Shutter Over Contacts Patents (Class 200/50.22)
  • Patent number: 11804699
    Abstract: An interlocking arrangement for switching devices for blocking the operation of the switching device when a feeder door is open, including a feeder assembly with an interlock and a racking screw interlock assembly. The feeder assembly includes a switching device mounted on a feeder base plate of the feeder assembly and mechanically connected with an interlock slider by a locking clutch cable. The racking screw interlock assembly is mounted to the feeder channel by an interlock base plate, the racking screw interlock assembly including an interlock base plate to accommodate the locking clutch cable. The interlock slider is slidably mounted on the baseplate by a plurality of step screws and slots provided on the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Schneider Electric India Private Limited
    Inventors: Debasmita Dash, Sanjeet Vishwakarma
  • Patent number: 11715937
    Abstract: A switchgear or control gear includes: at least one first compartment; at least one second compartment; a plurality of main switchgear or control gear components including a main busbar system, a three position linear or rotational movement disconnector, a circuit breaker, and at least a first part of an insulated cable connection; and a plurality of auxiliary switchgear or control gear components including a disconnector drive and a circuit breaker drive. The plurality of main switchgear or control gear components are housed in the at least one first compartment. The plurality of auxiliary switchgear or control gear components are housed in the at least one second compartment. When one or more of the plurality of main switchgear or control gear components is energized, the at least one first compartment is hermetically sealable or maintainable at an internal air pressure greater than ambient air pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Tomas Kozel, Radek Javora, Josef Cernohous
  • Patent number: 11121529
    Abstract: A switchgear or control gear includes: at least one first compartment; at least one second compartment; a plurality of main switchgear or control gear components including a main busbar system, a three position linear or rotational movement disconnector, a circuit breaker, and at least a first part of an insulated cable connection; and a plurality of auxiliary switchgear or control gear components including a disconnector drive and a circuit breaker drive. The plurality of main switchgear or control gear components are housed in the at least one first compartment. The plurality of auxiliary switchgear or control gear components are housed in the at least one second compartment. When one or more of the plurality of main switchgear or control gear components is energized, the at least one first compartment is hermetically sealable or maintainable at an internal air pressure greater than ambient air pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Tomas Kozel, Radek Javora, Josef Cernohous
  • Patent number: 10777979
    Abstract: A racking assembly for an electrical apparatus is provided. The racking assembly includes a movable carriage assembly and a drive assembly. The movable carriage assembly is sized to fit within a housing assembly and is structured to be moved between a first position and a second position. The carriage assembly is further structured to support at least one electrical component. The drive assembly includes a motor assembly and a positioning assembly. The motor assembly is structured to impart movement to said positioning assembly. The motor assembly is coupled to said positioning assembly. The positioning assembly is structured to impart movement to said carriage assembly and to move said carriage assembly from said first position to said second position. The positioning assembly is coupled to said carriage assembly. In this configuration, the racking assembly is structured to move the carriage assembly, and therefore the electrical apparatus, between the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Russell Irving Boyce, Michael Davis Pearce, Melvin LaVern Hughes
  • Patent number: 10348066
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a cell pan that supports a circuit breaker within a switchgear cell, and a lift pan that carries a circuit breaker outside of the switchgear cell. The lift pan has a track for a roller on the circuit breaker. The apparatus further includes an extension rail that interconnects the lift pan with the cell pan in an aligned position. With the lift pan in aligned position, the track on the lift pan can receive the roller upon horizontal draw-out movement of the circuit breaker from the cell pan. A latch on the extension rail has a blocking position in which it blocks the roller from rolling outward off the cell pan, and has a non-blocking position in which it does not block the roller from rolling outward off the cell pan. The latch automatically moves from the blocking position to the non-blocking position under the influence of the lift pan upon movement of the lift pan into the aligned position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventor: James Darryl Robinson
  • Patent number: 10292290
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Robert A. Morris, Scott E. McPherren, Daniel J. Leeman
  • Patent number: 10290438
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Edgar Yee, Robert A. Morris, Scott E. McPherren, Neal Edward Rowe
  • Patent number: 10164412
