Circuit Breaker Supporting Arrangements Patents (Class 361/652)
  • Patent number: 7310221
    Abstract: A switching installation (5) having a circuit breaker (12), which is connected to a cable connection (33), and optionally a disconnector (14) for making or breaking a conductive connection between the cable connection (33) and a rail system (15), and an electrically insulating barrier (10). The electrically insulating barrier (10) surrounds at least the parts which are under electric voltage in operation from the circuit breaker (12) to the rail system (15), including a branch (18) leading to a rail (15) of the rail system, separately for each phase of the switching installation (5). Furthermore, inside the electrically insulating barrier (10) the switching installation may be provided with field-control means and/or voltage-sealing means (22, 25, 37).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Electric N.V.
    Inventor: Arend Jan Willem Lammers
  • Patent number: 7286340
    Abstract: An adapter is for mounting an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker, on the back panel of an enclosure, such as a switchgear cabinet. The back panel has at least one aperture. The adapter includes a first end portion coupled at or about the aperture of the back panel, an engaging portion engaging and securing the circuit breaker to the adapter, a fastener, and a second end portion disposed distal from the first end portion and including an elongated slot. The elongated slot receives the fastener in order to couple the adapter to the back panel when the fastener is fastened, while enabling adjustment of the adapter and the circuit breaker coupled thereto, with respect to the back panel, when the fastener is unfastened. The first end portion, the engaging portion and the second end portion form a single piece adapter. An enclosure assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Syed M. Karim, James L. Gehlbach
  • Patent number: 7280344
    Abstract: The present invention which provides for a consolidated circuit breaker support insulator and bus alignment piece having a molded body and at least one horizontal bus. Preferably, there are three horizontal buses. Each horizontal bus is structured to extend between, and be in electrical communication with, a socket bus horizontal terminal and a vertical conductor. The molded support includes a non-conductive body has a vertical plate member and a horizontal plate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Paul D. Seff, Michael J. Ranta
  • Patent number: 7224577
    Abstract: A method and a mounting plate system for electrical equipment in a switchgear cabinet having spaced apart frame members. The mounting plate system comprises a first mounting plate having a plurality of orifices located proximate an outer edge of the first mounting plate. A second mounting plate having a plurality of orifices located proximate an outer edge of the second mounting plate, wherein the first and second mounting plates are configured to couple to the electrical equipment in the frame members, releaseably secure the electrical equipment to the frame member from the rear of the switchgear cabinet and facilitate removal of the electrical equipment from the front of the switchgear cabinet. Another embodiment, the mounting plate system provides one of the first and second mounting plates defining a through-hole configured to accept the wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason P. Wiant, Harry W. Josten, Robert D. Meyer
  • Patent number: 7209343
    Abstract: An adjustable riser assembly for retrofitting an existing panel board enclosure with a replacement interior has a pair of base members secured to the rear wall of the enclosure with base flanges projecting forward. A floating member has end pieces with floating flanges that overlap and are joined to the base flanges by fasteners that engage selected ones of a second set of holes in each floating flange aligned along a first linear axis and a first set of holes in each base flange arranged in two rows each parallel to a second linear axis that is oblique to the first linear axis to adjust the height of the riser assembly. One or two planar members extending between the end pieces have a fourth set of holes that can be selectively aligned with a third set of holes in the end pieces for engagement by second fasteners to adjust the length of the riser assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Scot E. Remmert, Matthew D. Occhipinti, Julie C. Jurgens
  • Patent number: 7173811
    Abstract: An offset assembly for a circuit breaker includes at least one two plane member having a first plate and a second plate. The first and second plates are joined at an edge and extend generally perpendicular to each other. The second plate is structured to be coupled to the quick disconnect and the first plate is structured to be coupled to the circuit breaker terminal so that the second plate is not aligned with the centerline of the circuit breaker terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Howard Abrahamsen, Neal Edward Rowe, Stanley Ervin Moore, Timothy Fair, Marlyce Jean Scott
  • Patent number: 7173810
    Abstract: A bus assembly that is structured to be coupled to a multiple pole circuit breaker and to a plurality of horizontally aligned vertical line conductors is disclosed. The circuit breaker has a back side with a line terminal and a load terminal for each pole extending therefrom. At least two terminals are associated with different poles are vertically aligned. The bus assembly includes a first set of line buses structured to be coupled to the line terminals, and include at least one line bus having a horizontal offset, as well as a second set of load buses structured to be coupled to the load terminals and extending in a direction generally parallel to the load terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Neal Edward Rowe, Michael Howard Abrahamsen
