Arc Runner (e.g., Arc Horn) Patents (Class 218/148)
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Patent number: 11605514Abstract: A disconnector to reduce considerably high voltage and high frequency current generated during the service no-load opening and closing, the disconnector comprising a first main contact a second main contact, a sliding contact and an arcing horn having a length, the disconnector having a connected state, an intermediate state and a disconnected state, wherein in the connected state a first electrical contact is established between the first main contact and the second main contact, in the intermediate state the first electrical contact is interrupted while a second electrical contact exists between the sliding contact and a contact position on the length of the arcing horn, and in the disconnected state the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are interrupted, wherein at least a part of the length of the arcing horn comprises an electrical filter configured to provide a resistance and an inductance to an electrical current.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2021Date of Patent: March 14, 2023Assignee: General Electric Technology GmbHInventors: Eros Stella, Marco Nosilati, Enrico Zozzollotto, Fernando Moreira Lagos
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Patent number: 10242814Abstract: An electric arc extinction chamber comprises a stack of electric arc splitter plates. The splitter plates define an inlet of the extinction chamber that is to be present facing electric contacts, and a back of the extinction chamber. At least one permanent magnet is present inside the extinction chamber in a central zone in the width direction of the extinction chamber and beside the back thereof. The magnet presents magnetization having a non-zero component along an axis extending between the inlet and the back of the extinction chamber.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2015Date of Patent: March 26, 2019Assignee: SOCOMECInventors: Jérôme Hertzog, Karine Coquil
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Patent number: 9966209Abstract: A circuit interrupter having a first contact positioned on a moveable contact arm that is moveable into and out of physical contact with a stationary contact. An arc horn shield positioned on or affixed to an escapement that is coupled to the moveable contact arm, the arc horn shield including a substantially U-shaped tab that is provided as a protrusion with an arc receiving surface such that when the moveable contact is moved into the vicinity of the protrusion, any arc that may be formed between the contacts is passed from the moveable contact to the arc receiving surface to minimize damage to the moveable contact and extinguish the arc.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2017Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: Carling Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Michael Fasano
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Patent number: 9824837Abstract: This service plug (1) has a connection terminal part (49), and the connection terminal part (49) has a pair of terminals (8) and an interlinking part (9) that is tailored to the spacing between the terminals (8) and joins the terminals (8) together. By removing the connection terminal part (49) from a power-supply circuit, the power-supply circuit is interrupted. The interlinking part (9) includes one or more thin interlinking plates (20) that are removably attached to the connection terminal part (49).Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2015Date of Patent: November 21, 2017Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATIONInventors: Naoya Ooishi, Yukihisa Kikuchi
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Patent number: 9543099Abstract: The present invention relates to a direct current relay, and more particularly, to a direct current relay capable of reducing an electronic repulsive force generated between a fixed contact and a movable contact by a permanent magnet installed to extinguish an arc. The direct current relay includes: a frame; first and second fixed contacts spaced from each other with a predetermined distance there between; first and second magnetic substances formed to enclose a lower part of the first and second fixed contacts; a movable contact movable to contact or to be separated from the first and second fixed contacts, having a first movable contact contactable to the first fixed contact, and having a second movable contact contactable to the second fixed contact; and a pair of permanent magnets installed on long sides of the frame.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2015Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: LSIS CO., LTD.Inventor: Jung Sik An
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Patent number: 9330861Abstract: An arc chute assembly for use in an automatic transfer switch includes a housing including a pair of opposing sidewalls and a primary deionization plate coupled between the pair of opposing sidewalls. The primary deionization plate includes a tongue portion oriented substantially midway between the opposing sidewalls and extending toward a contact assembly. The tongue portion is configured to facilitate suppressing an electric arc originating from the contact assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2014Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Arthur Evans, Jason Harmon
