Contact Moved By Sudden Release Of Stored Energy, (e.g., Spring Charger) Patents (Class 200/400)
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Publication number: 20100264004Abstract: An apparatus for connecting an accessory device to a circuit breaker to attenuate mechanical force generated by the accessory device includes a base having one or more projections configured to engage the circuit breaker to form a rigid connection to the circuit breaker, and one or more apertures configured for engagement with the accessory device to form a rigid connection to the accessory device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2009Publication date: October 21, 2010Inventors: Samir Rajauria, Lars Pommerencke, Dean Arthur Robarge
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Patent number: 7800007Abstract: A circuit breaker subassembly is disclosed. The subassembly includes a base, an operating mechanism, a one-piece non-conductive rotor disposed within the base, and a plurality of sets of contact arms supported by the rotor. The rotor is disposed in operable connection with the operating mechanism and includes a rotational degree of freedom relative to the base with portions of the rotor disposed between each set of the plurality of sets of contact arms to define separation portions. The operating mechanism includes a frame disposed within the base, a cradle in pivotal connection with the frame, an upper link in pivotal connection with the cradle, and a lower link having a first end and a second end, the first end in pivotal connection with the upper link and the second end in pivotal connection with the rotor at the separation portions.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2007Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Narayansamy Soundararajan, Girish Hassan Mruthunjaya, Yatin Vilas Newase
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Publication number: 20100206706Abstract: The invention relates to a load-break switch, in particular for mounting on busbars, comprising a housing and a cover arranged pivotally thereon, a snap switch mechanism to produce or to interrupt an electrical connection between associated contacts, and an actuating lever for switching between a current operation and a current interruption operation, a control mechanism which, as a function of the position of the actuating lever, frees or blocks a release element for a movement, the release element being coupled with a locking device which is arranged such that it can be engaged with or disengaged from the cover.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2008Publication date: August 19, 2010Inventors: Alex Buettner, Andreas Hetenyi
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Patent number: 7772513Abstract: A switchgear operating mechanism for reciprocatively driving a movable contact of a switchgear so as to shift the switchgear between an open state and a closed state. In the closed state, a roller pushes a leading end of a latch in the direction substantially toward the rotation center of the latch. In a state where the switchgear operating state is shifted from the closed state to the open state, a lock lever is pulled so as to allow the latch to be rotated in the opposite direction to the biasing direction of a latch return spring to release an engagement between the roller and the leading end of the latch, which causes the opening spring to discharge its energy to rotate the sub-shaft.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Yoshiaki Ohda, Yoshikata Kobayashi, Masaharu Shimizu, Satoshi Marushima
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Patent number: 7767917Abstract: A load disconnecting circuit is disclosed with a housing that has a first housing section, which houses the drive, and has a second housing section, which houses a fixed contact element and a longitudinally extended moving contact element. The second housing section has a longitudinal extension adapted to the moving contact element. Field-control rings are placed on the second housing section while encircling it, of which the first are arranged in the vicinity of the fixed contact element and the second are arranged in the vicinity of the switch-off position of the moving contact element. Via a respective connection conductor, the first field-control ring is connected to the potential of the fixed contact element, and the second field-control ring is connected to the potential of the moving contact element when in its switch-off position.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2006Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: ABB Technology AGInventors: Ole Granhaug, Jan-Henrik Kuhlefelt, Pal Skryten, Stanley Lohne, Robert Espeseth
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Patent number: 7763814Abstract: A tool is provided to manipulate an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker, with respect to a housing structure. The circuit breaker has a mechanical interface. The tool includes an actuating mechanism having a plurality of segments and joints, which movably connect the segments. One segment is engageable with the mechanical interface of the circuit breaker. Another segment comprises a handle portion structured to be gripped by a user. The actuating mechanism is movable between a first position in which the segments are substantially parallel with respect to one another, and a second position in which adjacent segments are substantially perpendicular to each other. When disposed in the first position, the tool is stowable in an opening of the circuit breaker. When disposed in the second position, the tool is operable to move the circuit breaker in a predetermined manner with respect to the housing structure.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2008Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Aaron T. Kozar, Lance Gula
