Arc Preventing Or Extinguishing Devices Patents (Class 218/1)
  • Patent number: 11855398
    Abstract: A multipart connector for electrical connection to a conductor to convey AC power having a frequency greater than 60 Hz. The connector includes a plurality of metal plates. Each metal plate has opposing planar surfaces and includes a pair of legs separated by a space. A plurality of insulation layers adjoin the planar surfaces of the metal plates, respectively. The insulation layers include a pair of legs separated by a space. The metal plates and the insulation layers are arranged in a stack such that the spaces of the metal plates and the insulation layers are aligned to form a groove extending through the stack. The conductor is disposed in the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Interplex Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Yin Qian, Keith S. Maranto, James M. Pick, Richard Schneider
  • Patent number: 11417480
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to the field of circuit breakers, in particular to an electrode for a circuit breaker and the circuit breaker, wherein the electrode includes an electrical terminal configured to input and output electrical power to the electrode, a stationary contact electrically connected to the electrical terminal and fixed to the electrical terminal, a movable contact configured to rotatably engage the stationary contact, an arc chute arranged on the electrical terminal and adjacent to the stationary contact, and a magnetic member arranged to generate a magnetic field force when the movable contact is disconnected from the stationary contact so as to push an arc formed between the movable contact and the stationary contact towards the arc chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Eaton Electrical Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunfeng Guo, Hui Zhou, Zuhui Li
  • Patent number: 10605487
    Abstract: A device and system for sensing high pressure in a pressurized water system. The high pressure alarm includes a pressure sensor, controller, and timer. A method of installing a high pressure alarm on a pressurized water system. The high pressure alarm is particularly well-suited for installing under a sink, such as a home kitchen sink, though it can also be installed near other plumbing fixtures or appliances in commercial, residential, or industrial facilities and in outside areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Jimmie Don Taylor
    Inventor: Jimmie Don Taylor
  • Patent number: 10418212
    Abstract: The pyrotechnic isolating apparatus (1) for isolating a conductor (8) using an isolating punch (14) has a housing, in which the isolating punch (14) is routed, and an ignition unit (6) for driving the isolating punch (14). According to the invention, a quenching means (13) for suppressing or quenching an arc is arranged between the isolating punch (14) and the ignition unit (6). Therefore, the quenching means (13) also transmits the drive force to the isolating punch (14). The isolating punch (14) can have at least one cutting edge, so that a printed circuit board (18) is stamped out of the conductor (8) and the conductor ends (8a, 8b) are at a large distance. The isolating punch (14) is preferably composed of electrically conductive material with a melting point of greater than 2000° C. It is advantageous when a thrust piston (12) is provided between the ignition unit (6) and the quenching means (13) in order to shield the hot combustion gases from the quenching means (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: HIRTENBERGER AUTOMOTIVE SAFETY GMBH
    Inventors: Peter Warenits, Leyton Munoz
  • Patent number: 9847200
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a molded case circuit breaker. In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a molded case circuit breaker for use in connection with a main busbar provided on a distribution board panel includes a power-source-side terminal provided to a front portion of a case and having a terminal assembly hole formed at an upper portion thereof; a base bus supporter comprising a connector protruding from a front surface thereof so as to engage with the main busbar installed on one side of the distribution board panel, the base bus supporter being coupled to an upper surface and a lower surface of the power-source-side terminal; an auxiliary cover plate coupled to an upper portion of the power-source-side terminal and provided with a temperature measurement hole communicating with the terminal assembly hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: LSIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jae-Won Park
  • Patent number: 9805883
    Abstract: A method and apparatus using electromagnetic switching in a two-step connection process is provided to minimize surge currents and torque oscillations in three-phase motors during starts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Kinsella, Christopher J. Wieloch
  • Patent number: 9608431