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, at least one first gas-insulated circuit interrupter in the housing and at least one second gas-insulated circuit interrupter disposed in the housing above the at least one first gas-insulated circuit interrupter. The at least one first gas-insulated circuit interrupter and the at least one second gas-insulated circuit interrupter may be housed in respective ones of a first gas containment compartment and a second gas containment compartment vertically arranged in the housing. At least one first bus may be coupled to the at least one first gas-insulated circuit interrupter and at least one second bus may be coupled to the at least one second gas-insulated circuit interrupter. The buses may be disposed between the first and second gas-insulated circuit interrupters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventor: Robert Yanniello
  • Patent number: 10083802
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Edgar Yee, Robert A. Morris, Scott E. McPherren, Neal Edward Rowe
  • Patent number: 10027096
    Abstract: A shutter interlock device for an electrical enclosure includes a shutter link defining a lock slot, an actuating member rotatably coupled to the electrical enclosure, and a sliding link. The sliding link includes a first end coupled to the actuating member, a second end opposite the first end, and a pin coupled to the second end, where a rotation of the actuating member causes the pin to selectively disengage the lock slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Ayyappa Reddy Jakkireddy, Samir Rajauria, Shravan Purohit, Guru Moorthy Kurra, Lenin Pokkula, Naveen Kumar
  • Patent number: 10014617
    Abstract: An electrical distribution apparatus includes a power connector for coupling to a cable. The power connector includes a first end and a second end each defining an opening arranged to receive the cable. A barrier is removably coupled to a portion of the electrical distribution apparatus and selectively adjustable between a first position and a second position, the barrier arranged to prevent insertion of the cable into the first end opening and to permit insertion of the cable into the second end opening when the barrier is in the first position, the barrier arranged to prevent insertion of the cable into the second end opening and to permit insertion of the cable into the first end opening when the barrier is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Tapas Ranjan Rout, Leonardo Dorea Mascarenhas, Suresh M, Fernando Jorge de Sousa Braga, Tyler Braden Diomedi, Yogesh Ingole, Mariusz Duda, Jorge Juan Bonilla Hernandez, Mukesh Jain
  • Patent number: 10014669
    Abstract: A pluggable electrical device for switching an electrical current includes a static frame including a rigid backplate fastened to the frame; connection terminals able to be connected to an electrical installation; and a removable portion including a device for switching an electrical current. The backplate is made of a thermosetting polymer and includes reinforcing beams integrated into the backplate and extending in a vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES SAS
    Inventors: Michael Mary, Eric Pinero, Brice Jacolin
  • Patent number: 9843124
    Abstract: An electrical distribution apparatus includes a power connector for coupling to a cable. The power connector includes a first end and a second end each defining an opening arranged to receive the cable. A barrier is removably coupled to a portion of the electrical distribution apparatus and selectively adjustable between a first position and a second position, the barrier arranged to prevent insertion of the cable into the first end opening and to permit insertion of the cable into the second end opening when the barrier is in the first position, the barrier arranged to prevent insertion of the cable into the second end opening and to permit insertion of the cable into the first end opening when the barrier is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Tapas Ranjan Rout, Leonardo Dorea Mascarenhas, Suresh M, Fernando Jorge de Sousa Braga, Tyler Braden Diomedi, Yogesh Ingole, Mariusz Duda, Jorge Juan Bonilla Hernandez, Mukesh Jain
  • Patent number: 9762038
    Abstract: A switchgear interlock system includes a circuit breaker with clusters of connector fingers separated from each other by respective cluster shields. In a connected position, the connector fingers engage respective bus connectors of bus bars for electrical contact. When the circuit breaker is disconnected from the bus bars, independently movable shutters cover access to the bus connectors to prevent inadvertent contact with the bus connectors. Each shutter includes a pedestal with an attached movable mount and movable curtain. As the circuit breaker is moved into the connected position, the mount slides along the pedestal towards the bus connector causing the curtain to open and allow the connector fingers to engage the bus connectors. As the circuit breaker is being disconnected, a return spring causes the mount to slide along the pedestal away from the bus connectors causing the curtain to close and prevent access to the bus connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventor: David Schroeder
  • Patent number: 9673594
    Abstract: A touch-safe bus connection device includes a bus extension (160, 260, 360), a non-conductive housing (110, 210, 310), a moveable electrical contact (150, 250, 350) and a moveable non-conductive cover (140, 240, 340). The contact is arranged in the housing, and is moved to connect or disconnect the extension and a stab of an electrical panel across a gap (192, 292, 392). The cover is concurrently and automatically moved to uncover or cover an opening (116, 216, 316) of the housing to allow or restrict, respectively, access to the extension. The contact and cover are concurrently and automatically moveable between a position at which the contact bridges the gap to connect the extension and the stab and the opening of the housing is covered by the cover, and another position at which the extension and the stab are disconnected across the gap and the opening of the housing is uncovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel O'Brien
