Tripping Means Patents (Class 335/172)
  • Patent number: 11569052
    Abstract: A pole actuation booster mechanism for a four-poles low voltage circuit breaker, which includes: a first operating member adapted to be operatively connected to the operating shaft of the circuit breaker and moving together with said shaft during its rotation from an open position to a closed position, and vice-versa, of said circuit breaker over a range of movement having a first, a second and a third portion of movement, the first operating member having a first operating end; an operating assembly including at least an elastic element operatively connected to a lever, the first operating member being disengaged from said operating assembly during the first portion of its movement and engaged with the lever during the second and third portions of its movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: ABB S.p.A.
    Inventors: Nicola Bresciani, Marco Bonfanti
  • Patent number: 11476072
    Abstract: A circuit interrupter includes a handle, an operating linkage, and a spring that are situated on a housing, with the spring extending between the handle and the operating linkage. The circuit interrupter is movable among an ON position, an OFF position, and a TRIP position, and the operating linkage includes a contact arm that is pivotable with respect to the housing to move a movable contact between an OPEN position and a CLOSED position with respect to a stationary contact. The handle has a toggle point, and when the spring is situated at a first side of the toggle point, the spring biases the contact arm to the ON position. When the spring is situated at a second side of the toggle point, the spring biases the contact arm to the OFF position or the TRIP position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventor: Sujit Patwardhan
  • Patent number: 11302503
    Abstract: A clapper-type electromagnetic release for a miniature circuit breaker is characterized by including an armature, a magnet yoke, a coil, an iron core, a shaft, and an armature torsion spring. The iron core is mounted on the magnet yoke. The coil is sleeved on the iron core. The armature is mounted on the shaft and can rotate around the shaft. The armature torsion spring is mounted on the shaft. The armature torsion spring presses against the armature, so that the armature can be reset. In the clapper-type electromagnetic release for a miniature circuit breaker, by the rotation of the armature, the armature is not closed in absorption and the circuit breaker mechanism is not tripped within a specified current range; and when the specified current range is exceeded, the armature is closed in absorption and the armature claps a lock, so that the circuit breaker mechanism is tripped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Shanghai Liangxin Electrical Co., LTD
    Inventors: Wanjun Pan, Yanqun Yang
  • Patent number: 10607796
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a switch having alternately open and closed conditions, and a shunt trip mechanism configured to detect and respond to an electrical fault condition. The apparatus further includes an operating mechanism including a spring assembly. The operating mechanism is actuatable manually to deflect the spring assembly into a stressed condition, and is actuatable automatically in response to the shunt trip mechanism to shift the switch into the open condition upon return deflection of the spring assembly from the stressed condition. The spring assembly may include springs connected in parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Rishabh Dixit, Richard Prohaska, Romil Vaishnavi, Somnath Devarde, Prashant Savgave
  • Patent number: 10460898
    Abstract: Provided is a circuit breaker including a single pole breaking unit with a pressure trip device that rotates a trip bar through an arc gas and an opening/closing mechanism unit adjusted to be in a trip state as the trip bar rotates through the pressure trip device. The pressure trip device includes: a first case connected to the single pole breaking unit and having an arc gas discharge hole; a barrier positioned in the front of the arc gas discharge hole and bent through an arc gas discharged through the arc gas discharge hole; a shooter seated on the first case and configured to drive the trip bar while moving through the arc gas discharged through the arc gas discharge hole; and a second case connected to cover the first case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: LSIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sunkook Kim
  • Patent number: 10269510
    Abstract: Combined high voltage discharging and grounding device with a discharging unit with a first electric contact and a first counter-contact as well as a grounding unit with a second electric contact and a second counter contact. The first electric contact and the second electric contact are provided on a movable member which is movable by way of a drive along a path of movement from an open position to a close position. An electric contact between the first electric contact and the first counter-contact is established in an intermediate position between the open position and the closed position of the movable member when closing the discharging and grounding device in an operating state of the discharging and grounding device while the second electric contact is electrically still disconnected from the second counter contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Bjoern Oedegard, David Weiss, Manfred Kipfer
  • Patent number: 10088509
