Venting Means Patents (Class 200/306)
  • Patent number: 7538645
    Abstract: An electromagnetic relay is provided which enables a coating process with a coating agent even after being mounted on a printed circuit board having undergone reflow heating by preventing invasion of water while maintaining air permeability. A main body making up the electromagnetic relay includes an electrical contact portion, electromagnetic driving portion and molded resin base and is covered with the molded resin cover. One or more through holes are formed by applying laser beam from a rear side of the molded resin cover. A spot diameter of each through hole on a surface of an outside of the molded resin cover is 0.1 ?m to 10 ?m. Instead of the molded resin cover, through-holes each having a size of 0.1 ?m to 10 ?m may be formed by applying the laser beam to the molded resin base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: NEC Tokin Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhisa Nishi, Hiromitsu Ito
  • Patent number: 7495189
    Abstract: A miniature circuit breaker is disclosed with a latch for continuously opening and closing a contact point with a contact lever on which the moving contact member is molded. A toggle lever gear with a link connected to a switching handle and a coupling element are provided, the coupling element connecting the link with the contact lever, which toggle lever gear can be brought from a first stable position (switched-on position) into a second stable position via a dead-center position by a tripping mechanism. The contact lever can be rotated and the contact point can be permanently opened. A compression spring is provided which acts on the link, the force of which acts approximately in a direction of the longitudinal extent of the link in the switched-off position, and thus at the beginning of the switching-on process, and transversely thereto in the switched-on position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: ABB Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Jurgen Christmann, Ralf Weber
  • Publication number: 20080179171
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an insulator for positioning an electrical conductor in a gas chamber in a housing of a gas-insulated switchgear assembly, which comprises an electrically insulating disc-shaped carrier element with at least one cutout for passing through an electrical conductor. At least one notch for accommodating a clamp element is arranged on the outer circumference of the carrier element at at least one point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: ABB TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventors: Walter HOLAUS, David Saxl
  • Publication number: 20080116046
    Abstract: A terminal shield is provided for an electrical switching apparatus including a case having a first housing member, a second housing member coupled to and disposed opposite from the first housing member, a first end, a second end, a number of terminals, and a number of terminal openings. Each of the first and second housing members has a first side and a second side. The terminal shield includes at least one pair of protrusions extending outwardly from the case on opposing sides of a corresponding one of the terminal openings. Each protrusion has an interior surface facing a corresponding one of the terminals, and an exterior surface disposed opposite the interior surface. The exterior surface of each protrusion aligns with the first side of a corresponding one of the first and second housing members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: MARK O. ZINDLER
  • Patent number: 7236352
    Abstract: An arc resistant switchgear assembly is provided having a front wall, a rear wall, a bottom surface, an upper surface, a first side wall, and a second side wall opposed to the first side wall and spaced a first distance from the first side wall, with each of the first and second side walls having an upper portion and a lower portion, and with each of the first and second side walls having an inner and an outer surface, with at least the lower portion of both the first side wall and the second side wall having at least one blow-off panel detachably secured thereto by fastening means. Each of the panels is detachably secured to the outer surface of the side wall to which each is secured. The assembly has a vertical plenum formed directly adjacent both the first and the second side walls, with the outer surface of each of the first and second side walls defining an inner side wall of each of the vertical plenums.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Pacs Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Mandell Dalis
  • Patent number: 7199318
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Clifford A. Buxton, Stefan Losch
  • Patent number: 6960736
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Bach, Detlev Schmidt, Michael Sebekow, Guenter Seidler-Stahl, Sezai Tuerkmen
  • Patent number: 6917003
    Abstract: A switch is used to detect opening/closing of a car door or the like in a vehicle, and the switch can be provided with a nice operation feeling and stable performance. Thin corrugated sections are provided on a cover that covers a switching-element, connection points of lead wires and lower portions of a housing of the switch. The switch performs a nice operation feeling with quick response, as upon pushing the cap, the corrugated sections of the cover expand outward to prevent air in the switch from being compressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigetaka Dozono, Manabu Shiroshita, Hiroyuki Kosaka