  • Patent number: 9583920
    Abstract: An electrical enclosure for an electrical component includes a housing having a bus bar portion and an electrical component portion arranged to receive the electrical component. At least one shutter is moveably arranged between the bus bar portion and the electrical component portion. A shutter interlock is arranged in the electrical component portion. The shutter interlock is configured and disposed to prevent the at least one shutter from shifting from a closed position to an open position when the electrical component is absent from the electrical component portion of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Ayyapa Reddy Jakkireddy, Sasi Kiran Tallam, Xuewei Sun
  • Patent number: 9492143
    Abstract: Disclosed is an ultrasonic diagnosis device which is provided with a shutter mechanism. The shutter mechanism conceals an opening portion (a passage for a rotation shaft member), which is uncovered behind an operation panel when the operation panel moves forward, so as to enhance the appearance and safety. The shutter mechanism has a pair of first shutter plates and a pair of second shutter plates, the pairs overlapping each other. Each shutter plate rotates about a predetermined rotational shaft which does not slide back and forth. Each shutter plate has a pin slot into which a slide pin is inserted. A pair of slide pins are provided on a member that slides back and forth. When the pair of slide pins move forward, the contact relationship between the pair of slide pins and a plurality of pin slots causes the pair of first shutter plates to start closing first, and subsequently the pair of second shutter plates start closing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinji Nakajima
  • Patent number: 9418810
    Abstract: A multiphase medium voltage vacuum contactor is disclosed which can include a mounting frame on which there are positioned: for each phase, a current interrupter having a vacuum bulb which contains a fixed contact and a corresponding movable contact; and an actuator for moving the movable contacts between a closed position where they are coupled each to a corresponding fixed contact and an open position where they are each electrically separated from the corresponding fixed contact, and an electronic unit driving the actuator. An exemplary voltage transformer for feeding the electronic unit can be mounted on the frame. One or more sacrificial fault-protection devices and/or current sensors can be operatively associated to the voltage transformer and embedded into an electrically insulating coating encasing the transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: Osvaldo Prestini, Roberto Usai
  • Patent number: 9397462
    Abstract: A rail mounting system for mounting a module on a structure is provided. The rail mounting system comprises a mounting rail comprises a base portion extending along an elongated direction. The base portion comprises a first and a second edge extending along the elongated direction, and further comprises a mating portion extending upwardly from a first edge of the base portion. The rail mounting system further comprises a module configured to be disposed on the mounting rail via the mating portion so as to be mounted on the structure. The module is moveable relative to the mounting rail along a direction from the second edge towards the first edge, so as to be detached from the mounting rail. A rail detaching method is also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gang Chen, Yonggang Wang, Zhiguo Huang, Keith E. Gibson
  • Patent number: 9129760
    Abstract: A shutter system for a switchgear compartment includes a moveable shutter translatable between a closed position and an open position. Also included is a pusher operatively coupled to a first side of the moveable shutter and configured to impart a force on the moveable shutter in response to an insertion of an electrical device within the switchgear compartment. Further included is a cam member having a cam shaft operatively coupled to the moveable shutter, the cam shaft having a cam track. Yet further included is a bell crank configured to guide along the cam track and translate the moveable shutter between the closed position and the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Dean Arthur Robarge, Brittany Leigh Estes, Michael Paul Lafond, Joseph Gustave Nagy, Jason William Newby, Gerald John Witkoski
  • Publication number: 20150083556
    Abstract: A shutter device is disclosed for an electric switchgear panel, including a base configured to be placed on a bearing surface inside the switchgear panel, the base being adapted to support, positioned thereon, a current switching device movable between a connected position wherein the switching device is electrically connected to an associated electrical circuit and a disconnected position wherein the switching device is electrically separated from the corresponding electrical circuit, a frame having at least a portion which rises up transversally from the base and delimits a through aperture, a movable shutter operatively associated with the base and the frame and an actuating mechanism adapted to move the shutter between a first position where the shutter closes at least partially the through aperture and a second position wherein the shutter is retracted and leaves the through aperture at least partially opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: Fabio CAPELLI, David CARERA, Carlo GEMME, Fabio PELLEGRINI
  • Publication number: 20150001050
