Contact Moved By Sudden Release Of Stored Energy, (e.g., Spring Charger) Patents (Class 200/400)
  • Patent number: 6177641
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plug-in circuit breaker and has the object of preventing no-load discharges of the closing mechanism when extraction of the circuit breaker is performed. The drive mechanism of the circuit breaker loading and closing mechanism comprises a trip mechanism which is able to move from a closed state wherein actuation of an oscillating lever is designed to move the closing spring to its loaded state, to a tripped state wherein actuation of the oscillating lever is designed to prevent movement of the closing spring to its loaded state. This trip mechanism causes either disengagement of the oscillating lever or neutralization of a free-wheel coupling of the drive mechanism. The circuit breaker is moreover equipped with opening and closing controls causing an opening, closing, opening cycle when extraction is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Schneider Electric SA
    Inventors: Robert Morel, Claude Grelier, Eric Pinero
  • Patent number: 6175089
    Abstract: A multi-position automatic switching actuator for a load switch includes an oil pressure cylinder member operated by power, a latch releasing member rotating in accordance with the operation of the oil pressure cylinder member, a latch member fixedly engaged to the latch releasing member and rotating in accordance with the rotation of the latch releasing member, a latch stopping member connected to the latch member and limiting the rotation of the latch member by a predetermined angle, an elastic member disposed between the latch releasing member and the latch member for instantly rotating the latch member, and a central shaft inserted through the latch member. The actuator appropriately switches a contact position to another and carries out a multi-position switching control by employing a single actuator, thereby simplifying production, decreasing production cost, and securing safety in work operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: LG Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kyeong Rok Kang
  • Patent number: 6166343
    Abstract: A unidirectional clutch assembly for use with an operator handle, pinion shaft assembly, a worm gear assembly and a pinion gear assembly of a stored energy assembly for use with a circuit breaker assembly, the operator handle and pinion shaft assembly including an operator handle having an outer handle hub having a first recess for receiving a first end of the pinion shaft assembly, the worm gear assembly fitting over the pinion shaft assembly and the pinion shaft assembly having a second end for receiving a pinion gear assembly, the unidirectional clutch assembly comprising a first unidirectional clutch structure, wherein the first unidirectional clutch structure fits over the first end of the pinion shaft and the unidirectional clutch structure is fitted into the first recess of the outer handle hub; and a second unidirectional clutch structure, wherein the second unidirectional clutch structure fits within the worm gear assembly and over the pinion shaft assembly between the first and second ends of the pi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Blessitt, Parker A. Bollinger, Jr., Paul D. Reagan
  • Patent number: 6160234
    Abstract: The large close spring in the operating mechanism of electrical switching apparatus is charged by a charging mechanism which includes a charging cam mounted on a cam shaft and rotated by a ratchet wheel. A stop member is employed for engagement with the ratchet wheel to prevent reverse rotation of the ratchet wheel during charging of the close spring. To reduce friction force between the stop member and the ratchet wheel once the close spring is fully charged and it is desired to discharge the spring, the ratchet wheel includes a toothless region formed on the periphery thereof. The ratchet wheel is positioned such that the stop member is in engagement with the toothless region once the close spring is fully charged. Friction between the stop member and the ratchet wheel is reduced by eliminating the need for the stop member to traverse the teeth of the ratchet wheel as discharging of the spring is initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Henry Anthony Wehrli, III, Brian Matthew Loehlein
  • Patent number: 6153845
    Abstract: A method for operating a stored energy circuit breaker actuation apparatus comprising the step of selecting from among manual locked, manual unlocked or automatic operations. If manual unlocked operation is selected, the method further comprises the steps of selecting local or remote operation. If local operation is selected, the stored energy circuit breaker actuation apparatus may be used by depressing a local ON switch and to turn off the circuit breaker assembly by depressing a local OFF switch and operating an operator handle. If remote operation is selected, the circuit breaker assembly may not be turned on or off. If manual locked operation is selected, the method comprises the further steps of selecting local or remote operation. The stored energy assembly may not be used to turn the circuit breaker assembly on or off either remotely or locally. If automatic operation is selected, the method comprises the further steps of selecting local or remote operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Parker A. Bollinger, Jr., Milton E. Ramey, Paul D. Reagan, Jill Stegall