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Patent number: 7750263Abstract: An arresting device is disclosed for a drive train which, in order to close a movable contact of an electric switch, can be moved from an OFF position into an ON position. In at least one embodiment, the arresting device includes an arresting including a pivot axis which extends outside its pivoting point. When the drive train is in its OFF position, the arresting element pivots from a position of rest into an arresting the position owing to a force which acts on its pivoting point, in the closing direction of the drive train, and in its arresting position, the arresting element is operatively connected to the drive train and blocks the movement of the drive train into it ON position.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2007Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Ludvik Godesa
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Patent number: 7750259Abstract: The present invention relates to a single-pole or multi-pole switch to be used preferably in low-voltage systems. The switch (1) comprises an outer casing (2) containing for each pole at least one fixed contact (10) and one mobile contact (20) that can be coupled to/uncoupled from one another. The mobile contacts (20) are housed in appropriate seats (25) provided on a mobile element (50). The switch (1) moreover comprises an energy-accumulation control mechanism (60), operatively connected to the mobile element (50) to enable its movement. The switch (1) according to the invention is advantageously provided with means of axial support operatively connected to the mobile element (50) in order to support the gravitational thrusts that are generated along the axis of rotation of the mobile element itself when said axis is inclined with respect to a substantially horizontal plane.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2006Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: ABB S.p.A.Inventors: Stefano Besana, Gustavo Brignoli, Federico Gamba
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Patent number: 7745753Abstract: An electric power switch suitable for use as a capacitor switch that includes a drive unit having a bi-directional toggle mechanism and linearly opposing opening and closing spring latches. The opening and closing spring latches are located on opposing sides of the toggle mechanism, which includes an open-cage spring mechanism with coaxial, nested opening and closing springs operated by a rotating, motor-driven charging cam. To open the circuit interrupter, the opening spring latch is tripped to release the opening spring and thereby remove the capacitor bank from the electric power circuit. To introduce the capacitor bank into the electric power circuit, the motor rotates the charging cam through one complete rotation, which charges the opening and closing springs and trips the closing spring latch to release the closing spring to close the circuit interrupter and thereby introduce the capacitor bank into the electric power circuit.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2007Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: Southern States, Inc.Inventors: Bradley J. Schafer, Neil A. McCord, Joseph R. Rostrom, Joseph Lyu, Todd Douthit
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Publication number: 20100155210Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2007Publication date: June 24, 2010Inventor: Ludvik Godesa
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Patent number: 7737864Abstract: A transfer switch configured particularly for use with traffic signal controllers, to enable a traffic signal controller to be powered by a portable electrical generator, when utility line power is unavailable. A housing, configured to be mounted either on the surface of a traffic signal controller cabinet, or recessed into an opening of the cabinet, so as to be flush to the surface thereof, is provided. The housing is configured to be substantially weatherproof without requiring the use of gaskets.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2007Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Gen-Tran CorporationInventor: Paul Schnackenberg
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Publication number: 20100089734Abstract: In order to form a switch-on energy storage apparatus for a circuit breaker, wherein a switch-on energy storage device is held at a first end and is connected to a cam of a tensioning apparatus at a second end, with which tensioning apparatus means interact which limit a return movement. The switch-on energy storage apparatus has a simple and cost-effective design. The means have a ratchet mechanism arranged at the first end of the switch-on energy storage device.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2005Publication date: April 15, 2010Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventor: Karsten Freundt
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Patent number: 7696447Abstract: A stored energy assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The stored energy assembly includes a mount removably coupled to the circuit breaker housing. A stored energy mechanism, such as a spring, is coupled to the mount and is movable among charged and discharged positions. An actuating element is cooperable with the gears of a gear assembly in order to move among first and second positions corresponding to the spring being disposed in the charged and discharged positions, respectively. A manual charging mechanism and an automatic charging mechanism are coupled to the gear assembly, and move the gears, in order to move the actuating element and charge the spring. The spring, the actuating element, the gear assembly, and the charging mechanisms are coupled to the mount, thereby forming a sub-assembly. The sub-assembly is removeably coupled to the circuit breaker housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2007Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Steven Z. Chen, James J. Benke, Alan K. Edmunds, Daniel E. Palmieri, Paul T. Bottegal
