With Arc-suppression Or Extinguishing Means Patents (Class 335/201)
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Publication number: 20080143462Abstract: An apparatus, and a method of opening and closing electrical power feed lines using a hybrid contactor, which combines a traditional set of mechanical main contacts with a high voltage solid state switch. The solid state switch provides a parallel current path around the main contacts. When the main contacts are to be opened or closed, the solid state switch is first closed, diverting current away from the main contacts to prevent arc formation when the main contacts are being opened or closed. Once the main contacts are opened or closed, the solid state switch is opened, as the parallel current path is no longer needed. Optional auxiliary contacts are connected in series with the solid state switch to provide galvanic isolation between an input terminal and an output terminal.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2006Publication date: June 19, 2008Inventors: Francis C. Belisle, Eric A. Carter, Mark W. Metzler, Jeffrey T. Wavering
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Patent number: 7371987Abstract: The invention relates to a switching device with a switching structure (1), which includes a cage assembly (21) having two opposite first sidewalls (5) and a bottom wall (6) integrally connecting the first sidewalls. The cage assembly (21) is at least partly configured as a cage (24) in which a slide (4) is displaceably arranged. A moving contact bridge (3) associated with stationary contact members is held in an opening (15) of the slide (4) under the pressure of a contact pressure spring (2). A clearance (26) is provided between the two first sidewalls (5) for the displacement of the contact bridge (3). A limit stop (18) is provided to retain the slide (4). Arcing chambers (7) formed by insulating second sidewalls (23) form part of the switching structure (1).Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2007Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Rudolf Kinzler, Ludwig Niebler
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Patent number: 7358840Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing, separable contacts, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, a power conductor comprising a first conductor and a second reverse loop conductor, the second reverse loop conductor carrying one of the separable contacts; and a split core slot motor. The split core slot motor comprises a first slot motor portion having a number of coupling points, and a second slot motor portion having a number of corresponding coupling points. The coupling points of the first slot motor portion engage the corresponding coupling points of the second slot motor portion to form the split core slot motor. Both of the slot motor portions cooperate to form a base of the split core slot motor. The base is disposed between the first conductor and the second reverse loop conductor.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2006Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: John J. Shea, Jeffrey A. Miller, Richard P. Malingowski, William E. Beatty, Jr.
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Publication number: 20080079519Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing, separable contacts, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, a power conductor comprising a first conductor and a second reverse loop conductor, the second reverse loop conductor carrying one of the separable contacts; and a split core slot motor. The split core slot motor comprises a first slot motor portion having a number of coupling points, and a second slot motor portion having a number of corresponding coupling points. The coupling points of the first slot motor portion engage the corresponding coupling points of the second slot motor portion to form the split core slot motor. Both of the slot motor portions cooperate to form a base of the split core slot motor. The base is disposed between the first conductor and the second reverse loop conductor.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2006Publication date: April 3, 2008Inventors: JOHN J. SHEA, Jeffrey A. Miller, Richard P. Malingowski, William E. Beatty
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Publication number: 20080074216Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2006Publication date: March 27, 2008Inventors: Jeffrey Ramsey Annis, Robert Alfred Duchrow, Theodore John Houck, James Peter Miller
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Patent number: 7315229Abstract: Provided is an electromagnetic relay which does not require a braided wire for securing a current capacity of a main contact unit. The electromagnetic relay includes a main contact unit inserted into a power supply path to a load and an arc contact unit connected in parallel to the main contact unit. An auxiliary contact unit is electrically independent of the main contact unit and the arc contact unit. The main contact unit includes a main fixed contact fixed to a frame body and a main contact spring made of a leaf spring and fitted with a main mobile contact which is attached to and detached from the main fixed contact. The arc contact unit and the auxiliary contact unit are arranged adjacent to each other. The main contact spring extends in a direction in which the arc contact unit and the auxiliary contact unit are arranged.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2005Date of Patent: January 1, 2008Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.Inventors: Tomoaki Sasaki, Naoki Kanemoto, Takafumi Imai