  • Patent number: 7027293
    Abstract: A breaker distribution module is disclosed. The breaker distribution module essentially includes an insulation rod, a plurality of output terminals, a plurality of input busbars and a plurality of breakers. The insulation rod is composed of a plurality of insulation blocks. The output terminals are disposed on the insulation rod. The breakers connect to the output terminals and the input busbars. Each of the breakers corresponds to one of the output terminals. In addition, the insulation rod can also be manufactured as an integrative unit, and the breaker distribution module further includes a connection busbar electrically coupled to the input busbars. The design of the pluralities of insulation blocks decreases the fabricating cost. In addition, the connection busbar is able to change the output voltage disposition of the breaker distribution module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: DELTA Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ta-Jung Yang, Bi-Jen Liu
  • Patent number: 7005996
    Abstract: A power distribution panel with a chassis defining an interior with a first opening and a second opposing opening. The panel including a module with a bottom, a first face and a second face, and including a power input terminal, a plurality of power output terminals, and an electrical circuit connecting each power output terminal to the power input terminal, each circuit including a circuit protection device. The power input terminal, the power output terminals and the circuit protection devices are mounted to one of the first or second faces. The module is configured to be received through the first opening and removably mounted within the interior so that the power input terminal, the power output terminals and the circuit protection devices are accessible through one of the first and second openings when the module is mounted within the chassis. A module including power distribution components and circuitry adapted to be removably mounted within a power distribution panel chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos Cabrera, Delfino Hernandez, David J. Johnsen
  • Patent number: 6920038
    Abstract: A renovation load center includes an enclosure, a branch circuit assembly mounted in the enclosure, and two renovation terminal blocks having a side and a plurality of first terminations electrically connected to at least some of the incoming lines and the branch conductors of a distribution system. Each renovation terminal block includes a plurality of second terminations. Each of the first terminations is electrically connected to a corresponding one of the second terminations. Each pair of one of the first terminations and the corresponding one of the second terminations is disposed on the same side of the renovation terminal block and is electrically isolated from at least one adjacent pair of another one of the first terminations and a corresponding one of the second terminations. A plurality of cables are electrically connected between the second terminations and the branch circuit assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: James L. Gehlbach
  • Patent number: 6856503
    Abstract: A control device is for a commercially available switchgear and an electronic power module. Compactness of the device is improved so that it can be used in a switchgear cabinet. To this end, the power module is placed onto the switchgear on the side facing away from its bottom wall and the dimensions of the power module are adapted to the base contour of the switchgear so that the peripheral contour of the power module extends beyond the base contour only slightly, if at all, wherein at least the width of the contactor does not extend beyond it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Walter Apfelbacher, Norbert Reichenbach
  • Patent number: 6680842
    Abstract: A front mount circuit breaker assembly for circuit breakers of different dimensions that are removably mounted to modular circuit breaker holder members. Elongated contacts extend from the terminals on the back of the circuit breakers to the front. The holder members have a through portion between the two ends. Below the two ends and inwardly, a supporting surface is defined for supporting electrical contacts where the distal ends of the elongated contacts are removably mounted to provide the electrical connection for the device. These connections have been brought to the front. The elongated contacts can be made of different dimensions that cooperate with those of the circuit breaker. The holder members are banked together and removably mounted over a cooperating longitudinal rib that is received within a bay cut out defined on the flat bottom wall of the holder members in one of the embodiments. Another embodiment includes outwardly extending flanges for ready mounting to a panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventors: Pedro R. Pelaez, J. Thomas Johnston
  • Patent number: 6613992
    Abstract: The present invention is a power outlet having a face plate connected to a modular platform which is used to support a safety device. The modular platform is sized to accommodate varying sized safety devices, such as circuit breakers. The modular platform can have a plurality of reinforcing members which are used to strengthen the modular platform when supporting the safety device. The modular platform can also include a plurality of reinforcing ribs to further increase the rigidity of the modular platform. A support member is used in conjunction with a circuit breaker placed on the modular platform to further strengthen and stiffen the overall connection between the circuit breaker of the safety device, the modular platform and the face plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Whipple
