Circuit Breaker Handle Type (i.e., Padlock) Patents (Class 200/43.14)
  • Patent number: 11965361
    Abstract: An exemplary status-indicating locking assembly includes a cylindrical lock assembly and a status-indicating assembly. The status-indicating assembly includes a sensor configured to sense the status of the cylindrical lock assembly, a transmission configured to communicate the lock status to at least one side of a door, and an indicator configured to display indicia relating to the lock status on the at least one side of the door. In certain forms, the sensor, transmission, and indicator may be electronic, mechanical, hydraulic, magnetic, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Subbiah Gopalakrishnan, Kevin E. David, Kenton H. Barker, Shell Bieker, Daniel J. Compton, Brandon Robinson, Snehill Solanki, Greg Hebner, Bill Massey, Samir Tamer
  • Patent number: 11965356
    Abstract: In one form, a cylindrical lockset includes a chassis including a pair of hubs, a pair of drive tubes, a retractor, and a lock control assembly. The lock control assembly has a locked state and an unlocked state. The lock control assembly also has a plurality of movable elements, each having a locking position and an unlocking position. One of the hubs includes a guide channel, and a slider is movably seated in the guide channel. One of the movable elements is associated with the slider, and is configured to move the slider between a lock-indicating position and an unlock-indicating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Smitha Basavaraju, Kenton H. Barker, Harikrishnan Mannattil, Subbiah Gopalakrishnan, David J. Hurlbert, Ajeya S. Rao, Achyuta Dhanvantri
  • Patent number: 11728104
    Abstract: A circuit breaker is configured to ensure electrical safety when working on its circuits. The circuit breaker comprises a housing with an exterior boundary. The housing includes an “integrated” or “pre-installed” Lock-Off feature extending away from the exterior boundary. The Lock-Off feature having a hole that is configured to receive a shackle or a shank of a padlock. The circuit breaker further comprises a built-in Lock-Off mechanism including a handle integrated with the housing using a pivot such that the handle is configured to pivot relative to the hole in the Lock-Off feature. The built-in Lock-Off mechanism in combination with the Lock-Off feature is configured to prevent the handle from being turned ON with the use of the padlock. The padlock prevents the handle from rotating on its pivot such that the padlock disables the circuit breaker from turning ON by impeding the handle from rotating to an ON-position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventor: Raiden Jay Kim
  • Patent number: 11456125
    Abstract: A circuit breaker lockout apparatus, in particular to a motor circuit breaker lockout apparatus, includes two half-shell like housing parts, in particular housing halves, and an adjustment element. The two housing parts are assembled to form a housing shell having a rear wall and that are connected to one another via a pivot joint that defines a pivot axis about which the two housing parts are pivotable relative to one another between a release position and a clamping position. The adjustment element is adjustable between a base position and a locked position and that is in particular rotatable about an axis of rotation in order to transfer the two housing parts from the release position to the clamping position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: ABUS August Bremicker Söhne KG
    Inventors: Thomas Lind, Manuel Cornelius Neveling, Tobias Weiß
  • Patent number: 11281877
    Abstract: Systems and methods for performing a Lock-Tag-Try (LTT) process. A computing device may scan an indicator and request a content item associated with the indicator. The computing device may receive the one or more content items associated with the indicator. The one or more content items are configured to guide a user through the LTT process. A server may be configured to receive the request and transmit the content item to the user device. The server may be further configured to store information related to the LTT process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: COLUMBIA INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Erika Elizabeth Swartz, Joseph Charles Dean
  • Patent number: 11257642
    Abstract: A method of applying a switch locking device to a wall switch to prevent actuation of the wall switch. The wall switch has an actuator member extending through a toggle frame in a switch plate. With the switch in the desired on or off position, the snap-on locking device will be placed in the gap between the actuator member and the toggle frame. Operation of the switch is prevented by the arm of body that goes between the actuator member and the toggle frame surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Mind trade LLC
    Inventor: Ataollah Shiravi
  • Patent number: 11037740
    Abstract: A lockout device for a switch assembly includes a body defining a bottom surface and a recess extending inward from the bottom surface to receive a toggle switch, first and second clamping portions disposed on first and second longitudinal sides of the recess, and an adjustable cleat member secured with the body and movable between a retracted position in which the cleat member is retained inward of the bottom surface of the body and an extended position in which the cleat member extends beyond the bottom surface of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Master Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Michael Neau, Andrew Bartel