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Patent number: 7285742Abstract: The invention relates to a switching device with a switching structure (1), which includes a cage assembly (21) having two opposite first sidewalls (5) and a bottom wall (6) integrally connecting the first sidewalls. The cage assembly (21) is at least partly configured as a cage (24) in which a slide (4) is displaceably arranged. A moving contact bridge (3) associated with stationary contact members is held in an opening (15) of the slide (4) under the pressure of a contact pressure spring (2). A clearance (26) is provided between the two first sidewalls (5) for the displacement of the contact bridge (3). A limit stop (18) is provided to retain the slide (4). Arcing chambers (7) formed by insulating second sidewalls (23) form part of the switching structure (1).Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2004Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Rudolf Kinzler, Ludwig Niebler, Anton Scharf
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Publication number: 20070210885Abstract: A circuit breaker for a double-break mechanism includes a current interrupting section having a contact mechanism. The contact mechanism includes first and second fixed contactors arranged in parallel and having fixed contacts, and a bridging movable contactor having an arm with movable contacts opposing the fixed contacts. A magnetic plate may be interposed in a middle region between two pairs of the fixed and movable contacts extending along a path of switching movement of the movable contactor. Partition walls formed of organic polymer material may be provided to stand along the path of the movable contactor. The partition walls sandwich each pair of the fixed contact and the movable contact to form a narrow gap arc extinguishing space between the partition walls.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2007Publication date: September 13, 2007Applicant: FUJI ELECTRIC FA COMPONENTS & SYSTEMS CO., LTD.Inventors: Masaaki Nakano, Syuichi Sugiyama, Masaru Isozaki
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Patent number: 7259646Abstract: The invention proposes an electrical service device, in particular line circuit breaker or motor circuit breaker, having a housing having connection means (20, 21) for the purpose of connecting busbars and/or connection lines on at least one end side, having at least one switching contact having a fixed and a movable switching contact piece, an arc (6) being produced in an arc prechamber area (5) between said fixed and movable switching contact pieces in the event of a disconnection, said arc entering a current-limiting arc-quenching device (7) via arc guide rails. Prechamber plates (9, 12) are arranged in the region of the arc prechamber area (5), return-flow channels (10, 13) being formed by said prechamber plates (9, 12) from the arc-quenching device (7) to the arc prechamber area (5) between the housing wall (2) and the prechamber plates (9, 12).Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2006Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: ABB Patent GmbHInventors: Alexander Rab, Klaus Kling, Patrick Claeys, Richard Kommert
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Publication number: 20070139147Abstract: A circuit breaker is comprised of a make-and-break mechanism part disposed between frame plates opposite to each other; a base in which a breaking portion including cross bar, moving contact, fixed contact and arc-extinguishing device, and an over-current trip device are contained; a middle base, in which a partition wall separating the breaking portion from the make-and-break mechanism part, and the breaking portion from the over-current trip device, is provided; and a cover for covering the base and middle base. A frame of the make-and-break mechanism part is secured to the base through the middle base, and the secured part of the frame and the inner bottom face of the base are disposed in the proximity.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2006Publication date: June 21, 2007Inventors: Kazumasa Watanabe, Hiroyuki Kakisako, Shigeki Koumoto, Takashi Iitsuka, Kouzou Maeta
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Patent number: 7199318Abstract: An air guidance device is for cooling a switch part of an electrical switch. It includes at least one air guidance element arranged at a distance from the switch part to be cooled, forming at least one air duct which runs vertically when the switch is in the installed position. The air duct includes an inlet area, which points downwards, for cooling air to flow therein, and having an outlet area, which points upwards, for cooling air to flow out thereof. In order to improve the heat dissipation, the air guidance element is shaped such that the inlet area tapers in the direction of the outlet area.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2004Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Clifford A. Buxton, Stefan Losch
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Patent number: 7187258Abstract: A circuit breaker includes an elongated movable contact having a contact at one end thereof for flowing a current therethrough and the other end rotatably supported with a holder, and a protection cover made of an insulating material for covering and protecting a movable contact from short circuit and discharge. The protection cover is made of only the insulating material, covers the movable contact, and has elasticity to tightly hold the movable contact.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2005Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Fuji Electric FA Components & Systems Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tomoo Yamazaki, Mitsuhiro Mitsushige, Koji Asakawa, Hideto Yamagata, Akifumi Sato