  • Patent number: 6897760
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a rectangular box-shaped intermediate housing and lower housing; a power supply side fixed contact and a load side fixed contact disposed in the intermediate housing and facing each other; and a movable contact housed in the lower housing for bridging the power supply side fixed contact and the load side fixed contact. The lower housing has arc gas emission holes formed in front and rear walls thereof, and is connected to a lower part of the intermediate housing via an engagement part such that the lower housing covers the lower part of the intermediate housing. A thin wall portion is formed in each of the front and rear walls to eject arc gas by bending.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisao Kawata, Isamu Ohshima, Yoshimi Jumonji, Katsunori Kuboyama, Tatsunori Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6844514
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Bach, Detlev Schmidt, Michael Sebekow, Günter Seidler-Stahl, Ingo Thiede, Sezai Türkmen
  • Patent number: 6797906
    Abstract: A membrane switch is constituted of a lower membrane sheet, an upper membrane sheet and a spacer sheet which is inserted between both sheets, and a spring sheet which is formed of a thin metal plate arranged over the upper membrane sheet. A pair of slits formed in the spring sheet at positions corresponding to both sides of an upper electrode of the upper membrane sheet defines a switch portion in the spring sheet. When a key top is pushed down, the switch portion of the spring sheet is pushed down by a pushdown projection of the membrane switch to bring the upper electrode into contact with a lower electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuki Ohashi
  • Patent number: 6750743
    Abstract: A circuit breaker for a multi-pole electrical distribution circuit includes a cassette associated with each pole in the multi-pole electrical distribution circuit. Each cassette includes a housing, a pair of electrical contacts disposed in the housing, and a thermal and magnetic trip unit supported by the housing. The housing includes a first compartment having the electrical contacts disposed therein and a second compartment having at least a portion of the thermal and magnetic trip unit disposed therein. A wall separates the first and second compartments for isolating the second compartment from gasses generated by separation of the first and second contacts. A duct adjacent to the second compartment allows the gasses to pass to an exterior portion of the housing. The housing includes a pair of opposing slots formed therein for receiving edges of a load terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Anantharam Subramanian, Ronald Ciarcia, Luis A. Brignoni, Narender Macha, Navin Kumar
  • Patent number: 6670872
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Harald Kurzmann
  • 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: 6600120
    Abstract: There is provided a switch having a flexible upper member, that is substantially electrically non-conductive, having an inner surface with an upper contact area that is electrically conductive and connected to a circuit, and a lower member that is substantially electrically non-conductive, having an inner surface with a lower contact area that is electrically conductive and connected to the circuit, wherein the upper member and the lower member are sealingly connected to form a chamber therebetween, the upper contact area and the lower contact area are separated by at least a portion of the chamber and a force applied to the upper member causes the upper contact area and the lower contact area to make contact and close the switch of the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: George Marmaropoulos, Clive R. Van Heerden
  • Patent number: 6576854
    Abstract: The invention provides a waterproof switch which can electrically open and close an door of a vehicle body by a switch, can achieve a seal between a waterproof switch and a panel and a seal against an inner portion of the waterproof switch by one seal member, and previously make a seal member hold in a side of the waterproof switch at a time of assembling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignees: Niles Parts Co., Ltd., Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Yamanaka, Yutaka Sekino
  • Patent number: 6515850
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a power supply control module for loads or motors, which is mounted as an addition under a main electromagnetic switch appliance (Ap) and having, in a casing (1), current paths with commutating poles controlled by an electromagnet control device and substantially characterized by the fact that it includes at the rear, means (21, 22, 23, 31, 32) capable of channelling gases flowing out of the breaker chambers of the main appliance (Ap).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SA
    Inventors: Bernard Fournier, Xavier Person, Jean-Marc Romillon
  • Patent number: 6388867
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Richard Rakus, William John Jones, James Jeffery Benke
  • Patent number: 6222146
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Sezai Türkmen
  • Patent number: 6204460