    Abstract: A protective shutter device for exposing and preventing access to electrical contacts of a switchgear. The device includes a linkage assembly coupled to the housing, the linkage assembly including a first and a second drive ann. A guide assembly is coupled to the housing, and includes a first end, a second end, and a body connecting the ends. The device further includes a first shutter coupled to the first drive arm and the body of the guide assembly. The first shutter selectively moves along the body. A second shutter is coupled to the second drive arm and the guide assembly body, the second shutter including a lower and an upper plate. The lower plate is coupled to the tipper plate, wherein the plates selectively move along the body to a first position to expose the electrical contacts, and to a second position to prevent access to the electrical contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: General Electronic Company
    Inventors: Zheng Gao, Xuhui Ren, Wenbin Wei
  • Patent number: 8917494
    Abstract: A shutter device for a drawout circuit breaker. The arrangement includes first and second moveable plungers for contacting the circuit breaker. The arrangement also includes a first slider element attached to a moveable first mask. A first link arm is rotatably attached to the first plunger and the first slider element. The arrangement also includes a second slider element attached to a moveable second mask. A second link arm is rotatably attached to the second plunger and the second slider element. Movement of the first and second plungers in a first direction causes movement of the first and second slider elements and the first and second masks in a second direction transverse to the first direction relative to a back plate to form mask passageways. The arrangement also includes a plurality of mounting elements that enable movement of the back plate in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Parkerson
  • Patent number: 8913370
    Abstract: A spout assembly is provided. The spout assembly includes a spout and a spout base. The spout base has a cross-sectional area that is smaller than a spout sized to enclose an electrical switching apparatus electrical coupling. That is, the spout base includes a CT support surface with a cross-sectional area that is smaller than the spout cross-sectional area. Current transformers are disposed upon the spout base CT support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Smith, Brad Robert Leccia, Steven Z. Chen
  • Patent number: 8796569
    Abstract: A shutter for insulating electrical contacts includes a first panel having a first opening and a second panel having a second opening. The first opening is offset from the second opening when the shutter is in a closed position. The second panel includes a first guide configured to react to a pressure of a phase barrier of an insertable withdrawable unit thereon to move the second panel in a first sliding direction relative to the first panel such that the first and second openings align so as to allow an electrical contact to extend therethrough. A spring housing having a spring disposed therein between at least two support legs is slidably disposable in the first panel and extends through the second panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Eaton Industries GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Kutsche, Ralph Kriechel, Erik Bogdon, Aaron Kozar, Craig Rodgers
  • Patent number: 8796570
    Abstract: An interlock device of a draw-out type circuit breaker, provided with a tripping button that is linked to a tripping mechanism of the draw-out type circuit breaker and an interlock rod that is placed so as to be movable up and down, and constructed so that the tripping button mechanically prevents an operation to raise the interlock rod unless the tripping button is operated to place the draw-out type circuit breaker in the open state, so a power distribution board floor surface or a member fixed on the power distribution board floor surface and the interlock rod interfere with each other, thereby the draw-out type circuit breaker is fixed at a prescribed position in a power distribution board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masato Kobayashi, Masato Suzuki, Ayumu Morita
  • Publication number: 20140190801
    Abstract: A shutter system for a switchgear compartment includes a moveable shutter translatable between a closed position and an open position. Also included is a pusher operatively coupled to a first side of the moveable shutter and configured to impart a force on the moveable shutter in response to an insertion of an electrical device within the switchgear compartment. Further included is a cam member having a cam shaft operatively coupled to the moveable shutter, the cam shaft having a cam track. Yet further included is a bell crank configured to guide along the cam track and translate the moveable shutter between the closed position and the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Dean Arthur Robarge, Brittany Leigh Estes, Michael Paul Lafond, Joseph Gustave Nagy, Jason William Newby, Gerald John Witkoski
  • Publication number: 20140090963
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a shutter lock assembly for a circuit breaker cassette having a shutter coupled to a shutter rod is provided. The shutter lock assembly includes a lock plate assembly configured to couple to the circuit breaker cassette and an actuation mechanism having a first end coupled the lock plate assembly. The actuation mechanism is configured to actuate the lock plate assembly to lock the shutter of the circuit breaker cassette in a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Sapuram Sudhakar, Wolfgang Meyer-Haack, Janakiraman Narayanan, Piotr Pawel Honkisz
  • Patent number: 8604368