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Patent number: 7176771Abstract: An improved filter assembly for a circuit breaker includes a generally rectilinear filter housing having at least two filter mounting zones for receiving at least two filter assemblies, so as to define, in the aggregate, a filter assembly, and at least two filter assemblies configured for interfitting with the filter mounting zones of the filter housing, each filter assembly comprising a generally rectilinear filter body having a given peripheral configuration and a filter gasket configured for interfitting about a periphery of the filter body for sealingly engaging the filter body relative to the filter housing in response to forces encountered by the filter assembly both upon assembly and in operation. The filter assembly may further have a small hole diffuser having a peripheral configuration similar to the peripheral configuration of the filter bodies, in the aggregate, when assembled with the filter housing and configured for interfitting within the filter housing.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2001Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Square D CompanyInventors: Timothy R. Faber, Aymon A. Maulandi, Marc F. J. Rival, David R. Pearson
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Patent number: 7157997Abstract: An electromagnetic contactor in which neighboring main contact points have an interphase barrier between them. A concave section is provided at the inner wall face of the interphase barrier at the middle of the emission path of the arc gas that is generated from the opening and closing of a main contact point. The concave section allows the arc gas passing from an arc generation point to an emission window to be accumulated in the concave section, which acts as a container, thus reducing the rate at which the arc gas is emitted. As a result, the amount of heat dispersed from the arc gas to the interphase barrier due to heat transfer is increased, thus reducing the temperature of the arc gas flowing from the emission window, which suppresses damage to the wiring cable that would otherwise occur due to excessive heating of the main terminal onto which the arc gas flows, and fusion of the interphase barrier.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2003Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: Fuji Electric Fa Components & Systems Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koji Ohkubo, Mitsuhara Kasahara, Hidehiko Ogawa
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Patent number: 7145422Abstract: A direct current relay includes a plurality of contact pairs, and a plurality of magnets (5). Each of the plurality of contact pairs is configured having contacts (21, 22, 31) with contact regions (21a, 22a, 31a) disposed to allow opening and closure with respect to each other. The plurality of contact pairs are disposed such that the plurality of magnets (5) are disposed on one straight line, and the contact pairs are located between the magnets (5) on a line identical to the straight line. Each of the plurality of magnets (5) is provided to distort an arc generated between contacts (21, 22, 23, 31) on an occasion of relay cut off in a direction crossing the straight line. Even if a backward current flows, arcs will not interfere with each other, allowing extinguishing in a short time.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2004Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Imanishi, Akinobu Yoshimura, Takeshi Ariyoshi, Tamio Tsurita, Yasuhiko Nishi
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Patent number: 7105764Abstract: A current limiting power switch has a monolithic stationary conductor with a conductor section that mounts fixed contacts that engage moving contacts on moving contact fingers to form a reverse current loop with the contacts closed. A terminal section projects transversely from one end of the conductor section and an arc runner section extends from the other end. The tapered arc runner has a generally laterally centered tapered area that gathers the arcs and urges them along a raised rib on the arc runner to an arc chute. A reinforcing rib running from the back of the conductor and arc runner sections to the terminal section resists distortion of the monolithic stationary conductor by the high temperatures and closing and electromagnetic forces during interruption.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2005Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Paul R. Rakus, Thomas C. Pendrick, John J. Shea, Michael B. Schulman, Yun-Ko N. Chien
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Patent number: 7064640Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 28, 2003Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Jörg-Uwe Dahl, Hans-Joachim Kuhrt, Detlev Schmidt, Günter Seidler, Ingo Thiede, Sezai Türkmen
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Patent number: 7057883Abstract: A conducting element for shunting an electric power supply from a main conductor to an accessory device operatively associated with a circuit breaker, whose particularity consists of the fact that it comprises a contoured body that is meant to be arranged in a seat on the body of the circuit breaker in which a terminal for connection to the main conductor is arranged, the contoured body comprising at least one first surface that is suitable to be rested against a wall of the seat on the circuit breaker body and a second surface that protrudes at right angles from the first surface and is suitable to operatively couple to an additional conducting component that can be connected electrically to the accessory device.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2001Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: ABB Service S.r.l.Inventor: Stefano Besana