    Abstract: A configuration for forming a gastight space is prevented from being projected from a housing, so that a projection is not formed on the housing. A sealed contact device includes a housing including a container body having an open end portion, the container body being made of ceramic, a metal lid connected to the open end portion to form a gastight space, a stationary contact and a movable contact disposed in the container body, and a sealed vent portion formed in the metal lid, in which the sealed vent portion is formed by sealing a vent hole formed in the metal lid after exhausting a gas in the gastight space and supplying a desired gas into the gastight space, via the vent hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Matasushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsukasa Hojo, Ryuji Otani, Toru Kuwata, Shusuke Matsumura
  • Patent number: 6198063
    Abstract: A multi-phase circuit breaker assembly 10 includes a circuit breaker 12 having a housing 13 containing circuit breaker operating components and having a gas venting chamber 22 associated with each phase of the circuit breaker. The circuit breaker has a plurality of line wiring terminals 26 at a first end 14 of the housing. Each line wiring terminal corresponds to a phase of the circuit breaker. A terminal cover 30 is removably coupled to the first end of the housing so as to cover the line wiring terminals and prevent access to the line wiring terminals when coupled to the first end of the housing, and to gain access to the line wiring terminals only when removed from the first end of the housing. The terminal cover 30 includes a plurality of vent structures 38 integrally formed therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Rodney Kramer
  • Patent number: 6066812
    Abstract: A layered structure for a keyswitch includes a lower flex circuit layer, an upper flex circuit layer and a spacer layer therebetween. A plurality of projecting flanges are arranged radially and extending from through holes formed in the spacer layer. The flanges may be placed on the lower surface of the upper layer, the upper surface of the lower layer or on the spacer. The flanges separate the spacer and the flex circuit layer such that air passages are formed between each two adjacent flanges, so that a vacuum sucking effect is substantially prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Silitek Corporation
    Inventor: Muchuan Lee
  • Patent number: 6037555
    Abstract: A rotary contact circuit breaker having a venting arrangement to vent gasses operated by a short circuit interruption to a location substantially above the load strap of the breaker whereby electrical components are not damaged by the gasses and ionized gasses from different phases are conveyed in discrete channels for a period exceeding the period during which ionization is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Dennis J. Doughty, Dean A. Robarge, Dave S. Christensen, James L. Rosen, Randall L. Greenberg, Stefan Kranz, Mark Culler, Thomas Papallo
  • Patent number: 6002313
    Abstract: A circuit interrupter including an operating mechanism and separable main contacts interconnected with load and line terminals has an interface region between the top and bottom portions of the completed housing thereof, which may be of reduced cross section relative to the remainder of the side walls of the circuit interrupter for being moved or pushed outwardly under the pressure of expanding gas during a circuit interruption operation. To more easily clear or separate abutment surfaces by near lateral movement thereof to provide a small opening for pressurized gas to escape the elasticity of the side wall is utilized for this purpose. Provided that the elasticity limit is not exceeded, the wall will return to its original position sealing the internal portions of the circuit interrupter from the exterior once the gas pressure has dropped below a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen A. Mrenna, Richard P. Malingowski, Kathryn M. Palmer
  • Patent number: 5895900
    Abstract: A pressure sensitive switch includes a first insulating film provided on one surface thereof with an electrode sheet and an insulating spacer having one surface connected to one surface of the first insulating film and a thickness. The insulating spacer is formed with a plurality of holes, each having a diameter larger than the thickness and a plurality of air-vents, each having a width which is narrower than the diameter of the holes in such a manner that the holes and the air-vents are in mutual air communication and extend through the insulating spacer along its thickness direction. A second insulating film is provided on one surface thereof with another electrode sheet and one surface of the second insulating film is connected to the other surface of the insulating spacer. A cord has a first wire and a second wire connected to the electrode sheet of the first insulating film and the electrode sheet of the second insulating film, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shoji Okada, Toshimitsu Oka, Naofumi Fujie, Kazuya Tanaka, Hitoshi Takayanagi
  • Patent number: 5879088
