Vacuum Patents (Class 218/118)
  • Patent number: 8519812
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum interrupter in a vacuum circuit breaker. According to the present invention, there is provided an attraction member made of a ferromagnetic body for surrounding between the stationary electrode and movable electrode to attract a radial magnetic field generated in a radial direction between the stationary electrode and movable electrode by means of the attraction member, and through this a component of the radial magnetic field may be increased in an overall horizontal direction between the stationary electrode and movable electrode, and as a result the radial magnetic field may be further enhanced between both electrodes, thereby strengthening an arc driving force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: LSIS Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Byung Chul Kim
  • Patent number: 8507822
    Abstract: A contact is for a vacuum interrupter. The contact includes a contact member having a generally planar mating surface with a planar contact plane and a plurality of purposely introduced undulations therein. The undulations are structured to contact a plurality of purposely introduced undulations of another contact member. The undulations are in a dimension perpendicular to the planar contact plane. The planar contact plane has a diameter. The undulations have a depth substantially smaller than the diameter of the planar contact plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Wangpei Li
  • Patent number: 8497446
    Abstract: An encapsulated vacuum interrupter with grounded end cup and drive rod is disclosed. The double break vacuum interrupter includes a first contact system including an annular stationary contact which is engaged by a primary moving contact with the moving contact drive rod extending through the primary moving contact and through the opening of the annular stationary contact. A second contact system includes a secondary moving contact placed on the end of the moving contact rod, which engages and operates a floating contact, which moves along the same axis. A mechanical adjustment system is provided for the floating contact. A coaxial moving contact drive rod system is provided. With the encapsulated vacuum interrupter, the lower portion of the vacuum envelope is insulated from the current path, which allows for the elimination of the long internal cavity in the encapsulation as the lower end cup of the vacuum envelope may be grounded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventor: Michael David Glaser
  • Patent number: 8497445
    Abstract: A vacuum valve includes a hermetically sealed vessel having an insulative cylinder, an end plate at a movable electrode end, and an end plate at a fixed electrode end. The vessel accommodates a movable contact and an opposed fixed contact. The movable contact is supported through a bellows allowing the contacts to open and close while maintaining an air-tight (hermetic) seal. The bellows used in at least one embodiment is a seam type bellows without metal plating. Nickel plating layers are formed on the end plate at movable contact end and on a cover, which are joined to the bellows. The ends of the bellows are soldered with the end plate and the cover using a silver solder at the solder joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Fuji Electric FA Components & Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoji Yoshida, Nobuyuki Odaka, Masayuki Furusawa
  • Patent number: 8492672
    Abstract: An arc flash arrester includes a fixed contact; a movable contact; an actuator mechanism structured to close the movable and fixed contacts; and insulation disposed between the fixed and movable contacts in an open position of the arc flash arrester. The insulation is selected from the group consisting of liquid insulation; SF6; a gas, other than SF6 or air, at a pressure of at least about one atmospheric pressure; and solid insulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: John J. Shea
  • Publication number: 20130126479
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a method for producing a circuit-breaker pole part by molding an external insulating sleeve with insulation material, mounting a vacuum interrupter insert inside the insulating sleeve, electrically connecting the vacuum interrupter insert with an upper electrical terminal and a lower electrical terminal arranged in the wall section of the insulating sleeve The method also includes molding the external insulating sleeve, wherein only the upper electrical terminal is embedded in the insulation material, coating the vacuum interrupter insert with an extra layer made of insulation material for thermo extension compensation, mounting the coated vacuum interrupter insert by screwing on a threaded bolt onto the upper electrical terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: ABB Technology AG
    Inventor: ABB Technology AG
  • Patent number: 8379373
    Abstract: A vacuum insulated switchgear is arranged as a panel for a power substation with the other or the others in parallel rows. the vacuum insulated switchgear comprises a housing with a switch section, a bus section, a cable section, and a control section which are partitioned by earthed metal plates respectively. The vacuum insulated switchgear comprises: a connection member provided in each bus connecting part in the bus section of the each panel and enabling each bus to be connected and disconnected; and a bus recovery member which is detachably connected between the connection members of faultless panels adjacent to a faulty panel when the faulty panel occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuichi Kikukawa, Kenji Tsuchiya, Masato Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20120325778