    Abstract: The present method relates to a method for checking a multi-pole electrical circuit breaker. The multi-pole electrical circuit breaker comprises a plurality of poles (101-103). Each of the plurality of poles (101-103) comprises a first connection (121-123) and a second connection (131-133). Closing the particular pole (101-103) makes it possible to electrically connect the first connection (121-123) of the particular pole (101-103) to the second connection (131-133) of the particular pole (101-103) via the pole. In the method, a plurality of micro-ohm measurements are carried out at the plurality of poles (101-103), while the plurality of poles (101-103) are earthed on both sides in a P-P-P-E configuration. A contact resistance of one of the plurality of poles (101-103) is determined on the basis of the plurality of micro-ohm measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Omicron Electronics GmbH
    Inventor: Ulrich Klapper
  • Patent number: 10026573
    Abstract: A tripping device of a circuit breaker of the present disclosure may reinforce a magnetic force on a main magnetic flux path using a plurality of magnetic force reinforcing plates without using an additional plate yoke on an actuator provided in the circuit breaker to miniaturize the size of the actuator, thereby having an effect of allowing a control circuit unit provided at an outer portion of the circuit breaker to be installed at an inner portion of the circuit breaker to miniaturize the whole size of the circuit breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: LSIS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sung Rok Yoo, Jong Mahn Sohn
  • Patent number: 10008354
    Abstract: An apparatus having a conductor passing through a magnetic yoke and is mounted on the bracket, in which the magnetic yoke is fixed on the bracket as well. Above the conductor, a shaft is mounted on the top of the bracket. A push rod is mounted on the shaft and rotates with the shaft about the bracket. An armature, spaced apart from the magnetic yoke, is fixed on the push rod. Adjusting mechanisms are mounted on both sides of the shaft between the push rod and the bracket. Within the adjusting mechanism, a torsion spring is around the shaft. An adjusting rod is provided with a plurality of adjusting surfaces which makes contact with the adjusting mechanism. A spring force of the torsion spring enables the push rod to rotate towards a direction which makes the armature and the magnetic yoke separate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignees: SEARI ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., ZHEJIANG CHINT ELECTRICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zheng Shi, Jisheng Sun, Binhua Pan
  • Patent number: 9852857
    Abstract: A contact assembly is for an electrical switching apparatus having a housing. The contact assembly includes a movable arm having a movable contact, and an extension apparatus structured to be disposed on the housing. The extension apparatus includes a U-shaped link member having a first leg, a second leg, and a middle portion connecting the first leg to the second leg. The first leg at least partially extends into the movable arm. The second leg is structured to be disposed on the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jeffrey Scott Gibson
  • Patent number: 9837233
    Abstract: A rotating dual break point contact includes a rotor support, a first shaft, a second shaft, a third shaft, a first connection rod, a second connection rod, a contact bridge and a contact spring. The contact bridge is provided in the rotor support, and the contact bridge rotates relative to the rotor support by means of the first shaft, the second shaft, the third shaft, the first connection rod and the second connection rod. The contact bridge rotates between an initial pressure position and a maximum repulsion position. A single contact spring is mounted on one side of the contact bridge and is located in the rotor support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignees: SEARI ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., ZHEJIANG CHINT ELECTRICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xiang Gu, Yi Liu, Zhongbin Wang
  • Patent number: 9767977
    Abstract: A force amplification module is disclosed for an electrical switching device, in particular a circuit-breaker, that is designed to amplify the release force of a shunt release which is designed to switch off the electrical switching device. A unit including a shunt release and the force amplification module for an electrical switching device is also disclosed, as well as an electrical switching device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Michael Freimuth, Jürgen Renner
  • Patent number: 9633808
    Abstract: An improved electrical interruption apparatus provides an improved wear indicator that is configured to depict an amount of wear that has been experienced by a set of separable contacts of a vacuum interrupter. At an easily visible location on a drive rod of the circuit interruption apparatus, the wear indicator indicates the extent to which the set of contacts have degraded. The wear indicator is attached to a spring-loaded over-travel mechanism that engages together the set of electrical contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Anthony Thomas Ricciuti, Thomas Kenneth Fogle, Daniel Evan Palmieri
  • Patent number: 9520713
    Abstract: A fault current limiter circuit including a fast switch fault current limiter (FSFCL) and a voltage control reactor (VCR) operative to conduct load current during a steady state operation and limit load current when the load current exceeds fault current limits. The FSFCL may include a breaker having electrical contacts, a coil electrically coupled to the electrical breaker contacts, a plunger mechanically coupled to the electrical breaker contacts, a parallel voltage control (VCR), a transient overvoltage control circuit (TOCC), wherein when current greater than a threshold level flows through the coil, a magnetic field having strength to move the plunger is generated, the movement of the plunger operates to open the contacts in the breaker and transfer fault current to VCR and TOCC and limit the overall system fault current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Kasegn D. Tekletsadik, Charles L. Stanley