  • Patent number: 6144002
    Abstract: A switchgear apparatus having at least one movable contact biased in an open position by an opening spring, a loading mechanism of a closing spring and a kinematic opening and closing system linking the closing spring, the movable contact and the opening spring. The system is controlled by an opening latch and a closing latch. A closing order can be validly transmitted only to the closing latch when the apparatus is in a "ready to close" state, i.e. open, loaded and without a permanent opening order. The switchgear apparatus has an indicator with three positions: a "not loaded" position, a "ready to close" position, and a third "loaded and not ready to close" or "loaded disengaged" position. The indicator is kinematically linked to the loading mechanism, the opening latch, and the movable contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SA
    Inventors: Patrick Coudert, Claude Grelier, Eric Pinero
  • Patent number: 6130392
    Abstract: A stored energy apparatus for association with an operating handle of a circuit breaker contains springs that store energy when charged and that release energy when discharged. Energy is stored when a movement translation assembly is moved in a charging direction by an operator gear, and stored energy is released when a release apparatus releases the operator gear, causing the movement translation assembly to move in a discharging direction. The circuit breaker operating handle is moved to ON position by the charging movement of the movement translation assembly, and as stored energy is released, the discharging movement of the movement translation assembly moves the operating handle to OFF position. The operator gear is operated via an operator handle, operator shaft, and pinion gear assembly. The pinion gear assembly has a carrier pivotally associated with the operator shaft and a pinion gear that rotates the operator gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Blessitt, Parker A. Bollinger, Jr., Milton E. Ramey, Paul D. Reagan, W. Dale Robbins, Jill Stegall
  • Patent number: 6124557
    Abstract: A multi-position switching actuator for a switch gear includes a control handle unit including a control protrusion and an insertion recess, a rotation member disposed at a portion spaced from a rear portion of the control handle unit and rotated by a rotation of the control handle unit, a front plate disposed between the control handle unit and the rotation member, a latch releasing member engaged to the rear surface of the rotation member, a latch driving member engaged to the latch releasing member, a location fixing member connected to the latch driving member and limiting a rotation of the latch driving member by a predetermined angle, an elastic member disposed between the latch releasing member and the latch driving member for thereby generating an instant rotation of the latch driving member, and a central shaft for being inserted from a rear portion of the latch driving member toward the front of the multi-position switching actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: LG Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kyeong Rok Kang
  • Patent number: 6114641
    Abstract: A circuit breaker rotary contact assembly employs a common pivot between the rotor assembly and the rotary contact arm. A pair of off-center expansion springs directly engage the rotor at one end and engage the rotary contact arm via a linkage arrangement at an opposite end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Randall L. Greenberg, Dave Christensen
  • Patent number: 6087610
    Abstract: An air circuit breaker ratcheting mechanism includes a ratchet and pawl whereby the closing springs charging gear is prevented from reverse rotation during the closing springs charging operation. Upon completion of the charging operation, the ratchet and pawl become disengaged from the charging gear to allow the closing springs to respond to a manual closing button depression. A holding prop within the ratcheting mechanism interacts with a roller bearing on the charging shaft to prevent reverse rotation of the charging shaft under the bias provided by the charged closing springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, James L. Rosen, Andre J. M'Sadoques, Dean A. Robarge
  • Patent number: 6087913
    Abstract: A rotary contact circuit breaker employs a crank to couple a switching mechanism to the rotary contact pole structure. The use of a crank allows for the mechanism and pole structure the individually optimized without effecting the performance of the other. In particular the crank allows for a mechanism that is able to achieve maximum torque delivery to the pole structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Randall L. Greenberg, Dave S. Christensen
  • Patent number: 6084191
    Abstract: In a circuit breaker utilizing a toggle link mechanism, the reset operation is facilitated. A block link including a reset pin, a first hole and a second hole is provided. The reset pin is inserted into a circular arc shape third hole formed concentric with the rotation of a trip lever formed at a secured frame. An actuating pin of a handle lever is inserted into the first hole. A shaft provided at a movable contact holder is inserted into the second hole. By this mechanism, the friction in the reset operation can be reduced to allow the reset operation to be perform by a smaller force. As a result, an auxiliary handle is not required. The handle and electrical operation devices can be reduced in size. Also, the operating handle is prevented from moving to the OFF position when the switching contacts are welded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignees: Terasaki Denki Sangyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Moeller GmbH