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Patent number: 7696448Abstract: The closing protection mechanism provided herein includes a control unit, a sensing switch and a sensing switch actuator. The control unit is coupled to, and in electronic communication with, the trip device. The control unit is structured to receive a sensing switch signal and to provide a control signal to the trip device. The sensing switch coupled to, and in electronic communication with, the control unit. The sensing switch is disposed adjacent to the toggle assembly. The sensing switch is structured to provide a sensing switch signal to the control unit. The sensing switch actuator is disposed on the toggle assembly. The sensing switch actuator is structured to actuate the sensing switch. The sensing switch is structured to be actuated by the sensing switch actuator when the toggle assembly is in the second, over-toggle configuration.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2007Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Paul R. Rakus, Andrew L. Gottschalk, Nathan J. Weister, Joseph J. Matsko, Robert M. Slepian, Douglas C. Marks
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Patent number: 7692112Abstract: A control module for selectively switching electrical power from a circuit breaker with the circuit breaker including a load lug coupled to a load wire and mounted in a panelboard. The control module includes a housing in-line with and directly attached to the circuit breaker inside the panelboard and a pair of contacts coupled to an actuator mounted in the housing. One contact is coupled to the load lug and one contact is coupled to the load wire. The actuator is operated from a location remote from the control module and the contacts operate independently from the circuit breaker.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2006Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.Inventors: John Deboer, Brian Timothy McCoy, Drew Stephen Hancock
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Publication number: 20100078302Abstract: An insulating switching rod is used to initiate a drive movement into a moving contact of an electrical contact system of a switching device and to produce a contact force when the contact system is in the closed state. A tensioning apparatus is arranged in a cavity for a drive element of the switching rod in order to maintain the contact force, which has a greater contact force with a compact design, and ensures constant spring characteristics as well as low wear over the entire useful life. The tensioning apparatus is formed by a helical compression spring configuration or by two oppositely wound helical springs.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2007Publication date: April 1, 2010Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Thomas Erk, Ralf-Reiner Volkmar
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Patent number: 7687733Abstract: The stored energy device interlock assembly provided is structured to prevent the closing assembly and/or the latch assembly from being actuated in selected configurations. The interlock assembly includes a latch D-shaft link assembly, an on-command paddle assembly, and an on-command paddle actuator. The latch D-shaft link assembly is pivotally coupled to, and structured to rotate, the latch assembly D-shaft. The on-command paddle assembly is structured to move the D-shaft link assembly. The on-command paddle actuator is structured to move the on-command paddle assembly. The interlock assembly is structured to disengage the latch assembly D-shaft from the on-command paddle assembly in selected configurations of the electrical switching apparatus. The interlock assembly provided herein has two pivotal degrees of freedom as opposed to a pivotal degree of freedom and a sliding degree of freedom.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2007Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Nathan J. Weister, Paul R. Rakus, Roger J. Briggs, Perry R. Gibson, Robert M. Slepian, Douglas C. Marks, Yuri C. Spitsberg
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Patent number: 7683281Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic switch (1) to be used preferably in low-voltage systems. The automatic switch (1) comprises an outer casing (2) containing for each pole at least one fixed contact (10) and at least one mobile contact (20) housed in a corresponding seat (25) provided on a mobile element (50) operatively connected to a control mechanism (60) to enable its movement. The automatic switch (1) according to the invention comprises means for the support of the mobile element (50), which are constrained to a structural part (70) of the control mechanism (60). Said supporting means support the mobile element (50) through hinge connection means to provide a center of rotation for the mobile element itself.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2006Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: ABB S.p.A.Inventors: Nicola Bresciani, Luigi Bonetti