    Abstract: An electrical circuit to interrupt a DC current includes a bypass switch and an AC high voltage breaker which includes interrupters that are rated for carrying a current having a value of the DC current for a period of time less than or equal to continuous duty. The first interrupter is electrically coupled in parallel with the bypass switch. A making switch causes a cancellation current to flow from an energy source through the second interrupter, and through the first interrupter, in addition to the DC current. The AC high voltage breaker is adapted to a DC service as the DC current in addition to the cancellation current causes an arc quench which allows the AC high voltage breaker to cause the interruption of the DC current in the electrical circuit. A method for interrupting a DC current flowing in an AC high voltage circuit breaker is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Lighthouse Energy Solutions LLC
    Inventors: William A. Carter, Scott C. Carter, Ilkka T. Pylkkanen
  • Patent number: 9475906
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an arc-extinguishing insulation material molded product provided in the vicinity of a contact point between contactors in a gas circuit breaker. The arc-extinguishing insulation material molded product includes a polymer which contains a carbon-oxygen bond in the main chain, and in which a part of or all of terminal atoms are non-hydrogen atoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuki Kubo, Tatsuya Okawa, Katsuhiko Horinouchi, Motohiro Sato
  • Patent number: 9441074
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an arc-extinguishing insulation material molded product provided in the vicinity of a contact point between contactors in a gas circuit breaker. The arc-extinguishing insulation material molded product includes a polymer which contains a carbon-oxygen bond in the main chain, and in which a part of or all of terminal atoms are non-hydrogen atoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuki Kubo, Tatsuya Okawa, Katsuhiko Horinouchi, Motohiro Sato
  • Patent number: 9275812
    Abstract: A movable contact for a rotary switch is provided. The movable contact includes first and second contacts for contacting a stationary contact, where the first and second contacts are arranged at a distance from each other for receiving the stationary contact between the first and second contacts. The first contact is a straight contact blade for contacting stationary contacts at both ends of the blade. The second contact is a spring element configured to bend when the stationary contact is placed between the first contact and the second contact, and to cause a pressing force to the stationary contact to press the stationary contact against the first contact after the stationary contact has been placed between the first contact and the second contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: ABB OY
    Inventors: Oskari Uitto, Aki Suutarinen, Rainer Kolmonen
  • Patent number: 9233286
    Abstract: A golf glove having improved fit and gripping features is disclosed herein. The golf glove of the present invention includes gripping features permanently disposed on one or more of the fingers, preferably the front surfaces of the ring and little fingers, and also includes an expandable slit that extends from an opening and that helps the golf glove expand to receive a golfer's hand and then retract so that the glove fits comfortably on the golfer's hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: CALLAWAY GOLF COMPANY
    Inventor: Catherine Batista
  • Publication number: 20150014277
    Abstract: An interchangeable switching module is for an electrical switching apparatus including a first enclosure, separable contacts and an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts. The interchangeable switching module includes a second enclosure structured to fit within the first enclosure of the electrical switching apparatus; and an interchangeable electrical circuit and/or mechanical mechanism within the second enclosure and being structured to cooperate with switching of the separable contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventors: PETER JOHN THEISEN, PAUL JASON ROLLMANN, MARK ALLAN JUDS, THOMAS JOHANN SCHOEPF, XIN ZHOU
  • Publication number: 20140346143
    Abstract: A gas insulated switchgear includes a high-voltage conductor installed inside a ground tank filled with an insulation gas and the high-voltage conductor is supported on an insulation spacer and thereby fixed to the ground tank. The gas insulator switchgear is configured in such a manner that an insulation portion of the insulation spacer in contact with the insulation gas is covered with a cover film formed by hardening powder of any of thermoplastic resin, glass, cellulose, and polymer resin made of carbon and hydrogen having a particle size of 100 ?m or less with epoxy resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Miyamoto, Yuko Sawada, Yukio Ozaki, Hitoshi Sadakuni, Shohei Sasayama, Kazuki Kubo, Tatsuya Okawa
  • Publication number: 20140291292
    Abstract: A circuit breaker including an ejection device with a compartment, in which an arc-extinction medium for improving circuit breaker operation is contained, and having an ejection orifice through which the arc-extinction medium is to be ejected, wherein the ejection orifice opens out into an injection zone of the circuit breaker in which the pressure is lower than in an arcing zone when an arc is present, and wherein the arc-extinction medium and/or exhaust-cooling medium is at least partially present in liquid form, when it is contained in the ejection device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Francesco Pisu, Francia Galindo-Lozano, Javier Mantilla, Mathias-Dominic Buergler, Nicola Gariboldi, Oliver Cossalter, Patrick Stoller, Stephan Grob, Sami Kotilainen