    Inventors: Ryuji Kataya, Shozo Kaneko
  • Patent number: 6080947
    Abstract: Electrical switching apparatus such as a power circuit breaker, network protector or switch has a self-supporting operating mechanism module including a cage formed by a pair of side plates rigidly clamped in spaced relation by spacers. The cage supports all of the operating mechanism components including a helical compression close spring mounted fully between the side plates and coupled to a cam member through a rocker in a manner which maintains the forces longitudinal to the spring. The cam member has a charging cam with a charge profile for compressing the close spring and a close profile through which the spring drives the cam member to effect a controlled release of stored energy to close the contacts of the apparatus. A close prop, spring biased to an unlatched position, is latched to secure the close spring in the charged state by a latch assembly reset by a reset lever separate from the close prop which in turn is reset by rotation of the cam member during charging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Phillip L. Ulerich, Walter B Ireland
  • Patent number: 6078108
    Abstract: An apparatus for interrupting the flow of current in a cable, which cable leads from the battery in a motor vehicle to a consumer, also located in the vehicle, such as the starter, engine or the like. A housing is provided, having two connection terminals, electrically insulated from one another, for the lines leading to the battery and to the consumer, and having a switch disposed in the interior of the housing, the switch being assigned a control device which can be tripped by a sensor and whose tripping actuates the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Kabelkonfektion Gebauer & Griller GmbH
    Inventor: Karl Franz Froschl
  • Patent number: 6078017
    Abstract: An adapter plate assembly for mounting a stored energy assembly to a circuit breaker assembly, the adapter plate assembly comprising a mounting plate, the mounting plate comprising a circuit breaker toggle aperture that receives a circuit breaker toggle, at least one mounting aperture for mounting the adapter plate assembly to the circuit breaker assembly, wherein the mounting plate has at least one hinge connector that hingedly connects the stored energy assembly to the mounting plate, wherein the mounting plate further comprises a circuit breaker trip aperture; a trip arm mounting aperture; a trip arm comprising a trip flange at one end for being contacted by a tripping member of the stored energy assembly, a mounting member for rotateably mounting the trip arm to the mounting plate, and a trip extension member, located between the trip flange and the mounting member, that is used to actuate the tripping of the circuit breaker assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Blessitt, Parker A. Bollinger, Jr., Paul D. Reagan
  • Patent number: 6075215
    Abstract: A motor operated stored energy assembly for use with a circuit breaker assembly having a light pipe indicator assembly for indicating a status of the stored energy assembly, the motor operated stored energy assembly comprising a housing assembly; a movable element having at least two positions so that each of the positions corresponds to a state of the motor operated stored energy assembly, wherein each of the positions has a corresponding shading indicator; at least one light pipe mounted with respect to the housing assembly so that a first end of the light pipe faces the shading indicator and a second end opposite to the first end faces outwardly with respect to the housing assembly so that the light pipe indicates the shading indicator corresponding to a position of the movable element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Parker A. Bollinger, Jr., Paul D. Reagan
  • Patent number: 6072136
    Abstract: Electrical switching apparatus such as a power circuit breaker, network protector or switch has a self-supporting operating mechanism module including a cage formed by a pair of side plates rigidly clamped in spaced relation by spacers. The cage supports all of the operating mechanism components including a helical compression close spring mounted fully between the side plates and coupled to a cam member through a rocker in a manner which maintains the forces longitudinal to the spring. The cam member has a charging cam with a charge profile for compressing the close spring and a close profile through which the spring drives the cam member to effect a controlled release of stored energy to close the contacts of the apparatus. The cam shaft is captured between bushings seated in non-circular openings in the side plates thereby eliminating the need for any fasteners. Likewise, other parts mounted between the side plates and joined by pins having enlarged heads retained by the side plates do not need retainers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Henry Anthony Wehrli, III, Raymond Clyde Doran, Edward Louis Wellner
