Contact Moved By Sudden Release Of Stored Energy, (e.g., Spring Charger) Patents (Class 200/400)
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Publication number: 20130076461Abstract: A device can be installed inside a circuit breaker assembly to reduce friction between an armature and a cradle, which in turn, allows the circuit breaker to trip without requiring significant force. Such device can be a collapsible mechanism configured to swivel about its hinged connection to the armature.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2011Publication date: March 28, 2013Inventor: James Gerard Maloney
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Publication number: 20130062175Abstract: An energy storage and release control mechanism is provided for a stored energy assembly of an electrical switching apparatus. The stored energy assembly includes a shaft, a stored energy mechanism, and a charging mechanism, such as a charging cam. The charging cam is movable to pivot upon the shaft, thereby charging the stored energy mechanism. The energy storage and release control mechanism includes a ratchet coupled to the charging cam and including a plurality of teeth, a mounting assembly, and a plurality of pawl assemblies. Each pawl assembly includes a pawl pivoting between an engaged position corresponding to the pawl engaging the teeth of the ratchet to resist inappropriate movement of the charging handle, and a disengaged position corresponding to the pawl not engaging the teeth of the ratchet. Preferably, first and second pawl assemblies include first and second pawls, respectively, wherein only one of the first and second pawls engages the teeth of the ratchet at a time.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2011Publication date: March 14, 2013Inventors: Timothy Gordon Robirds, Micahel Davis Pearce, Michael Lee Herbst
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Patent number: 8395067Abstract: According to an embodiment, a switchgear operating mechanism has a roller pin rotatably fixed to a leading end of a latch lever. A latch is fixed to a solenoid lever at a position different from the rotation axis of the solenoid lever, and has a leading end engageable with the roller pin. In a state where the switchgear operating state is shifted from the closed state to the cutoff state, the solenoid lever is pushed by an electromagnetic solenoid for cutoff so as to be rotated in an opposite direction to the biasing direction of the solenoid lever return spring, and the latch lever is rotated by a biasing force of the roller pin to release an engagement between the roller pin and the leading end of the latch, which causes a cutoff spring to discharge its energy to rotate the latch lever.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2010Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Satoshi Marushima, Yoshikata Kobayashi, Yoshiaki Ohda, Masaharu Shimizu, Tooru Inoue
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Patent number: 8378245Abstract: A push-to-trip mechanism is provided for a handle assembly for an electrical switching apparatus, such as circuit breaker. The handle assembly includes a casing coupled to the exterior of the circuit breaker housing over the push-to-trip button of the circuit breaker. The push-to-trip mechanism includes an actuating member at least partially disposed within an aperture of the casing. The actuating member is movable between an actuated position corresponding to the actuating member actuating the push-to-trip button, and an unactuated position corresponding to the actuating member not actuating the push-to-trip button. A resilient element biases the actuating member toward the unactuated position. The push-to-trip mechanism is operable from the exterior of the handle assembly casing, thereby enabling the push-to-trip button of the circuit breaker to be actuated, without removing the casing.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2010Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Kenneth Martin Fischer
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Publication number: 20130026020Abstract: Disclosed are a power transmission device for a vacuum interrupter, and a vacuum breaker having the same. The device includes: a driving link coupled to an adjuster; a driven link coupled to a movable electrode of a vacuum interrupter; connection links configured to connect the driving link and the driven link with each other, and coupled to the driving link and the driven link such that an interval between the driving link and the driven link is varied; cams coupled to the connection links in a perpendicular direction; and cam guides having guide recesses for slidably coupling the cams, and configured to guide the interval between the driving link and the driven link to be changed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2012Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: LSIS CO., LTD.Inventor: Jae Min YANG
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Publication number: 20130001057Abstract: A switch includes a handle for activation and deactivation and an actuating device. The actuating device includes a motor drive, which tensions a spring held in a tensioned state by latching by way of a gear. Two spring pairs are provided for activation and deactivation. The two bridges are arranged, with the spring pairs thereof nested within each other and displaceable with respect to each other. The bridges facing each other are pressed apart from one another to tension the spring pairs, and an actuation element is arranged on the one bridge for activation and an actuation element is arranged on the other bridge for deactivation.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2010Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Michael Hofmann, Harald Spittler