  • Publication number: 20140291291
    Abstract: A circuit breaker including an ejection device including an arc-extinction medium for improved extinction of an arc formed during a breaker operation and an exhaust-cooling medium for improved cooling of exhaust gases in the circuit breaker. Thereby, the arc-extinction liquid includes an organofluorine compound having a boiling point Tb at 1 bar higher than ?60° C. and being selected from the group of: a fluoroether; a fluoroamine; a fluoroketone; and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Francesco Pisu, Francia Galindo-Lozano, Javier Mantilla, Mathias-Dominic Buergler, Nicola Gariboldi, Oliver Cossalter, Patrick Stoller, Stephan Grob, Sami Kotilainen
  • Publication number: 20140175057
    Abstract: A switching device having at least one contact pair includes a first contact and a second contact, where at least the second contact is movable relative to the first contact. There is an extinguishing device with at least one extinguishing chamber for extinguishing an arc produced between the contacts, a first guide rail arrangement for guiding the arc with one direction of current and a second guide rail arrangement for guiding the arc with the second direction of current in said extinguishing chamber. Both guide rail arrangements have a first guide rail and a second guide rail, where both first guide rails starting from the first contact run in the opposite direction, and both second guide rails starting from the second contact run in the opposite direction. The first guide rails are connected with each other in an electrically conductive arrangement in the form of a closed loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventors: Karsten Gerving, Volker Lang, Johannes Meissner, Ralf Thar
  • Patent number: 8681482
    Abstract: This disclosure describes examples of an apparatus to enclose components of a switching assembly of an automatic transfer switch. In one embodiment, the apparatus, or arc chamber cover, has a housing made of material with optical properties that permit observation of the interior of the housing. A mounting assembly couples to the housing. The mounting assembly secures the apparatus to the automatic transfer switch. In one example, the mounting assembly comprises feet comprising a material with mechanical properties that can withstand pressure and other forces inside of the interior chamber. The apparatus also includes one or more baffles to control the flow of gasses and control electric arcs within the switching assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Suresh Srikantaiah, Arthur Michael Evans, Sudarshan Allada, Pravin Pralhad Kulkarni
  • Publication number: 20130228551
    Abstract: A system comprising a circuit interrupter configured to interrupt flow of current through a circuit during an over current condition, wherein the circuit interrupter comprises two contacts configured to remain in contact when a current flowing through the two contacts is less than a threshold value, a tripping mechanism configured to separate the two contacts when the current equals or exceeds the threshold value, and at least one of either a permanent magnet or an electrode configured to extinguish an electric arc formed between the two contacts of the circuit interrupter when the two contacts are separated, wherein the circuit interrupter does not include an arc chute.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Thangavelu Asokan, Nalini Nanrudaiyan
  • Publication number: 20130021711
    Abstract: A residual current protection device comprises: an arc guiding plate, which is configured to guiding an arc generated during contacts breaking to an arc extinguishing unit. Wherein, the arc extinguishing unit includes an arc extinguishing channel, configured to extinguish the arc; and an enhanced arc extinguisher, disposed between the extinguishing channel and the arc guiding plate, for impelling the arc into the extinguishing channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: ABB SpA
    Inventors: Xinxia Gao, Wei Jiang, Lizhong Ji
  • Patent number: 8013268
    Abstract: This invention relates to a circuit breaker (1) for high or medium voltages, of the type having a drive bar (70) coupled to a drive member, and a circuit-breaking chamber (2) facing it and having two contacts (3, 4), each contact (3, 4) including a main contact (30, 40 respectively) and an arcing contact (31, 41 respectively), with one of the two contacts (3) being fixed to a blast or extinguishing nozzle (32). According to the invention, the second contact (4) and the drive bar (70) are joined together by coupling means (6) in such a way that they move together in translation in the same direction, the transmission means (5) being disposed on the side (21) of the chamber (2) that is adjacent to the drive bar (70), and are adapted to transmit the motion of the driven second contact (4) to the first contact (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Areva T&D SA