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Patent number: 7053739Abstract: An electrical contacting device includes a plurality of current paths connected in parallel to each other, and a plurality of electrical contact points each having a first contact and a second contact that are mechanically opened and closed. Each current path is provided with a corresponding one of the contact points. For prevention of the occurrence of arc discharge at the contact points, each current path has its electrical characteristics adjusted in order not to allow the passage of the minimum discharge current.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2003Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Noboru Wakatsuki, Yu Yonezawa, Yoshio Satoh, Tadashi Nakatani, Tsutomu Miyashita
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Patent number: 7034241Abstract: An arrangement for reducing pressure inside a circuit breaker caused by gas produced during an electrical interruption event, including a base, an interrupter assembly, and a trip unit base. A structure having a surface is positioned in the base at an angle relative to a vent opening of the interrupter assembly. The trip unit base includes a complementary structure opposing the structure to form a cavity. The base includes a chamber area adjacent to an opening of a vent chute that leads away from the circuit breaker. During an electrical interruption event, hot explosive gas, carbon, and molten metal debris are directed away from the vent opening of the interrupter assembly along the angled surface of the structure and toward the opening of the vent chute. In this manner, pressure in the circuit breaker is reduced during an electrical interruption event, and undesirable buildup of debris is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2004Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Square D CompanyInventors: Dennis William Fleege, Allen Leslie Lukas, Gary Allan Volesky
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Patent number: 6980070Abstract: A drive unit is described for switching circuit breakers on and off, in particular disconnecting switches and/or grounding switches of medium-voltage switchgear. The drive unit includes a reversible d.c. motor and a switching device containing two separately drivable and interlocked reversing switches, one assigned to each direction of rotation of the d.c. motor, their contacts performing the current reversal on the windings of the d.c. motor as required to reverse the direction of rotation. The drive unit further includes power contactors whose contacts have the required switching capacity for load switching. The all-or-nothing relays and safety switches are implemented by uniform low-power relays representing the direction of rotation, each having at least two electrically isolated relay contacts connected in parallel and also having an equalizing capacitor connected in parallel to each. Such drive units are used in connection with switchgear for power transmission and distribution.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1999Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Andreas Dobrawa, Ralf-Reiner Volkmar
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Patent number: 6977567Abstract: This invention discloses a low-voltage circuit breaker with a capability of tripping quickly. Its main feature is that at least one of the side faces of the contact device provides an open flange which has an internal through hole, and the bottom of a rotating shaft disposed on the bottom part provides a stressed member. The stressed member receives the over-pressure airflow escaping from the open flange of the contact device to generate a force. The force is passed to the activating member by the rotating shaft and is magnified, then hits the latch quickly and makes a trip. An intermediate step is bypassed due to the force produced earlier, the force which is produced by the electromagnetism part in the heat energy and electromagnetic system, so that the low-voltage breaker can open quickly and reduces opening time greatly and improve the breaking capability.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2005Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Assignee: Zhejiang Chint Electrics Co. Ltd.Inventors: Ran Li, Yuming Duan, Guangshu Zheng, Talyu Wang
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Patent number: 6977354Abstract: An arc hood includes a housing having a first chamber with two ends, a top and a bottom having an opening, and a smaller second chamber disposed on the top of the first chamber. The smaller second chamber includes two ends, a top and a bottom. Each of the ends of the second chamber have an opening, are disposed above the top of the first chamber, and are recessed from a corresponding one of the ends of the first chamber. The chambers define a passageway between the opening of the bottom of the first chamber and the openings of the ends of the second chamber. One or more baffles are within the housing and are disposed between the opening of the bottom of the first chamber and the openings of the ends of the second chamber. A seal is disposed about the opening of the bottom of the first chamber.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2004Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: John J. Shea, Paul R. Rakus, Michael H. Abrahamsen, Nathan J. Weister, Stanley E. Moore, Neil E. Rowe, John A. Wafer, Jeffrey A. Miller
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Patent number: 6975194Abstract: A switching device which can be small-sized by improving a shielding performance and can improve the reliability of switching characteristics. A permanent magnet disposed near stationary contacts is arranged in its pole-face perpendicularly of the axis of a moving contact member.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2003Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Omron CorporationInventors: Takeshi Nishida, Yasuyuki Masui, Kozo Maenishi