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Patent number: 7671292Abstract: Operating mechanism for medium and high voltage switchgear, in which a rotatable main shaft is coupled to a switch, and a rocker plate is rotatable with the main shaft, the main shaft being arranged to open and close said switch by tilting the rocker plate. The rocker plate constitutes a plurality of force transmission levers and comprises a plurality of zones distributed around the main shaft. A rotary actuator has force transmitting means for driving the rocker plate in a direction corresponding to closing of the switch, and an opening spring for driving the rocker plate in a direction corresponding to opening of the switch. Closed switch locking means are coupled to the rocker plate (4) and are disposed substantially in a common plane of the rocker plate.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2008Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: Areva T&D AGInventors: Ernst Suter, Xavier Allaire, Philippe Manin
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Patent number: 7667154Abstract: A multi-position apparatus for use with a system operated in at least three distinct positions. The apparatus comprises (i) a position-selection mechanism, (ii) a first link mechanism and a second link mechanism, each link mechanism being operably coupled with the position-selection mechanism, (iii) a first weight-actuated spring mechanism operably coupled with the first link mechanism, (iv) a second weight-actuated spring mechanism operably coupled with the second link mechanism, (vi) a first output-actuating member operably coupled with the first weight-actuated spring mechanism, the first output-actuating member being arranged to operably communicate with the system, and (vii) a second output-actuating member operably coupled with the second weight-actuated spring mechanism. In one example, the system may be an electrical transfer switch having two separate set of electrical contacts.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2007Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: ASCO Power Tehnologies, L.P.Inventor: Walter Dolinski
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Patent number: 7655877Abstract: An air circuit breaker having a mechanical trip indicating mechanism, in an air circuit breaker including a switching mechanism, an actuator having an output link for providing a mechanical driving force, a first link unit connected between the output link of the actuator and the switching mechanism for applying the mechanical driving force from the output link to the switching mechanism to perform a trip operation, a front surface plate provided with a manipulating unit accessible by a user, the air circuit breaker comprising: a first rotation lever connected to the first link unit, a second link unit limitedly moved by the first rotation lever, a bias spring for applying an elastic biasing force to the second link unit to be moved in one direction, a second rotation lever installed to be rotatable with coming in contact with one end portion of the second link unit, and a mechanical trip indicating mechanism supported by the front surface plate and having an indicating portion exposed to the front surface plType: GrantFiled: June 30, 2008Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: LS Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kil-Young Ahn
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Patent number: 7652218Abstract: The invention relates to an energy store for a load tap changer with a longitudinally movable lifting carriage and an also longitudinally movable snap-action carriage which follows the movement of the lifting carriage after being triggered and whose longitudinal movement is converted into a rotary movement of an output shaft that actuates the load tap changer. In order to do so, two rolls which are guided in an especially geometrically designed guide rail are disposed on the snap-action carriage. Only one of the two rolls is positively guided in the guide rail during the first part of each movement of the snap-action carriage while the other roll can be moved freely. The second roll that could previously be moved freely is then positively guided during the second part of the movement while the roll which was previously guided can be moved freely. The roll which was initially guided is positively guided once again during the third part of the movement.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2006Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen GmbHInventors: Klaus Hoepfl, Gregor Wilhelm, Silke Wrede
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Publication number: 20100000848Abstract: An input key structure for an electronic device includes a first magnetic body, a circuit board and a second magnetic body. The circuit board has a switch. The second magnetic body rotates relative to the first magnetic body to selectively locate between an initial position parallel with the second magnetic body and a target position contacted with the switch. The second magnetic body is structured to cooperate with the first magnetic body to generate a magnetic attractive force to automatically adjust the second magnetic body to the initial position when the second magnetic body is rotated away from its initial position to the target position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2009Publication date: January 7, 2010Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventor: YUNG-HUNG CHU