    Abstract: A circuit breaker having a cradle, the circuit breaker comprises: an upper shutter and a lower shutter configured to open and close terminals of the cradle; an upper shutter operation link having one end connected to the upper shutter and another end rotatably coupled to a pivot; a lower shutter operation link having one end connected to the lower shutter and another end rotatably coupled to the pivot; and a shutter safety device comprising a coupling unit fixedly-coupled to the pivot, a rotation unit rotatably coupled to the coupling unit, and a link fixing unit provided at one end of the rotation unit, wherein the link fixing unit is to restrict rotation of the upper shutter operation link and the lower shutter operation link in a contacting manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: LSIS Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: In Kyum Kim, Seung Pil Yang, Hong Ik Yang, Kil Young Ahn
  • Patent number: 8525053
    Abstract: An electrical switchgear comprises a front, a back and a switch arrangement. The switch arrangement comprises a terminal arrangement comprising an electrical contact for a bus and an electrical contact for a load connection which are spaced apart along an axial direction; and a device that is driveable into said terminal arrangement to a service position to make an electrical connection between said electrical contact for said load connection and said electrical connection for said bus. The electrical contact for said load connection is located closer to said back of said switchgear than is said electrical contact for said bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Michael H. Abrahamsen, Jon C. Beaver, Robert (Nmi) Yanniello, Chandrakant Z. Tailor, William E. Wilkie, II
  • Patent number: 8331081
    Abstract: A shutter assembly is provided for an electrical system including at least one electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker, and a plurality of electrical bus members, and a plurality of electrical cable members, and a ground member with a plurality of contacts. Each of the conductors of the circuit breaker is removably coupled to a corresponding primary contact to electrically connect the circuit breaker to the electrical bus members and to electrically connect the circuit breaker to the electrical cable members and to electrically connect the circuit breaker to the ground members. The shutter assembly includes a flexible insulating member movably disposed between the conductors and the primary contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Howard Abrahamsen, Jon Christopher Beaver, David Andrew Venker, Timothy Gordon Robirds
  • Patent number: 8305736
    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 refracted and isolated from the buses before physical removal of the subunit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Edgar Yee, Robert A. Morris, Scott E. McPherren, Neal Edward Rowe
  • Publication number: 20120247932
    Abstract: A shutter assembly is provided for an electrical system including at least one withdrawable electric apparatus, such as a circuit breaker, and an electrical bus member. A protruding structure of the circuit breaker is removably coupled to a corresponding primary contact of the electrical bus member to electrically connect the circuit breaker and the electrical bus member. The shutter assembly includes a pair of cover members that are pivotably movable between a first position in which the corresponding primary contact of the electrical bus member is isolated, and a second position in which the circuit breaker is connected with the primary contact and the electrical bus member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Yanniello
  • Publication number: 20120228096
    Abstract: An interlock device of a draw-out type circuit breaker, provided with a tripping button that is linked to a tripping mechanism of the draw-out type circuit breaker and an interlock rod that is placed so as to be movable up and down, and constructed so that the tripping button mechanically prevents an operation to raise the interlock rod unless the tripping button is operated to place the draw-out type circuit breaker in the open state, so a power distribution board floor surface or a member fixed on the power distribution board floor surface and the interlock rod interfere with each other, thereby the draw-out type circuit breaker is fixed at a prescribed position in a power distribution board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventors: Masato KOBAYASHI, Masato SUZUKI, Ayumu MORITA
  • Publication number: 20120228095
    Abstract: A shutter for insulating electrical contacts includes a first panel having a first opening and a second panel having a second opening. The first opening is offset from the second opening when the shutter is in a closed position. The second panel includes a first guide configured to react to a pressure of a phase barrier of an insertable withdrawable unit thereon to move the second panel in a first sliding direction relative to the first panel such that the first and second openings align so as to allow an electrical contact to extend therethrough. A spring housing having a spring disposed therein between at least two support legs is slidably disposable in the first panel and extends through the second panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: EATON INDUSTRIES GMBH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Kutsche, Ralph Kriechel, Erik Bogdon, Aaron Kozar, Craig Rodgers
  • Publication number: 20120127636