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Patent number: 6960736Abstract: A switching gas damper for low-voltage power circuit breakers, is arranged as an attachment above the arcing chambers for additional damping, deionization and cooling of the switching gases. The switching gas damper includes a cuboid enclosure with separate inlet openings to receive switching gas flows from each arcing chamber in the low-voltage power circuit breaker. Separate outlet channels are formed by channel walls and/or by deflection elements and are routed on both sides of the power circuit breaker. A variable arrangement of the deflection elements and outlet channels makes it possible to produce a number of mutually separate flow paths, with different desired damping and cooling characteristics, as a function of the gas amounts that occur and of the characteristics of the arcing chambers that are used.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2000Date of Patent: November 1, 2005Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Michael Bach, Detlev Schmidt, Michael Sebekow, Guenter Seidler-Stahl, Sezai Tuerkmen
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Patent number: 6958671Abstract: The present invention provides an electrical contactor for connecting and disconnecting an electrical power source to an electrical device wherein the electrical power source is electrically connected to a line terminal having a line terminal electrical contact and the electrical device is electrically connected to a load terminal electrical contact. The electrical contactor contains a plurality of electrical contacts which contact the line and load terminal electrical contacts.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2001Date of Patent: October 25, 2005Assignee: Square D CompanyInventors: William Weizhong Chen, R. Kent Crawford
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Patent number: 6917269Abstract: An electric arc extinction chamber system, especially for low-voltage circuit breakers of very high nominal current intensities, wherein parallel electric arc extinction chamber inserts are provided in a housing extending over the entire width of a pole-face arc. The housing of the chamber is sub-divided by a partition wall or several partition walls which are embodied as components of the housing. The compartments thus formed receive arc splitter cartridges.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2002Date of Patent: July 12, 2005Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Michael Bach, Detlev Schmidt, Michael Sebekow, Günter Seidler, Ingo Thiede, Sezai Türkmen
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Patent number: 6844514Abstract: An arc extinguisher for low voltage switchgear, switching in air, includes a universally applicable variable attachment for adjustment of the arc extinguisher chamber to meet increased demands. The attachment is in the form of a chimney-like arc extinguisher chamber extension, for increasing the volume of the arc extinguisher chamber. It represents a moulded piece with a lower outline which exactly matches the outline of the arc extinguisher chamber cover, normally located on the arc extinguisher chamber and with an upper outline, identical to the upper outline of the switchgear housing for mounting the arc extinguisher chamber cover. Any number of attachments may be used in a stacked manner.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2001Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Michael Bach, Detlev Schmidt, Michael Sebekow, Günter Seidler-Stahl, Ingo Thiede, Sezai Türkmen
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Patent number: 6831536Abstract: An upper slot motor assembly for a circuit breaker slot motor assembly where the upper slot motor assembly includes a housing assembly and a plurality of plates, and the plates generally correspond to the shape of the housing assembly. The house assembly has a U-shape with a bight, a first and second leg, and a gap between said legs. The gap has a narrow portion and a wide portion. When installed about the circuit breaker separable contacts, the gap narrow portion is located near the stationary contact and the gap wide portion is located near the movable contact when the movable contact is in the open position.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2003Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Mark O. Zindler
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Publication number: 20040239458Abstract: A circuit breaker having a set of electrical contacts, a first actuator in fluid communication with the set of electrical contacts, a second actuator in operable communication with the first actuator, and an operating mechanism in operable communication with the set of electrical contacts and the second actuator is disclosed. Pressurized gas created by separation of the set of electrical contacts acts on and drives the first actuator, which acts on and drives the second actuator, which effectuates tripping of the operating mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2004Publication date: December 2, 2004Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Jason Harmon, Gary Douville, Jayanath Jayanthan