  • Patent number: 6072132
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a motor operator on a circuit breaker comprising two mounting bracket portions, each lying in a plane generally perpendicular to a face of a circuit breaker housing, and a device for slideably coupling the motor operator to the bracket portions, thereby permitting the motor operator to slide between the mounting brackets in a direction substantially perpendicular to the face of the circuit breaker housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: David Curtis Turner
  • Patent number: 6072137
    Abstract: A pinion gear carrier assembly for use with an operator handle, operator handle shaft assembly and main operator gear that is used to drive a movement translation assembly so as to charge a stored energy assembly of a stored energy circuit breaker actuation apparatus, the pinion gear carrier assembly comprising a pinion gear carrier having an operator handle shaft aperture and an idler pinion gear mounting member, wherein the pinion gear carrier is mounted on the operator handle shaft using the operator handle shaft aperture; a driver pinion gear mounted on the operator handle shaft; an idler pinion gear mounted on the idler pinion gear mounting member; wherein the driver pinion gear and the idler pinion gear contact one another so that the idler pinion gear rotates when the driver pinion gear is rotated by the operator handle and operator handle shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Parker A. Bollinger, Jr., Paul D. Reagan, W. Dale Robbins
  • Patent number: 6066820
    Abstract: A spring drive mechanism for switchgear, in particular for a circuit breaker. The mechanism has an engagement shaft that is rotatable about its axis, a large toothed-wheel mounted on said shaft, a small toothed-wheel meshing with said large toothed-wheel to put an engagement spring under stress, and a mechanism which prevents the large toothed-wheel and the small toothed-wheel jamming each other mutually after the shaft has been released. The mechanism which prevents jamming includes the shape of the teeth of said small toothed-wheel and the shape of the teeth of the large toothed-wheel. In the teeth of the large toothed-wheel there is a first gap followed, in the direction of rotation, by a first retractable tooth that is retractable along the axis of the tooth against bias from a spring. This tooth is followed by a second gap extending over a length that is not less than two gear pitch steps and is slightly less than an integer number of steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: GEC Alsthom AG
    Inventor: Rolf Niklaus
  • Patent number: 6064021
    Abstract: A clutch assembly for an electrical switching apparatus which has a close spring working in conjunction with a cam disposed on a cam shaft, wherein the close spring provides a rotational force to the cam shaft in a forward direction. The spring clutch is disposed on the cam shaft and allows the cam shaft to rotate in the forward direction but prevents rotation of the cam shaft in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Henry Anthony Wehrli, William John Jones, Alfred Eugene Maier, Raymond Clyde Doran
  • Patent number: 6015959
    Abstract: Molded case electric power switches such as circuit breakers, disconnects and transfer switches have an energy storage spring which rotates a cam assembly to close and initiate opening of the switch contacts. The cam assembly includes a drive cam with a cam lobe which engages a drive cam follower on the moving contact assembly. Due to space limitations, the cam assembly is positioned so that the drive cam follower initially moves toward the cam assembly during closing. To accommodate for this, the cam lobe has a generally radial leading edge to prevent binding of the drive cam follower. A single latch mechanism latches the cam assembly in a spring charged position and in a closed position. A Y-shaped latch member has one leg which is engaged by a latch, a second leg which engages stops on the drive cam at the charged position and the closed position, and a third leg which sequentially engages the stops to reset the latch mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Michael Slepian, William Christopher Farrow, Michael Thomas Little, H. Richard Beck, William George Eberts, David Curtis Turner
  • Patent number: 6013886
    Abstract: The invention relates to a high-speed control device for a high voltage connection apparatus, in particular a ground disconnector, which apparatus is fitted with a moving contact. The device comprises a spring for storing mechanical energy, a cocking mechanism for cocking the spring and comprising an electric motor organized to drive a first rotary part, a pivot arm, a second rotary part, and a latch organized to cooperate with said second rotary part to define two stable positions. The pivot arm carries the first pin organized to co-operate with two bearing surfaces of said first rotary part, and a second pin organized to co-operate with the two bearing surfaces of said second rotary part. The device makes it possible to obtain two stable latching points that are disposed at 180.degree. from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: GEC Alsthom T & D AG
    Inventors: Carmelo Gimeno, Andre Dossegger, Christian Tschannen
  • Patent number: 5981889