    Inventors: Joël Ozil, Christophe Creusot, Jean-Luc Bourgeois, Christian Lindner
  • Patent number: 7875822
    Abstract: A multiphase current interrupter is provided for interrupting a phase current between two contacts in an electrical phase. The current interrupter includes a first ablative chamber disposed around contacts for a first electrical phase. The first chamber has an ablative material thereon that causes a shock wave when an electrical arc is generated in an arc zone for the first electrical phase during a separation of the contacts therein. The current interrupter further includes at least a second ablative chamber disposed around contacts for at least a second electrical phase. The second chamber has an ablative material thereon that causes a shock wave when an electrical arc is generated in an arc zone for the second electrical phase during a separation of the contacts therein. An interconnecting structure provides fluid communication between the first ablative chamber and the second ablative chamber. The interconnecting structure is adapted to dissipate a shock wave generated in any of the ablative chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thangavelu Asokan, Sunil Srinivasa Murthy, Kunal Ravindra Goray, Nimish Kumar, Adnan Kutubuddin Bohori
  • Patent number: 7732727
    Abstract: The heavy-duty circuit-breaker with arc blowing has an element which is sensitive to hot gas and/or to gas pressure and is protected by means of a seal against a hot-gas flow. The seal is advantageously a movable non-contacting seal. The seal has a channel entrance for production of a partial hot-gas flow of the hot-gas flow and, connected downstream from this, a channel in order to reduce the mass flow of the partial hot-gas flow, and an expansion chamber in order to expand the volume of the partial hot-gas flow. The expansion chamber is a pressure-relief area. The element may, for example, be a guide element, a contact-making element or a sealing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: David Saxl, Stephan Grob, Markus Vestner
  • Publication number: 20090283500
    Abstract: An arc extinguishing resin processed article having excellent flame retardancy is disclosed, in which the contribution to rise in inner pressure is small, a pyrolysis gas that can efficiently extinguish an arc generated upon the interruption of a circuit can be generated, and heat resistance withstanding the rise in temperature generated in such a case and pressure resistance withstanding the rise in inner pressure are provided, and a circuit breaker using the arc extinguishing resin processed article are disclosed. The arc extinguishing resin processed article comprises a resin composition comprising (A) a polyolefin resin containing a hydroxyl group in an amount of from 0.2 to 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: FUJI ELECTRIC FA COMPONENTS & SYSTEMS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hironori YANASE, Toshiyuki KANNO, Shuichi SUGIYAMA
  • Publication number: 20090261069
    Abstract: [Object] A compact gas-insulated switching apparatus in which the space for arranging a gas breaker module may be reduced, and the space for arranging a circuit wiring may be reduced in the vertical direction is proposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Osamu Kisanuki, Hitoshi Sadakuni, Masato Kawahigashi
  • Patent number: 7432787
    Abstract: A control system and method for a motorized high voltage loadbreak switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Frank John Muench, Patrick Harold Pride, John Fredrick Banting
  • Publication number: 20080156632
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting arcs in a plasma processing system is disclosed. In one embodiment the apparatus comprises an input to receive a measured value of a parameter related to power transfer from the RF power generator to a plasma load; arc detection circuitry that computes a dynamic boundary about the value of the parameter; and controller logic responsive to the arc detection circuitry, wherein the controller logic indicates an occurrence of an arc within the plasma load if a subsequent value of the parameter exceeds the dynamic boundary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Gideon J. Van Zyl
  • Publication number: 20070278862
    Abstract: The present invention provides a structure to control a magnetic reed switch that includes a first electric conductor that extends an appropriate length along a first path and a magnetic reed switch, which includes at least a first reed and a second reed, disposed to one side of the first electric conductor. A magnetic field produced perpendicular to the first path when an electric current flows through the first electric conductor is used to produce a magnetic response in the first reed and the second reed of the magnetic reed switch, thereby causing the first reed and the second reed to make contact, and thus rendering the magnetic reed switch in a conductive state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventor: Chen-Kai Lin
  • Publication number: 20070228013