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Patent number: 7642478Abstract: A device for controlling a circuit-breaker intended for opening and closing this electric power cut-off device comprising a mobile contact, this control device comprising a motor with a rotary output shaft and being connected to power supply means and actuating means transforming the output displacement of the motor into a displacement of the contact, this device also comprising a mechanical spring arrangement involved in opening and closing the contact. The actuation means include a set of jointed elements providing the connection of the rotary shaft and of the ring, and, in the closed position of the contact, the set of jointed elements is near a dead centre position, a so-called open dead centre, the opening spring being only able to drive it towards the open position upon moving past this dead centre during opening.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2005Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Assignee: Areva T&D SAInventors: Eric Courbon, Jean-Pierre Dupraz, Serge Poullain, Sylvain Plante, Jean-Luc Thomas, Ernst Suter, Robert Luscher
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Patent number: 7638723Abstract: Electrical devices are described.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2007Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: Cooper Technologies CompanyInventors: Rohit Dodal, Gunter Gallas
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Patent number: 7633364Abstract: A dampening apparatus has a housing with a plurality of first guide members and a plurality of second guide members coupled together. A first biasing member is located in an area proximate to the first guide members and within the housing. A first planar member is provided having a plurality of first apertures with the first guide members or the second guide members passing through the first apertures. A plurality of second planar members is provided having a plurality of second apertures with the second guide members passing through the second apertures. A plurality of second biasing members is located in an area proximate to the second guide members. An elongated shaft is coupled to the first planar member. The dampening apparatus could be included in a circuit interrupter.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2006Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: John R. Moffat, Timothy G. Robirds
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Patent number: 7598467Abstract: The present invention provides for an electrical switching apparatus operating mechanism opening assembly wherein the toggle assembly stop/kicker pin has been separated into a kicker pin and a stop pin. By separating the functions of the stop/kicker pin into separate pins, the kicker pin may now be located at the pivot point of the associated link. Further, the kicker pin and the stop pin are now disposed upon a cradle assembly as opposed to an elongated link. The cradle assembly further supports one of the toggle assembly links. Thus, rotation of the cradle assembly causes the toggle assembly to move. The operating mechanism opening assembly is configured so that, when an associated latch assembly latch plate assembly is released, the cradle assembly rotates so that the toggle assembly is moved away from a closing assembly closing device.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2007Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Perry R. Gibson, Douglas C. Marks, Paul R. Rakus, Robert M. Slepian, David M. Olszewski
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Patent number: 7598468Abstract: A time delay mechanism is provided for a circuit breaker stored energy assembly including a mount, a spring coupled to the mount, at least one charging mechanism for charging the spring to store energy, at least one actuator for releasing the stored energy, and a drive assembly for transferring the stored energy into movement of the circuit breaker operating mechanism. First and second trip shafts of the time delay mechanism are pivotably coupled to the mount. Linking elements interconnect the first and second trip shafts. A trip catch and a drive lever are coupled to the first trip shaft. The linking elements and a damper, which is connected to the drive lever, contribute to a delay from a first time that the first trip shaft initially moves, to a second time that the second trip shaft moves to release the trip catch. The damper is adjustable to adjust the delay.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2007Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Steven Z. Chen, James J. Benke, Collin C. Otis
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Publication number: 20090242372Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2009Publication date: October 1, 2009Applicant: ABB AGInventor: Ralph Weber
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Patent number: 7586055Abstract: An over running clutch assembly for an electrical switching apparatus is provided. The over running clutch assembly includes a sprocket and a hub assembly. The hub assembly is rotatably coupled to the sprocket and structured to rotate in a charging direction relative to the sprocket. The sprocket is fixed to a motor shaft. The hub assembly is structured to be disengagably fixed to a cam shaft in the charging assembly. A manual charging handle is also coupled to the cam shaft and is structured to rotate the cam shaft in a charging direction. In this configuration, an operator may charge the closing springs of the electrical switching apparatus using either the handle assembly or the motor. When the handle assembly is used to charge the closing springs, the cam shaft causes the hub assembly to rotate over the sprocket. Thus, the rotation of the cam shaft is not transferred to the motor. When the motor is used, the motor turns both the sprocket and the hub assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2007Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: William J. Jones, Craig A. Rodgers, Erik R. Bogdon, James M. Smeltzer