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Patent number: 9224559Abstract: Disclosed is a unidirectionally switching direct-current contactor, having a double break having two contact points, which each have a fixed contact and a movable contact, wherein the movable contacts are arranged on a contact bridge and wherein a switch arc is formed at each of the contact points when the contact points open, and including an arc quenching device and having at least one blowing device for blowing at least one of the switch arcs from the corresponding contact point. The contactor includes a jumper plate arranged adjacently to the movable contact of the first contact point, wherein the contact bridge and the jumper plate are electrically insulated from each other and the jumper plate is connected potentially to the fixed contact of the second contact point.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2011Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: SCHALTBAU GMBHInventors: Robert Kralik, Andrej Ignatov
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Publication number: 20150144598Abstract: An arc guider configured to provide an arc movement path, one side thereof forming a fixation projection and a center thereof forming a groove in a longitudinal direction, a fixation element sequentially including a main contact, an arc contact being spaced apart from the main contact and an insertion groove accommodating the arc guider and a plurality of projection fixing units being formed on both sides of the insertion groove and being curved toward the accommodated arc guider through an outer force so that the fixation projection does not escape wherein triangle V shaped groove marks by the outer force are formed in the plurality of the projection fixing units.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2012Publication date: May 28, 2015Inventor: Jae Goo Lyu
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Patent number: 9040863Abstract: An arc guider configured to provide an arc movement path, one side thereof forming a fixation projection and a center thereof forming a groove in a longitudinal direction, a fixation element sequentially including a main contact, an arc contact being spaced apart from the main contact and an insertion groove accommodating the arc guider and a plurality of projection fixing units being formed on both sides of the insertion groove and being curved toward the accommodated arc guider through an outer force so that the fixation projection does not escape wherein triangle V shaped groove marks by the outer force are formed in the plurality of the projection fixing units.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2012Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: HYUNDAI HEAVY INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.Inventor: Jae Goo Lyu
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Publication number: 20150129549Abstract: A small-size switch having an arc runner is provided. The switch includes fixed contacts each of which is bonded with each one end of fixed contactors 6U; movable contacts 10U each of which is bonded with each of movable contactors 9 and each of which can contact with or leave from each of the fixed contacts; an interphase barrier 80 that is disposed so as to partition the movable contacts 10U one by one and that is an insulator; and an arc runner that has an arc extinguish portion 12A and that is disposed so as not to intrude in a space where the interphase barrier 80 and the movable contactor 9 are most closely located.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2012Publication date: May 14, 2015Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Tomohiko Takemoto, Takashi Inaguchi
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Patent number: 9029727Abstract: Circuit breakers include an arc chamber and an arc chute comprising a plurality of arc plates in the arc chamber. The circuit breakers also include a line conductor assembly with at least one arc runner attached to a line conductor in the arc chamber. The arc runner can extend below but adjacent to a bottom arc plate to thereby guide a respective arc into the arc chute.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2013Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Craig Joseph Puhalla, Xin Zhou, James Patrick Sisley, Lance Gula, Mark A. Janusek
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Patent number: 9006601Abstract: A circuit breaker including a pair of separable contacts and an arc chamber is provided. The separable contacts include a fixed contact having an upper surface. The arc chamber includes magnetic members disposed on either side of the separable contacts. The magnetic members have a lower surface below the fixed contact upper surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Xin Zhou, Richard Paul Malingowski, Kelly Julia McCarthy, David E. Little
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Publication number: 20150034600Abstract: A contact device includes a pair of fixed contacts fixedly disposed inside an arc extinguishing chamber and maintaining a predetermined interval from each other; a movable contact disposed inside the arc extinguishing chamber, and contacting to and separating from the pair of fixed contacts; a first arc root movement promotion portion formed on the pair of fixed contacts, and promoting a movement of a root of an arc in a direction away from the movable contact, the arc being generated when contacts are opened in which the movable contact moves away from the pair of fixed contacts; and a second arc root movement promotion portion formed on the movable contact, and promoting a movement of the root of the arc in a direction away from the relevant fixed contact.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2014Publication date: February 5, 2015Inventors: Masaru ISOZAKI, Osamu KASHIMURA, Hiroyuki TACHIKAWA, Kouetsu TAKAYA, Yuji SHIBA