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Patent number: 8338732Abstract: A spring operated actuator for an electrical switching apparatus. It has an opening spring and a closing spring, one of them including a torsion spring. The torsion spring is charged in the unwinding direction and discharged in the winding direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2012Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: ABB Technology AGInventors: Daniel Staffas, Johannes Tredoux, Mats Holman, Ulf Åkesson
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Patent number: 8330065Abstract: The time period is shortened till a cutoff spring force is released when a switchgear is cut off. This switchgear comprises: a closing shaft; a main lever fixed turnably on the closing shaft and associated with a movable contact; a closing spring; a sub shaft; a sub lever and a latch lever fixed on the sub shaft; a roller mounted on the leading end of the latch lever; a turnable latch and a kick lever; a lock lever made turnable with respect to the latch; a latch returning spring for biasing the latch; a lock returning spring for biasing the kick lever and the lock lever; and a stopper for restricting the turns of the lock lever and the latch.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2010Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Yoshiaki Ohda, Masaharu Shimizu, Satoshi Marushima, Hirokazu Takagi, Yoshikata Kobayashi
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Patent number: 8319133Abstract: A charging assembly for an electrical switching apparatus includes a cam shaft and including a number of cams. A latch lobe and a charging handle are coupled to opposing ends of the cam shaft. Each stroke of the charging handle pivots the cams a predetermined amount. A rocker arm includes a first portion cooperating with the cams, a second portion translating movement of the cams into movement of a stored energy mechanism, and a third portion cooperating with a close D-shaft having a close latch. A close prop includes a first end cooperating with the close D-shaft, and a second end including a roller that cooperates with the latch lobe. The close D-shaft pivots between latched and unlatched positions. The third portion cooperates with the close D-shaft to hold the close latch in the unlatched position until the charging handle has been pivoted a predetermined number of strokes.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2010Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Andrew Lawrence Gottschalk, Robert Michael Slepian
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Patent number: 8319132Abstract: A load interrupter, especially to be mounted on a busbar includes a housing and a cover that is hinged thereto, a snap switch mechanism for establishing or interrupting an electrical connection between corresponding contacts. A control lever for switching between a current-carrying operation and a current interrupting operation, and a control mechanism which, depending on the position of the control lever, releases or blocks a release element for a displacement. The release element being coupled to a locking device which is arranged in such a manner that it can be engaged with or disengaged from the cover.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2008Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Woehner GmbH & Co. KG Elektrotechnische SystemeInventors: Alex Buettner, Andreas Hetenyi
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Patent number: 8309871Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling electrical switchgear, the control apparatus being designed such that it is capable of performing the following in succession: during an opening stage for opening the moving contact, causing the connection end for connection to the moving contact and provided on an output member to go from the point P1 to the point P2, under the effect of an opening mechanical spring moving a moving abutment element that drives the output member by abutment; during a re-cocking stage for re-cocking the spring, moving the moving abutment element under the effect of switching on a motor, while keeping the connection end at the point P2; and during a closure stage for closing the moving contact, causing the connection end to go from the point P2 to the point P1, also under the effect of switching on the motor.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2007Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Areva T&D SAInventors: Jean-Pierre Dupraz, Michel Collet, Olivier Grejon, Xavier Allaire, Georges Doummar, Philippe Manin
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Publication number: 20120273333Abstract: A scalable earthing switch that incorporates a torsion spring to effect rapid closure of the switch. The torsion spring is supported coaxially about a rotatable shaft on which contact blades are mounted resulting in compact design. The blade contacts are separated axially along the length of the shaft by one or more spacers. By using difference size spacers the distance between adjacent blade contacts can be changed and, thus, the earthing switch can be easily scaled for different applications. A latching (detent) mechanism is provided for latching the switch in an open position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2011Publication date: November 1, 2012Applicant: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventor: David D. Miller