    Abstract: A computer keyboard 10 having a plurality of keys 18 at desired locations being supported above a support plate 20 having a plurality of apertures 22 at the desired locations. A membrane keyswitch assembly 24 is mounted on the support plate 20 having keyswitches at each desired location. The keys have key plungers 28 that move up and down in the support plate apertures 22. An elastomeric dome sheet 46 is mounted over the membrane keyswitch assembly 24 with individual elastomeric dome return springs for biasing the keys 18 to their up position. An air chamber 52 is formed beneath the support plate 20 extending between the desired key locations. An air-impervious elastomeric membrane 60 is sandwiched between the air chamber 52 and the support plate 20 forming a flexible upper wall that receives and engages the key plungers 28. The membrane 60 has individual pedestal portions at the key locations for engaging the plungers 28.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Key Tronic Corporation
    Inventor: George P. English
  • Patent number: 5878905
    Abstract: Switchgear, such as gas-insulated, metal-encapsulated high-voltage switchgear, is accommodated in a container. The container has a side wall formed with an opening. An outwardly opening flap closes the opening in the normal situation. Upon a sudden pressure increase in the container, caused for instance by arcing, the flap is automatically opened and the container is vented. A linkage with a damper is connected to the flap for damping a motion of the flap into the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: ABB Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Gronbach, Friedrich Kraus, Thomas Gfollner, Helmut Loisel, Karl Purethmair
  • Patent number: 5841086
    Abstract: A brake master cylinder assembly includes a brake master cylinder housing having a rear end surface separated from a front end surface by a side surface, and defines an inner cavity that opens through the front end surface. At least one plunger is positioned in the inner cavity and is moveable between a retracted position and an advanced position. A shaft with one end extending into the inner cavity is in contact with the at least one plunger and has an other end extending out of the inner cavity away from the front end surface. A collapsible cover surrounds a portion of the shaft and has a forward end attached to the shaft and a base end attached to the brake master cylinder housing. An electrical brakelamp switch is attached to the brake master cylinder housing adjacent one of either the front end surface or the rear end surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: James P. Meagher, John W. Smith
  • Patent number: 5811749
    Abstract: An electrical switch is intended to prevent hot arc gases from contacting the terminal screw units. The arc gases are to flow off in an already deionized manner so that no damage is caused even when they flow out towards the electric cable terminals without the need for additional shielding for the terminals. A terminal cover section is designed with blow-out channels which are fully encapsulated with respect to the terminal screws and to the terminal chambers and have an outlet aperture each. To fully encapsulate and provide access to each of the terminal screws, a location dome passes through each blow-out channel. At the points where the through apertures join the quench chambers, the inserted terminal cover section is sealed against the separating wall of the housing in the region of the blow-out channel inlet apertures. The arc gases flow from arc quenching chambers through a partition by way of passage openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Klockner-Moeller GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Bausch, Franz Boder, Bernd Howald
  • Patent number: 5753878
    Abstract: Circuit breaker arc exhaust apertures in the line end of the circuit breaker case transfer arc gases from the circuit breaker interior during overcurrent circuit interruption. A flexible shield protects the circuit breaker terminal lug from arc gas contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Dennis J. Doughty, Randall L. Greenberg, Ronald D. Ciarcia
  • Patent number: 5569894
    Abstract: An arc quenching device for a circuit breaker having a stationary contact member and a moving contact member includes a magnetic element formed of an arc quenching core and a base plate. The arc quenching core includes a back wall, and two side walls extending from lateral sides of the back wall. The base plate extends substantially perpendicularly from a lower side of the back wall in a direction as in the side walls, and is fixed to the stationary contact member. The base plate includes a U-shaped magnetic driving core situated near a stationary contact point and extending upwardly from the base plate to surround the stationary contact point, and an arc horn integrally formed with the base plate and obliquely extending toward the back wall from a portion near the stationary contact point. Arc formed between the stationary contact member and the moving contact member is moved by magnetic driving force formed by the magnetic driving core to the arc quenching core to be quenched therein through the arc horn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoshi Uchida, Akihiko Kohanawa, Masao Miura, Jun Oyama, Koji Asakawa
  • Patent number: 5519179