  • Patent number: 9508511
    Abstract: The invention relates to a single-pole switching unit having a housing comprising a moving contact bridge and a pair of fixed contacts cooperating with said moving contact bridge and respectively connected to a current intake conductor, two electric arc cutoff chambers respectively opening onto an open volume of the moving contact bridge, each cutoff chamber being connected to at least one exhaust channel (42). The exhaust channel (42) comprises a rotating gate (48) designed to be rotated around an axis substantially perpendicular to the exhaust channel (42) by the passage of switching gases. The rotating gate (48) comprises an edge (54) positioned across from an inner wall (56) of the exhaust channel, in the first obstruction position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES SAS
    Inventors: Philippe Legendre, Jean-Paul Gonnet, Denis Giraud
  • Patent number: 9455108
    Abstract: A device is provided for use with a circuit breaker that includes a magnetic trip bar adapted to move from a non-tripped position to a tripped position in response to a short-circuit condition, and move from the tripped position to the non-tripped position to reset the circuit breaker. The device includes a slider that has a first position and a second position, and a latch coupled to the magnetic trip bar and the slider. As the magnetic trip bar moves from the non-tripped position to the tripped position, the latch is adapted to move the slider from the first position to the second position to indicate that a short circuit trip has occurred. Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Stephen Scott Thomas
  • Patent number: 9449777
    Abstract: A circuit breaker arrangement in supply of electric power has advantageous applications especially in power distribution units which supply DC power to electrical devices. Electromechanical circuit breakers are commonly used for circuit protection. They have a disadvantage of fixed tripping conditions, which can only be changed by changing the circuit breaker component. This is solved by providing a circuit breaker arrangement which has an electromechanical circuit breaker with a first, fixed tripping condition, and an additional circuit, which monitors the output current and mechanically trips the circuit breaker if the current exceeds a second tripping condition. This way, it is possible to use the first tripping condition of the electromechanical circuit breaker and/or a second, controllable tripping condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: EFORE OYJ
    Inventors: Juha Markus Sievi-Korte, Tarmo Aulis Ahola, Ari Pekka Kurjanen
  • Patent number: 9429312
    Abstract: A component is for an electric power system. The component includes: a user access panel; a first element for directing visible light; a second element for directing visible light, the second end of the first element facing the second end of the second element; a movable conductor structured to move between a first position and a second position; and a stationary conductor structured to engage the movable conductor. In the first position the movable conductor is disposed between the second end of the first element and the second end of the second element, thereby blocking visible light from passing from the first element to the second element. In the second position the movable conductor is not disposed between the second end of the first element and the second end of the second element, thereby permitting visible light to pass from the first element to the second element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jon Christopher Beaver, Michael Howard Abrahamsen, Donald R. Fenner
  • Patent number: 9419530
    Abstract: Disclosed is a power estimation device using a coaxial winding transformer which includes: a switching control unit that generates primary current by performing switching control on power source; a coaxial winding transformer that includes a core, and a primary winding, a secondary winding, and an auxiliary winding which are wound on the core and outputs secondary current in accordance with the winding ratio of the secondary winding to the primary winding by receiving the primary current; and a power estimation unit that estimates power outputted to the secondary winding by sensing output of the auxiliary winding in accordance with the winding ratio of the auxiliary winding to the primary winding, in which the coaxial winding transformer is formed by winding a cable, which uses at least inner conductor as the secondary winding and uses one outer conductor surrounding the inner conductor as the auxiliary winding, around the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: SOONGSIL UNIVERSITY RESEARCH CONSORTIUM TECHNO-PARK
    Inventor: Joung Hu Park
  • Patent number: 9384922
    Abstract: A commutating circuit breaker that progressively inserts increasing resistance into a circuit via physical motion of a shuttle that is linked into the circuit by at least one set of sliding electrical contacts on the shuttle that connect the power through the moving shuttle to a sequence of different resistive paths with increasing resistance; the motion of the shuttle can be either linear or rotary. At no point are the sliding stator electrodes separated from the matching stationary stator electrodes so as to generate a powerful arc, which minimizes damage to the sliding stator electrodes. Instead, the current is commutated from one resistive path to the next with small enough changes in resistance at each step that arcing is suppressed. The variable resistance can either be within the moving shuttle, or the shuttle can comprise a commutating shuttle that moves the current over a series of stationary resistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Alevo International, S.A.