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Patent number: 7569787Abstract: An electromagnetic switch has a shaft and a movable contact member slidably supported by the shaft. The shaft is moved with a plunger when an electromagnet is formed of an electromagnetic coil receiving an electric current and attracts the plunger. The movable contact member is moved with the plunger and connects fixed contact members with each other to turn on the switch. The shaft has a shaft body and a projection projected from the shaft body. The movable contact member has a hole. The projection is inserted into the hole to pass through the hole, and the movable contact member is disposed on the shaft body. Then, the movable contact member is rotated so as to engage the projection with the movable contact member. Therefore, the projection prevents the movable contact member from coming out of the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2007Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Tadahiro Kurasawa, Kazuhiro Andoh, Yamato Utsunomiya
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Publication number: 20090166167Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2008Publication date: July 2, 2009Inventors: Johannes Tredoux, Staffan Jacobsson
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Patent number: 7544907Abstract: A retrofit assembly structured to allow a CM22 type circuit breaker to engage, and be enclosed by, a CMD type circuit breaker tank is provided. The retrofit assembly includes a levering mechanism, a circuit breaker bus assembly having bus support members, and a door handle system structured to allow a user to actuate the circuit breaker contacts when the tank is closed.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2007Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: John R. Moffat, Stephen W. Oneufer, Mark A. Faulkner, Phillip D. Miller, Arthur J. Jur, John M. Kokenda
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Patent number: 7545245Abstract: A manual opening device is for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a synchronous circuit breaker, including a housing having an opening, a plurality of pole mechanisms each comprising separable contacts, and at least one operating mechanism including a number of actuators adapted to open and close the separable contacts. The operating mechanism is supported by the housing and includes a corresponding pole shaft. The manual opening device comprises an operating handle, a cam assembly, and a drive assembly. A first end of the operating handle protrudes through the opening of the housing and the second end is coupled to the cam assembly. The drive assembly couples the cam assembly to the corresponding pole shaft of the operating mechanism and cooperates with the corresponding pole shaft and actuators to simultaneously open the separable contacts when the operating handle is moved from a first position to a second position.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2006Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Xin Zhou, Brad R. Leccia, Paul J. Rollmann
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Publication number: 20090127085Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical switchgear unit housed in a case and comprising 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, said mechanism comprising a manual operating handle of the contact(s) fitted rotating around a toggle pin of the case, and a shaft called high-speed closing shaft designed to keep the movable contact(s) in the open position, at the beginning of the manual closing operation of the handle and over a certain travel of the latter, by storing energy and to release the movable contact(s) after this travel of the handle so that the stored energy causes high-speed closing of the contacts.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2008Publication date: May 21, 2009Applicant: Schneider Electric Industries SASInventors: Laurent Previeux, Yves Brune, Claude Burnot, Roland Masnada
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Patent number: 7528336Abstract: In an interrupter of a gas circuit breaker that uses springs as a driving source, a contact having a fixed contact and movable contact is opened and closed so as to turn on and off electric power. An operation unit generates driving force for driving the movable contact. A link mechanism interconnects the operation unit and interrupter. The link mechanism has a first lever linked to the operation unit, a second lever linked to the movable contact, and a rotational shaft to which the two levers fit. The operation angle of the first lever with respect to a direction parallel to the motion direction of the movable contact differs depending on whether the contact is open or closed. The gas circuit breaker operates at high speed without the energy of the driving source being increased.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2006Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: Japan AE Power Systems CorporationInventors: Hiroaki Hashimoto, Hideo Kawamoto, Kenichi Okubo
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Patent number: 7518076Abstract: An interlock assembly is provided for a circuit breaker charging assembly. The charging assembly includes a cam shaft, a latch mechanism, such as a D-shaft, a latch assembly, and a charging handle. The charging handle pivots the cam shaft. The D-shaft is pivotable between first and second positions corresponding to the D-shaft latching and unlatching the latch assembly, respectively. The interlock assembly includes a lever coupled to and pivotable with the D-shaft, and a latch interlock pivotably coupled to the circuit breaker housing. The latch interlock moves between locked and unlocked positions corresponding respectively to the first end of the latch interlock moving the lever to position the D-shaft in the second position and the first position. Unless and until the stored energy mechanism is substantially fully charged, the latch interlock is disposed in the locked position and the latch assembly is movable with respect to the D-shaft.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2008Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Andrew L. Gottschalk, Paul R. Rakus