  • Patent number: 10998146
    Abstract: A toggle lever connection for connecting at least two toggle levers is disclosed. The toggle levers each include two grooves arranged opposite each other. The toggle lever connection includes a frame and a slider with one hook per toggle lever. The frame and the slider run into each other and can be displaced in relation to each other between a first, open position, in which the toggle lever connection can be placed onto the at least two toggle levers or removed therefrom, and a second, closed position, in which the hooks grip into the grooves of the at least two toggle levers, thereby locking the toggle lever connection to the toggle levers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Stephan Lehmann
  • Patent number: 10950405
    Abstract: An enclosed switch, a bus plug or a panelboard switch with means to lock them in an OFF position are provided. An enclosed switch comprises an operating handle with a first hole situated at a distal end and an enclosure including a cover. The operating handle is disposed external to the enclosure. The cover having a flange including a tab formed with a second hole that is configured to be aligned with the first hole of the operating handle in order to lock the enclosed switch in an OFF position without the use of a handle guard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: SIEMENS INDUSTRY, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Jameson, Troy Groehl
  • Patent number: 10453626
    Abstract: A lockout unit coupled to a gate to provide selective access to an electrical machine is provided. The lockout unit includes a stationary bracket, an arm, and a removable bracket. The stationary bracket includes a first aperture defined therein, and the arm includes a second aperture defined therein. The arm is selectively movable between an open position in which the arm is spaced from the stationary bracket, and a closed position in which the second aperture is substantially concentrically-aligned with the first aperture to receive a locking device therethrough. The removable bracket is selectively coupleable to the arm when the arm is in the closed position. The removable bracket includes a third aperture defined therein that is selectively aligned with one of the first aperture and the second aperture to receive the locking device therethrough when the removable bracket is coupled to the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Luis M. Perez, Jr., John Harold Daily, James J. Mercer, Jr., Ryan Dennis Palmerton
  • Patent number: 10424454
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-pole molded case circuit breaker, more particularly, to a multi-pole molded case circuit breaker having a safety device (with an isolation function) which prevents a manipulation handle from being moved to an off-position when a fusion occurs on a contact part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: LSIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jaekwan Seo
  • Patent number: 10354812
    Abstract: A lockout device for securing a circuit breaker switch is provided. The lockout device comprises an outer housing having side walls extending away from a base wall formed on one axial end of the outer housing to define a cavity. An arm is received within a portion of the outer housing. The arm received within a portion of the housing, the arm having a hook section and an engaging section positioned apart from one another to receive the circuit breaker switch therein. A spring is positioned between the base wall and the arm and biases the outer housing axially relative to the arm. A screw extends through the engaging section of the arm toward the hook, and is movable between the engaging section and the hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Brady Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew N. Enger, Sohail Anwar
  • Patent number: 10310542
    Abstract: An operator mechanism for a control enclosure includes a shaft assembly having an adjustable length. A shaft extender may be selectively slidable longitudinally along an operator shaft to selectively adjust the length of the shaft assembly, and selectively lockable on the operator shaft to inhibit sliding of the shaft extender on the operator shaft to retain a selected length of the shaft assembly. A shaft extender may be received in a longitudinal passage of a mount sleeve and extend distally outward from the mount sleeve. The shaft extender may be selectively movable longitudinally within a longitudinal passage of the mount sleeve relative to a shaft operator to selectively adjust the length of the shaft assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Andrew James Butler, Graig Edmund DeCarr, Joseph Michael Manahan
  • Patent number: 10277730
    Abstract: Described is a smartphone lock box system that is used to track and record when and how long a mobile computing device is locked or secured in a container, such as a box (lock box), a sleeve or the like, without access by the owner of the mobile computing device. The smartphone lock box system is used to help the owner of a mobile computing device disconnect from the mobile computing device to devote time and attention to other tasks. The smartphone lock box system includes a container that holds at least one mobile computing devices such as a smartphone or tablet. The container senses when a mobile computing device is within it and records and reports the amount of time the mobile computing device is in the box and tracks the frequency that the user checks or removes the phone from the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Inventor: Charles Isgar