    Abstract: This invention provides a pressure switch and a method of manufacture thereof, which allow the air vent hole to be formed very small in diameter so that the engine oil can be reliably prevented from flowing out through this air vent hole.The reduced diameter portion of the air vent hole 13 is formed in the following steps during the process of resin-molding the insulating cap 3 of the pressure switch 1. After the air vent hole 13 having the outwardly projecting portion 14 is formed, the recessed portion 16 of the jig 17 is placed in contact with the circumferential surface of the projecting portion 14 of the air vent hole 13. The jig 17 is pressed against the projecting portion 14 of the air vent hole 13 with a specified pressure to deform the projecting portion 14 and thereby reduce the inner diameter of the air vent hole 13 at the end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Kenichi Sato
  • Patent number: 5493092
    Abstract: A shield structure on the line side of a circuit breaker has several adjacent channels for carrying ionized gases and cables electrically connected to a line terminal assembly. The shield structure has a main portion and a stepped portion which directs the channels and, thus, the cables and the ionized gases to the rear of the circuit breaker. The main portion has sidewalls, a top wall, and inner walls which form compartments, and which communicate with the walls of the circuit breaker to enclose a pole unit for each of the line terminal assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Neal E. Rowe
  • Patent number: 5471022
    Abstract: A diaphragm assembly for movement in response to a pressure increase exerted thereon comprised of a resilient flexible diaphragm having a first surface with a predetermined profile when said diaphragm is in a neutral, unflexed condition, the diaphragm having an opening formed therethrough.A rigid pressure plate is adapted to be positioned against the diaphragm. The plate has a contoured surface for mating engagement with the first surface of the diaphragm. The contoured surface has a recessed sealing surface dimensioned to form an open space between the plate and the diaphragm when the diaphragm is in the neutral, unflexed condition, and to enable the diaphragm to flex into sealing engagement therewith when sufficient pressure is exerted on said diaphragm. A first vent passage communicates the opening in diaphragm with the open space, and a second vent passage communicates the open space with the edge of the pressure plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Tridelta Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Vince Kiss, Matthew A. Davis
  • Patent number: 5457296
    Abstract: An enclosure, for a circuit breaker, is provided with a venting arrangement to allow release of internal pressure caused by a short circuit fault condition in the circuit breaker. The venting arrangement is provided in the form of a blow out panel mounted over an aperture formed in the enclosure. Insulating barriers are provided to prevent vented exhaust particles from coming into contact with electrically live conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Kenneth Neill, Keith W. Ball
  • Patent number: 5421659
    Abstract: A keyboard includes a body having a number of depressions formed in the upper portion for collecting water, a-number of channels extend upward from the depression for slidably receiving buttons. A base is secured to bottom of the body and a casing is secured to bottom of the base. A number of conduits extend downward from the depression for communicating the depressions with the casing for allowing water collected in the depressions to flow into the casing so as to prevent water from flowing into the circuit board received between the body and the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventor: Hui-Hu Liang
  • Patent number: 5369233
    Abstract: A safety pressure sensor in particular for microswitches comprises a base body (2) to be engaged to a receptable containing a fluid under pressure, a flexible diaphragm (6) disposed in contact with the fluid under pressure and acting on a microswitch (9) connected to the pressure sensor (1 ), a protective cap (5) adapted to accommodate the flexible diaphragm (6) and actuating means (10) adapted to transmit the diaphragm thrust to the microswitch (9) through the protective cap (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Inventor: Cesare Gallone
  • Patent number: 5352858
    Abstract: A hermetically sealed snap switch assembly involving a housing that includes a hermetically sealed snap switch chamber in which a projecting terminal type subminiature snap action switch is mounted in slip fit association with a similar number of depending electrically conductive open ended tubes that are adapted to, prior to use of the switch assembly involved, be respectively hermetically sealed to the switch terminal that is received in same, and be respectively electrically connected in suitable circuitry at the option of the installer, with the arrangement of the assembly being such that optionally a selected one of the depending tubes, prior to such hermetically sealing of same, may be employed for switch chamber purging and backfilling purposes, after which said sealing of same is effected. Also disclosed is a method of backfilling said switch chamber (using such backfilling option) with a switch life enhancing gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Dwyer Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: David W. Keck
  • Patent number: 5338908