    Inventor: Roger W. Faulkner
  • Patent number: 9362065
    Abstract: Disclosed is a molded case circuit breaker. The molded case circuit breaker includes a case; an interrupter assembly installed in the case, and provided with an arc gas outlet for discharging arc gas generated from inside of the interrupter assembly to outside; an exhaustion guiding portion disposed between the interrupter assembly and the terminal portion, and provided with a discharge chamber therein, to thus provide an arc gas passage between the arc gas outlet and a vent chute of the terminal portion; and an exhaustion cover mounted to the case with a structure to cover the exhaustion guiding portion, to thus block the arc gas passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: LSIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Bong Yun Jang
  • Patent number: 9099259
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a latch including a switching mechanism for opening and closing a switching contact operatively connected to a tensioning element, and an unlatching mechanism by which, on the basis of a tripping signal, the tensioning element can be changed from a tensioned to an at least largely untensioned state, thereby opening the switching contact. In an embodiment, the tensioning element is indirectly linked to a tensioning lever having a locating surface on which a locking pawl of the unlatching mechanism bears in the tensioned state of the tensioning element. The locating surface is curved in the direction of the locking pawl and is movably disposed relative to the tensioning lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Thomas Bunk, Siegfried Pirker
  • Patent number: 9007154
    Abstract: A hinged armature arrangement, for a magnetic tripping device of an electrical switching device, includes a yoke, a hinged armature and a hinged armature spring for embodying a spring force on the hinged armature. The hinged armature is mounted at a first end in a hinged armature bearing. The hinged armature bearing includes a contact surface and a stop surface. The hinged armature spring is arranged on the hinged armature such that at least one first part of the spring force acts against a magnetic force, which is exerted on the hinged armature when a current path is energized. In a particular embodiment, the contact surface and the stop surface are arranged at an angle ? of less than 90° relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Stephan Lehmann, Michael Poles
  • Patent number: 8975990
    Abstract: An switching mechanism is disclosed for an electrical switching device. In at least one embodiment, the switching mechanism is for a low-voltage circuit-breaker. Further, an electrical switching device is disclosed, in particular a low-voltage circuit-breaker, with a switching mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Ludvik Godesa
  • Patent number: 8947182
    Abstract: A selective release with a moving element is disclosed. The moving element is here mounted such that the moving element, in addition to the motion about its swivel axis, is guided in its motion by way of a brace. As a result of this, the moving element is mounted such that the trajectory of the blocking element essentially runs in a plane which extends transversely to the direction of flow of the flow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Torsten Ahlert, Marc Liebetruth
  • Patent number: 8907751
    Abstract: A power circuit breaker is disclosed wherein an electric current is monitored by an electronic trip unit in order to detect an electrical fault. In an embodiment, a first magnetic device of the power circuit breaker, in the event of a fault being detected, is configured to be excited which, when it is excited, trips a trip mechanism via a plunger. As a result of tripping, the trip mechanism disconnects two contacts via which the current flows. The power circuit breaker of an embodiment includes a second magnetic device which is likewise able to be excited by the ETU and by which the trip mechanism is likewise able to be tripped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Andre Borgwardt, Thomas Driehorn, Peter Kopaczewski, Andreas Krauβ, Aron-Ernst Musiol, Gerd Müller
  • Patent number: 8890640
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to a drive for a switch disconnector having C or O switching capacity and a switching pin acting as switching contact. A spindle drive is driven by an electric motor and has a spindle nut. An actuating element, which is loaded by a compression spring and is capable of pivoting about a fixed pivot point, is acted upon by the spindle nut. The actuating element for its part interacts with an actuating apparatus which actuates the switching pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventor: Franz-Josef Körber
  • Publication number: 20140292452