    Abstract: A gas generating system is provided including a housing and a divider for dividing an interior of the housing into a first interior portion and a second interior portion. The divider defines a fluid flow path therethrough enabling fluid communication from the first interior portion to the second interior portion. A valve mechanism is operatively coupled to the divider for constricting the fluid flow path responsive to a pressure within the first interior portion, thereby enabling the pressure within the first interior portion to be maintained within a predetermined range. A vehicle occupant protection system including the gas generating system is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventors: Bruce A. Stevens, Robert M. Krupp, Donald B. Patterson
  • Patent number: 7019228
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling an electrical switching module which can be displaced between an entry position and an exit position. The switching module comprises switching contacts of vacuum switching tubes; an isolating element which can be also be displaced in the switching module and comprises isolating contacts which can be connected to, and disconnected from, corresponding mating contacts inside an enclosed switchboard section, as required; and connector contacts and mating connector contacts in the low voltage range. The switching contacts of the vacuum switching tubes support the closing and opening processes, under the control influence of a closing spring which can be influenced by a closing catch (EK) and an opening spring which can be influenced by an opening catch, and prominent functional positions of the isolating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Nils Anger, Karsten Fleck, Ralph Löser, Dietrich Rudolph, Holger Schumann, Jay Schwartz
  • Patent number: 6965088
    Abstract: A portable circuit interrupting apparatus for use on a circuit isolating device and associated methods of formation and use are provided. The portable circuit interrupting apparatus includes a main housing body and a sleeve coaxially mounted therein. The sleeve is slidable between an extended and retracted position. A shunt circuit segment is connected between ring and hook engaging terminals which engage and form an electrical connection between ring-like and hook-like conducting parts of the circuit isolating device. A shunt circuit segment interrupts the electrical connection in response to movement of the sleeve from the retracted position to the extended position. At least portions of a reset plunger extend inwardly through an opening in a medial portion of the sleeve when in the extended position. An operation counter is connected to and responds to the inward extension of the reset plunger to count a number of circuit interrupting operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Utility Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Franklin, Eugene H. Wood, Michael G. Nolte
  • Patent number: 6917269
    Abstract: An electric arc extinction chamber system, especially for low-voltage circuit breakers of very high nominal current intensities, wherein parallel electric arc extinction chamber inserts are provided in a housing extending over the entire width of a pole-face arc. The housing of the chamber is sub-divided by a partition wall or several partition walls which are embodied as components of the housing. The compartments thus formed receive arc splitter cartridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Bach, Detlev Schmidt, Michael Sebekow, Günter Seidler, Ingo Thiede, Sezai Türkmen
  • Patent number: 6853525
    Abstract: A vacuum arc interrupter that includes a vacuum chamber assembly and a pressure chamber assembly. The vacuum chamber assembly includes a first, fixed contact disposed within the vacuum chamber and a second, movable contact disposed within the vacuum chamber. A rod is coupled to, and in electrical communication with, the second contact. The rod is structured to move between a first position wherein the second contact is spaced from the first contact and a second position where the first and second contacts are in electrical communication with each other. The pressure chamber assembly has a gas generation device and a cylindrical barrel defining a pressure chamber with a first end and a second end. The barrel second end has an opening. A piston assembly is disposed in the pressure chamber and coupled to the rod, which passes through the second, open end. The gas generation device is coupled to the pressure chamber assembly and in fluid communication with the barrel and the piston assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Engelbert Hetzmannseder, Mary Jo Johnson Vander Heiden, Francis Christopher Edrozo, Mark Allan Juds
  • Patent number: 6813127
    Abstract: A vacuum arc interrupter that includes a vacuum chamber assembly and a pressure chamber assembly. The vacuum chamber assembly has a first conductor coupled to a power line, a non-conductive housing and a seal cup. The pressure chamber assembly has a second conductor coupled to a ground, a pressure chamber and a bullet assembly. The pressure chamber assembly is disposed adjacent to the vacuum chamber assembly. The bullet assembly is disposed in the pressure chamber and is structured to move between a first position and a second position. The bullet assembly has a metal lance with a blade portion. The blade portion is structured to puncture the seal cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Francis Christopher Edrozo, Engelbert Hetzmannseder, Mark Allan Juds, Mary Jo Johnson Vander Heiden, Paul G. Slade, Erik Dannel Taylor, Benjamin Alex Rosenkrans