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Publication number: 20120273334Abstract: A miniature circuit breaker having a pair of operable contacts in a main current path between a line terminal and load terminal, a trip mechanism for opening the contacts if an overcurrent condition occurs, and an electric motor to close the contacts via a contact closing mechanism. The trip mechanism includes a trigger mechanism and a contact opening mechanism, a current sensor arranged to detect current through the main current path, and a control unit. The trigger mechanism triggers the contact opening mechanism if a trip signal is produced. The control unit produces a trip signal to operate the trigger mechanism if it determines a short circuit condition occurs based on output of the current sensor; and the control unit is arranged to operate the electric motor to trigger the contact opening mechanism into opening the contacts independently of the trigger mechanism if it determines that an overload condition occurs.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2010Publication date: November 1, 2012Applicant: Eaton Industries Manufacturing GMBHInventors: Sean Christopher Ganley, John Stevens
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Patent number: 8264306Abstract: A movable contactor assembly for a current limiting type MCCB comprising: a terminal base; a plurality of movable contactors having a cam surface portion; a pair of holder plates supporting the movable contactors; a plurality of first springs providing an elastic force to the movable contactors; a plurality of extending plate portions provided to face the side of one end portion of each of the movable contactors so as to be electrically connected with the movable contactors; a plurality of flexible wire plates electrically connecting the movable contactors and the terminal base and having a portion bendable toward the movable contactors or toward the extending plate portions; and a second spring providing an elastic force to the flexible wire plates so as to be tightly attached to the movable contactor.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2011Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: LS Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ki Ho Baek
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Patent number: 8253517Abstract: A full-protection circuit breaker has a line-protection circuit breaker and a residual-current-operated component which can be fitted thereto. A first switching mechanism, located therein, includes a first switching toggle for operation of a first latching mechanism, which is accommodated in the residual-current-operated component. A second switching mechanism, provided in the line-protection circuit breaker, includes a second switching toggle for operation of a second latching mechanism, which is accommodated in the line-protection circuit. The first and the second latching mechanisms are coupled by means of a first coupling element. The first and the second switching toggle are coupled by means of a second coupling element, wherein the second coupling element acts on the first switching toggle with respect to the second switching toggle, pivoting through the predeterminable lead angle in the direction of its connected position.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2009Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: ABB AGInventor: Ralph Weber
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Publication number: 20120211341Abstract: A spring operated actuator for an electrical switching apparatus. It has an opening spring and a closing spring, one of them including a torsion spring. The torsion spring is charged in the unwinding direction and discharged in the winding direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2012Publication date: August 23, 2012Inventors: Daniel Staffas, Johannes Tredoux, Mats Holman, Ulf Akesson
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Patent number: 8242399Abstract: An operating mechanism operates a multi-pole circuit breaker assembly. For each circuit breaker in the multi-pole circuit breaker assembly, the following elements are provided: a connection assembly for connection to an operating shaft of the circuit breaker, an actuator for changing between an ON and OFF state of the operating mechanism, a translation assembly for transferring a movement of the actuator to the connection assembly, and a compression spring exerting a force on the operating shaft in the ON state of the operating mechanism. The force exerted by the compression spring is adjustable by a force setting assembly in a continuous manner.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2008Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Eaton Electric B.V.Inventors: Marcel Berend Paul van Dijk, Gerhardus Leonardus Nitert, Ronald Johannes Wilms
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Publication number: 20120199456Abstract: Disclosed is a spring actuator for a circuit breaker, the spring actuator comprises a spring configured to provide an elastic energy serving to perform a circuit opening operation or a circuit closing operation of a circuit breaker; a spring housing providing a space to compress or extend the spring; a movable supporting plate linearly movable in the spring housing; a linearly-movable shaft linearly-movable having a first position for charging an elastic energy by compressing the spring, and having a second position for releasing the spring; a driving mechanism configured to provide a rotatory power for linearly-moving the linearly-movable shaft; one rigid link configured to convert the rotatory power provided from the driving mechanism to a linear power and to transmit the linear power to the linearly-movable shaft; and a latch mechanism having a position for latching the spring such that the spring maintains a charged state.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2012Publication date: August 9, 2012Applicant: LSIS CO., LTD.Inventor: Sung Jun TAK