  • Patent number: 6600116
    Abstract: A mounting structure for mounting a switch device includes a main body case for the switch device having slots formed in lower portions of the front and rear surfaces, and mounting plates to be inserted into the slots. Each mounting plate has a screw hole at one end and an insertion portion at the other end The insertion portions are inserted into the slots to allow the main body case to be fixed by the mounting plates. The switch can be mounted using screws inserted into the screw holes in the mounting plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisao Kawata, Naoshi Uchida, Katsunori Kuboyama
  • Patent number: 6570754
    Abstract: A load center is upgraded by removing the existing load center and replacing it with a renovation load center. As the existing incoming and branch circuit wiring may not be sufficiently long enough to reach the proper terminations in the replacement load center, renovation terminal blocks are provided in the renovation load center adjacent the penetrations of the external wiring to which the incoming lines, and if necessary, the branch circuit wiring are connected. Cabling is then provided between the terminations on the renovation terminal blocks and the appropriate load center terminations. The renovation terminal block(s) can be housed in an auxiliary enclosure mounted adjacent to a main enclosure containing the load center interior or all of the components can be housed in a single renovation enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Brendan Arthur Foley, Jeffrey Alan Doneghue
  • Patent number: 6563707
    Abstract: A chassis (11) for mounting component units (17, 19) of an electric switch cabinet for elevators and escalators, comprising at least one shaped part (15) serving as main supporting member, said shaped part being composed with a plastics material of lasting resetting force with respect to compression and being provided with at least one receiving recess (29, 31) for receiving a component unit (17) of a first type in substantially form-locking manner, and comprising at least one mounting rail (21) serving as auxiliary supporting member and anchored in the shaped part (15), said mounting rail (21), at least over a predetermined partial length thereof, being accessible in a free space (42) of the shaped part (15) for mounting at least one component unit (19) of a second type to said mounting rail (21), with said free space (42) being designed to selectively receive component units of the second type in different numbers, shapes and sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Hartmut Engler, Marvin Dehmlow, Andreas O. Belkner, Vera Else Marta Steifa, Wolfgang Schoppa
  • Patent number: 6530811
    Abstract: An assembly for mechanically mounting and providing electrical connections to overcurrent protection devices having first and second male power plugs includes a non-conductive main structural support member having a plurality of plug passageways formed therein and one or more load busbar modules mounted thereon and also including a plug passageway formed therein, to enable the male electrical plugs to mate with sockets disposed in a conductive line busbar member mounted on said support member and with a socket disposed in a load busbar member included in each load busbar module. Each load busbar module includes a non-conductive housing and a releasable cover within which is mounted the load busbar member. A printed circuit board substrate is preferably also mounted to said support member to provide a support surface for auxiliary signal clip connectors disposed on one side of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Astec International Limited
    Inventors: Michael Padulo, Imad Ghanem, Denis Mayer
  • Patent number: 6509823
    Abstract: An electrical functional device for use in the field of aviation, for example, a safety switch, is described. The functional device has a housing out of which a cylindrical fixing neck projects. The fixing neck contains, on an outer circumference thereof, a fine-pitch threading for screwing on a nut, and carries, at a distance from the end thereof that is attached to the housing, a radially protruding bearing flange. The bearing flange serves to hold the device in a fixed position, in which the fixing neck projects through a fastening hole of a wall element and is held therein against the bearing flange by a nut. The fixing neck is a one-piece part made out of plastic. It contains, between the end of the threading thereof and the bearing flange, an unthreaded shaft area, which is coaxial in relation to the fixing neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Ellenberger & Poensgen GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Meckler, Horst Ellenberger, Ewald Schneider, Lothar Hofmeister
  • Patent number: 6490150
    Abstract: A circuit breaker panel includes a panel having a surface; an electrically conductive grounding member, such as a grounding strip, adapted for electrical connection to ground; a circuit breaker having an electrically conductive surface; and one or more fasteners fastening the circuit breaker to the panel. The electrically conductive grounding member is sandwiched between the surface of the panel and the electrically conductive surface of the circuit breaker. The electrically conductive circuit breaker surface electrically engages the electrically conductive grounding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Peter J. Theisen, James Michael McCormick
