Abstract: A system for adjusting the position of a circuit breaker is provided. The system allows for translation of the circuit breaker with respect to a support base and interfacing mechanisms, such as those that serve to switch the circuit breaker between its operative states. Adjustment is afforded by an adjustment plate fitted to the support base and that moves with the circuit breaker. Slots through the support base allow for movement of the plate and circuit breaker. A threaded member allows for continuous movement of the plate and circuit breaker for accurate positioning.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for coordinating the installation and removal a motor control center subunit with the power connection and interruption thereof. A system of interlocks and indicators causes an operator to install a motor control center subunit into a motor control center, and connect supply and control power thereto, in a particular order. Embodiments of the invention may prevent actuation of line contacts of the bucket, and shield the line contacts, until the bucket is fully installed in the motor control center. Other embodiments also prevent circuit breaker closure until the line contacts are engaged with a bus of the motor control center.

Abstract: A subunit is provided for a motor control center including an enclosure, a number of compartments, a plurality of power lines, and a number of covers for covering the compartments. The subunit includes a housing removably disposed within a corresponding one of the compartments, a plurality of electrical contacts movably coupled to the housing, and an actuating assembly for moving the electrical contacts into and out of electrical contact with the power lines. The subunit further includes at least one of a locking assembly, a panel assembly, and a secondary disconnect assembly. The locking assembly locks the position of the electrical contacts and restricts access to the actuating assembly. The panel assembly is pivotable and translatable with respect to the subunit housing. The secondary disconnect assembly is independent from the actuating assembly in order that movement of the electrical contacts does not move the secondary disconnect assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a rotary handle. More particularly, the invention encompasses a deliberate action rotary handle. The invention further includes an extended drive-plate deliberate action rotary handle, such that to turn on a component, such as, a circuit breaker, requires a deliberate manual action by the user. If a deliberate action is not taken by a user but the handle is accidentally pushed then the handle does not engage with a drive shaft and the handle moves to an outer edge of a drive plate thus preventing the engagement of the handle with the other components to turn on the component.

Abstract: An electrical switching apparatus mounting apparatus includes a base with a planar portion having a first side and an opposite second side. A number of first adjustable members are coupled to the opposite second side. Each of the first adjustable members includes a first end and an opposite second end. A number of second adjustable members are coupled transverse to the first adjustable members and include a first end and an opposite second end. At least one of the first end and the opposite second end of at least one of the first adjustable members and the second adjustable members is adjustable generally toward or generally away from the base. At least one of the first end and the opposite second end of the at least one of the first adjustable members and the second adjustable members is coupled to a number of walls of a switchgear enclosure.

Abstract: A system and method for connecting supply power to motor control components includes use of a motor control center subunit with moveable supply power contacts. After a motor control center subunit is secured into a motor control center compartment, the supply power contacts may be advanced to engage supply power buses. For disconnection, the supply power contacts may be retracted and isolated from the buses before physical removal of the subunit.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a rotary handle. More particularly, the invention encompasses an improved support bracket for a deliberate action rotary handle. The invention further includes an improved support bracket to support an extended drive-plate deliberate action rotary handle, such that to turn on a component, such as, a circuit breaker, requires a deliberate manual action by the user. If a deliberate action is not taken by a user but the handle is accidentally pushed then the handle does not engage with a drive shaft and the handle moves to an outer edge of a drive plate thus preventing the engagement of the handle with the other components to turn on the component.

Abstract: A locking apparatus for a manual actuation device of a switchboard plant has a trigger mechanism that is activated by an absence of a backup or a defective backup, and a locking mechanism for the manual actuation device. The locking mechanism is coupled to the trigger mechanism and is transferable by the trigger mechanism from a first position releasing the manual actuation device into a second position locking the manual actuation device. The locking apparatus has a simple and cost-effective construction, it is proposed that the locking mechanism has a cover plate which is displaceable between two positions by the trigger mechanism and which, in its first position, blocks a lever configuration under tensile force, of the locking mechanism and, in its second position, releases the lever configuration in order to lock the manual actuation device.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments provide a securement adapted to interface with a circuit breaker. A circuit breaker can comprise an actuator operable within an actuator operation zone defined by movement of the actuator between a first pole and a second pole. The securement can comprise an actuator restrainer and/or a substantially planar actuator guard coupled to said actuator restrainer. The securement can be operable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the actuator can be manually operated between the first and second pole. In the second position, the substantially planar actuator guard can be located outside the actuator operation zone and/or substantially prevent manual access to the actuator.