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Patent number: 8237523Abstract: The relay has a movable first contact, a second contact, and an actuating element operatively connected with an armature of the relay. The first contact is movable toward the second contact by the actuating element and dependent on a supply of current to the relay. A snap action spring connects the second contact to a housing of the relay. The second contact is positioned between two arrangements by the snap action spring.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2009Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Tyco Electronics Austria GmbHInventor: Johannes Helmreich
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Patent number: 8217290Abstract: A charging handle is provided for an electrical switching apparatus including a housing having an exterior, an interior and a recess extending from the exterior toward the interior, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts, and a charging assembly. A first end of the charging handle is coupled to the charging assembly within the interior of the housing. The second end includes a finger pull. An elongated body extends between the first and second ends and includes first and second sides, and inner and outer surfaces. The charging handle is movable among first and second positions. The finger pull is disposed on the outer surface of the elongated body at or about the second end of the charging handle, and is readily accessible from all of the second end and the first and second sides of the charging handle.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2008Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Paul R. Rakus, Valerie F. Odom, Andrew L. Gottschalk, Craig A. Rodgers, Nathan J. Weister, Erik R. Bogdon
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Patent number: 8217291Abstract: A status indicating assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker includes a housing, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The operating mechanism comprises a stored energy mechanism and a primary latch. The primary latch is pivotable between a latched position corresponding to the stored energy mechanism being chargeable, and an unlatched position corresponding to the stored energy mechanism being discharged. The status indicating assembly includes a first indicator for indicating whether the separable contacts are open or closed, a second indicator for indicating whether the stored energy mechanism is charged or discharged, and a third indicator for indicating whether or not the circuit breaker is ready to close the separable contacts.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2010Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Andrew Lawrence Gottschalk, Robert Michael Slepian
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Patent number: 8203088Abstract: A close latch interlock assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker, which includes a stored energy mechanism, such as a closing spring. The close latch interlock assembly includes a close D-shaft pivotable between a latched and unlatched positions corresponding to the closing spring being chargeable and discharged, respectively. An actuator is movable between an unactuated position corresponding to the close D-shaft being disposed in the latched position, and an actuated position corresponding to the close D-shaft being movable toward the unlatched position. A release member cooperates with the actuator and is pivotably coupled to the first end of a transfer link. The second end of the transfer link extends toward the close D-shaft. When the actuator is moved toward the actuated position, it moves the release member, thereby moving the transfer link and pivoting the close D-shaft toward the unlatched position.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2010Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Andrew L. Gottschalk, Perry R. Gibson, Robert M. Slepian
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Patent number: 8198561Abstract: A switching mechanism for a switching device is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the switching mechanism includes a contact element which is mounted in a switching shaft segment such that it can rotate and can be switched off automatically in the event of a fault via said switching mechanism, a switching lever for switching the contact element on and off manually; a cocking lever which is mounted in a fixed position such that it can rotate and interacts with a catch; and a toggle lever joint including a coupling lug for connection to the contact element, a pivoting lever and a toggle lever joint shaft. The switching lever can assume at least one switched-on position, a manual switched-off position or automatically unlatched tripped position, or an intermediate switch position which is located between the switched-on position and the tripped position when a contact element is welded.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2010Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Ludvik Godesa
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Patent number: 8183485Abstract: A circuit breaker having an automatic release linkage is disclosed that is capable of preventing damage and deformation of elements by automatic linkage release before electro-impulsive force generated from within the circuit breaker by a large short-circuit current causes the damage and deformation of open/close linkage.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2008Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: LS Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kil Young Ahn