    Abstract: An electrode assembly for a vacuum interrupter is configured such that supporting members can support most of a contact electrode plate and a supporting electrode plate in an axial direction with coil conductors interposed therebetween. Accordingly, an impact generated between electrode assemblies upon a closing operation of the vacuum interrupter may be evenly distributed onto the supporting members, which may result in preventing each of the electrode plates and the coil conductors from being deformed. Also, the supporting members are inserted into the electrode plates and the coil conductors, thereby effectively preventing a current from flowing via the supporting members. In addition, the supporting member may be wide and large so as to simplify an assembly operation and reduce an assembly time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: LSIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jae Seop RYU
  • Patent number: 8324521
    Abstract: An improved bellows for use in a vacuum interrupter includes a plurality of corrugations extending along a central axis, with each convolution including a convolution element and a support element. Each convolution element has a convolution length along the central axis and a convolution height perpendicular to the central axis. In a first embodiment, the convolution height of the various corrugations increases between two ends of the bellows. In an embodiment, the bellows height increases gradually between the two ends, and in another embodiment the convolution height increases in a stepwise fashion. The convolution length can likewise change gradually or stepwise between the ends of the bellows. The convolution height alternatively can remain the same throughout a bellows, but the convolution length may change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Wangpei Li
  • Patent number: 8309872
    Abstract: An insulating switching rod has a drive element for initiating a drive movement in an electrical contact system of a switching device and for producing a contact force when the contact system is in the closed state. The system further includes a clamping apparatus for the drive element of the switching rod in order to maintain the contact force. The object is to produce a greater contact force with a compact design and ensure constant spring characteristics as well as low wear over the entire useful life. For that purpose, the switching rod and the drive element can be directly or indirectly connected to one another by way of a plug and latching connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Marianne Peter, Gottfried Schuster, Ralf-Reiner Volkmar
  • Publication number: 20120261384
    Abstract: An interrupter system for a switchgear. The interrupter system includes a source-side conductor, a load side conductor, and an interrupter. A source-side voltage detector is positioned proximate to the source-side conductor and a load-side voltage detector is positioned proximate to the load-side conductor. An insulating overmold encases both conductors, both voltage detectors, and the interrupter. A controller is coupled to both of the detectors and is configured to detect a source-side voltage and a load-side voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: Mike LaBianco, William W. Chen, Nenad Uzelac
  • Patent number: 8288674
    Abstract: A copper-based winding implementing a copper-based winding of diameter that is typically greater than 90 mm, designed to generate a magnetic field in an electrical contact for a medium-voltage vacuum circuit-breaker. The winding is constituted by a hollow cylinder including helical slots about its longitudinal axis and opening out both into the hollow and to the exterior of the cylinder, winding in which the space between two consecutive slots that form a turn is empty of material and the width of each initial slot is less than 1 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Areva T&D SAS
    Inventors: Saïd Kantas, Bruno Berthon, Cédric Triaire
  • Patent number: 8278582
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a circuit breaker comprising: a vacuum chamber; a fixed contact and a movable contact disposed in a vacuum chamber; a fixed contact stem supporting said fixed contact in said vacuum chamber and extending outwards from a first end of said vacuum chamber; a movable contact stem supporting said movable contact in said vacuum chamber for reciprocal movement between contact with and separated from said fixed contact, and extending outwards from a second end of said vacuum chamber; a first electrical conductor coupled to said fixed contact stem; a second electrical conductor coupled to said movable contact stem; at least one heat dissipating means disposed for at least one of said fixed contact and movable contact; wherein, the heat dissipating means is hollow and has an external surface and internal surface; a plurality of fins provided on said internal surface constitute a passage through which air is convected in a direction parallel to that of reciprocal movement of movable conta
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: ABB Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhanwei Tu, Shailendra Singh
  • Publication number: 20120241413
    Abstract: A contact is for a vacuum interrupter. The contact includes a contact member having a generally planar mating surface with a planar contact plane and a plurality of purposely introduced undulations therein. The undulations are structured to contact a plurality of purposely introduced undulations of another contact member. The undulations are in a dimension perpendicular to the planar contact plane. The planar contact plane has a diameter. The undulations have a depth substantially smaller than the diameter of the planar contact plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventor: WANGPEI LI