  • Patent number: 6416702
    Abstract: A circuit breaker assembly including a first and second circuit breakers each having toggle switch assemblies movable between ON and OFF positions. The toggle switch assemblies have connectors coupled thereto for preventing both circuit breakers from being in the ON position at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Wade A. Montague, David A. Reid, J. Peter McCuin, George T. Parker, Herman Tremmel, Marshall B. Hart
  • Patent number: 6414245
    Abstract: A printed circuit board having bushings attached thereto, the bushings having sockets for receiving bullet connectors on a circuit breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Marconi Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Darren S. Lopp, William F. Reuss, Gary G. Siegmund
  • Patent number: 6381123
    Abstract: A multiple pole sub-feed for a panel board is disclosed. The sub-feed of the present invention includes extension bus bars which connect to the bus bars of the panel board and preferably linearly extend the length of the sub-feed. The sub-feed further includes bus connectors supported generally perpendicular to the extension bus bars and preferably extending the width of the sub-feed. The design allows for a plurality of poles of sub-feed to be accommodated by adding bus connectors to the end of the sub-feed, where each bus connector includes an opening for electrically connecting to one of the extension bus bars. Current passes from the extension bus bars to a metal retainer connecting the bus connector to the extension bus bars, to a current carrying strap in the bus connectors, to a current carrying spool located in a turret on the bus connectors, and then to a circuit breaker positioned above the bus connector about the turret.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael T. Gerken, Dennis C. Zuffelato, Ramesh Babu, Daniel Schlitz, Joseph F. Noonan, Robert A. Wall, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6380862
    Abstract: An electrical distribution panel, such as a residential loadcenter, houses a plurality of circuit breakers that are adapted for electrically interconnecting power lines with loads. The loadcenter includes an enclosure having a window and a plurality of openings, and inputs adapted for electrical connection to power lines. A circuit breaker mounting mechanism houses a plurality of the circuit breakers in association with corresponding ones of the openings of the enclosure. A surge protector device is mounted within the enclosure and is apart from the mounting mechanism. The surge protector device is electrically interconnected with the inputs for protecting the loads from surges or transients on the power lines. The surge protector device includes at least one indicator, which is visible through the window of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Syed M. Karim, Peter D. Bauer
  • Patent number: 6317311
    Abstract: Contact bands for electrically connecting pluggable circuit breakers to ground and to distribution wires in a wiring system are housed in respective housings for protection. The housings are mounted on modular circuit breaker bus bar assemblies adapted to pluggably receive the pluggable circuit breakers, which have posts for pluggably engaging associated contact bands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: TVM Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Middlehurst, Donald E. Wood, Jason S. Sloey
  • Patent number: 6262880
    Abstract: A circuit breaker mounting assembly comprises an enclosure for holding at least one circuit breaker, with the circuit breaker being mounted within said enclosure; a terminal block mounted within the enclosure at a location remote from the circuit breaker, the terminal block including a plurality of input connections and a plurality of output connections; a plurality of control wires extending from the circuit breaker to the terminal block; and a mounting bracket for positioning the terminal block in a first position within the enclosure and for permitting the terminal block to be moved to a second location outside of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Martin Fischer, Kelly Julia McCarthy, Joseph Bell Humbert
  • Patent number: 6122160
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for connecting one or more circuit breakers (7) directly to a distribution unit (10) for supplying power to radio base stations and for charging the batteries of such stations. As a result of mutually separating bottom circuit breaker connectors (8) and upper circuit breaker connectors in a power bar (9) constructed in accordance with the invention, the circuit breakers can be connected directly without requiring the presence of a circuit breaker holder to this end, therewith reducing the amount of space required for establishing such connections with respect to earlier known techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
    Inventor: Taru Johanna Hannula
  • Patent number: 6002580
    Abstract: A circuit breaker power distribution panel which is constructed in the form of a single unit. The panel includes an electrically insulative base which include first and second electrical connectors that are to respectfully removably connect to mating electrical terminals of a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker is to be removably connected to the panel. Imbedded within the panel and mounted on the electrically insulative base is an input busbar and an output busbar. The first electrical connector is part of the input busbar. The input busbar is electrically connected to the circuit breakers with the power from the circuit breakers being transmitted to the second electrical connectors which are also imbedded within the panel. A load terminal connects with each second electrical connector with there being a separate load terminal for each second electrical connector. There is a separate load for each circuit breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Power Distribution Products International