Abstract: An adapter is for mounting an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker, on the back panel of an enclosure, such as a switchgear cabinet. The back panel has at least one aperture. The adapter includes a first end portion coupled at or about the aperture of the back panel, an engaging portion engaging and securing the circuit breaker to the adapter, a fastener, and a second end portion disposed distal from the first end portion and including an elongated slot. The elongated slot receives the fastener in order to couple the adapter to the back panel when the fastener is fastened, while enabling adjustment of the adapter and the circuit breaker coupled thereto, with respect to the back panel, when the fastener is unfastened. The first end portion, the engaging portion and the second end portion form a single piece adapter. An enclosure assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and an extended rotary operating mechanism for a circuit breaker having a movable operating handle coupled to a shaft, and electrical contacts, the extended rotary operating mechanism comprising a handle operator defining a socket. A blocking plate mounted in the socket, with the blocking plate including a blocking shape. A shaft adapter is coupled to the blocking plate and the shaft. If the electrical contacts of the circuit breaker are welded closed and a torque is applied to the operator handle, the blocking shape prevents the handle operator from being locked in an “OFF” position independently of the operating handle position, by covering a locking hole. The shaft adapter may include one of an extended socket and a recessed socket configured to engage the shaft.

Abstract: A switch, used as an electronic-memory element, comprising a conductive organic polymer layer sandwiched between, and in contact with, two metallic conductive elements. In an initial post-fabrication state, the organic polymer layer is relatively highly conductive, the post-fabrication constituting a first stable state of the memory element that can serve to represent a binary bit “1 or 0,” depending which of two possible encoding conventions is employed. A relatively high voltage pulse can be passed between the two metal conductive elements, resulting in a market decrease in the current-caring capacity of the organic polymer layer sandwiched between the two conductive elements. This change in conductivity of the organic polymer layer is generally irreversible, and constitutes a second stable state of the memory element that may be used to encode a binary bit “0” or “1,” again depending on which of two possible encoding conventions are employed.

Abstract: A cable trip assembly includes an actuating assembly, a mounting assembly, and a cable assembly. The cable assembly includes a cable member disposed within a sheath. The cable member has a first end and a second end. The cable member first end is coupled to a lever, which is part of the actuating assembly, which is structured to move between a first position and a second position, similar to the prior art lever. The cable member second end is coupled to the circuit breaker trip bar. The sheath is mounted on a rigid frame, preferably a portion of the circuit breaker. Thus, with the sheath held stationary, the lever can move the cable within the sheath between a first and second position as the lever moves between its first position and second position. Because the cable member second end is coupled to the circuit breaker trip bar, the trip bar is also moved between the trip bar first and second positions as the lever moves between the lever first position and second position.

Abstract: A locking device for use on an electric disconnect switch having a handle operator assembly. The locking device includes a slide plate slidably positioned within the housing and a first lock arranged to engage said slide plate and secure the handle operator assembly in an engaged position.

Abstract: A manually operated device for use with an electrical switching device, the manually operated device having a turning handle indicating a given switching position of the switching device and operatively connected to a driving axle of a rotary drive. A base plate mounted on the rotary drive has a circular rim. To assure unambiguous grip positions in varying installation positions of the switching device, the base plate can be mounted in different offset positions around the driving axle. Furthermore, the rim has a first edge segment that protrudes towards the inside of the rim. The turning handle is operatively connected to a drive plate that can be inserted inside the rim. On the drive plate, an annular second edge segment is configured with respect to a set-back edge area. In the OFF position, the two edge segments align with respect to one another so as to form a complete circular ring, without overlapping.