  • Patent number: 6797909
    Abstract: A high-voltage loadbreak switch operates submersed in a dielectric fluid and may be configured to switch one or more phases of power using one or more phase switches. Each phase switch may include first and second stationary contacts. The first stationary contact may be connected to a phase of a high-voltage power source. Each phase switch also may include a non-stationary contact. The non-stationary contact may be placed in a first position to electrically couple the first stationary contact to the second stationary contact, and in a second position to decouple the first stationary contact and the second stationary contact. The region of motion of the first non-stationary contact between the first position and the second position includes an arcing region. The high-voltage loadbreak switch uses a fluid circulation mechanism to improve circulation of the dielectric fluid through the arcing region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: McGraw-Edison Company
    Inventors: Patrick Harold Pride, Joseph Peter Gerovac, Paul Steven Kozicki, Allen Leroy Johnson
  • Publication number: 20040169014
    Abstract: A high-voltage loadbreak switch operates submersed in a dielectric fluid and may be configured to switch one or more phases of power using one or more phase switches. Each phase switch may include first and second stationary contacts. The first stationary contact may be connected to a phase of a high-voltage power source. Each phase switch also may include a non-stationary contact. The non-stationary contact may be placed in a first position to electrically couple the first stationary contact to the second stationary contact, and in a second position to decouple the first stationary contact and the second stationary contact. The region of motion of the first non-stationary contact between the first position and the second position includes an arcing region. The high-voltage loadbreak switch uses a fluid circulation mechanism to improve circulation of the dielectric fluid through the arcing region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventors: Patrick Harold Pride, Joseph Peter Gerovac, Paul Steven Kozicki, Allen Leroy Johnson
  • Publication number: 20040099639
    Abstract: The invention concerns a switching device system including at least one switching device, signal means and control means. Each switching device includes at least one mobile contact part, an electric motor and, coupling means. The coupling means is arranged to transfer motion from the electric motor to the mobile contact part. The control means is arranged to control the switching device. According to the invention the control means is at least partly remotely located from the switching device. The signal means transmit signals from the switching device to the remotely located control means and vice/versa. The signals represent real-time data and/or off-line data The invention concerns also a switching device, control means and methods related to the invented system as well as computer program products for such system and electric power system being provided with such system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventors: Stefan Valdermarsson, Per Larsson, Philip C Kjaer, Per-Olof Thureson, Sjoerd G Bogsa
  • Publication number: 20030111443
    Abstract: A gas-insulated switchgear of an 1.1/2CB system, in which three circuit breakers are electrically connected in series between a pair of buses and a connecting line for supplying and receiving electric power is led out from between the circuit breakers, is characterized in that new connecting lines for supplying and receiving electric power are led out from the main buses through disconnecting switches to a diameter which is an end portion of the gas-insulated switchgear. A leading out side of the connecting lines is outside the main bus, and an installation area of the gas-insulated switch gear is not increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: Hitoshi Yamada, Mamoru Okabe, Toshihisa Miyamoto, Isamu Ozawa, Chikara Fujisawa
  • Publication number: 20020056703
    Abstract: The switching point in a high- or medium-voltage switch contains two fixed contact members (1, 2), a rotating, electrically conductive bridging contact member (3), and a drive for moving the bridging contact member (3). When the switching point is closed, the bridging contact member (3) is fit in between the fixed contact members (1, 2) and short-circuits them. The drive is composed of two coils (5, 6) which surround the bridging contact member (3) and are arranged in such a manner that the bridging contact member (3) can be caused to rotate by a current in a respective one of the coils.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Inventors: Walter Holaus, Samuele Sartori, Michael Steurer, Klaus Frohlich, Kurt Kaltenegger
  • Patent number: 6313416