    Inventors: Daniel M. LeVantine, Paul M. Deters
  • Patent number: 5978209
    Abstract: A lock-down device for use in a circuit breaker assembly. The device comprises a base for releasably securing the device to the assembly's saddle, an arm portion connected to the base, and a hand portion, connected to the arm portion, for engaging the housing of a first circuit breaker such that when the first circuit breaker and a second circuit breaker is mounted on the saddle the hand portion is intermediate the first and second circuit breakers and the first circuit breaker cannot be inadvertently removed from the saddle. In an alternative embodiment, the hand portion of the device comprises flanges for engaging and permitting the lock-down of the second circuit breaker as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Wade A. Montague, David Arnold Reid, Jon Peter McCuin, Marshall Baldwin Hart
  • Patent number: 5949641
    Abstract: The neutral cross bus in a switchgear assembly formed from two sets of side-by-side cabinets includes first and second neutral buses for the respective sets of cabinets. Each neutral bus is made up of a stack of flat conductors oriented horizontally in a main section extending across the cabinets of the set and vertically in a terminal section confronting the terminal section of the other neutral bus. The vertically oriented terminal sections are easily bolted together despite their limited accessibility when the two sets of cabinets are installed side-by-side. The flat conductors of the neutral cross bus are supported in their horizontal main sections by spaced supports formed by planar members with spaced horizontal slots set on edge and mounted by end flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Dale Walker, William Edward Wilkie, II
  • Patent number: 5933319
    Abstract: An enclosure for an external terminal of a circuit breaker on an electrical panelboard, which includes a body and a cover. The body defines an aperture for inserting an electrical load conductor and is securable adjacent a circuit breaker. The cover is mounted to the body for movement between a first position and a second position. In the first position the terminal is exposed. In the second position the body, the circuit breaker and the cover jointly enclose the terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Bill W. Buckner, Dale A. Hoppensteadt
  • Patent number: 5894405
    Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly and method for mounting a plurality of circuit breakers for electrical and mechanical connection to a bus bar in a module of a distribution board. The mounting assembly includes each circuit breaker having a housing which is defined by a contact end for connecting to the bus bar, a mounting end for securing to the cell of the distribution board, and side panels extending therebetween. Each housing has a top surface and a bottom surface. The connect end of each housing has a bus bar terminal for connecting to the bus bar. At least one spacer is located between at least two of the circuit breakers. The spacer has a predetermined width between the side panels of adjacent circuit breakers. The spacer width is sufficient to spread the circuit breakers apart from each other and align the bus bar terminal of each housing with the busbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Dennis William Fleege, Randall Luther Siebels
  • Patent number: 5894404
    Abstract: A circuit breaker panelboard enclosure is adapted to receive circuit breaker covers that are attached to the interior or circuit breaker module without requiring attachment screws and the like. The circuit breaker modules within the enclosure are equipped with electrically-insulative extension clips that are received and retained within apertures formed in the circuit breaker covers in press-fit relation. The circuit breaker covers are removed by grasping the ends of the circuit breaker covers and pulling the circuit breaker covers away from the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas F. Vrnak, Kevin D. Mazzella, Kevin F. Nolan
  • Patent number: 5886868
    Abstract: An enclosure for an electrical distribution panel includes a box having a front opening covered by a front panel having a cut-out portion. An insert is seated in the cut-out portion and includes removable knockout panels for access to circuit breakers mounted in the enclosure. The insert may be provided with a c over which enhances the appearance of the enclosure and provides a waterproof seal. The size of the insert is selected based on the type of circuit breaker to be mounted in the enclosure. By changing the size of the insert, the enclosure can be used with different types of circuit breakers. The enclosure can also be adapted for indoor or outdoor use. The enclosure avoids the disadvantages of conventional enclosures which are designed differently for different types of circuit breakers, and include entirely different components for indoor and outdoor use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Percy A. White, Donald F. Gehrs
  • Patent number: 5847939