  • Publication number: 20120234795
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of manufacturing a current terminal for an embedded pole part, in which a vacuum interrupter is molded by an isolating coverage in a hot and pressure injection process, and such a pole part. At the position of the upper electric terminal at the fixed contact side of the vacuum interrupter, a pressure protecting element is placed into the mould, at least close to the upper part the fixed contact side of the vacuum interrupter and/or together with it, and the protecting element, the terminal and the vacuum interrupter are embedded by injection molding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: Christof HUMPERT, Wenkai Shang
  • Patent number: 8269586
    Abstract: A large-capacity vacuum circuit breaker that can increase a current shutdown capacity and enables its rated current to be increased includes at least two vacuum circuit breaker units placed side by side and connected in parallel. The two vacuum circuit breaker units are operated by a single common operating unit to concurrently perform current shutdown operations. Each vacuum circuit breaker unit has a vertical magnetic field generating means for generating a vertical magnetic field when an operation to shut down current is performed. The vertical magnetic field generating means is formed by vertical magnetic field electrodes provided in a vacuum container of each of the vacuum circuit breaker unit units or by an external coil provided on the outer circumference of each vacuum container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Japan AE Power Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Matsui, Mitsuyasu Shiozaki
  • Publication number: 20120228265
    Abstract: A fixed electrode 10 and a movable electrode have coil electrodes formed of plural coil portions installed at both contacts and on a rear surface side in a divided manner in a circumferential direction along peripheries of the contacts such that a longitudinal field is generated in a direction in which the fixed contact and the movable contact come close to and move apart from each other. Protruding portions joined to the contacts are provided to tip ends of the respective coil portions to form joint portions to the respective contacts. A current to be flowed is controlled by changing resistance values between the contacts and the coil electrodes for each joint portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventors: Takakazu Harada, Takayuki Itotani
  • Publication number: 20120199556
    Abstract: Terminals for a vacuum circuit breaker include: a first terminal having a plurality of supporting rings, a plurality of finger contactors, and ring-shaped springs installed to contact an outer circumferential surface of the finger contactors so as to provide an elastic force to the finger contactors toward the center; a second terminal having an outer diameter larger than an inner diameter of the first terminal formed by an inner circumferential surface of the finger contactors of the first terminal, and configured by a bushing-type electric conductor; and an insulation guide member detachably fixed to a leading end of the second terminal such that an electric insulating property of the second terminal increases when the first and second terminals are disconnected from each other, having an electric insulating property, and tapered so as to have a decreased outer diameter as a distance from the second terminal becomes long.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: LSIS CO., LTD
    Inventors: Seung Pil YANG, Hyun Jae KIM
  • Publication number: 20120199557
    Abstract: A flexible shunt for a vacuum circuit breaker can have a reduced straight length and improved flexibility even with an increased thickness within a predetermined accommodation space of a main circuit part. The flexible shunt comprises a pair of conductive plates, each including a clamp connecting portion configured as a flat conductive member, the clamp connecting portion being connected the clamp, a terminal side connecting portion configured as a flat conductive member, the terminal side connecting portion being connected to the terminal side, and a flexible curved portion configured to connect the clamp connecting portion to the terminal side connecting portion, the flexible curved portion being formed to be projected outwardly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: LSIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Seung Pil YANG
  • Patent number: 8237075
    Abstract: Provided is a vacuum circuit breaker whose insulation cylinder contained in a gas-insulated-switchgear housing contains a vacuum valve and which can be downsized while the cylinder's required mechanical strength is retained, and a gas-insulated switchgear using the same is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Isoya, Masahiro Arioka, Tomotaka Yano
  • Publication number: 20120152904
    Abstract: An encapsulated switchgear that includes a housing defining, an insulating space, and an electrical active part arranged in the insulating space, the insulating space with an insulation medium. The switchgear is characterized in that the insulation medium with a dielectric compound having a boiling point of above ?25° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Maik Hyrenbach, Ole Granhaug, Max-Steffen Claessens, Per Skarby
  • Patent number: 8198563