    Abstract: A spring drive mechanism for power switch gear. The mechanism includes an engagement shaft free to rotate about its own axis and carrying both a large toothed wheel and a cam. An engagement spring constituted by a traction spring is coupled to the large toothed wheel at an attachment point by a chain. The large toothed wheel meshes with a small toothed wheel which is coupled via a gear train to a driving gearwheel secured to an outlet shaft of a drive motor. In the predetermined direction A of rotation, the large toothed wheel includes a discontinuity in its teeth, thereby generating a gap which constitutes a zone without teeth, and in which a retractable tooth is disposed. Following the retractable tooth, the large toothed wheel has an additional discontinuity in its teeth over at least two meshing steps. This mechanism is advantageous as switchgear for a circuit breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Gec Alsthom T & D AG
    Inventor: Rolf Niklaus
  • Patent number: 5981888
    Abstract: A circuit breaker contact spring blocking arrangement is by-passed by means of a lock-out system that interacts between the circuit breaker contact spring closing shaft and the circuit breaker closing lock-out system when the circuit breaker contacts are in the OPEN condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Dean A. Robarge, James L. Rosen
  • Patent number: 5973280
    Abstract: A circuit breaker handle is provided with a curved bearing surface at its pivot point. The handle bearing surface has a substantially constant radius and is connected to the body of the handle with a necked down handle extension. The handle extension has a width that is less than the width of the curved bearing surface at the point of connection between the bearing surface and the necked down region. The handle pivot mates with a corresponding bearing surface on a notch in the side plate that it pivots within. The arc of the curved bearing surface in the side plate is greater than that of the corresponding bearing surface on the handle and captures the handle pivot within the notch in the sideplate, so the handle cannot lift off the bearing surface on the notch as it is moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Lance Gula, Yu Wei Chou, Henry Kenneth Pruszynski, James Alan Trax, Trent Allan Chontas
  • Patent number: 5973278
    Abstract: Electrical switching apparatus such as a power circuit breaker, network protector or switch has a self-supporting operating mechanism module including a cage formed by a pair of side plates rigidly clamped in spaced relation by spacers. The cage supports all of the operating mechanism components including a helical compression close spring mounted fully between the side plates and coupled to a cam member through a rocker in a manner which maintains the forces longitudinal to the spring. The cam member has a charging cam with a charge profile for compressing the close spring and a close profile through which the spring drives the cam member to effect a controlled release of stored energy to close the contacts of the apparatus. A close prop, spring biased to an unlatched position, is latched to secure the close spring in the charged state by a latch assembly reset by a reset lever separate from the close prop which in turn is reset by rotation of the cam member during charging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Henry Anthony Wehrli, III, Raymond Clyde Doran
  • Patent number: 5938008
    Abstract: The large close spring in the operating mechanism of electrical switching apparatus is charged by a charging mechanism which includes a charging cam mounted on a cam shaft and rotated by a ratchet wheel. An elongated handle is mounted for rotation about a pivot axis offset laterally from the cam shaft. A drive link which successively engages the teeth on the ratchet wheel is pivotally connected to the handle at a point closer to the handle pivot axis than the radius of the ratchet wheel to increase the mechanical advantage of the handle. A common spring biases the drive link and a stop dog against the ratchet wheel. A turned pin on the drive link is used to engage the ratchet teeth which have an arcuate profile including a radius at the root configured to be engaged by the turned pin. A similar drive link with a turned pin to engage the ratchet teeth is reciprocated by an electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Henry Anthony Wehrli, III, Phillip Lloyd Ulerich, William Brocklebank
  • Patent number: 5931290
    Abstract: Electrical switching apparatus such as a power circuit breaker, network protector or switch has a self-supporting operating mechanism module including a cage formed by a pair of side plates rigidly clamped in spaced relation by spacers. The cage supports all of the operating mechanism components including a helical compression close spring mounted fully between the side plates and coupled to a cam member through a rocker in a manner which maintains the forces longitudinal to the spring. The cam member has a charging cam with a charge profile for compressing the close spring and a close profile through which the spring drives the cam member to effect a controlled release of stored energy to close the contacts of the apparatus. A close prop, spring biased to an unlatched position, is latched to secure the close spring in the charged state by a latch assembly reset by a reset lever separate from the close prop which in turn is reset by rotation of the cam member during charging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Henry Anthony Wehrli, III, Raymond Clyde Doran