  • Patent number: 10262812
    Abstract: A lockout device for preventing an electrical switch from being turned either ON or OFF while the lockout device is attached to the switch. The present lockout device can be capable of quick and easy attachment to the switch and can be secured to the switch with a padlock or similar locking device. The present lockout device can also have a peg for attaching a lockout tag, which prevents the tag from being removed while the lockout device is connected to a switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Inventors: Brad Montgomery, David Johnson
  • Patent number: 9922785
    Abstract: A safety switch includes a housing including first and second compartments that are separated by a barrier, a switch mechanism in the first compartment, one or more fuse holders in the second compartment, a first door connected to the housing and covering the first compartment, a second door connected to the housing, a handle connected to the switch mechanism, and a locking mechanism operatively connected to the handle. The handle is movable between an off position and an on position. The locking mechanism configured such that: the second door is locked in a closed position when the handle is in the on position; the second door is movable from the closed position to an open position to expose the second compartment when the handle is in the off position; and the handle is locked in the off position when the second door is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Arthur James Jur, James Windelon Adams, Brian Scott Bradley, Nicholas Emmett Klus, John Powell Hendrix, Douglas Ray Bender
  • Patent number: 9620311
    Abstract: A locking assembly for locking a switch is provided. According to a preferred embodiment, a locking member is connected to a support member having a plurality of first grooves, a lower receiving element, a retaining tab, a resilient member and a fastening element. Preferably, the lower receiving element includes a securing socket element having at least a second groove and a third groove. According to a preferred embodiment, the fastening element preferably secures the locking member, the lower receiving element, and the resilient member with a panel to form a locking assembly that automatically locks the switch when the switch is in a selected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Vornado Air LLC
    Inventors: Glen W. Ediger, Gary P. Israel, Timothy Holub, Jerald W. Ashton, Brian M. Cartwright, Russell Demitras
  • Patent number: 9607785
    Abstract: A circuit breaker can actuate to a closed condition and to an open condition. An assembly for the circuit breaker can include an obstacle that can be positioned to obstruct one form of actuation while permitting another form of actuation. The obstacle can be moved from the obstructing position to allow multiple forms of actuation. The obstacle may permit manual actuation of the circuit to an open state in any position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Osvaldo P. Morales, Michael P. Czamara
  • Patent number: 9410629
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a vent valve movable between a closed condition blocking air flow through a vent opening and an open condition enabling air flow through the vent opening. A door position sensor assembly is operable from a first condition to a second condition in response to movement of a vehicle door from a closed position to an open position and is operable from the second condition to the first condition in response to movement of the vehicle door from the open position to the closed position. An actuator assembly operates the vent valve from the closed condition to the open condition upon operation of the door position sensor assembly from the first condition to the second condition and releases the vent valve for movement from the open condition to the closed condition upon operation of the door position sensor assembly from the second condition to the first condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel D. Carlson, J. Michael Andrews
  • Patent number: 9207702
    Abstract: Disclosed is a handle locking device including a first frame, a first hook and a second frame, wherein a second hook is provided on the first frame. The first and second hooks are rotatably installed on the first frame, and the second frame capable of fixing the first hook and the first frame. Since the handle locking device is only be installable on a circuit breaker by mating between the first hook and a first installation part of the circuit breaker and mating between the second hook and a second installation part of the circuit breaker, an operator is prevented from unintentionally setting an “OFF” position of the handle locking device in an “ON” position of the circuit breaker during installation. The first hook is rotatably installed on the first frame, so that the handle locking device can be conveniently and rapidly installed on or demounted from the circuit breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Harald Krieger, Qing Ping Li, Dong Yang, Deng Ke Zhang