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Patent number: 8183486Abstract: The invention describes a spring arrangement for spring drive unit, which spring arrangement comprises a spring, a pullrod connected at a first pullrod end to a first spring end of the spring and connected at an opposite second pullrod end to a rotary shaft of the spring drive unit, a frame plate against which a second spring end of the spring is mounted and the frame plate being provided with an opening through which the pullrod extends to be connected to the shaft. Further, the first spring end of the spring, to which the pullrod is connected, is unguided, and the parameters of the spring are chosen in response to the operating conditions of the spring drive unit such that the spring is stable during operation.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2008Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: ABB Technology AGInventors: Johannes Tredoux, Staffan Jacobsson
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Publication number: 20120103775Abstract: A charging assembly for an electrical switching apparatus includes a cam shaft and including a number of cams. A latch lobe and a charging handle are coupled to opposing ends of the cam shaft. Each stroke of the charging handle pivots the cams a predetermined amount. A rocker arm includes a first portion cooperating with the cams, a second portion translating movement of the cams into movement of a stored energy mechanism, and a third portion cooperating with a close D-shaft having a close latch. A close prop includes a first end cooperating with the close D-shaft, and a second end including a roller that cooperates with the latch lobe. The close D-shaft pivots between latched and unlatched positions. The third portion cooperates with the close D-shaft to hold the close latch in the unlatched position until the charging handle has been pivoted a predetermined number of strokes.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Inventors: ANDREW LAWRENCE GOTTSCHALK, ROBERT MICHAEL SLEPIAN
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Patent number: 8168907Abstract: A switch mechanism for a power tool switchable between an ON and OFF state including a support structure; a first actuator rotatably mounted on the support structure and which is rotatable between a first position and a second position, wherein the first actuator is capable of being releasably latched in either of the first or second positions. The first actuator includes a recess. A second actuator is a slidable button located inside of the recess of the first actuator so that the first actuator at least partially surrounds the second actuator, and is linearly slidable within the recess between a first position and a second position. The second actuator is biased towards its first position.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2009Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventor: Uwe Nemetz
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Publication number: 20120061224Abstract: An indicator device displays a status of switching contacts of a circuit breaker that includes an energy store. The indicator device includes a lever and a coupling element. The lever includes a display element and is movable between a triggered position and a non-triggered position based upon at least one operational parameter. The coupling element is operatively connected to the lever so as to be movable between a triggered, position and a non-triggered position by the lever. The coupling element is configured to be further operatively connected to a first actuator of the energy store so as to be movable by the first actuator into the non-triggered position when energy is stored in the first energy store and so as to not be moved from the non-triggered position into the triggered position when energy stored in the energy store is released.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: EATON INDUSTRIES GMBHInventors: Gregor Fleitmann, Volker Heins, Wolfgang Wagner
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Patent number: 8124901Abstract: There is obtained an energy storage mechanism, for a switching device, that has a structure requiring no high-accuracy components and can perform release of driving-power transmission and re-engagement.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2007Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Shinji Toba, Minoru Kobayashi
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Patent number: 8119942Abstract: Disclosed is a circuit breaker having a cam rotation delaying function employed to block current, the circuit breaker performing a charging operation and a charting operation, the circuit breaker including a closing spring having one end portion rotatably coupled to each of plates, a driving lever rotatably installed at each of the plates and connected to another end portion of the closing spring so as to be rotated responsive to compression and extension of the closing spring, a cam rotatably installed at each of the plates and configured to press the driving lever for rotation, a link mechanism having a plurality of links rotatably installed at each of the plates and connected to the driving lever for operation, a movable contact rotatably installed at a side of each of the plates and contactable with a terminal by an operation of the link mechanism, and a cam delaying mechanism installed at each of the plates and configured to attenuate a rotational force of the cam due to a restoring force of the closingType: GrantFiled: December 18, 2009Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: LS Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hong-Ik Yang, Kil-Young Ahn
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Patent number: 8115129Abstract: A switching device has an input terminal and an output terminal for connection to electrical conductors, and two switching contacts which, when closed, close a current path between the input terminal and the output terminal. A disconnect device for disconnecting the two switching contacts is operatively connected to a short-circuit trigger device which is arranged in the region of the input terminal and triggers the disconnect device. The short-circuit trigger device includes a U-shaped yoke and a movable hinged armature, which simplifies the design.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2009Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Moeller Gebäudeautomation GmbHInventors: Adolf Tetik, Roman Kolm