    Abstract: A shutter assembly is provided for an electrical system including at least one electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker, and a plurality of electrical bus members, and a plurality of electrical cable members, and a ground member with a plurality of contacts. Each of the conductors of the circuit breaker is removably coupled to a corresponding primary contact to electrically connect the circuit breaker to the electrical bus members and to electrically connect the circuit breaker to the electrical cable members and to electrically connect the circuit breaker to the ground members. The shutter assembly includes a flexible insulating member movably disposed between the conductors and the primary contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: MICHAEL HOWARD ABRAHAMSEN, JON CHRISTOPHER BEAVER, DAVID ANDREW VENKER, TIMOTHY GORDON ROBIRDS
  • Patent number: 8044317
    Abstract: A high or very high voltage circuit breaker comprising, for each phase: at least two breaker chambers connected electrically in series and disposed parallel to each other in a metal tank, in which the ends of the chambers through which at least one pair of movable contacts of each chamber is driven lie in a common plane; and the mechanical transmission assembly whereby simultaneous movement is transmitted, and which ensures identical stroke lengths for the movements of the movable contacts of at least two chambers, comprises firstly at least two bars of identical lengths, each coupled to the pair of movable contacts of one of the chambers, and secondly, drive means coupled to at least one drive rod outside the tank or passing through its wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Areva T&D SA
    Inventors: Gwenael Marquezin, Andre Cimala
  • Patent number: 7869194
    Abstract: At least one embodiment of the invention provides that, for a closing apparatus for a part rack withdrawable via V-shaped rod assemblies, the closing apparatus includes at least one pin formed on rod assemblies or as part of them, each pin engaging in a slot in an actuating element. Owing to the use of the slots, the actuating element can be formed as a rigid body, with the result that no frictional forces need to be overcome when inserting a circuit breaker into a withdrawable-part rack with the closing apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the invention. With the closing apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the invention, a locking element can have a particularly simple design: it can be guided in the actuating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellscahft
    Inventors: Erhard Deylitz, Pierre Lamoth
  • Publication number: 20090000926
    Abstract: Withdrawable racks for power circuit breakers should be reliably switched. To this end, the movement of the plates of a shutter in the withdrawable rack can be blocked so that the shutter is not permitted to open unintentionally. In a special embodiment, the opening mechanism for the plates can have two V-shaped linkages that are connected to a telescopic rod. The telescopic rod can be locked by a locking element so that the shutter plates, which can be moved by sliders, can no longer be displaced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Clifford A. Buxton, Stefan Losch
  • Patent number: 7440259
    Abstract: A closure device for a withdrawable rack adapted for receiving power circuit breaker includes a plate arrangement having at least two plates provided with openings and movable relative to one another so that the plate arrangement is changeable between an open position in which the openings of the plates are in alignment and a closed position in which the openings are out of alignment. An actuating mechanism is acted upon by the power circuit breaker as it is inserted to cause a movement of at least one of the plates to thereby change the plate arrangement between the closed and open positions. The actuating mechanism includes two V-shaped linkage assemblies. Each linkage assembly has two legs connected by a hinge to allow the linkage assembly to spread apart, with one of the legs having a free end which is connected to the at least one of the plates, and a coupler is connected to the hinge. Both couplers are jointly articulated to actuating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Erhard Deylitz, Burkhard Engemann, Stefan Losch
  • Patent number: 7348505
    Abstract: A cassette for a draw-out circuit breaker apparatus is disclosed. The cassette comprises a base having a front edge and a back edge, the back edge defining a back plane, a set of shutters disposed at the back plane and configured to open and close, and a set of shutter locks extending from the front edge to the back edge and in operable communication with the set of shutters. The shutter locks are biased toward a first position. In response to the shutter locks being driven toward a second position, the shutters are restrained from opening. The shutter locks are configured to be restrained in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Pavan Ramachandravitthal Kashyap, Jeffrey Anthony Hughes, Sapuram Sudhakar
  • Patent number: 7310221
    Abstract: A switching installation (5) having a circuit breaker (12), which is connected to a cable connection (33), and optionally a disconnector (14) for making or breaking a conductive connection between the cable connection (33) and a rail system (15), and an electrically insulating barrier (10). The electrically insulating barrier (10) surrounds at least the parts which are under electric voltage in operation from the circuit breaker (12) to the rail system (15), including a branch (18) leading to a rail (15) of the rail system, separately for each phase of the switching installation (5). Furthermore, inside the electrically insulating barrier (10) the switching installation may be provided with field-control means and/or voltage-sealing means (22, 25, 37).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Electric N.V.