    Abstract: A bracket 14 for mounting a lead frame 12 having pressure responsive electrical switches 20 is provided with a pair of bores 88 through the bracket at each switch station in alignment with recessed portions 78 and 86 in the bottom surface of the switch housing. A layer 92 of filter material is disposed between the bores and the recessed portions so that fluid flowing through the bores into the recessed portions will be forced to flow through the filter material to exclude particles of contamination larger than a selected size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Aziz Rahman, Gary A. Baker
  • Patent number: 5322982
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fusible switch for use in a multiphase circuit. The switch includes an operating mechanism which is secured to the enclosure of the switch and provides for a handle to operate the opening and closing of switch contacts. Movement of the handle stores energy in the operating mechanism which is subsequently released in a quick motion just as the switch contact is to be opened or closed. The switch also provides for heat sinks and means for venting the enclosure to dissipate the heat created from the higher voltage and greater current density carried by this improved switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Ricky D. Leger, Russell Cox
  • Patent number: 5308940
    Abstract: A switch having first and second housing members 12, 14 sandwiching a combination terminal and disc seat member 30 has a tortuous vent path 64, 66 and 68 formed through first and second, annular bearing surfaces 60, 62 in the top surface of the second housing member. The terminal and disc seat member 30 and top surface 42 of the second housing member are configured such that an interference fit is formed between the terminal and the disc seat member 30 and the second, annular bearing surface 62.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Edward F. O'Brien, Gary A. Baker
  • Patent number: 5218177
    Abstract: First and second membranes carrying contacts located on opposing faces are separated by a third or spacer membrane having holes therein so that a circuit may be completed between the contacts when a force is applied to the first membrane. The first and second membranes and the peripheries of the holes define substantially enclosed switch regions. The first, second and third membrane layers are mechanically held together, without the use of adhesives, in the regions other than the switch regions. Spacer elements are provided between the spacer membrane and one of the first and second membranes. The spacer elements form air pockets such that air may flow between the switch region and the air pockets as the first membrane is depressed and then released. The arrangement provides two advantages. First, it reduces pressure buildup, such as would occur if the membranes were sealed together, when force is applied to the first layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin T. Coleman, III, Philip M. Cullen, Mary L. VanArsdall
  • Patent number: 5216213
    Abstract: A pressure switch comprises a diaphragm held between and insulating cap and a conductive body to form an atmosphere chamber by the insulating cap and the diaphragm, and a pressure chamber by the conductive body and the diaphragm; a fixed contact provided on the insulating cap; a movable contact, provided on the diaphragm, for contacting/discontacting the fixed contact to detect a pressure, in the pressure chamber, reached to a predetermined value; communication device, provided with the insulating cap, for communicating the atmosphere chamber with the atmosphere; and water proof device for covering the communication device to prevent water form intruding into the atmosphere chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Kenichi Sato
  • Patent number: 5186131
    Abstract: A distributor for a vehicle includes a housing and a cap operatively positioned on the housing for defining a closed space therebetween. A central electrode and a side electrode are operatively mounted within the cap in a predetermined disposition. A distributor rotor is rotatably mounted relative to the housing and projects within the closed space, the distributor rotor includes an upper end and a lower end. At least one fin is mounted adjacent to the upper end of the distributor rotor for rotation together with the distributor rotor. An air flow guiding member projects into the closed space. An air intake aperture is provided for introducing ambient air into the closed space. A discharge aperture is formed in the cap for discharging swirling air flow induced by rotation of the distributor rotor to travel from the air intake aperture along the air flow guiding member and through the discharge aperture to the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignees: Toyo Denko Kabushiki Kaisha, Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Shinozawa, Hiroyuki Fujita, Hideaki Arai
  • Patent number: 5153395
    Abstract: A switch operated to an open circuit condition by a closed lid of an automatic clothes washing machine. The switch housing is comprised of two parts which mate with each other and with the specially configured switch operating shaft for inhibiting entry of liquids into the switch contact chamber of the housing by splashing or by capillarity. A vent tube leads from the housing and, in effect, accepts air resulting from the air in the housing expanding when the switch is warm and which allows back flow of that air into the housing when the air in the housing cools. The tube prohibits pressure developing in the housing which is negative with respect to ambient atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Assignee: U.S. Controls Corp.