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Patent number: 8110762Abstract: A single-pole or multi-pole device for low-voltage systems, in particular a circuit breaker or a disconnector, which comprises: an outer casing containing for each pole at least one fixed contact and at least one mobile contact that can be coupled to/uncoupled from one another; a rotating element, defined by a shaped body comprising at least one seat for each pole of said switch, said seat being designed to house at least one mobile contact of a corresponding pole; a control mechanism operatively connected to said rotating element for enabling movement thereof; reinforcement elements positioned in said at least one seat of said mobile contact.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2007Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: ABB Service S.r.l.Inventors: Stefano Besana, Alessio Bergamini
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Patent number: 8093524Abstract: The present invention is an electrical switchgear unit in a case and including at least one stationary contact and at least one movable contact supported by a contact support shaft, an opening and/or closing mechanism of the movable contact(s) fitted in a support, the mechanism including a manual operating handle of the contact(s) rotatable around a toggle pin of the case, and a high-speed closing shaft designed to keep the movable contact(s) in the open position, at the beginning of manual closing of the handle and over a certain travel, by storing energy and to release the movable contact(s) after travel of the handle so that the stored energy causes high-speed closing of the contacts.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2008Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SASInventors: Laurent Previeux, Yves Brune, Claude Burnot, Roland Masnada
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Patent number: 8089016Abstract: A circuit breaker is disclosed, in particular for low voltages, with moving and fixed contacts, a switching shaft and a contact lever. The contact lever is rotatably mounted on or in the switching shaft, and includes a free end that extends from the switching shaft, carries the contact piece of the moving contact on one side of its external contour and has a first depression on the other opposite side of the external contour for engaging a bolt. In at least one embodiment, the contact lever is subjected to a torsional moment in the closing direction by means of the bolt in each case.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2009Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Jörg-Uwe Dahl, Ludvik Godesa
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Patent number: 8063328Abstract: A charging assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The charging assembly includes a compression arm and a charging cam. The compression arm includes a pivot and first and second legs extending outwardly from the pivot, preferably in a generally L-shape. An engagement portion disposed at or about a second end of the first leg cooperates with an outer cam surface of the charging cam. A shaped contact surface disposed at or about a second end of the second leg includes a first edge for engaging and moving an impact member of the circuit breaker closing assembly to charge a biasing element of the closing assembly, and a second edge. The second edge is disposed at an angle with respect to the first edge, and is structured to engage the impact member when the biasing element is disposed in the charged position.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2009Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Andrew L. Gottschalk, Robert Michael Slepian
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Patent number: 8058580Abstract: A linking assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The linking assembly includes a hatchet having first and second edges and an arcuate portion extending therebetween. The hatchet moves between a latched position in which the first edge engages a D-shaft, and an unlatched position in which the hatchet pivots with respect to the D-shaft to unlatch the linking assembly. A cradle includes first and second opposing ends and an intermediate portion disposed therebetween. A latch plate, which is pivotally coupled to the housing, includes a protrusion that cooperates with the hatchet. A latch link is disposed between and is pivotally coupled to the cradle and the latch plate. A toggle assembly includes first and second linking elements coupled between the circuit breaker poleshaft and the cradle.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2009Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Andrew L. Gottschalk, Robert Michael Slepian
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Patent number: 8049126Abstract: A line terminal for a circuit breaker includes a body forming two opposing legs and a third leg. The opposing legs are configured to form a passage for receiving a stab from a panel board. The two opposing legs are biased toward each other, and each of the opposing legs has a convex surface facing the passageway for engaging and maintaining alignment of the stab. A fixed contact is attached to the third leg. The fixed contact connects to a moveable contact of a circuit breaker. An arc runner is connected to the third leg and at least partially encloses a perimeter of the fixed contact.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2009Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.Inventors: Hai Chen, John D. Stephenson