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Patent number: 7518075Abstract: The invention relates to a novel energy accumulator for a load step switch for rapid, continuous switching between various winding tappings. Said energy accumulator comprises a lifting carriage and a jumping carriage, which follow the movement of the jumping carriage in a jumping manner. Both of the carriages are guided along three parallel guiding rods. The lifting carriage and the jumping carriage comprise, respectively, three linear roller bearings which respectively surround one of the three guiding rods.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2006Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen GmbHInventors: Silke Wrede, Klaus Hoepfl
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Publication number: 20090071811Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2008Publication date: March 19, 2009Applicant: Eaton Electrics B.V.Inventors: MARCEL BEREND PAUL van DIJK, GERHARDUS LEONARDUS NITERT, RONALD JOHANNES WILMS
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Publication number: 20090065341Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a mechanism of a contact system for circuit breakers. More particularly, the invention encompasses a mechanism for a rotary double-break contact system, which enables a direct transfer of torque from stored energy components, such as, springs, to the contact arm in the ON-position (contacts closed) without using intermediate cam surface. The mechanism described in the invention also ensures reliable locking of the contact arm in the blow-off position using stationary means that are integral with or fixed to a crossbar module. This invention enables to achieve significant reduction or even to eliminate friction at certain critical interfaces between the contact mechanism components, thus, reducing or potentially eliminating hysteresis, and improving performance consistency, and also eliminating mechanism performance dependency on wear level and condition of an intermediate cam surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2008Publication date: March 12, 2009Applicant: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.Inventors: Mark I. Shmukler, James Ferree
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Publication number: 20090050460Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2008Publication date: February 26, 2009Inventor: Kil Young Ahn
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Publication number: 20090050459Abstract: Disclosed is a motor of spring charging device in air circuit breaker wherein first and second frames are formed with glass fiber-added plastic material to facilitate the tight-fitting of a bearing and a manufacturing cost of driving motor is reduced by removing a brush holder isolator which was an essential part for isolating the brush holder, and a brush holder and a brush holder insertion hole of the first frame for inserting a brush holder are structurally improved to enable the brush holder to be easily and solidly inserted into the brush holder insertion hole of the first frame, thereby reducing the labor work of a soldering for connecting the stator winding.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2008Publication date: February 26, 2009Inventor: Kil Young Ahn
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Patent number: 7495189Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 11, 2006Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: ABB Patent GmbHInventors: Jurgen Christmann, Ralf Weber
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Patent number: 7488912Abstract: An electronic apparatus has a sensing mechanism and is disposed to a circuit board having a sensing switch, including a receptacle housing having an opening disposed at one side thereof, the opening having a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion having a stopping end portion; an action member disposed in the opening and having a stopping flange abutting against the stopping end portion; an elastic member disposed between the stopping flange and the top of the bottom portion of the opening so as to make the top of the action member protrude to a region outside of the top of the receptacle housing; and a lid body for covering the receptacle housing and meanwhile pressing the action member so as to make the action member start the sensing switch, thereby confirming that the receptacle housing is covered by the lid body.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2007Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: Inventec CorporationInventors: Zhen-Feng Yang, Nathan Nai-Hsien Wang