  • Patent number: 9208964
    Abstract: A lockout device includes a body, a clamp, and a cover. The body includes a recess and a first lock passage extending from a first opening in an upper surface to a second opening in a rear surface. The clamp is assembled with a clamp retaining portion of the body. The cover is connected with the body and is movable between a lockout position covering at least a portion of the clamp and a release position uncovering the clamp to permit adjustment. The cover includes first and second cutouts. When the cover is in the lockout position, the first and second cutouts align with the first and second openings of the body to permit insertion of a lock member through the first lock passage, thereby preventing movement of the cover from the lockout position to the release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: MASTER LOCK COMPANY LLC
    Inventors: Matthew T. Dudgeon, Cecile Frot, David Campbell, Lloyd Fenn
  • Publication number: 20150122618
    Abstract: Electrical switch lockout devices for selectively maintaining a position of an electrical switch on an electrical switch base are described. The electrical switch lockout devices include a base adapter configured to be fitted around the electrical switch base, a housing that is moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, and a locking mechanism. The housing includes walls, an opening on one side of the housing, a first lateral lip disposed on a first edge of the opening, and a second lateral lip disposed a second edge of the opening. The first lateral lip and the second lateral lip are configured to engage and disengage with the base adapter in the engaged and disengaged positions, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Tim Arnst, Steven Hicks
  • Patent number: 8913354
    Abstract: An enclosed metering and protective electrical apparatus includes an enclosure, a meter socket within the enclosure structured to input a power circuit and to engage a power meter, and a circuit interrupter within the enclosure including an operating handle and a trip mechanism. The circuit interrupter is structured to output the power circuit from the meter socket to a load and to interrupt the power circuit. A neutral current sensor within the enclosure is structured to detect a ground fault operatively associated with the power circuit and responsively cause the trip mechanism of the circuit interrupter to interrupt the power circuit. A disconnect handle substantially external to the enclosure includes linkage extending within the enclosure and cooperating with the operating handle of the circuit interrupter to open and close the circuit interrupter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew L. Van Fossen, Jeffrey L. Johnson, David R. Welsh, Matthew D. Occhipinti, James L. Gehlbach
  • Publication number: 20140318933
    Abstract: Disclosed is a handle locking device, including a first frame, a first snap hook and a second frame. A second snap hook is provided on the first frame; the first snap hook is rotatably mounted on the first frame; the second frame is rotatably mounted on the first frame; a protruding portion is formed on the second frame; and the protruding portion can push the first snap hook towards the first frame. By having the first snap hook and second snap hook disposed asymmetrically on the first frame, accidental mounting of the “OFF” position of the handle locking device in the “ON” position of the circuit breaker during installation by an operator can be avoided. Moreover, since the protruding portion can push the first snap hook towards the first frame, forced deformation of the snap claw and second snap hook can be prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Dong YANG, Deng Ke ZHANG
  • Patent number: 8748759
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a circuit breaker lockout device installed on a circuit breaker switch. The circuit breaker lockout device includes a first body section and a second body section. A handle extends through the first body section and the second body section. The handle includes a lockout screw with a screw head having a plurality of slots and a handle pin for engaging one of the plurality of slots. The lockout screw is turned by the handle to control the movement of the first body section and the second body section with respect to each other to engage the circuit breaker switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventor: David M. Howard
  • Patent number: 8648270
    Abstract: An interrupter module for a molded case circuit breaker has a floating antifriction disc between the module casings and the blade carrier which overlays the blade carrier with rim walls of the disc. The rim walls are located at segments of the disc containing the drive pins of the module. If gases from circuit interruption expand the interrupter module sides and force the disc away from the blade carrier, the rim walls remain over the blade carrier and protect the drive pins from contaminants carried by the gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Elena G Kosyanchuk
  • Patent number: 8629359
    Abstract: A circuit breaker lockout device is disclosed. The circuit breaker lockout device includes a body having a top, a bottom, a front, a back and sides. The top of the body includes a padlock hole defined by a channel that is parallel to the body. The body also includes a toggle screw that extends through the body to secure the lockout device to a circuit breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventor: Jason O. Hackett