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Patent number: 8039770Abstract: A movable arm assembly is for an electrical switching apparatus including a stationary contact and an operating mechanism. The arm assembly includes a biasing member and an arm member having a first end, an opposite second end, a pivot point therebetween, and a portion having a longitudinal axis. A movable contact is disposed at or about the first end. The arm member engages a crossbar member at or about the pivot point such that the arm member can pivot from a first position to a second position. The biasing member engages the arm member at a point between the pivot point and the second end and includes a portion that engages and biases against a housings of the crossbar member. The longitudinal axis of the portion of the arm member is oriented generally parallel to the portion of the biasing member when the arm member is at the first position.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2008Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Brian J. Schaltenbrand, Mark A. Janusek, Craig J. Puhalla, Louis F. Grahor
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Patent number: 8017881Abstract: A circuit breaker enables selective left, right or a combination of both side connection to a power conductor, such as a cable or wire. Side connection eliminates the need for large radius U-bends of the power conductor that is normally required when using top connection circuit breakers. An electrically non-conductive cavity commonly defined by left and right sides of the circuit breaker housing receives the power conductor in a connector such as a lug. The circuit breaker may have a visualization window oriented to observe whether excessive cable is projecting out of the lug, so as to confirm compliance with electrical code over surface spacing requirements. In some embodiments, the circuit breaker lugs are vertically oriented above its front cover surface in a receptacle portion of the housing. The receptacle may be constructed for selective lug orientation in horizontal or vertical positions by the installer.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2009Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.Inventor: Roy Simmons
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Publication number: 20110214975Abstract: A status indicating assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker includes a housing, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The operating mechanism comprises a stored energy mechanism and a primary latch. The primary latch is pivotable between a latched position corresponding to the stored energy mechanism being chargeable, and an unlatched position corresponding to the stored energy mechanism being discharged. The status indicating assembly includes a first indicator for indicating whether the separable contacts are open or closed, a second indicator for indicating whether the stored energy mechanism is charged or discharged, and a third indicator for indicating whether or not the circuit breaker is ready to close the separable contacts.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2010Publication date: September 8, 2011Inventors: ANDREW LAWRENCE GOTTSCHALK, ROBERT MICHAEL SLEPIAN
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Patent number: 7985936Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for indicating a closing operable state for an air circuit breaker and an air circuit breaker having the same. The apparatus for indicating a closing operable state for the air circuit breaker comprises a micro switch installed at a switching mechanism providing a driving force for switching contactors, provided with a lever extended into the switching mechanism so as to receive the driving force, generating and outputting an electric signal for indicating that the air circuit breaker is in a closing operable state, and provided with a signal transmitting terminal for transmitting the electric signal to a remote place, and an on coupling pressing the lever of the micro switch so that the micro switch generates and outputs the electric signal only when a closing spring for providing elastic energy for switching the contactors charges elastic energy and the air circuit breaker is opened.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2008Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignee: LS Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kil-Young Ahn
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Patent number: 7977595Abstract: Provided are an air circuit breaker capable of allowing a closing spring to be automatically discharged at a pulled-out position in a pull-out type air circuit breaker and an automatic discharging apparatus for the closing spring in the air circuit breaker, the automatic discharging apparatus for the closing spring comprising a cam shaft rotation preventing unit installed on a cam shaft allowing the closing spring to be charged or discharged and configured to restrict the rotation of the cam shaft by an elastic restoring force of the closing spring, and a unit for releasing the cam shaft rotation preventing unit connected to the cam shaft rotation preventing unit and configured to allow the cam shaft to be rotated by the elastic restoring force of the closing spring according to positions where a main body of the air circuit breaker is pulled out of a cradle.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2008Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: LS Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sang-Chul Lee, Ki-Hwan Kim, Hong-Ik Yang, Kil-Young Ahn