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Publication number: 20150022291Abstract: A contact device includes a pair of fixed contacts fixedly disposed inside an arc extinguishing chamber and maintaining a predetermined interval from each other; a movable contact disposed to contact to and separate from the pair of fixed contacts; and an arc root movement promotion portion formed on the movable contact to promote a movement of root of arc in a direction away from the fixed contacts. The root of arc is generated when the movable contacts are opened and separated from the pair of fixed contacts.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2014Publication date: January 22, 2015Inventors: Osamu KASHIMURA, Masaru ISOZAKI, Kouetsu TAKAYA, Yuji SHIBA
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Publication number: 20140263188Abstract: A circuit breaker including a pair of separable contacts and an arc chamber is provided. The separable contacts include a fixed contact having an upper surface. The arc chamber includes magnetic members disposed on either side of the separable contacts. The magnetic members have a lower surface below the fixed contact upper surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: EATON CORPORATIONInventors: Xin Zhou, Richard Paul Malingowski, Kelly Julia McCarthy, David E. Little
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Publication number: 20140202990Abstract: Circuit breakers include an arc chamber and an arc chute comprising a plurality of arc plates in the arc chamber. The circuit breakers also include a line conductor assembly with at least one arc runner attached to a line conductor in the arc chamber. The arc runner can extend below but adjacent to a bottom arc plate to thereby guide a respective arc into the arc chute.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2013Publication date: July 24, 2014Inventors: Craig Joseph Puhalla, Xin Zhou, James Patrick Sisley, Lance Gula, Mark A. Janusek
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Patent number: 8735757Abstract: A switch unit 200 for a voltage circuit breaker that includes a first switch contact 202a and a second switch contact 202b. The first switch contact 202a is movable between a first position in which the first switch contact 202a contacts the second switch contact and a second position in which the first and second switch contacts 202a, 202b are separated from each other. Further, a positioning element to position an arc chute 100 on the switch unit. The arc chute 100 includes at least two stacks 102, 106 of a plurality of substantially parallel metal plates 104, 104a, 104b, . . . , 104n, 108, 108a, 108b, . . . , 108n. The switch unit includes a first connection device 120, 230a capable to electrically connect the first switch contact 202a to a predetermined metal plate 104a selected of the most proximal 25% metal plates of the first stack 102.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2011Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: ABB Technology AGInventors: Philippe Noisette, Yoann Alphand, Philippe Häberlin, Marc Blanc
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Publication number: 20140131317Abstract: An arc runner assembly for use in a circuit interrupter provides a pair of arc runners that are situated at opposite sides of a stationary contact of the circuit interrupter. If used in a DC application, the arc runner assembly is configured to communicate a positive DC arc along one of the arc runners in a first direction away from the stationary contact and is further configured to communicate a negative DC arc along the other arc runner in another direction away from the stationary contact. The arc runner assembly additionally includes a support that is electrically engaged with a conductor of the circuit interrupter on a surface opposite that on which the stationary contact is disposed. The improved arc runner assembly advantageously facilitates extinction of electrical arc and extinguishes both positive and negative DC arcs in a DC application.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2012Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: EATON CORPORATIONInventors: Richard Paul Malingowski, James Patrick Sisley, Craig Joseph Puhalla, Kelly Julia McCarthy, Lance Gula
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Publication number: 20130292359Abstract: Disclosed is a unidirectionally switching direct-current contactor, having a double break having two contact points, which each have a fixed contact and a movable contact, wherein the movable contacts are arranged on a contact bridge and wherein a switch arc is formed at each of the contact points when the contact points open, and including an arc quenching device and having at least one blowing device for blowing at least one of the switch arcs from the corresponding contact point. The contactor includes a jumper plate arranged adjacently to the movable contact of the first contact point, wherein the contact bridge and the jumper plate are electrically insulated from each other and the jumper plate is connected potentially to the fixed contact of the second contact point.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2011Publication date: November 7, 2013Applicant: Schaltbau GmbHInventors: Robert Kralik, Andrej Ignatov