  • Patent number: 8598477
    Abstract: A universal restraint device for a switch handle includes a channel adapted to accommodate the switch handle. The channel includes a base wall, first and second side walls that extend generally perpendicularly from the base wall, and first and second feet that extend toward one another from distal ends of the first and second side walls. The channel includes a width defined by a distance measured between the first and second side walls. A lever arm extends from the base wall a distance greater than the width of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventors: Barton L. Garvin, Walter Ejsmont
  • Publication number: 20130220780
    Abstract: A universal breaker lock device for a switch handle includes a channel adapted to accommodate the switch handle. The channel includes a base wall, first and second side walls that extend generally perpendicularly from the base wall, and first and second feet that extend toward one another from distal ends of the first and second side walls. The channel includes a width defined by a distance measured between the first and second side walls. A lever arm extends from the base wall a distance greater than the width of the channel. A cover, with two apertures, is disposed on the lever arm, to prevent engagement with a fastener. A lock may be disposed through the apertures to prevent removal of the universal breaker lock device while in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Barton L. Garvin, Walter Ejsmont
  • Patent number: 8415574
    Abstract: A multi-pole handle lock having a base plate and movable locking plate assembly that is adapted to mount on to at least two circuit breakers. A handle restrictor plate is mounted on the base plate for translational movement while maintaining the circuit breaker handles in the same position as each other. The handle restrictor plate allows each handle to independently move to the tripped position, while allowing the restricted circuit breakers to operate as a logical group. The low profile of the plates, allows visual inspection of the handle ends to determine their tie status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Timothy McCoy, John D. Stephenson
  • Patent number: 8389880
    Abstract: Disclosed is a keylock device for a circuit breaker. The keylock device for a circuit breaker comprises a closing lever configured to generate a closing operation of a mechanism, a trip lever configured to generate a trip operation of the mechanism, and a locking unit configured to allow a locked state of the locking unit to be maintained when the mechanism is in an ‘ON’ state, but to allow the locked state of the locking unit to be converted into a released state when the mechanism is in an ‘OFF’ state. Under these configurations, it is impossible to convert the current state of the keylock device into a locked state unless the mechanism of the circuit breaker is converted into an ‘OFF’ state. This may prevent the occurrence of an accidence due to the operator's unintentional ‘OFF’ state of the mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: LS Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jae Yong Lee
  • Publication number: 20130037393
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a circuit breaker lockout device installed on a circuit breaker switch. The circuit breaker lockout device includes a first body section and a second body section. A handle extends through the first body section and the second body section. The handle includes a lockout screw with a screw head having a plurality of slots and a handle pin for engaging one of the plurality of slots. The lockout screw is turned by the handle to control the movement of the first body section and the second body section with respect to each other to engage the circuit breaker switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: PANDUIT CORP.
    Inventor: David M. Howard
  • Publication number: 20120325628
    Abstract: An exemplary switching device for an electric circuit, including at least one contact movable between a closed position in which it is coupled to a corresponding fixed contact and an open position in which it is spaced away from said corresponding fixed contact. A main shaft suitable for rotating about an axis and operatively connected to said at least one movable contact so as to cause with its rotation the movement of said at least one movable contact between the open and closed positions. The switching device includes a locking device which has one or more parts coupled to and which is configured for directly acting on the main rotating shaft and locking said at least one movable contact in the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: ABB S.p.A.
    Inventors: Stefano BESANA, Gustavo Brignoli
  • Publication number: 20120205224
    Abstract: A circuit breaker lockout device is disclosed. The circuit breaker lockout device includes a body having a top, a bottom, a front, a back and sides. The top of the body includes a padlock hole defined by a channel that is parallel to the body. The body also includes a toggle screw that extends through the body to secure the lockout device to a circuit breaker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: PANDUIT CORP.