    Abstract: A socket structure includes a base; a slot, disposed on one end of the base and to be connected to one plug having one row of terminals; a tongue disposed on a front end of the base and within the slot so that chambers of the slot on two sides of the tongue may be normally and oppositely inserted and positioned into the slot; one row of first contacts separately arranged on one surface of the tongue, wherein each first contact is electrically connected to a first pin extending out of the base; and one row of second contacts separately arranged on the other surface of the tongue. Each second contact is electrically connected to a second pin extending out of the base. When the plug is inserted into the slot, the row of terminals of the plug are electrically connected to the row of first or second contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Chou Hsien Tsai
  • Patent number: 8198562
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum switch, especially a vacuum circuit breaker, for medium and high voltages, comprising a mobile switch unit arranged inside a vacuum switch compartment (1) and provided with mutually mobile elements including a contact tappet (17), an insulator (18), and a driving or switching rod (11) introduced into the vacuum switch compartment (1) by means of metal bellows. Said vacuum switch also comprises a fixed contact inserted into the housing of the vacuum switch compartment (1). The upper end of the insulator (18) is fixed to the contact tappet (17), and the lower end of the insulator (18) is fixed to the driving or switching rod (11). The contact tappet (17) is connected to a conductor (8) by a flexible, electroconductive connection (20), said conductor being electroconductively connected to at least one laterally arranged output contact (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Switchcraft Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Bodenstein, Detlef Lange
  • Publication number: 20120132622
    Abstract: In order to improve cooling performance of a switch unit or switchgear equipped with the switch unit, the switch unit includes a switch having a movable electrode and a fixed electrode and is casted as one body with a resin, the resin is provided with resin fins, and the thickness of the resin fin is changed so that the resin fin has a thickness sloped in the longitudinal direction of the resin fin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventors: Miki YAMAZAKI, Kenji TSUCHIYA, Ayumu MORITA, Tomoaki UTSUMI
  • Patent number: 8178812
    Abstract: A vacuum cartridge (1) is manufactured with a dielectric coating (22) made from elastomer directly on the enclosure of the chamber (2) of the cartridge (1). To prevent the elastomer from infiltrating into the chamber (2) of the cartridge and/or its enclosure from breaking, cover-plates (26) performing mechanical protection and dielectric deflection cover the covers (61, 62) of the chamber (2) and their braze (8) with the ceramic tube (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventors: Ludovic Martin, Christian Mennessier, Catherine Herault, Bruno Chatelet
  • Patent number: 8168909
    Abstract: A vacuum switchgear comprising a vacuum container, two fixed contacts and two movable contacts for being in contact with and out of contact with the fixed contacts which are disposed in the vacuum container, and two operation rods linked to the each movable contact, respectively, characterized that a connection conductor having a current collector for making electrical sliding contact with the external surface of the each operation rod, which is fixed to outlet parts of the vacuum containers, from which extend the operation rod outwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masato Kobayashi, Kenji Tsuchiya, Daisuke Sugai
  • Publication number: 20120061353
    Abstract: Sealed chamber for monitoring pressure 23 is provided on sealed tank 37. Sealed tank 37 is filled with insulating gas. And, a connection using insulated pipe 19 is provided between medium-pressure space 18 that makes a medium pressure and sealed chamber for monitoring pressure 23. In sealed chamber for monitoring pressure 23, a pressure monitoring and controlling means is provided for monitoring the internal pressure thereof to activate the pressure-release control in response to the situation where the monitored internal pressure has reached the predetermined setting value. The pressure monitoring and controlling means includes solenoid valve 28 that is capable of opening sealed chamber for monitoring pressure 23 to the atmosphere, pressure detector 26 that detects the internal pressure, and pressure monitor 27, which activates solenoid valve 28 for pressure-release when pressure detector 26 detects that the internal pressure has reached the predetermined abnormal pressure value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: JAPAN AE POWER SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hayato Hatanaka, Teyon Shin, Masahiko Fujita
  • Patent number: 8115123
    Abstract: A configurable circuit breaker is disclosed which is, for example, applicable for medium voltage range, with flexibility in configuration, based on the electrical and mechanical constraints. The circuit breaker can include multiple poles, which can be fitted on a shaft at desired positions, using clamping, dowelling, bolting or other types of connections. An epoxy frame can mount the circuit breaker on a truck horizontally or vertically, by mounting inserts and the clamping mechanism. Side sheets of the pole allow internal access. Flexible contacts and the vertical slots enable adjustability in the incoming and outgoing distances, as per design constraints. A tulip contact can be provided for mounting incoming/outgoing conductors. A common actuator can be mounted anywhere on the shaft, via the movable contact or on any of the poles, which are robust enough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: ABB Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Shailendra Singh, Subbiahthever Dukkaiappan
  • Patent number: 8115124
    Abstract: A flexible conductor which connects the movable rod side of a circuit breaker and a movable side connection conductor is devised to miniaturize the circuit breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Takanao Maruyama, Kazuhiko Kagawa