    Abstract: A switching-device tripping apparatus for a switching device includes contact pieces that can be moved relative to one another. Relative motion between the contact pieces is generated by a gear or transmission configuration. The gear or transmission configuration has a pawl in order to control motion of the contact pieces relative to each other. First and second tripping devices are provided, which work or operate the same pawl and drive the same pawl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Oliver Duwe, Thomas Hilker
  • Patent number: 8816802
    Abstract: An auxiliary tripping device is configured to interrupt a flow of current in the event of an undervoltage and/or a current pulse in a subordinate power circuit. The tripping device includes a spring element, a storage element which can be moved between a tensioned and a detensioned position, a trip element for tripping a trip mechanism of the electrical switching device and an activation element, the storage element being embodied in the tensioned position, when activated by way of the activation element, to emit the stored mechanical energy to the trip element. In an embodiment, a movably supported blocking element is provided, which is connected functionally in a first position to the storage element when the storage element is in the tensioned position, so that the storage element is held by the blocking element and in a second position the blocking element releases the storage element to perform a movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Freimuth, Jürgen Renner
  • Patent number: 8766749
    Abstract: A miniature circuit breaker having a pair of operable contacts in a main current path between a line terminal and load terminal, a trip mechanism for opening the contacts if an overcurrent condition occurs, and an electric motor to close the contacts via a contact closing mechanism. The trip mechanism includes a trigger mechanism and a contact opening mechanism, a current sensor arranged to detect current through the main current path, and a control unit. The trigger mechanism triggers the contact opening mechanism if a trip signal is produced. The control unit produces a trip signal to operate the trigger mechanism if it determines a short circuit condition occurs based on output of the current sensor; and the control unit is arranged to operate the electric motor to trigger the contact opening mechanism into opening the contacts independently of the trigger mechanism if it determines that an overload condition occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Eaton Industries Manufacturing GmbH
    Inventors: Sean Christopher Ganley, John Stevens
  • Patent number: 8754729
    Abstract: A short-circuit release is disclosed, in particular for a power circuit-breaker, including an armature and a pole, that are located inside of a coil element; and a yoke plate and a terminal connection, which are arranged around the coil element. In at least one embodiment, a coil is wound on the coil element, the two ends of which are weldable on corresponding coil terminals from the same side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bernhard Rösch, Yi Zhu
  • Patent number: 8749329
    Abstract: A circuit interrupter has a first contact, a second contact, and a trip arm which moves the second contact between a closed position where the second contact is touching the first contact and an open position in which the second contact is spaced apart from the first contact. A first trip mechanism has a first solenoid, a first overcurrent sensor, and a first arm. A second trip mechanism has a second solenoid, a second overcurrent sensor, and a second arm. The first trip mechanism activates the first arm after a first threshold amount of time which actuates the trip arm when the first overcurrent sensor detects a first threshold level. The second trip mechanism activates the second arm after a second threshold amount of time which actuates the trip arm when the second overcurrent sensor detects a second threshold level, the second threshold level being different than the first.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Carling Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Fasano
  • Patent number: 8729984
    Abstract: Systems and methods provide a magnetic actuator having more than one air gap. After the trip unit is triggered, a first armature is accelerated to quickly close a first air gap and then mate with a second armature. The first and second armature then move toward a core to close a second air gap and reach the final combined armature position, causing a contact to open. A faster reaction time is provided, yet without increasing the number of turns of the trip coil winding, and provides a more efficient actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Willy Feller, Beat Villiger