    Inventors: Spencer C. Schantz, Mike Lehn, Dave Falcon, Steve Lovas
  • Patent number: 5153396
    Abstract: A combination high pressure relief valve/high pressure cut-off device includes a housing for mounting in a pressure control installation. A high pressure switch, biased to a closed position, is mounted in this housing. A force transmitting mechanism is also mounted in the housing. The force transmitting mechanism includes a pressure sensing diaphragm adapted to be exposed to the pressure to be sensed. The force transmitting mechanism is responsive to pressure above a predetermined lower threshold pressure value to open the high pressure switch. The device also provides for rupturing the pressure sensing diaphragm so as to provide extreme high pressure relief in the event pressures build above a predetermined upper threshold high pressure value substantially higher. Additionally, the device may be electrically connected by means of a blow-off connector. The blow-off connector includes a resilient latch adapted to remain locked and retain the connector in position under normal operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Larry D. Cummings
  • Patent number: 5064977
    Abstract: A circuit protector employs molded resinous parts including a base and a support frame structure. Advantageously the circuit protector support frame structure may include a medial plane frame providing space for two circuit protectors, one on each side of the frame and a common back plane mutually perpendicular to the medial frame and the base along one edge of the base. A cover fits over the support frame and base and snugly accommodates the base at its terminal edges except immediately along the back plane. The back plane is provided with a slot through the back plane in the vicinity of each pair of contacts which communicates to a space between the cover and the back plane of the base permitting venting of gases generated by arcing. Grooves are supplied in the medial plane frame and the back plane to accommodate edge flanges of an arc suppressing grid to hold the grid in place to bracket the contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1991
    Assignee: Heinemann Electric Company
    Inventor: Joseph Fierro
  • Patent number: 5051540
    Abstract: A component housing for an electromechanical component as an aeration opening provided with an insulating shaft formed by an insulating wall extending from the housing wall. The insulating shaft is open to the interior of the housing at an end lying opposite the aeration opening to form an insulating path between voltage carrying parts within the housing and neighboring metallic parts outside of the housing after the aeration opening is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Harry Schroeder
  • Patent number: 5006677
    Abstract: A housing includes a switch chamber and a plunger chamber communicating with the switch chamber. A plunger is slidable within the plunger chamber. Cam surfaces on the plunger operate electrical switches in the switch chamber. There is an axial channel in the plunger, and a slot through the plunger wall communicates with the channel. A vacuum passageway passes from one side of the housing, into the channel, and a solid extension of the passageway passes through the slot, and into a hole in the opposite wall of the housing. As the plunger moves in and out, the slot slides on the extension to guide to stabilize the plunger. A vent hole in the vacuum passageway opens into the channel. A sealing member slides in the channel along the axis of the plunger, alternately sealing and unsealing the vent hole as the plunger moves. A spring seated between the plunger and the sealing member permits the plunger to continue moving when the sealing member is seated in the passageway vent hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Assignee: Emhart Industries Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Smith, James P. Meagher
  • Patent number: 4968862
    Abstract: In a switch device including a case, a partition wall formed in the case, a plurality of switch elements provided under the partition wall, each the switch element having an actuator, and an operating knob rockably mounted over the partition wall for driving the actuator of the each switch element; the improvement comprising a plurality of cylindrical walls formed to upwardly project from the partition wall, each the cylindrical wall defining a through-hole therein, a driving rod vertically movably inserted into the each through-hole and having upper and lower ends abutting against the operating knob and the actuator of the switch element, and a drain passage formed in a side wall of the case for discharging a liquid having entered a space of the case over the partition wall to the outside of the case. That is, the through-hole is closely engaged with the driving rod. The cylindrical wall surrounding the through-hole projects over the partition wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takuya Maeda