  • Patent number: 8089021
    Abstract: An object is to provide a vacuum circuit breaker that has a lower electrical and thermal resistance at contacting portions between a movable electrode-rod and a movable-electrode-side connection-terminal so that a continuous current-carrying capacity is made larger without reinforcement and/or enhancement of an operating mechanism. The vacuum circuit breaker herein provided includes a vacuum interrupter held inside an insulation frame; a fixed electrode-rod mounted on one side of the vacuum interrupter; a movable electrode-rod mounted on the other side of the vacuum interrupter; a flexible conductor for electrically connecting the movable electrode-rod with a main-circuit conductor; and a movable-electrode-side connection-terminal fastened on the outer circumference of said movable electrode-rod; wherein the flexible conductor is gripped by a first face and a second face of the movable-electrode-side connection-terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Kagawa
  • Patent number: 8081464
    Abstract: An exemplary encapsulated high-voltage switch is disclosed which contains a heat-generating current conductor, a metal encapsulation surrounding the current conductor, and a cooling element. A cooler of the cooling element is fixed on a part of the encapsulation that is embodied as a mounting plate, and has cooling ribs arranged outside the encapsulation. In a section of the cooler that is embodied as a cooling block, at least a portion of the cooling ribs is arranged parallel to the mounting plate and is held on a heat distributor fixed to the mounting plate in such a way that on both sides of the heat distributor in each case one of two groups of cooling channels arises, in which the cooling channels are in each case arranged in the manner of a sandwich. The cooling channels can, for example, be oriented in a manner inclined relative to a horizontal axis of the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Mauroux, Guenter Steding, Martin Lakner, Bruno Widmer
  • Patent number: 8039771
    Abstract: A vacuum envelope is for a fixed contact mounted on a fixed electrode and a moveable contact mounted on a moveable electrode. The vacuum envelope includes a ceramic tube including a first open end and a second open end. A first end member is secured to the first open end. A second end member includes an inside surface and is secured to the second open end. A self-aligning end shield includes a first end having an opening therein, a second open end, an intermediate portion disposed between the first end and the end shield second open end, and a flange portion disposed from the end shield second open end. The flange portion extends outwardly from the intermediate portion and generally back toward the first end. The flange portion includes an edge engaging the inside surface of the second end member, and is normally offset from the ceramic tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: William J. Trondsen
  • Publication number: 20110204030
    Abstract: A vacuum interrupter includes a number of insulative tubes having a first open end and a second open end; a first end member secured to the first open end; a second end member secured to the second open end; a fixed contact mounted on a fixed electrode extending through the second end member; a retainer; and a movable contact. The retainer includes a rigid retainer having a plurality of legs and an opening, and an insulative bushing having a smaller opening. The insulative bushing is molded over a portion of the rigid retainer. The smaller opening is within the opening of the rigid retainer and is structured to receive a movable electrode. The movable contact is mounted on the movable electrode extending through the first end member and through the smaller opening. The movable contact is capable of axially reciprocating into and out of contact with the fixed contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: DAN J. MANGAN, Benjamin A. Rosenkrans, Eric D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20110174779
    Abstract: A switching installation including a gas-filled enclosure having an input conductor, an actuator and an arc initiator. The actuator is arranged to actuate the arc initiator upon the occurrence of a first arc with a first length in the enclosure. The arc initiator creates, upon being actuated, a path for a second arc of a second length, the second length being shorter than the first length. The actuator can be arranged to react on an increase in pressure in the enclosure upon the occurrence of the first arc. The gas can be air or SF6. The arc initiator can create, upon being actuated, the path for the second arc through a section of a solid cable insulation isolating the input conductor from the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Arend Jan Willem Lammers, Gerardus Leonardus Nitert
  • Patent number: 7967601
    Abstract: A device for creating an electrical potential, such as a piezoelectric igniter, is connected to a conductor that conducts current to a burn tube to create a spark that ignites the fuel in the burn tube. In one embodiment a gap is formed in the conductor. An insulator is located in the gap such that is can be selectively moved between an insulating position where the flow of electricity over the gap is prevented such that no spark is created in the burn tube and a non-insulating position where electricity is allowed to flow over the gap such that a spark is created in the burn tube. In another embodiment the piezoelectric igniter forms part of the electrical circuit and is in electrical conductive contact or proximity to an electrical conductor that forms part of the ignition circuit. An insulator may selectively located between the igniter and the conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventors: Michael R Johnston, Thomas A. Burdsall