  • Patent number: 8698024
    Abstract: A pressure sensitive circuit breaker trip unit has a case forming a gas receiving cavity and a cavity accommodating movement of an actuator body with a trip lever. The actuator is moved by pressure of circuit interruption gases entering the gas receiving cavity. The actuator body has a hollow therein for accepting the interruption gases and accompanying hot debris thereby reducing any fouling of the movement accommodating cavity which may impede movement of the actuator body on subsequent circuit interruptions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Cameron L. Woodson
  • Publication number: 20140035372
    Abstract: A Low Voltage, “LV”, network automation system is provided which enables utilities to remotely identify location of LV faults on their networks, isolate these faults and re-energising the healthy LV circuit by remote control. The hardware for this system is designed to be retrofitted into existing LV switchgears and panels which enables the network changeover to be done cost effectively and with minimum interruption to the network. The system also enables utilities to monitor load flows on the LV networks and identify circuits which are overloaded and gives control room operator options for redistribution of network load where possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicants: TYCO ELECTRONICS UK LTD., RAYCHEM INTERNATIONAL
    Inventors: Brendan Normoyle, Aidan Quinn, Jean-Christophe Bouche, Philip Foxley, Leslie Allen, Melvyn McGann, Conor McLoughlin
  • Patent number: 8629743
    Abstract: A latching apparatus for an operating mechanism for an electrical switching apparatus includes a first member movable between a first position and a second position, in the first position the first member adapted to lock a drive member of the operating mechanism and a force of the drive member applied to the first member, and in the second position the first member is adapted to release the drive member from the locked position. Guiding means guides the movement of the first member. A trip member is movable between a third position and a fourth position, in the third position the trip member adapted to lock the first member, and in the fourth position the trip member is adapted to release the first member. The guiding means are adapted to guide at least a first portion of the first member in a first direction toward a counter roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: Daniel Staffas, Erik Ladufjall
  • Patent number: 8629744
    Abstract: An enclosed switch includes a switch assembly having separable contacts; an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts; and a shunt trip mechanism cooperating with the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts, wherein the operating mechanism includes a manual operating mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Richard D. Prohaska, Jeffrey B. Ensley
  • Patent number: 8618896
    Abstract: An apparatus for tripping an electrical switch is disclosed, which includes a selective tripping device and a power-storing mechanism. The electrical switch can be tripped by the selective tripping device by way of the power-storing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Torsten Ahlert, Johannes Nestler
  • Patent number: 8593240
    Abstract: A short-circuit release is disclosed, in particular for a power circuit-breaker, including an armature and a pole, that are located inside of a coil element; and a yoke plate and a terminal connection, which are arranged around the coil element. In at least one embodiment, a coil is wound on the coil element, the two ends of which are weldable on corresponding coil terminals from the same side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bernhard Rösch, Yi Zhu
  • Patent number: 8587393
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic protection device, in particular for an automatic circuit breaker or a disconnecting switch, preferably for use in low voltage systems. The invention also relates to an automatic circuit breaker comprising this device. The protection device (1) according to the invention comprises a low voltage circuit breaker comprising an air gap magnetic circuit (T), provided with a first portion (10) forming a first surface (11) of said air gap (T) and a second portion (20) forming a second surface (21) of the air gap (T). The first portion (10) constitutes a fixed section of the magnetic circuit, while the second portion (20) constitutes a moving section of the magnetic circuit. The magnetic circuit also comprises a flexible portion (30) that connects the first portion (10) to the second portion (20) with continuity, forming an intermediate section of magnetic circuit interposed between the fixed section and the moving section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: ABB S.p.A.