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Publication number: 20130206729Abstract: A switch suitable for DC applications includes: two fixed conductive contacts with first contact areas; a movable conductive bridge with two second contact areas for being connected to the two first contact areas in the on-status and for being disconnected from the two the first contact areas in the off-status; and two arc-extinguishing units configured to extinguish electric arcs occurring between the first and second contact areas after disconnecting the second contact areas from the first contact areas. First conductive arc-guiding elements extend from each first contact area into the corresponding arc-extinguishing unit and at least one second conductive arc-guiding element extends into the arc-extinguishing units suitably shaped to guide the electric arcs from each of the second contact areas of the movable bridge into the arc-extinguishing units.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2011Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: EATON ELECTRICAL IP GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Volker Lang, Lutz Friedrichsen
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Publication number: 20130180956Abstract: A circuit interrupter having a compact design. According to some implementations, the circuit interrupter includes a conductor from a terminal to a contact having a portion that is angled with respect to the housing sides. This allows a fastener sleeve used to secure the device housing to be positioned closer to the center of mass of the housing, reducing the area of the housing. In some implementations, an arc splitter is provided which includes conductive plates that are angled with respect to the housing sides, allowing the area of the housing to be reduced. In some implementations, a terminal is designed to accommodate a connection without being doubled back, reducing the clearance required for the terminal and the overall area of the circuit interrupter.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2013Publication date: July 18, 2013Inventors: Michael Fasano, Jianzhuan Lin, James Bugryn
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Publication number: 20130062317Abstract: An installation switching device includes a cutout, which is designed on a fastening side, for fastening the installation switching device to a mounting rail, a vent opening, which is disposed on the fastening side, for discharging waste gases from an arc-quenching device, and a quick fastening device which is disposed on the fastening side. The quick fastening device includes a slide, which carries a movable projection and encloses the housing at the broad sides and which can be acted on by means of a spring toward the inner space of the recess.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: ABB AGInventor: ABB AG
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Publication number: 20130037401Abstract: A switch device includes first and second contacting portions including first and second fixed contacting portions and first and second movable contacting portions, respectively, the first fixed contacting portion and the second fixed contacting portion being configured to be electrically connected to one of a power source and an electronic device while the first movable contacting portion and the second movable contacting portion are configured to be electrically connected to the other of the power source and the electronic device; a first electric arc runner provided near at least one of the first fixed contacting portion and the first movable contacting portion; and a second electric arc runner provided near at least one of the second fixed contacting portion and the second movable contacting portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2012Publication date: February 14, 2013Applicant: FUJITSU COMPONENT LIMITEDInventors: Takashi Yuba, Daiei Iwamoto, SeungSeok Beak, Koichi Kiryu, Akio Nakamura
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Publication number: 20130037520Abstract: A switch unit for a DC circuit is disclosed, which includes a first switch contact, and a second switch contact, which is movable between a first position, wherein the first switch contact contacts the second switch contact, and a second position, wherein the second switch contact is separated from the first switch contact. A positioning element to position an arc chute on the switch unit, the arc chute comprises a plurality of substantially parallel metal plates, the positioning element arranged to guide an arc, which is created between the first switch contact and the second switch contact, into the arc chute in an arc displacement direction in order to be extinguished. At least one gas emitting element, wherein at an interruption operation of the circuit breaker at its nominal current, the arc between the first switch contact and the second switch contact vaporizes a portion of the gas emitting layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2012Publication date: February 14, 2013Applicant: ABB TECHNOLOGY AGInventor: ABB TECHNOLOGY AG