    Abstract: A switch assembly for a circuit having an insulating base, a blade, a blade hinge member that allows for rotation of the blade about a pivot position, a first contact member, identical in construction to the blade hinge member, having opposing sidewalls that electrically engage and disengage the blade in response to pivoting movement of the blade, a rotor member for engaging and rotating the blade, and a second contact member, identical in construction to blade hinge member and the first contact member, for retaining a fuse is provided. The opposing sidewalls of the either the blade hinge member or the first and second contact members, being identical in construction, are adapted to either pivotally support the blade, engage and disengage the blade, or secure the fusible member thereto, depending on their position on the insulating base. Identical spring members are connected to the blade hinge member and contact members for retention force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Hamid S. Abroy, John Kenneth Leppla
  • Patent number: 6300585
    Abstract: An operation counter arrangement is provided for a circuit interrupter for opening a high-voltage circuit-isolating device. The operation counter arrangement responds to actual operations via response to a moving contact arrangement of the circuit interrupter. The operation counter arrangement is capable of retrofit to existing circuit interrupters via replacement of an exhaust control device of the circuit interrupter. In a preferred arrangement, a count of both the total number of operations and the number of operations since the most recent maintenance is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: S&C Electric Company
    Inventors: Theodore J. Nicolai, Bruce A. Biller, Glenn R. Borchardt
  • Patent number: 6252190
    Abstract: A simple high-speed circuit breaker which is cheap to produce is specified for alternating currents which have to be switched off, which switches such currents off within one half-cycle at the current zero crossing, by means of a gas-generating explosive charge (4). In this case, a switching piston (2) which makes a sliding contact with a consumable contact pin (K1) of a first electrode (E1) when the high-speed circuit breaker is closed, moves in the direction of a hollow electrode (E2). The switching piston (2) has a contact tube (2′) with an exhaust opening (3) which is closed by the hollow electrode (E2) when the high-speed circuit breaker is closed, and is open to an exhaust chamber (8) when the high-speed circuit breaker is open (left-hand half of the figure). The contact tube (2′) moves in a sliding manner in a cutout in the hollow electrode (E2). A plurality of explosive charges (4) may be accommodated in the first electrode (E1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventor: Lutz Niemeyer
  • Patent number: 6242707
    Abstract: A current limiting device for protecting electrical circuits has a case and a pair of separable electrodes disposed within the case. Each electrode has a plurality of openings with an ablative member abutting the openings at an outer surface of the electrode. A spring is disposed between each ablative member and the case for urging the electrodes together. When the electrical current exceeds a predetermined setpoint the electrodes separate and an arc is created between the electrodes. The arc heats the ablative member causing expulsion of gasses which further increase the gap resistance and cool the arc to thereby quenching the arc. In a second embodiment of the current limiting device, one of the electrodes is a fixed electrode. The ablative member is disposed about a surface of the moveable electrode with a plurality of legs passing through a plurality of openings of the moveable electrode and in contact with an inner surface of the fixed electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Hemant K. Mody, Anil R. Duggal
  • Patent number: 6207916
    Abstract: An arcing chamber system having one or more chamber bodies connected in series, wherein one or more arcing chamber modules, are arranged in each chamber body is present. A plurality of arcing chamber modules may be employed to achieve for various contact ratings. This allows the arcing chamber system of the present invention to be adapted, in simple fashion, to a variety of working voltages and a variety of contact ratings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas Pniok, Claus-Peter Schulze
  • Patent number: 6188035
    Abstract: The design of electrical switches that operate under load (with current flowing) requires replacement of the electrical contact after erosion and wear experienced by arcing and raised temperatures reduce functionality below acceptable limits. A quantity of trace element or compound is implanted at a depth representative of the point at which wear or erosion requires contact replacement. When exposed by wear or erosion, the quantity of the trace element is released into the oil or other medium surrounding the contact, providing an indication of excessive wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Bruce W. Nichols
  • Patent number: 6107590