  • Patent number: 5929405
    Abstract: Electrical switching apparatus such as a power circuit breaker, network protector or switch has a self-supporting operating mechanism module including a cage formed by a pair of side plates rigidly clamped in spaced relation by spacers. The cage supports all of the operating mechanism components including a helical compression close spring mounted fully between the side plates and coupled to a cam member through a rocker in a manner which maintains the forces longitudinal to the spring. The cam member has a charging cam with a charge profile for compressing the close spring and a close profile through which the spring drives the cam member to effect a controlled release of stored energy to close the contacts of the apparatus. A close prop, spring biased to an unlatched position, is latched to secure the close spring in the charged state by a latch assembly reset by a reset lever separate from the close prop which in turn is reset by rotation of the cam member during charging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Henry Anthony Wehrli, III, Raymond Clyde Doran, Phillip Lloyd Ulerich
  • Patent number: 5924323
    Abstract: A lever arrangement for transmitting a driving force to a switch contact of a power switch has parallel bearing plates with limiting parts mounted on them to reduce the distance between the bearing plates locally to a distance suitable for guiding hinge-connected levers. Hinge pins of the levers are guided so they slide along the limiting parts. Threaded pins are riveted to one bearing plate at one end and are secured on the other bearing plate with a nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ludvik Godesa, Michael Sebekow, Adolf Wihan
  • Patent number: 5924554
    Abstract: Current switch with moving contacts cooperating with fixed contacts comprising, for each electric phase, a crank, pivoting about a pin, and a link rod, operationally connected to the crank and to the mechanism for opening and closing the switch, there being provision for the contact-carrying levers to be fulcrumed in the lower part to a pin integral with the crank, for, above the pin, the levers to have, on the opposite side to the contacts, seats against which spring means bear, for the opposite ends of the spring means to bear against seats formed at the top on the side of the support of the crank, opposite the fixed contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: ABB Sace S.p.A.
    Inventors: Renato Dosmo, Maurizio Curnis
  • Patent number: 5923261
    Abstract: An air circuit breaker bell alarm accessory interacts with the circuit breaker contact position indicator to provide local and remote indication of the occurrence of a circuit interruption. A drive pin extending from the bottom of the accessory interacts with a slot on the contact position indicator lever to reset the bell alarm accessory when the circuit breaker contacts are in the process of being closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Dean A. Robarge
  • Patent number: 5910650
    Abstract: An air circuit breaker closing spring charging mechanism includes a ratchet and pawl whereby the closing spring charging gear is protected from damage due to reverse rotation of the ratchet when the charged closing springs are later released. A locking latch prevents damage to the charging mechanism components and a latch release lever allows the charging mechanism to return to an operative position when the closing springs are later charged by a manually operated charging handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, James I. Smith
  • Patent number: 5906271
    Abstract: Remote indication of the charge state condition of the circuit breaker closing springs is provided by a remote indicating unit. The indicating unit interfaces with the circuit breaker closing assembly to actuate an electric switch in response to the position of the closing assembly. Actuation of the switch turns a on remote signal device when the closing spring is completely charged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, James L. Rosen
  • Patent number: 5905240
    Abstract: A circuit breaker contact closing solenoid assembly within an air circuit breaker includes an upper drive link connecting between a lower drive link and the circuit breaker closing prop driver to release the closing prop driver post from the charging ratchet retainer post. Actuation of the circuit breaker closing solenoid rotates the upper and lower links to allow the charging ratchet to rotate and release the charged closing springs and drive the circuit breaker contacts to the CLOSED condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Dean A. Robarge, James L. Rosen
  • Patent number: 5901838
    Abstract: An operating mechanism having a guiding circular plate (9b) provided at a side surface of a gear wheel (9), an annular groove (15d) formed in a pinion (15) into which the guiding circular plate (9b) is fitted whereby the relative position in axial direction between the pinion (15) and the gear wheel (9) does not change even if there is an axial displacement of the gear wheel (9) or the pinion (15) due to a play. Accordingly, there is obtainable a stable angular position of the gear wheel (9) in the disconnection between the pinion (15) and a clutch driving element (16), via a cam constituted by a end-face cam (a projection) (9a) provided at a side surface of the gear wheel (9) and the clutch driving element (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ichizo Nakatani, Mitsuharu Okuno, Masao Narita
