted for movement between an open position and a closed position to open and close the separable pairs of contacts. The circuit breaker further includes an arc chute and an arc runner electrically connected to a stationary arcing contact and extending toward the arc chute to provide a path for an arc struck between the separable pair of arcing contacts as the separable pair of arcing contacts open with movement of the moving conductor assembly from the closed position. The arc runner has a longitudinal elongated raised ridge generally laterally centered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Richard Rakus, Perry Robert Gibson
  • Patent number: 6320149
    Abstract: A moving first electrical contact arrangement (K1) has a switching contact (P4) and a U-shaped arcing horn (R1) on the end face. A stationary second electrical contact arrangement (K2) has a switching contact (P1) and a U-shaped electrical conductor loop (R2) on the end face. The electrical conductor loop (R2) is composed in its U-shaped part, of a bimetallic strip, composed of steel (2) on the inside and copper (3) on the outside; two mutually opposite switching contacts (P2, P3) are provided adjacent to this, and an arcing horn (3′) is provided on the end face. When the electrical switch is closed, the first electrical contact arrangement (K1) is moved to the left in the opposite direction to an arrow (5), so that all four switching contacts (P1)-(P4) make a pressure contact with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventor: Lutz Niemeyer
  • Patent number: 6300586
    Abstract: An arc runner is fixedly retained on a load (or line) strap without hardware and without employing a mechanical operation. Either the arc runner or the strap has features, such as legs or holes, which engage notches or pins on either the strap or the arc runner and cause the arc runner to be retained on the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Dennis J. Doughty, Dave S. Christensen
  • Patent number: 6288621
    Abstract: An electrical circuit breaker pole comprises an arc extinguishing chamber with two side flanges, a rear wall, separators, a front opening, a lower arcing horn electrically connected to the stationary contact and an upper arcing horn. The rear part of the lower arcing horn is of large width. It is bordered by a periphery made of gas-generating material interposed between the edge of the rear part and the side flanges. This arrangement fosters breaking of arcs of weak intensity, in high voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventor: Marc Rival
  • Patent number: 5877467
    Abstract: A circuit breaker is equipped with a current limiting arc runner for effective overcurrent interruption without additional heating under quiescent operating conditions. Upon contact separation, an arc is drawn with the endpoints of the arc being initially rooted on the set of open contacts. Further opening of the contacts commutates the arc onto the current limiting arc runner to suppress the circuit current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David Arnold, Anil R. Duggal, Lionel M. Levinson
  • Patent number: 5844187
    Abstract: A circuit breaker having a movable load contact arm (14'), which pivots between an open position and a closed position, and a stationary line contact arm (16'). The circuit breaker includes an arcing contact structure (210) which is pivotally mounted on the stationary line contact arm. The arcing contact structure is generally "J" shaped, having a straight portion and a curved portion. The straight portion includes a bearing surface (211) which engages a bearing surface (221) on the bottom side of the line contact arm. The curved portion of the arcing contact extends beyond the end of the line contact arm and includes an electrical contact (212) which extends above the line contact arm when the load contact arm is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith J. Thornton
  • Patent number: 5770827
    Abstract: There is provided an acr extinguishing device of a circuit breaker which closes and opens an electric line, one of two contact parts being fixed to a base part. The arc extinguishing device includes an arc runner formed of an electrically conductive member and arranged on an outer circumference of the above one of the two contact parts. The arc extinguishing device moves, to the arc runner, an arc occurring when a contact made by the two contact parts is opened whereby the arc is extinguished. The arc runner has a cylindrical shape and includes a rising portion formed on an entire inner circumference of the cylindrical shape. A slant angle of the rising portion obtained on a depth side thereof is greater than another slant angle thereof obtained on a front side thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Togami Electric Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuyoshi Maki
  • Patent number: 5744772
    Abstract: An electromagnetic circuit breaker is provided with a copper plated arc horn on the top side of the movable contact arm opposite the movable contact. The horn extends beyond the movable contact and has an upturned sweep so as to enhance migration of the electrical arc created upon opening of the contacts during a short circuit condition sensed by the breaker. An arc shoe is provided in conjunction with the fixed contact of the breaker as well and cooperates with the arc horn for the same purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Carlingswitch, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Fasano
  • Patent number: 5686712
    Abstract: An electrical contact assembly including a pair of first contact arms, each having a terminal end portion, a tip end portion and first contacts fixed to said tip end portions, and a second contact arm arranged opposite the first contact arms and having a tip end portion provided with a lengthened bridge contact. Either the pair of first contact arms or the second contact arm is moveable and the other one is stationary, respectively. Upon actuation of the moveable contact arm or arms, a current path is closed between the first contact arms via said bridge contact. Further, a pair of arc runner strips is provided at opposed lateral edges of either the pair of first contact arms or of the second contact arm. Each of the arc runner strips has a free end projecting toward a facing area of the second contact arm or the first contact arm, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Siemens Electromechanical Components, Inc.
    Inventor: William L. Weber
  • Patent number: 5608198
    Abstract: An arrangement in an electrical switching device for protection against electrical arcs comprises a tripping mechanism, a stationary contact carrier, a movable contact carrier, an exhaust vent, an arc runner, and an arc extinguishing barrier. The stationary contact carrier has a stationary contact mounted thereon, and the movable contact carrier has a movable contact mounted thereon. In response to an overcurrent condition, the tripping mechanism causes the movable contact carrier to rotate from a closed position to an open position, thereby generating an electrical arc. In the closed position the movable contact abuts the stationary contact, and in the open position the movable contact is separated from the stationary contact. The arc extinguishing barrier is composed of an outgassing material and is located between the stationary contact and a portion of the tripping mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Clark, Greg Ghere, Jeffrey M. Kaufman, Terry D. Repstien, Willard J. Rezac, Steven C. Wilgenbusch
  • Patent number: 5495083
    Abstract: An electrical switch device with separable contacts is provided with a shunt conductor adapted to receive one end of the arc that is struck when the contacts separate after it has jumped a dielectric gap. The shunt conductor determines an interim arc current path in which is a current limiter device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: Schneider Electric SA
    Inventors: Juan Aymami-Pala, Joel Devautour, Jean-Pierre Guery, Michel Rapeaux
  • Patent number: 5493091
    Abstract: An electromechanical switch of the contactor or circuit-breaker type with adjacent contacts, which are provided on respective mobile and fixed contact parts. This arrangement defines a narrow ionization slot which is maintained at the start of contact opening in order to cause a secondary arc to fire substantially perpendicular to the contact opening direction constituting a shunting arc to eliminate the time duration of the contacts and switch legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Schneider Electric SA
    Inventors: Joel Devautour, Jean-Pierre Guery, Herve Lefebvre