    Abstract: A center bolt LBOR switch 12 comprising a support ring 12-4 and a center bolt or threaded boss 12-2, and a nut 12-3 for securing the switch 12 to a transformer tank wall is disclosed. The disclosed invention allows a switch or other device to be mounted to the wall of a transformer tank without welding and without distorting the tank wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: ABB Power T&D Company Inc.
    Inventor: John F. Cotton
  • Patent number: 5744768
    Abstract: A locking plate for releasably securing a circuit breaker to a module includes a back portion for supporting a circuit breaker, legs connected to the back portion for releasably engaging a terminal of the circuit breaker and for releasably securing the locking plate to the circuit breaker and means for releasably securing the locking plate to a module. The legs may be angled to facilitate slidable engagement with the terminal of the circuit breaker. The locking plate may also include a flange for offsetting the circuit breaker from the module when the circuit breaker is mounted on the module. The locking plate may also include a handle guard for preventing a switch on the circuit breaker from inadvertently being toggled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Philips Electronics North America Corporation
    Inventors: Howard Bishop, Keith Singer
  • Patent number: 5694288
    Abstract: A circuit breaker (1) mountable on a channel section rail (8) with a pair of elongate flanges (9, 10) and secured in position by a mounting clip (17) mounted in an elongate groove (18). The mounting clip (17) is movable along the groove (18) from a disengaged position to an operating rail engaging position with a release head portion (23) of the mounting clip (17) being within the outer boundary of the circuit breaker housing (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: James Joseph Shortt, Shay Joseph Lavelle
  • Patent number: 5574612
    Abstract: An electrical receptacle directly mounts on a conventional service panel to adapt the panel for electrical connection with a standard power cord. The receptacle has an insulative housing and includes one or more lower spring contacts, two or more upper spring contacts and a rear contact. One or more lip members on the rear end of the housing are inserted beneath the panel's hook-like retaining tabs, and each lower spring contact is thereafter pivoted into wiping engagement with one of the blades on the panel that serve as power terminals. The respective prongs of the power cord are inserted through openings on the upper face of the receptacle for wiping engagement with the upper spring contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Inventor: Won S. Pak
  • Patent number: 5539614
    Abstract: A control unit forms a control center serving as one type of a control panel in an electric power system control system. The control unit accommodates equipments such as a circuit breaker, an electromagnetic switch, a zero-phase current transformer, and an operating transformer, and includes a substantially Z-shaped equipment mounting plate mounted between side plates of the unit to have an intermediate bent portion. The circuit breaker is disposed on a front face of a front mounting portion of the equipment mounting plate, and the current transformer is disposed on a back face thereof. The electromagnetic switch is disposed on a front face of a back mounting portion of the equipment mounting plate, and the thin operating transformer is isolated from other equipments and disposed on a back face thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiro Ishikawa, Osamu Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 5515236
    Abstract: A universal electrical connector is incorporated into the electric power distribution network of a motor control center to connect the main circuit breaker with the control center vertical bus conductors and the branch circuit breakers. The connector in the form of a single metal casting is configured to connect the main circuit breaker with the control center internal electrical distribution conductors without requiring additional connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kevin F. Nolan, Valerie R. Padilla, Richard E. Bernier, Gilbert A. Soares
  • Patent number: 5410446
    Abstract: An explosion absorbing apparatus for use with circuit breakers mounted in an explosion-proof panelboard enclosure includes force absorbing plates and rods for attaching the plates to the side panels of circuit breakers. The fastener members draw the force absorbing plates together against the side panels of the circuit breakers to absorb the stress generated by an explosion inside the panelboard enclosure. This apparatus ensures the integrity of circuit breakers contained within a panelboard enclosure during an explosion. The force absorbing plates eliminate catastrophic destruction of the circuit breakers and reduce the cumulative explosion pressure in the panelboard enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William G. Wright, Nelson L. Lansing
  • Patent number: 5315476
    Abstract: A male conductor plug for a cord set includes a bi-metallic circuit breaker. The positive, neutral and ground blades extend outwardly from the front end of the plug housing and the reset switch of the circuit breaker extends outwardly from the rear end of the housing. A circular wall extends outwardly from the rear of the housing to form a socket-like enclosure around the reset switch and a flexible water resistant boot is received over the reset switch and inside the wall to prevent the introduction of moisture into the circuit breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: General Cable Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Hedrick, Paul A.