  • Patent number: 7952855
    Abstract: A subsea switchgear apparatus including a frame, at least one electrical power inlet mounted to the frame, at least one electrical power outlet mounted to the frame, a distribution chamber mounted to the frame, and at least one canister mounted to the frame. The at least one canister includes a chamber accommodating at least one high voltage circuit breaker. Electrical connections are arranged in the distribution chamber for electrically connecting a respective circuit breaker of a canister to an associated power inlet and power outlet of the switchgear apparatus. The chamber of the respective canister is separated from the distribution chamber by a pressure barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Scandinavia AS
    Inventors: Rune Sletten, Tor-Odd Rønhovd, Alf G. Hay
  • Patent number: 7939777
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a vacuum interrupter chamber having an insulating ceramic wall, within which contact pieces which move in a vacuum are arranged and are surrounded by a screen between the contact piece and the interrupter chamber wall. In order in this case to improve on the one hand the erosion resistance of the screen and on the other hand the dielectric strength of the arrangement, the disclosure proposes that coatings composed of high-melting-point material or composed of refractory metals be fitted at least partially in the area of the screen or other components within the vacuum interrupter chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: Edgar Dullni, Dietmar Gentsch, Kurt Kaltenegger
  • Publication number: 20110056916
    Abstract: A resin-encapsulated pole piece is provided and includes a vacuum interrupter chamber having an outer surface. A protective sheath covers the outer surface of the vacuum interrupter chamber. The protective sheath is composed of a heat-shrinkable material. The protective sheath has been pulled over the vacuum interrupter chamber and then heat shrunk so as to be in firm contact with the outer surface of the vacuum interrupter. An outer casing encapsulates the vacuum chamber covered by the protective sheath. The outer casing is composed of a cast epoxy resin and is in contact with the protective sheath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: ABB TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventors: Oliver Claus, Hartmut Mildes, Till Rümenapp
  • Publication number: 20110036811
    Abstract: A switchgear includes an earthing and disconnecting switch which linearly moves and is switchable to a disconnecting and an earthing positions, a vacuum valve which performs closing and breaking of a current in a vacuum container producing vacuum inside, and a solid insulator with which the earthing and disconnecting switch and the vacuum valve are covered, therein the earthing and disconnecting switch and the vacuum valve are electrically connected, and closing and breaking of a current is performed in the vacuum valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoaki Utsumi, Takashi Shirone, Takashi Sato, Kenji Tsuchiya, Ayumu Morita
  • Publication number: 20110031220
    Abstract: A retrofit diverter switch which has a mechanical and electrical interface that is compatible with the existing designs is provided. The diverter switch may include a vacuum switch. The feature where the mechanical and electrical interface is compatible enables a retrofit from traditional On Load Tap Changers to a vacuum based on Load Tap Changers. The diverter switch may be retrofitted into existing tap changer housings. Retrofitting from traditional to vacuum based, traditional to vacuum based and up rating, and vacuum up rating may be possible. Also, the diverter switch may include modular components that allow for easy customization of the diverter switch for different applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: ABB Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Petter Nilsson, Robert L. Hirt, Hans Johansson, Mats Carlsson, Lars Jonsson
  • Patent number: 7868720
    Abstract: A hermetically sealed relay is provided having two circuits therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignees: Tyco Electronics Corporation India, Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Bernard Victor Bush, Naveen Samuel Jesuraj
  • Patent number: 7866031
    Abstract: A seal is provided around a vacuum interrupter and an air-filled cavity, and a tube is provided within the seal. The tube has a first end open to the air-filled cavity and a second end open to an exterior of the seal. The seal, the vacuum interrupter, and the air-filled cavity are encapsulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Paul N. Stoving, E. Fred Bestel
  • Patent number: 7852180
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for producing circuit-breaker parts and plastic components for low, medium and high-voltage switching stations and to a corresponding circuit-breaker part. To obtain a simpler method of production with a higher variance of material characteristics, the outer insulation sleeve is produced in a plastic injection molding method, in which a vacuum interrupter chamber is sheathed in plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: Dietmar Gentsch, Oliver Claus
  • Patent number: 7852617