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Patent number: 6784393Abstract: An arc quenching device for an air-switching low-voltage switching device includes quenching plates, which are arranged between and attached to parallel insulating walls, as well as a cover. A separate cooling device may be introduced into the space between the quenching plates and the cover. The cooling device is in the form of an insert cartridge and contains deionization technology for switching gases. Attachment pins on the cooling device and corresponding holding openings on the inside of the cover make it possible to fit the cooling device to the cover before this cover engages with the insulating walls.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2002Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Michael Bach, Guenter Seidler-Stahl, Sezai Tuerkman, Detlev Schmidt, Ingo Thiede, Artur Wajnberg
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Patent number: 6750746Abstract: An electromagnetic switching device, especially a contactor, includes a base, an arc chamber removable from the base, a contact bridge support and a spring-loaded locking element. The contact bridge support projects into the arc chamber and can be displaced in a direction of actuation. The contact bridge support can be locked by the locking element when the arc chamber is taken off. The locking element is configured as a lever that is swiveled about a swiveling axis which extends in perpendicular to the direction of actuation.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2002Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Johann Bauer, Stephan Faber, Bardo Koppmann
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Patent number: 6700466Abstract: A contact apparatus is provided having a permanent magnet disposed in a region where a fixing contact point is mounted to a fixing contact and a movable contact to which a movable contact point is mounted. An arc generated between both the contact points is moved in a lateral direction by the magnetic force of the permanent magnet and stretched. An arc-extinguishing member which is heated by the arc for generating arc-extinguishing gas is provided such as to surround the fixing contact point and the movable contact point.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.Inventors: Ritsu Yamamoto, Tsutomu Shimomura, Riichi Uotome, Hideki Enomoto, Takehiko Toguchi, Mamoru Tateno, Yoshiyuki Iwami
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Patent number: 6689979Abstract: A switching contact arrangement for a low-voltage power circuit breaker includes a switching contact arrangement with a stationary contact group and a movable contact group which interacts with it. The contact groups include interacting main contacts, as well as interacting intermediate contacts and consumable contacts. Furthermore, both contact groups are equipped with an arcing horn for passing a switching arc to an arc quenching chamber. The consumable contacts are integrated in the arcing horns. Only the main contacts are in the form of contact facings, while the other contact points are formed by the busbars or arcing horns. The switching contact arrangement is of a single design and achieves a longer mechanical and electrical life. Furthermore, particularly short switching times are achieved.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2002Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Michael Bach, Detlev Schmidt, Michael Sebekow, Guenter Seidler-Stahl, Ingo Thiede, Sezai Tuerkmen
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Patent number: 6670872Abstract: A low-voltage circuit breaker (1) has an arc-extinguishing chamber (2) and a switching gas damper (4) which consists of two partial bodies (6, 7) that are displaceable in relation to each other. One (6) of the partial bodies (6, 7) is fixed to the circuit-breaker (1), while the other (7) is pre-stressed against the first partial body (6) with an elastic restoring force (spring 12). The switching gases that; are discharged from the arc-extinguishing chamber (2) are contained inside (8) the switching gas damper (4) until the relative displacement of the partial bodies (6, 7) forms a flow outlet through which the switching gases can escape.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2003Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Harald Kurzmann
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Patent number: 6630640Abstract: An electrical switch for electrical tools having an electric motor operated by a DC voltage. The switch comprises a contact system including a stationary contact and a switching contact, an operating element which acts on the switching contact to initiate a process for switching the contact system between an on-position and an off-position and a shield that quenches an arc that occurs between the stationary contact and the switching contact during the switching process. A movable slide is operatively connected to the operating element and has the switching contact arranged thereon. During the process of switching the switching contact from the on-position to the off-position, the shield is moved to an area located between the stationary contact and the switching contact. During the process of switching the switching contact from the off-position to the on-position, the shield is moved from the area located between the stationary contact and the switching contact.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2001Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Assignee: Marquardt GmbHInventors: Alois Schaeffeler, Alfons Steidle
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Patent number: 6512192Abstract: A circuit breaker fitted with an exhaust arc gas manifold arranged over ventilation slots of the circuit breaker and disposed at a line end thereof to redirect the arc exhaust gases exiting the ventilation slots.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2001Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Edgar Yee, Andre Joseph M'Sadoques, Lloyd Eugene Wentler, David Edward Thorn