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Patent number: 7960666Abstract: A low-voltage circuit breaker that comprises: a containment structure; a control mechanism; a plurality of circuit breaking poles, chosen between a first type of pole that comprises a first housing containing a first fixed contact and a corresponding first moving contact that can be coupled to said first fixed contact by means of its rotation around a point, and a second type of pole that comprises a second housing containing a second fixed contact and a corresponding second moving contact that can be coupled to said second fixed contact by means of a translatory movement along an axis; a first kinematic coupling between said control mechanism and said first moving contact, in the case of said poles belonging to said first type of pole, or a second kinematic coupling between said control mechanism and said second moving contact, in the case of said poles belonging to said second type of pole.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2007Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: ABB S.p.A.Inventors: Maurizio Curnis, Federico Gamba
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Patent number: 7961480Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for housing and connection of accessories, particularly for low-voltage automatic switches, comprising an integrated wiring support. In particular, the housing and connection device (1) has a shaped structure (10) comprising an integrated wiring bus for electrical connection of the accessories. The shaped structure (10) moreover comprises one or more seats (20, 21, 22, 23, 24) for housing the accessories.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2006Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: ABB S.p.A.Inventors: Stefano Besana, Antonello Antoniazzi
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Patent number: 7956307Abstract: Disclosed is a circuit breaker having an automatic release linkage capable of preventing damage and deformation of elements by automatic linkage release before electro-impulsive force generated from within the circuit breaker by a large short-circuit current causes the damage and deformation of open/close linkage.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2008Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: LS Industrial Systems Co., LtdInventor: Kil Young Ahn
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Patent number: 7923650Abstract: A ganged auxiliary switch for a circuit breaker comprises at least two auxiliary switches attached to each other in a side-by-side relationship so that they may be inserted into said circuit breaker as a single unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2001Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Randall Lee Greenberg, Girish Mruthunjaya Hassan, Roger Neil Castonguay, Dave Scot Christensen
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Publication number: 20110073453Abstract: A modular cost-effective drive system for electrical switching devices of medium-voltage installations is specified. The drive system, by the addition or omission of individual components, can be used both as a three-position disconnector with a snap-action or storage drive function and as a two-position circuit breaker which can also be expanded by a brief interruption function.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2009Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Martin Böttcher, Marcus Kampf
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Patent number: 7906740Abstract: Disclosed is a visual and electrical indication on the status of “Readiness to close” (RTC) for circuit breakers. Exemplary embodiments include a circuit breaker apparatus, including a lay shaft coupled to circuit breaker contacts, a lay shaft cam profile coupled to the lay shaft, a trip free plate coupled to the lay shaft cam profile, a trip paddle coupled to the trip free plate, wherein the trip paddle is coupled to a trip shaft and a ready to close indicator coupled to the trip free plate and charging cam assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2008Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Triplicane Gopikrishnan Babu, Janakiraman Narayanan, Mahesh Jaywant Rane, Simhadri Ramalingeswara Rao Gupta, Yatin Vilas Newase
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Patent number: 7902472Abstract: An arrangement is disclosed for, in particular, activating a transport pawl including a movable activation device which is secured to a carrying structure and, in a first activation phase, can be moved out of the position of rest into an end position, counter to the force of a restoring spring, and in a second activation phase can be moved out of the end position and back into the position of rest, under the force of the restoring spring. In order to configure the arrangement in such a way that the operator of the activation device is alerted to incompletely executed activation of the activation device, in at least one embodiment a locking mechanism is provided which locks the activation device in the direction of its position of rest during the first activation phase when a first intermediate position is reached, and releases it again when a second intermediate position is reached.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2007Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Ludvik Godesa
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Patent number: 7893370Abstract: The invention relates to a module front for a switchgear module, particularly a slide-in module, comprising a control device, the control device being integrated in the module front, and the module front forms an integral component of the switchgear module. The invention relates to a switchgear module, particularly a slide-in module provided with an inventive module front, and to a switchgear equipped with at least one switchgear module of this type.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2006Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: ABB Patent GmbHInventors: Hans-Jürgen Schmitt, Klaus Kraft, Hans-Peter Merkel, Klaus-Georg Müller