  • Patent number: 5889250
    Abstract: An air circuit breaker ratcheting mechanism includes a ratchet and pawl whereby the closing springs charging gear is prevented from reverse rotation during the closing springs charging operation. Upon completion of the charging operation, the ratchet and pawl become disengaged from the charging gear when the charged closing springs are released in response to a manual closing button depression. An interlock arrangement prevents release of the holding prop to discharge the charged circuit breaker closing springs unless the circuit breaker operating handle is completely in the home position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Roger N. Castonguay
  • Patent number: 5861784
    Abstract: A remotely controllable circuit breaker device for interrupting current in a circuit path between a source and a load includes local and remote monitoring capabilities and a gear mechanism for reliable remote control of the interruption mechanism. The device includes a first contact and a second contact cooperatively arranged in the circuit path so as to provide current from the source to the load. At least one of the contacts is disposed on a contact carrier which is movable for interrupting the current provided to the load. The gear mechanism includes a motor with a rotatable shaft which responds to open and closed control signals generated from a remote location, and a gear, rotatably responsive to the rotatable shaft, for controlling the contact carrier so that the circuit path is interrupted and established, respectively. The gear mechanism controls the contact carrier using a coupling arrangement, which has a first part coupled to the contact carrier and a second part coupled to the gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: James Arthur Heise, Duane Lee Turner, Dennis William Fleege
  • Patent number: 5856643
    Abstract: An auxiliary switch operator for a circuit breaker operates auxiliary contacts between open and closed positions. The auxiliary switch operator includes a hub which is biased to follow a pole shaft of the circuit breaker and follow the pole shaft when it rotates in a first direction to close separable contacts of the circuit breaker. A first spring mechanism biases the hub to follow the pole shaft when the pole shaft rotates in the first direction. When the pole shaft rotates in the first direction, an arm of the hub engages a rotatable shaft to drive an operating lever and operate the auxiliary contacts to the closed position. When the pole shaft rotates in the second direction, another arm of the hub recharges the first spring mechanism. A second spring mechanism biases the rotatable shaft and the operating lever toward a position corresponding to the open position of the auxiliary contacts when the pole shaft rotates in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel D. Gress, Jr., Daniel E. Palmieri, Robert N. Krevokuch, William Q. Aglietti, Ronald E. Vaill
  • Patent number: 5834717
    Abstract: An on-load tap changer of a step switch has a force-storage unit which has a charging slide continuously movable by a bidirectionally rotatable drive shaft and an output part that when tripped suddenly follows the movement of the charging slide and rotates a switching shaft. Respective switches for each phase are each actuatable by respective actuating elements that coact with edges of respective concentric cams rotatable by the switching shaft. An axially movable switching unit is mounted on the switching shaft and the switching unit carries cam disks for actuating the switches, each cam disk being subdivided into an upper and a lower subdisk with different shapes. The switching unit is movable in a direction dependent on the rotation direction of the drive shaft into an upper or a lower position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen GmbH
    Inventors: Josef Neumeyer, Leonhard Pillmeier
  • Patent number: 5834997
    Abstract: A coupling member for securing a spring to a rotatable motor shaft so that the spring rotates with the motor shaft. The coupler has a cylindrical hollow middle which fits snugly onto the motor shaft and includes a main body portion having a smaller cylindrically shaped nose portion extending therefrom for receiving one end of the spring therearound. The main body portion includes a ramp portion, extending upwardly therefrom, a wall behind the ramp portion and a slot therein for receiving a hook portion extending from the spring. The hook portion is snugly secured in the slot and behind the wall so that as the motor shaft rotates, the coupler member causes the spring to rotate with the motor shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Dennis William Fleege, James Arthur Heise, Duane Lee Turner
  • Patent number: 5831500