    Inventor: Arend Jan Willem Lammers
  • Patent number: 7078634
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to achieve, in the simplest possible manner, a movement of an electric switch (3) of a medium-high voltage switch panel on a mounting structure (1) between an interrupt position, a test position and an operating position. To this end, a single mechanical control module (9) is integrated in the mounting structure (1). This control module (9) controls the individual movement sequences while simultaneously transferring the drive forces required therefor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Nils Anger, Matthias Biener, Stefan Rautmann, Andreas Stelzer
  • Patent number: 7064641
    Abstract: A shutter assembly for a shuttered bus assembly is provided. The shuttered bus assembly is coupled to a circuit breaker housing assembly. The circuit breaker housing assembly is structured to enclose a circuit breaker assembly. The circuit breaker assembly is structured to move generally horizontally in and out of the circuit breaker housing assembly. The circuit breaker assembly has a plurality of finger connectors extending generally horizontally from the back side of the circuit breaker assembly. The shuttered bus assembly has at least one pair of conductors which extend toward the front of said housing assembly. The finger connectors are structured to engage the conductors. The shutter assembly includes a mounting assembly and a door panel. The mounting assembly is structured to be coupled to the housing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Neal Edward Rowe, Michael Howard Abrahamsen, Stanley Ervin Moore, Timothy Fair, Marlyce Jean Scott
  • Patent number: 6590170
    Abstract: A latch kit comprising a member with at least one hook end, a tension member, and a hook plate. The hook plate is connected to the member by a tension member. The kit is intended to be used in conjunction with an industrial circuit breaker which is secured in a cell by a catch plate. When the hook plate is attached to the circuit breaker, the hook end can be used to support the circuit breaker's catch plate handle in the open position so that the circuit breaker can be extracted from the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Walter O. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 6545859
    Abstract: An automatically operating interlock device prevents access to the interior of an electrical cabinet when the device within the cabinet is electrically connected with a power supply. The interlock device is particularly suited for arc resistant circuit breaker cabinets. The circuit breakers within such cabinets typically move from a rearward position within the cabinet, wherein a pair of stabs on the back of the circuit breaker are electrically connected to a corresponding pair of quick disconnects, and a forward position within the stabs are disconnected from the quick disconnects. A levering in assembly including a levering in block controlled by a threaded rod is typically used to move the circuit breaker from one position to the other. The interlock device includes a cam pivotally secured near the forwardmost position of the levering in block, and a locking bar pivotally secured to the cam. The cam is biased so that the locking bar engages the cabinet door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Brad R. Leccia
  • Patent number: 6448519
    Abstract: A plug-in contact system for a plug-in type circuit breaker is disclosed. The movable contacts are easily engaged within the circuit breaker by the design of the contact support which includes a guiding protrusion, thus lowering the necessary insertion force. The stationary contacts provided on a fixed base, to which the circuit breaker may be plugged in, may be provided with modular contact supports. In addition, a shutter arrangement provides protection to the stationary contacts when a plug-in breaker is withdrawn from the fixed base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mahesh Jaywant Rane, Janakiraman Narayanan, ShachiDevi Tumkur Krishnamurthy, Patrick Letient, Chandrakumar Shantaraju, Chandrappa Namitha, Tirumani Govinda setty. Phaneendra
  • Patent number: 6414839
    Abstract: A compact automatic shutter mechanism in an electrical enclosure provides enhanced protection against inadvertent electrical contact for personnel working within and around the electrical enclosure, and also makes it possible to install more equipment in the electrical enclosure than could have been accommodated using prior automatic shutter mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation
    Inventor: James S. Derksen