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Publication number: 20130001201Abstract: An arc runner configured to provide a substantially constant separation between a side surface of a conductive contact carrier and an arc discharge surface of the arc runner during an initial portion of a separation of two contacts. The arc discharge surface is preferably a flat surface oriented perpendicular to an axis of rotation of one contact away from the other. The conductive contact carrier having the side surface is configured to allow the arc runner to repeatedly travel along its side without mechanical interference during repeated openings and closings of the contacts. During the initial portion of the separation of the contacts, an electrical arc generated between the contacts during the separation is desirably transferred off of the contacts to the arc discharge surface after the separation between the contacts exceeds the distance between the side surface and the arc discharge surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.Inventors: Chad R. Mittelstadt, Jeff Kaufman
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Patent number: 8334740Abstract: A contactor assembly includes a stationary contact, an arc contact, an arc arrestor, and a magnetic intensifier. The magnetic intensifier is constructed to be secured in generally close proximity to the stationary contact. During communication of power through the contactor assembly, the magnetic intensifier accentuates a magnetic field associated with the stationary contact and increases the magnitude of a magnetic force directed to the arc arrestor. A pair of arc guides extend along the magnetic intensifier and, cooperatively with the magnetic force, ensure efficient, repeatable, and expedient transfer of a circuit termination arc to the arc arrestor. Such a construction increases the operable range and lifecycle of the contactor by reducing the damage associated with propagation of the circuit termination arc.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2011Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Ramsey Annis, Robert Alfred Duchrow, Theodore John Houck, III, James Peter Miller
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Patent number: 7834290Abstract: A protection switch, particularly for rapid quenching of electrical arcing, includes at least one single-pole protection switch module having a housing, a movable contact mounted on a switching arm for pivoting against a fixed contact between a closed position and an open position and a quenching device for quenching electrical arcing of the switch. The quenching device includes a quenching chamber with an inlet and an outlet for the arc. A first running rail connects the fixed contact with a first side wall of the quenching chamber and a second running rail connects a stopping surface, against which the movable contact abuts in the open position of the switching arm, to a second side wall of the quenching chamber. A separation strip extends substantially from side wall to side wall at the outlet of the quenching chamber.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2008Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Ellenberger & Poensgen GmbHInventors: Markus Birner, Klaus Loos
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Patent number: 7830232Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a conductor, a fixed contact connected to the conductor, and an arc runner disposed on the conductor adjacent the fixed contact. The arc runner includes a first portion abutting the fixed contact and a second portion disposed in a recess of the circuit breaker housing. The arc runner is adapted to draw an arc from the fixed contact. A circuit breaker operating mechanism cooperates with a movable contact for opening and closing the fixed contact and the movable contact. An arc chute is adjacent the arc runner. A trip unit cooperates with the operating mechanism to trip open the fixed and movable contacts.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2009Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Louis F. Grahor, Roger W. Helms, Kimberley I. Morris, William M. Randal
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Patent number: 7812276Abstract: An arc member is provided for an electrical switching apparatus. The electrical switching apparatus includes an operating mechanism for opening and closing separable contacts, and an arc chute disposed proximate the separable contacts to attract an arc generated thereby. The separable contacts include a stationary contact and a movable contact. The stationary contact has an edge, which is disposed in a plane. The arc member includes an arc element disposed between the stationary contact and the arc chute. The arc element has first and second portions and first and second arc attractors. The first arc attractor extends outwardly from the first portion toward the plane of the edge of the stationary contact to draw the arc from the separable contacts to the arc member. The second arc attractors, which are disposed on the second portion of the arc element, direct the arc into the arc chute.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2008Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: James G. Maloney, Michael J. Erb