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Patent number: 7488913Abstract: A mountable circuit breaker is disclosed. The circuit breaker includes a housing having first and second housing members and a latch member. The housing defines a rail receptacle for mounting the circuit breaker on an elongated channel rail. The latch member includes a base portion that includes a movably positionable retainer that moves toward or away from a biased position that is established by a stem portion of the latch member. Movement away from the biased position expands the rail receptacle for mounting the circuit breaker to the rail channel when an external force is applied to a tool receptacle adjacent the junction of the base and stem portions of the latch member. Removing the external force results in the base portion returning to its biased position, securing the circuit breaker to the channel rail.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2008Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: Tyco Electronics CorporationInventors: Larry Marshall Durham, Timothy Bernard Hasenour
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Patent number: 7482548Abstract: An extended actuating device for a circuit breaker is provided, including a trip assistance device having a first rotary device integral in rotation with a control lever of the circuit breaker. A second rotary device is integral in rotation with a remote control device. The second rotary device is able to be driven in rotation by the first rotary device as far as a first position corresponding to the tripped position of the lever of the circuit breaker. A return spring is provided to force the second rotary device towards its first position. A breakable mechanical link device releases the return spring when its breakable mechanical link is broken.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2007Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SASInventors: Jean-Marie Periot, Evans C. K Er, Thian Nguan Quah
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Patent number: 7473862Abstract: A movable contactor of a circuit breaker, comprising: a cage for angularly rotating with one side as a axis; a plurality of fingers disposed at the cage, including a path body portion having a predetermined thickness and having one end of an inclined plane, a wire connecting portion extending from one end of the path body portion with steps so as to have a certain area and having one horizontal plane, and an arc discharge portion extending from another end of the path body portion with a predetermined length so as to induce the discharge of the arc; and terminals each coupled to each of the fingers and for contacting or being separated from a fixed contactor according to the angular-rotation of the cage. Accordingly, the fabrication process for fingers is facilitated and the material cost necessary to fabricate the fingers can be reduced, thereby reducing the fabrication cost.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2007Date of Patent: January 6, 2009Assignee: LS Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jae-Kwan Seo
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Publication number: 20090000933Abstract: A circuit breaker subassembly is disclosed. The subassembly includes a base, an operating mechanism, a one-piece non-conductive rotor disposed within the base, and a plurality of sets of contact arms supported by the rotor. The rotor is disposed in operable connection with the operating mechanism and includes a rotational degree of freedom relative to the base with portions of the rotor disposed between each set of the plurality of sets of contact arms to define separation portions. The operating mechanism includes a frame disposed within the base, a cradle in pivotal connection with the frame, an upper link in pivotal connection with the cradle, and a lower link having a first end and a second end, the first end in pivotal connection with the upper link and the second end in pivotal connection with the rotor at the separation portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2007Publication date: January 1, 2009Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Narayansamy Soundararajan, Girish Hassan Mruthunjaya, Yatin Vilas Newase
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Patent number: 7470870Abstract: A low-voltage circuit breaker includes a first contact arrangement, for connecting a fixed contact to a first busbar and a second contact arrangement, for connecting a counter contact, arranged on a contact lever, to a second busbar. A low-voltage circuit breaker is produced, which may be converted with minimal material complexity and little effort from a fixed switch into a modular switch, whereby the busbars of a low-voltage circuit breaker include moulded features such that the low-voltage circuit breaker may be embodied as both a fixed breaker and a modular breaker.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2003Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Detlev Schmidt, Günter Seidler, Ingo Thiede, Sezai Türkmen, Artur Wajnberg
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Publication number: 20080296138Abstract: A time delay mechanism is provided for a circuit breaker stored energy assembly including a mount, a spring coupled to the mount, at least one charging mechanism for charging the spring to store energy, at least one actuator for releasing the stored energy, and a drive assembly for transferring the stored energy into movement of the circuit breaker operating mechanism. First and second trip shafts of the time delay mechanism are pivotably coupled to the mount. Linking elements interconnect the first and second trip shafts. A trip catch and a drive lever are coupled to the first trip shaft. The linking elements and a damper, which is connected to the drive lever, contribute to a delay from a first time that the first trip shaft initially moves, to a second time that the second trip shaft moves to release the trip catch. The damper is adjustable to adjust the delay.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2007Publication date: December 4, 2008Inventors: Steven Z. Chen, James J. Benke, Collin C. Otis