    Inventor: Jason O. Hackett
  • Patent number: 8183479
    Abstract: A lock housing for a circuit breaker accessory housing includes a body having a aperture configured to receive a keyed lock, a collar circumscribing the aperture at a first end of the housing, the collar extending radially outward from the body, and at least one resilient member integral to the housing, the at least one resilient member configured to engage the circuit breaker accessory housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mahadeva Mittu, Samir Rajauria, Lars Pommerencke
  • Patent number: 7977590
    Abstract: A lockout device for a switch assembly includes a body and first and second laterally extending pins and a cam member assembled with the body. The laterally extending pins are laterally movable between hole engaging and hole disengaging positions. The cam member is pivotable with respect to the body between locking and unlocked positions. When the cam member is in the locking position, the cam member holds the first and second pins in the hole engaging position. When the cam member is in the unlocked position, the first and second pins are movable from the hole engaging position to the hole disengaging position. The body defines a lock opening configured to receive a lock member to secure the cam member in the locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Master Lock Company LLC
    Inventor: Michael Brojanac
  • Patent number: 7943873
    Abstract: A circuit breaker with a locking mechanism is provided, which ensures that circuit breaker is switched OFF before applying any trip free locks. The circuit breaker includes a lay shaft coupled to the circuit breaker contacts, a lay shaft cam coupled to the lay shaft, a lifting plate configured to interface with the lay shaft cam, and a padlock plate configured to engage the lifting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Triplicane Gopikrishnan Babu, Janakiraman Narayanan, Amit Bose, Soundararajan Narayanasamy
  • Publication number: 20100276261
    Abstract: A lock housing for a circuit breaker accessory housing includes a body having a aperture configured to receive a keyed lock, a collar circumscribing the aperture at a first end of the housing, the collar extending radially outward from the body, and at least one resilient member integral to the housing, the at least one resilient member configured to engage the circuit breaker accessory housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: Mahadeva Mittu, Samir Rajauria, Lars Pommerencke
  • Patent number: 7692108
    Abstract: A circuit breaker lock-out device having a generally U-shaped cross section, configured to mount on a switch having a housing having a recess is provided. Device comprises a first leg connected with a second leg, said second leg having a first aperture configured to receive a blocking member, wherein at least one of said first and second legs has a protrusion configured to engage with said switch housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Javier Ignacio Larranaga, Peter James Greenwood
  • Patent number: 7681421
    Abstract: An electrical panel lockout that locks the electrical panel door closed and prevents the panel cover from being removed. Two telescoping hollow tubes extend between two panel screws. Two slots in the ends of the hollow tubes slide under the screw heads of each of the loosened panel screws. The outer hollow tube and inner hollow tube extend across the panel door keeping it locked closed. The shackle of a padlock is inserted into one of the openings of the inner hollow tube to keep the device locked in the extended position onto the panel screws. The screw heads are encapsulated by the device rendering them inaccessible and preventing the electrical panel cover from being removed. Hollow tube extension fittings can be employed to increase the length of the device for use on electrical panels of larger widths. A guide screw attached to the inner hollow tube rides in a slot in the outer hollow tube to keep both tubes from separating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventor: Richard Michael Cannon
  • Publication number: 20090255786
    Abstract: Disclosed is a circuit breaker with a locking mechanism, which ensures that circuit breaker is switched OFF before applying any trip free locks. Exemplary embodiments include a circuit breaker apparatus, including a lay shaft coupled to circuit breaker contacts, a lay shaft cam coupled to the lay shaft, a lifting plate configured to interface the lay shaft cam and a padlock plate configured to engage the lifting plate. Further exemplary embodiments include a circuit breaker system, the system including a circuit breaker having circuit breaker contacts and configured in an OFF condition, a padlock plate disposed on the circuit breaker, wherein the engagement of the padlock locks the circuit breaker into a trip free condition and a locking mechanism configured to lock the circuit breaker in the OFF condition in response to the engagement of the padlock plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventors: Triplicane Gopikrishnan Babu, Janakiraman Narayanan, Amit Bose, Soundararajan Narayanasamy
  • Publication number: 20090205934
    Abstract: A lockout device for a switch assembly includes a body and first and second laterally extending pins and a cam member assembled with the body. The laterally extending pins are laterally movable between hole engaging and hole disengaging positions. The cam member is pivotable with respect to the body between locking and unlocked positions. When the cam member is in the locking position, the cam member holds the first and second pins in the hole engaging position. When the cam member is in the unlocked position, the first and second pins are movable from the hole engaging position to the hole disengaging position. The body defines a lock opening configured to receive a lock member to secure the cam member in the locking position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: MASTER LOCK COMPANY LLC
    Inventor: Michael Brojanac
  • Publication number: 20090071804