  • Patent number: 5297002
    Abstract: In order to secure a series built-in unit on the section of a fitting rail (4) and to be able to detach it again therefrom and from the electric collector busbar (2, 5), in the region of a recess (13) on both side of the housing wall of the device is pivotably fitted a U-bracket-shaped coupling component (3) of elastic material which is divided by a slot (7) extending into the two U-arms of the frame-like widened connecting web into a supporting end (8) for the engagement of the fitting rail (4) and an actuating end (9) spring-loaded on the casing (1) lockable and unlockable by swinging in relation to the bearing position (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: Heinrich Kopp GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Peter Flohr
  • Patent number: 5295042
    Abstract: A circuit breaker support assembly allows a pair of industrial-rated molded case circuit breakers to be double-branch connected within a lighting panelboard enclosure. One of the branch circuit breakers can then operate as a main circuit breaker thereby eliminating the separate main circuit breaker commonly used within such lighting panelboard enclosures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Stephen G. Midgley, Joseph F. Noonan, Robert J. Sabatella, Robert A. Wall, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5279487
    Abstract: A bolt-on, duplex circuit breaker having an external, integrally formed key member designed with a truncated pyramidal shape. The pyramidal shape is used to discourage tampering aimed at its removal. A panelboard into which bolt-on, duplex circuit breakers are mounted having mounting rails onto which the circuit breakers are disposed. The mounting rails have cooperating, key member accepting notches that act in conjunction with the key member integrally formed upon the circuit breaker for limiting the number of bolt-on, duplex circuit breakers that are insertable within the panelboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Stephen A. Mrenna, Melvin A. Carrodus
  • Patent number: 5272592
    Abstract: The present invention provides an interior assembly for an electrical distribution device having at least one bus bar integrally formed with branch stabs for electrically connecting to terminals extending from a plurality of circuit interrupters. The assembly includes a generally planar support base having a front face and back face for mounting bus bars. A cover for the front face and a back shield for the back face of the support base have sufficient size to substantially cover the bus bars. The cover and back shield include means for securing the body to the device so that the position of the cover prevents contact between the bus bar and a person's finger or equipment particularly when an individual circuit interrupter is mounted to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Michael R. Harris, Kim D. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 5245506
    Abstract: A switchboard assembly comprises a plurality of circuit breaker compartments each having plural-phase power supply side disconnecting parts and load side disconnecting parts disposed thereinside, a plurality of conductor compartments having plural-phase power supply buses disposed thereinside, and a plurality of circuit breakers each having plural-phase circuit breaking parts accommodated in each of the circuit breaker compartments. In the switchboard assembly, the plural-phase circuit breaking parts are disposed in the depthwise direction of the circuit breaker compartments, and each of the conductor compartments is disposed between the opposing ones of the circuit breaker compartments so as to reduce the overall size of the switchboard assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Toru Tanimizu