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Patent number: 6509817Abstract: A multipolar circuit breaker of great breaking capacity prevents arc gas from blowing out from the side at the time of cutting off a short-circuit current. A stationary contact and a movable contact generating arcs when a short-circuit current is cut off, and an arc extinguisher extinguishing the arc are stored in an arc extinguisher casing. By forming the ceiling, the bottom and the sidewalls connecting the ceiling and the bottom of the arc extinguisher casing in continuity so that no gap is formed by an outward internal pressure, blow out of arc gas from the sidewall portion is suppressed.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2001Date of Patent: January 21, 2003Assignee: Terasaki Denki Sangyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shozo Kaneko, Yukihiko Asao, Yoshiaki Kagari
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Patent number: 6483408Abstract: A bypass conductor is provided for use in a miniature type circuit breaker. In one embodiment, the bypass conductor can include an elongated flat strap positioned in a circuit breaker housing. A first end of the bypass conductor is positioned to be adjacent to a contact arm in an open circuit position of the circuit breaker to receive current flow, especially high transient current flow. A second end of the bypass conductor is electrically coupled and/or mechanically connected to a load terminal of the circuit breaker to provide a path for current between the first and second ends. In this manner, the bypass conductor provides an alternate path for electrical current through the circuit breaker. The bi-metallic components and other sensitive elements within the circuit breaker can therefore resist the loss of useful life and other adverse operational effects caused by a high transient current event.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2000Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Stephen Albert Mrenna, Edward Ethber Lias, Jr., Michael Joseph Erb
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Patent number: 6414256Abstract: The present invention provides a current limiting circuit breaker having a current responsive device for opening a pair of contacts or switch upon short circuit conditions. The current responsive device utilizes an insulating object driven by a magnetic force caused by a short circuit current. Upon opening of the contacts with the use of the insulating object, let-through current flows through a secondary contact, positioned on the insulating object, to a positive temperature coefficient resistivity element which limits the current and arcing in the contacts. The PTC elements could be pure metallic materials such as pure tungsten, pure iron, etc. Conductive polymer and ceramic PTC materials could also be used for some specific applications. The present invention also provides a method of electrically connecting a drive plate and a line terminal on the current limiting circuit breaker.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2000Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Assignee: Square D CompanyInventors: William Weizhong Chen, Frank Ehrenberger, Aaron Bottorff, Matt Sortland
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Patent number: 6388867Abstract: A seal apparatus having a seal member and a plurality of fasteners is mounted on an arc hood of a cassette in a switchgear cabinet and resists leakage of arc gases through a gap between the arc hood and a circuit breaker mounted in the switchgear cabinet. The seal member is flexibly received against the circuit breaker in a racked position and is preferably at least nominally deflected thereby to resist the flow of arc gases in a leakage direction through the gap. The seal member thus resists the arc gases from coming into contact with a plurality of line conductors at the rear of the circuit breaker until the arc gases have at least somewhat cooled, deionized, and/or slowed. The seal apparatus thereby resists arc gases from inducing arcing between adjacent line conductors, whereby the circuit breaker can be operated at substantially higher voltages.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2000Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Paul Richard Rakus, William John Jones, James Jeffery Benke
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Patent number: 6348666Abstract: An electrical circuit breaker pole comprises a stationary contact means, a movable contact means, and an arc extinguishing chamber comprising two side flanges, separators, a front opening situated near to the contact zone of the stationary contact means, a lower arcing horn, an upper arcing horn and a pair of lateral dielectric shields laterally limiting the front opening of the chamber. Each lateral dielectric shield is arranged in such a way as to be interposed laterally between the separators and the movable contact means in the open position. The pair of lateral dielectric shields is arranged in such a way that the width of the opening of the chamber is appreciably smaller near to the upper arcing horn than pear to the lower arcing horn.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2001Date of Patent: February 19, 2002Assignee: Square D CompanyInventors: Marc Rival, Jeremy Dorn, Lucas Pellegrin, Laurent Aureyre
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Patent number: 6288354Abstract: A switching device with an arc extinguishing device includes filigree-shaped arc splitters of an arcing chamber to be mounted and fixed in an operationally reliable manner. Branches and bases of the arc splitters are kept apart by spacers, in particular by grooves formed on the outside of an arcing chamber insert.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Ludwig Niebler, Christian Schreckinger