    Abstract: Extending between a fixed tulip contact (1) and a slide tulip (4) is an arcing chamber (5) which is occupied in the closed position by a movable contact pin (3) which fills up both an exhaust (9) surrounded by the slide tulip (4) and a blowout opening (7) which is surrounded by the tulip contact (1) and connects the arcing chamber (5) to a pressure chamber (6). The arcing chamber (5) is surrounded by an annular heating volume (13) open toward the same. Arranged in the pressure chamber (6) is a charge (10) of explosive which is for the most part converted within approximately 10-30 ms after ignition to extinguishing gas, preferably predominantly nitrogen, the gas pressure moving the contact pin (3) toward the open position. After clearance of the blowout opening (7) and the exhaust (9), the arc drawn between the contact pin (3) and tulip contact (1) is blown out, something which is supported by the pressure buildup, to which the arc contributes, in the heating volume (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Jorgen Skindhoj, Bodo Bruhl, Kurt Kaltenegger, Lorenz Muller, Lutz Niemeyer, Thomas Schoenemann, Lukas Zehnder
  • Patent number: 6023036
    Abstract: The design of electrical switches that operate under load (with current flowing) requires replacement of the electrical contact after erosion and wear experienced by arcing and raised temperatures reduce functionality below acceptable limits.A quantity of trace element or compound is implanted at a depth representative of the point at which wear or erosion requires contact replacement. When exposed by wear or erosion, the quantity of the trace element is released into the oil or other medium surrounding the contact, providing an indication of excessive wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Inventor: Bruce W. Nichols
  • Patent number: 5945650
    Abstract: A multi-phased switch support base including a molded top cover and a molded bottom base each having interior and exterior walls which divide the interiors. When assembled together the base is divided into compartmentalized arc chambers which function to isolate each line contact and each load contact of each phase of the switch from each other as well as from each other line and each other load contact of each of the other phases of the switch. A multiplicity of unique snap-in arc chutes and baffles to help control and extinguish the arc generated during disconnect operations of the rotor from the stationary contacts are provided in each arc chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation,Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Holland, Steven E. Pever
  • Patent number: 5874873
    Abstract: An electric motor control apparatus includes an electrical current control apparatus which is operable to limit current to an electric motor. When the electric motor is a three-phase motor, three current limiting switch assemblies are provided in the electric current control apparatus. A single stack of laminations concentrates magnetic fields emanating from conductors in all three current limiting switch assemblies. Each of the current limiting switch assemblies includes two movable contacts which are mounted on contact arms. The contact arms are movable in slots in the stack of laminations. A first series of splitter plates is disposed in an array along a path of movement of the contact on the first movable contact arm and a second series of splitter plates is disposed along a path of movement of the contact on the second contact arm for each of the current limiting switch assemblies. A short circuit splitter plate conducts electrical current between the two series of splitter plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Engelbert Hetzmannseder, Earl T. Piber, Peter K. Moldovan, Kurt V. Eckroth, Peter J. Theisen
  • Patent number: 5847630
    Abstract: A compact current limiting circuit breaker utilizes a polymer current limiter, an arc rail and an arc gap for effective overcurrent protection. Upon the occurrence of contact separation an arc is drawn between the circuit breaker contacts and driven toward an arc rail. Commutation of the arc from the stationary contact to the arc rail effectively changes the current path to incorporate the polymer current limiter which rapidly suppresses the overcurrent. Circuit isolation is achieved by extinction of the arc within the arc gap between the movable contact and the arc rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David Arnold, Randall L. Greenberg
  • Patent number: 5844187
    Abstract: A circuit breaker having a movable load contact arm (14'), which pivots between an open position and a closed position, and a stationary line contact arm (16'). The circuit breaker includes an arcing contact structure (210) which is pivotally mounted on the stationary line contact arm. The arcing contact structure is generally "J" shaped, having a straight portion and a curved portion. The straight portion includes a bearing surface (211) which engages a bearing surface (221) on the bottom side of the line contact arm. The curved portion of the arcing contact extends beyond the end of the line contact arm and includes an electrical contact (212) which extends above the line contact arm when the load contact arm is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith J. Thornton