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a main circuit terminal assembly for a vacuum circuit breaker, which can prevent temperature increase by increasing a surface area of a main circuit conductive unit, the main circuit terminal assembly for a vacuum circuit breaker which is electrically connected to a vacuum interrupter, including: a clamp electrically connected to a movable unit of the vacuum interrupter, and configured as a pair of conductors so as to support the movable unit by clamping; a heat sink fixed to the clamp that increase a surface area of the clamp; a flexible shunt having one end thereof electrically and mechanically connected to the clamp, and configured as a flexible conductor to allow the movable unit to move; a terminal block electrically and mechanically connected to another end of the flexible shunt, and configured as an electrical conductor; and a contactor unit electrically connected to the terminal block and having a plurality of clip-shaped contactors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: LS Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jae-Yong Lee
  • Publication number: 20100282713
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a circuit breaker comprising: a vacuum chamber; a fixed contact and a movable contact disposed in a vacuum chamber; a fixed contact stem supporting said fixed contact in said vacuum chamber and extending outwards from a first end of said vacuum chamber; a movable contact stem supporting said movable contact in said vacuum chamber for reciprocal movement between contact with and separated from said fixed contact, and extending outwards from a second end of said vacuum chamber; a first electrical conductor coupled to said fixed contact stem; a second electrical conductor coupled to said movable contact stem; at least one heat dissipating means disposed for at least one of said fixed contact and movable contact; wherein, the heat dissipating means is hollow and has an external surface and internal surface; a plurality of fins provided on said internal surface constitute a passage through which air is convected in a direction parallel to that of reciprocal movement of movable conta
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: ABB Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhanwei Tu, Shailendra Singh
  • Patent number: 7813109
    Abstract: Switchgear having a vacuum-insulated switchgear 2 comprising switches having at least breaking and disconnecting functions, each placed in a unit, and solid-insulated bus bars 12 for electrically connecting the switches in each unit; an air-insulated switchgear 1 comprising switches having at least breaking and disconnecting functions, each placed in a unit, and air-insulated bus bars for electrically connecting the switches in each unit; and_the vacuum-insulated switchgear 2 and the air-insulated switchgear 1 are installed side-by-side, wherein the vacuum-insulated switchgear 2 and the air-insulated switchgear 1 are electrically connected through flexible conductors 17 which are provided between the solid-insulated bus bars 12 and the air-insulated bus bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuichi Kikukawa, Kenji Tsuchiya, Yuko Kajiyama
  • Patent number: 7804038
    Abstract: A control system for controlling and synchronizing a plurality of medium-voltage vacuum contactors comprises a two-level network structure. A dedicated network includes a plurality of servant control units operably coupled to the vacuum contactors and configured to ascertain a plurality of different data and conditions thereof. In addition, the dedicated network includes a master control unit in serial communication with the servant control units and configured to send and receive communications therewith. The master control unit is operably coupled to a control network including a plurality of various control devices. The master control unit is configured to send predetermined data received from the servant control units to the control network. The two-level network structure enables relatively jitter free communication on the dedicated network while not overwhelming the control network with unnecessary data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Angelo Bortolus, Reginald A. Drake, F. Michael Frayne, David S. MacLennan
  • Patent number: 7781694
    Abstract: Exemplary vacuum fault interrupters are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Paul N. Stoving
  • Publication number: 20100192360
    Abstract: An improved vacuum interrupter is disclosed. The vacuum interrupter includes a ring-shaped structure placed between a contact support structure and an electrical contact associated with the contact support structure. A resistivity of the ring-shaped structure is higher than that of the contact support structure, so that current traversing the ring-shaped structure on its way from the contact support structure to the electrical contact is evenly distributed. The ring-shaped structure may be fit into an end portion of the contact support structure, the end portion having a diameter less than an outer diameter of the support structure, but greater than an inner diameter of the support structure. Alternatively, the end portion may be used without the ring-shaped portion, in which case the electrical contact may be shaped to fit into the end portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: COOPER TECHNOLOGIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Paul N. Stoving, E. Fred Bestel
  • Patent number: 7761989
    Abstract: A method for repairing a gas turbine engine component includes the steps of repairing one of a suction side or a pressure side of the component; repairing internal geometry of the component after one of the suction side or the pressure side of the component is repaired; and repairing the other of the suction side and the pressure side of the component after the internal geometry of the component is repaired, wherein a backing material is utilized to preserve the internal geometry of the component when the other of the suction side and the pressure side of the component is being repaired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew J. Lutz, John Finn