    Abstract: A system, in certain embodiments, may include a circuit breaker having a housing, a toggle switch coupled to the housing, and an integral lock out coupled to the housing. The integral lock out may include a slide configured to move in a linear direction between a retracted position and an extracted position relative to the housing. The slide may be configured to block rotation of the toggle switch in the extracted position of the slide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Dennis M. Drake, Jon L. Phillips
  • Patent number: 7501593
    Abstract: A lockout device for a switch assembly includes a body and first and second laterally extending pins and a cam member assembled with the body. The laterally extending pins are laterally movable between hole engaging and hole disengaging positions. The cam member is pivotable with respect to the body between locking and unlocked positions. When the cam member is in the locking position, the cam member holds the first and second pins in the hole engaging position. When the cam member is in the unlocked position, the first and second pins are movable from the hole engaging position to the hole disengaging position. The body defines a lock opening configured to receive a lock member to secure the cam member in the locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Master Lock Company LLC
    Inventor: Michael Brojanac
  • Patent number: 7465891
    Abstract: An electric switch which can be locked using any possible lock to either prevent or ensure the flow of electric power to an electrical apparatus. The switch has a toggle-handle that a bar from a lock can be fitted into and immobilize the toggle-contactor, preventing the toggle from being moved. Thus the switch is prevented from being turned on or turned off. The switch is intended to be placed into a power cord and can be sold with a device or added later.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventor: Anthony Brinton Wolbarst
  • Publication number: 20080277250
    Abstract: A circuit breaker comprises a housing containing a trip mechanism, a handle coupled to the trip mechanism and movable between on and off positions, and a lock-off mechanism capable of holding the handle in its off position. The lock-off mechanism includes a bracket adapted to be mounted on the circuit breaker housing adjacent the movable handle, and a slide mounted on the bracket for movement parallel to the movement of the handle when the handle is moved from the off position to the on position. The slide projects into the path of movement of the handle for engaging the handle, and the bracket and the slide form openings that register with each other when the projecting portion of the slide is proximate the handle in the off position. The registered openings are sized and shaped to receive the shackle of a padlock for locking the slide to the bracket, and thus locking the handle in the off position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Steve DeCook, John Winter, Alberto Montoya
  • Patent number: 7442888
    Abstract: A safety lock as taught herein comprises first and second members and is configured to lockably mount to an interlock switch. In one or more embodiments, the second member slidably couples to the first member and slides between a disengaged position that allows for mounting and an engaged position that engages a corresponding switch actuator opening in the interlock switch. In at least one embodiment, the second member projects through an opening in the first member into engagement. The first and second members may include corresponding lock openings, allowing the second member to be locked into the engaged position. In at least one embodiment, the first member conforms at least partially to the exterior of the interlock switch, e.g., it spans at least one exterior corner of the interlock switch. The first member may include an engagement finger to engage a corresponding switch actuator opening of the interlock switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Scientific Technologies Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard J Puddicombe, II, Joseph David Borjon
  • Publication number: 20080185268
    Abstract: An electric switch which can be locked using any possible lock to either prevent or ensure the flow of electric power to an electrical apparatus. The switch has a toggle-handle that a bar from a lock can be fitted into and immobilize the toggle-contactor, preventing the toggle from being moved. Thus the switch is prevented from being turned on or turned off. The switch is intended to be placed into a power cord and can be sold with a device or added later.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventor: Anthony Brinton Wolbarst
  • Patent number: 7371980
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for lockout of toggle switches, such as those toggle switches that include a captivating switch head (e.g., an enlarged and/or offset switch head) disposed on a cylindrical-shaped switch arm of the toggle switch. In one example, the apparatus and methods may employ a securement housing configured to be secured to a toggle switch by capturing at least a portion of the switch arm of the toggle switch between a switch head and an adjacent surface in a manner that prevents movement of the switch arm from a first switch position (e.g., “off” position) to a second switch position (e.g., “on” position).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: L 3 Communication Integrated Systems LP
    Inventor: Christopher R. Marshall
  • Patent number: 7355132
    Abstract: A circuit breaker lock-off device is side-mounted to a circuit breaker case in a tenacious engagement. The lock-off device has a generally planar body carrying a lock-off arm pivotable in a plane parallel to the body to place an engagement tab extending therefrom into a position for preventing movement of the breaker handle without being physically attached to the breaker handle. The lock-off arm and the body further have complementary rings for accepting a padlock shackle in the locked off position. The invention allows a rugged lock-off accessory which is field installable and which can accommodate various breaker handle geometries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Willard J Rezac, John M Winter, Antonio Zubieta