    Abstract: A circuit breaker device for interrupting current in a circuit path between a source and a load. The device includes a first contact and a second contact cooperatively arranged in the circuit path so as to provide current from the source to the load. At least one of the contacts is disposed on a contact carrier which is movable for interrupting the current provided to the load. A contact status indication arrangement is provided for indicating the status of the contacts. The contact status indication arrangement includes a trip flag, a status insert, a clear plastic lens, a flag guide, and a status flag. The trip flag, status insert and status flag are viewable through the lens, which is disposed in an aperture in the circuit breaker housing. Only one status indicator is viewable through the lens at any one time, each indicating a different circuit breaker status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Duane Lee Turner, James Arthur Heise
  • Patent number: 5808532
    Abstract: A motor module for operating a circuit breaker having a front face and a switch exposed at the front face, wherein the motor module includes: a housing; a motor disposed in the housing and having a switch engaging member for operatively associating the motor with the switch; and an engaging member associated with the housing for engaging the housing with the front face of the circuit breaker, with the switch engaging member engaged with the switch, whereby the housing is mounted over the front face of the circuit breaker with the motor operatively associated with the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Circuit Protection & Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory T. DiVincenzo, Andrew W. Macy, Joseph F. Noonan
  • Patent number: 5805041
    Abstract: A field-installable circuit breaker trip actuator unit includes a flux shifter unit that interfaces with the circuit breaker operating mechanism and is installable without dismantling the circuit breaker components. The flux shifter unit responds to an electronic trip unit to articulate the circuit breaker operating mechanism and separate the circuit breaker contacts upon occurrence of an overcurrent condition. A reset arrangement allows the trip actuator unit to be automatically reset upon completion of the contact separation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Jeffrey D. Lord
  • Patent number: 5791457
    Abstract: A high ampere-rated circuit breaker which meets the electrical code requirements of the world market. The charging of the powerful operating spring controlling the circuit breaker contacts is made automatically by means of an electric motor. The motor interlock arrangement prevents rotation of the closing shaft until and unless the circuit breaker contact closing spring has become completely charged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, James L. Rosen
  • Patent number: 5772009
    Abstract: An operating mechanism that provides multiple operational output states at a first output and additional operational output states at a second output that are synchronized with the first output to provide a predetermined sequence of control. The operating mechanism includes an output lever that is pivoted by the stored energy in a spring and latch levers that are selectively operated to release the output lever. When the output lever is moved between operational positions, the output lever is stopped in its pivoting movement via the latch levers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: S&C Electric Company
    Inventors: Edward J. Rogers, Joel A. Ramos
  • Patent number: 5762181
    Abstract: This invention relates to a high ampere-rated circuit breaker which meets the electrical code requirements of the world market. The charging of the powerful operating springs controlling the circuit breaker contacts is made automatically by means of an electric motor. The circuit breaker operating handle connects with the operating springs upon stalling of the electric motor. An electrical switching arrangement is used to remove power from the motor operator unit at the completion of the charging cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, James L. Rosen
  • Patent number: 5743385
    Abstract: A locking device is fitted in a drive device of a power switch to prevent the switch shaft from rebounding from its off position. The locking device (6) comprises a retainer (7) on the switch shaft (1) and a clamp (10) pivotable about a fixed bearing. The clamp (10) has an arc-shaped aperture to engage with the retainer (7) with considerable overlaps. The clamp (10) is actuated by a working surface on the retainer (7) so that its aperture (17) engages over the retainer (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Ludvik Godesa
  • Patent number: 5714940
    Abstract: A bell alarm system is provided for a circuit breaker in which the actuation of a flux shift trip device causes an electrical switch to be energized thus providing a bell alarm indication that the circuit breaker has been tripped. The flux trip device impinges against a pivotally rotated lower lever mechanism which has a knee which causes rotation of an upper lever against the influence of a spring attached between the two levers. As the knee moves along a surface of the upper lever mechanism, the relative rotation of the two lever members about their support pins is such as to cause the tension on the spring to increase. Because of this vibration in the circuit breaker itself or minute low level movements of the plunger mechanism will not cause the bell alarm to be actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony J. Fishovitz, Thomas K. Fogle