    Inventors: Lucio Azzola, Federico Gamba
  • Patent number: 8558650
    Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker having an instantaneous trip mechanism including main circuit units in a lower compartment of the molded case circuit breaker; a stationary contactor and a movable contactor; a switching mechanism in an upper compartment of the molded case circuit breaker and having an open position and a closed position; an instantaneous trip mechanism in the upper compartment and operating by an electromagnetic attraction in response to generation of a fault current, which triggers the switching mechanism to the open position; and an intermediate insulation barrier providing electrical insulation by partitioning the lower compartment and the upper compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: LS Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ki Ho Paek
  • Patent number: 8558646
    Abstract: A disconnect mechanism for a power receptacle, which includes a disconnect block, a locking member slidably coupled to the disconnect block, and an electromagnetic device moveably coupled to the locking member. The disconnect block includes two side arms extending outwards. A pressing plate is disposed above the disconnect block, and a disconnect spring is disposed above the pressing plate. The moveable contact arms of the main switch of the receptacle are disposed between the pressing plate and the disconnect block, and the pressing plate pushes the moveable contact arms when the main switch is being opened when a current leakage is detected. The receptacle also includes an auxiliary switch disposed because the disconnect block and the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Bingham McCutchen LLP
    Inventor: Cheng Li Li
  • Patent number: 8547190
    Abstract: At least one embodiment of the invention relates to a tripping apparatus, particularly for circuit breakers, which includes at least one controllable tripping magnet having an armature that is operatively connected to a downstream tripping gear, which engages in a tripping mechanism that acts on the circuit breaker and is coupled to a preloaded spring serving as a force amplifier. According to at least one embodiment of the invention, the tripping mechanism includes a camshaft having a plurality of cam lobes, wherein at least one actuating device is associated with each cam lobe having an offset rotational angle, and wherein, when tripped, at least two actuating processes associated with the respective actuating means take place consecutively, so that the full spring force is transmitted by way of the camshaft to at least one of said actuating means so as to perform the relevant actuating process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jörg Gassmann, Matthias Kulke, Thomas Müller
  • Patent number: 8542083
    Abstract: A device can be installed inside a circuit breaker assembly to reduce friction between an armature and a cradle, which in turn, allows the circuit breaker to trip without requiring significant force. Such device can be a collapsible mechanism configured to swivel about its hinged connection to the armature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: James Gerard Maloney
  • Patent number: 8525624
    Abstract: A short-circuit release is disclosed, in particular for a power circuit-breaker. In at least one embodiment, the short circuit release includes an armature and pole that are located inside a coil former and further includes a yoke plate and terminal connection that are positioned around the coil former. Arranged opposite the yoke plate is a magnetic plate resting against the terminal connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bernhard Rösch, Yi Zhu
  • Publication number: 20130214885
    Abstract: An enclosed switch includes a switch assembly having separable contacts; an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts; and a shunt trip mechanism cooperating with the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts, wherein the operating mechanism includes a manual operating mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventors: RICHARD D. PROHASKA, Jeffrey B. Ensley
  • Patent number: 8476998
    Abstract: An electromagnetic trip device comprising a shell and a moving core sliding due to the action of a coil, the shell comprising a radial surface having an opening through which the moving core passes, superposition of a radial crown of the moving core and the radial surface forming a magnetic flux transfer surface enabling flow of an axial magnetic flux. The trip device comprises intercalary adjustment means of said transfer surface respectively positioned between the moving core and the opening, said intercalary adjustment means comprising two calibrated elements adjoined surface against surface and being respectively formed by an alternation of magnetic sectors and non-magnetic sectors; movement of a calibrated element with respect to the other enabling a variation of said transfer surface to be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventors: Jean Claude Ramirez, Pierre Bussieres, Bernard Loiacono
  • Patent number: 8471654
    Abstract: A flux shifter for a circuit protection device including a trip mechanism includes a trip arm and a pin assembly. The pin assembly includes a pin, a biasing member positioned proximate to the pin, and a latch coupled to the pin and to the biasing member. The pin assembly is configured to enable the trip arm to rotate into an engagement with the trip mechanism when the flux shifter enters a trip state and to prevent the trip arm from rotating into the engagement with the trip mechanism when the flux shifter is in one of an operational state and a reset state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Umashankar Shanmugaraj, Lars Pommerencke, Amit Bose
  • Patent number: 8456259
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a portable actuator for actuating a trip button and a close button of a circuit breaker. In one embodiment, the trip button is actuated by a linear actuator that transmits rotation forces produced by a motor to the trip button in response to a trip signal. The close button is actuated by a rotating arm that uses an anti-friction roller to apply a rotating motion to the close button in response to a close signal. The portable actuator is configured to receive the input signals from a remote location with a remote controller that is in electronic communication with the portable actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: MarTek Limited
    Inventors: Russell R. Safreed, III, Charles Mark McClung
  • Patent number: 8420968
    Abstract: Disclosed is a switching mechanism for a mold cased circuit breaker, capable of indicating a contacts status by a position of a handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: LS Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jin Young Park