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Patent number: 6288621Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 8, 2001Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Square D CompanyInventor: Marc Rival
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Patent number: 6259338Abstract: A multipole circuit breaker includes an arcing chamber housing with a number of arcing chambers, corresponding to the number of poles, arranged next to each other. Each arcing chamber has a hinged contact bridge cooperating with a stationary contact arrangement. An interrupter shaft common to the poles of the multipole circuit breaker and including a number of shaft segments made of an insulating material, in each of which a contact bridge is arranged, is provided. The adjoining shaft segments are joined to each other by a respective coupling element, each coupling element including two tab-shaped parts joined to each other by a support shaft. Each tab-shaped part supports at least two first connecting pins on a side facing away from the support shaft and extending in an axial direction. The shaft segments each include recesses a side facing the coupling element, the recesses for receiving the connecting pins.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2000Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: Moeller GmbHInventors: Franz Boeder, Guido Dedenbach, Hans-Juergen Mader
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Patent number: 6242707Abstract: A current limiting device for protecting electrical circuits has a case and a pair of separable electrodes disposed within the case. Each electrode has a plurality of openings with an ablative member abutting the openings at an outer surface of the electrode. A spring is disposed between each ablative member and the case for urging the electrodes together. When the electrical current exceeds a predetermined setpoint the electrodes separate and an arc is created between the electrodes. The arc heats the ablative member causing expulsion of gasses which further increase the gap resistance and cool the arc to thereby quenching the arc. In a second embodiment of the current limiting device, one of the electrodes is a fixed electrode. The ablative member is disposed about a surface of the moveable electrode with a plurality of legs passing through a plurality of openings of the moveable electrode and in contact with an inner surface of the fixed electrode.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1999Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Hemant K. Mody, Anil R. Duggal
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Patent number: 6222147Abstract: An improved exhaust baffle for a circuit protective device such as a circuit breaker utilizes material having elastomeric characteristics to provide for variable apertures where the cross-sectional opening of the apertures is dependent on the pressure gradient across the exhaust baffle, thereby effectively controlling arc pressure and arc effluent during short circuit interruption. Fabrication of the exhaust baffle with geometric symmetry about one or more axes or planes also facilitates assembly during product construction.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2000Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Dennis John Doughty, Randall Lee Greenberg
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Patent number: 6222146Abstract: An arc quenching chamber for low-voltage circuit breakers has a quenching chamber enclosure and a quenching chamber cover, which is detachably attached to the quenching chamber enclosure by fastening elements. Opposite a hollow extension the quenching chamber enclosure has a nose which may be gripped by a claw-like extension of the quenching chamber cover. Another method of fastening the quenching chamber cover involves lateral nose-like webs on the quenching chamber enclosure and projections on both sides of the quenching chamber cover to grip the noses.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Sezai Türkmen
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Patent number: 6207916Abstract: An arcing chamber system having one or more chamber bodies connected in series, wherein one or more arcing chamber modules, are arranged in each chamber body is present. A plurality of arcing chamber modules may be employed to achieve for various contact ratings. This allows the arcing chamber system of the present invention to be adapted, in simple fashion, to a variety of working voltages and a variety of contact ratings.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1999Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Thomas Pniok, Claus-Peter Schulze
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Patent number: 6191377Abstract: An electromagnetic switching device, in particular a high capacity contactor, includes switch contacts which are arranged inside interrupter chambers formed by an interrupter chamber housing. Also provided is a deionizing device which is in the form of an arcing chamber and assigned to each interrupter chamber with a switch contact. The arcing chamber is formed by arcing plates which are assembled to form a packet. In addition, a cover is provided for closing the interrupter chambers on the upper side. The uppermost arcing plate which faces the cover is configured as a shielding plate of each arcing chamber and has at least one upward bent clip. Recesses which correspond with the clips of the arcing chambers are formed on the underside of the cover. The arcing chambers can be fastened to the cover to provide an interlocking connection by plugging the clips into the recesses.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Moeller GmbHInventors: Norbert Roesner, Jakob Bolz, Helmut Kern