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Publication number: 20100170875Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a conductor, a fixed contact connected to the conductor, and an arc runner disposed on the conductor adjacent the fixed contact. The arc runner includes a first portion abutting the fixed contact and a second portion disposed in a recess of the circuit breaker housing. The arc runner is adapted to draw an arc from the fixed contact. A circuit breaker operating mechanism cooperates with a movable contact for opening and closing the fixed contact and the movable contact. An arc chute is adjacent the arc runner. A trip unit cooperates with the operating mechanism to trip open the fixed and movable contacts.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2009Publication date: July 8, 2010Inventors: LOUIS F. GRAHOR, Roger W. Helms, Kimberley I. Morris, Williams M. Randal
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Patent number: 7723634Abstract: A contactor assembly includes a stationary contact, an arc contact, an arc arrestor, and a magnetic intensifier. The magnetic intensifier is constructed to extend in generally close proximity to one of the stationary contact and the arc contact. During communication of power through the contactor assembly, the magnetic intensifier manipulates a magnetic field associated with current passing through the contactor assembly and increases the magnitude of a magnetic force directed to the arc arrestor. Preferably, the magnetic intensifier is formed integrally with a turnback associated with one of the stationary contact or the arc contact. Such a construction simplifies the manufacture and assembly of the contactor assembly and provides efficient and repeatable arc suppression.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2008Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Ramsey Annis, Robert Alfred Duchrow, Susan L Beneke, legal representative, James Peter Miller
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Patent number: 7716816Abstract: A method of forming a switch assembly that includes a magnetic intensifier constructed to extend in generally close proximity to one of the stationary contact and the arc contact. During communication of power through the contactor assembly, the magnetic intensifier manipulates a magnetic field associated with current passing through the switch assembly and increases the magnitude of a magnetic force directed to the arc arrestor. Preferably, the magnetic intensifier is formed integrally with a turnback associated with one of the stationary contact or the arc contact. Such a construction simplifies the manufacture and assembly of the contactor assembly and provides efficient and repeatable arc suppression.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2007Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Ramsey Annis, Robert Alfred Duchrow, Susan L Beneke, legal representative, James Peter Miller
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Publication number: 20090255792Abstract: A contact arm assembly including a plurality of substantially parallel plates having a space between each of the plurality of substantially parallel plates and a plurality of finger assemblies, at least one of the plurality of finger assemblies being pivotally attached to the plurality of substantially parallel plates and being located in the space between each of the plurality of substantially parallel plates, each of the plurality of finger assemblies having a body and an arc runner, the arc runner being locked against the body in at least two locations.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2008Publication date: October 15, 2009Inventors: Yatin Vilas Newase, Janakiraman Narayanan, Pankaj Agrawal, Soundararajan Narayanasamy, Mahesh Jaywant Rane
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Publication number: 20090200271Abstract: A line terminal for a circuit breaker includes a body forming two opposing legs and a third leg. The opposing legs are configured to form a passage for receiving a stab from a panel board. The two opposing legs are biased toward each other, and each of the opposing legs has a convex surface facing the passageway for engaging and maintaining alignment of the stab. A fixed contact is attached to the third leg. The fixed contact connects to a moveable contact of a circuit breaker. An arc runner is connected to the third leg and at least partially encloses a perimeter of the fixed contact.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2009Publication date: August 13, 2009Applicant: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.Inventors: Hai Chen, John D. Stephenson
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Patent number: 7551050Abstract: A contactor assembly includes a stationary contact, an arc contact, an arc arrestor, and a magnetic intensifier. The magnetic intensifier is constructed to be secured in generally close proximity to the stationary contact. During communication of power through the contactor assembly, the magnetic intensifier accentuates a magnetic field associated with the stationary contact and increases the magnitude of a magnetic force directed to the arc arrestor. A pair of arc guides extend along the magnetic intensifier and, cooperatively with the magnetic force, ensure efficient, repeatable, and expedient transfer of a circuit termination arc to the arc arrestor. Such a construction increases the operable range and lifecycle of the contactor by reducing the damage associated with propagation of the circuit termination arc.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2006Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Ramsey Annis, Robert Alfred Duchrow, Theodore John Houck, III, James Peter Miller
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Publication number: 20090145882Abstract: A protection switch, particularly for rapid quenching of electrical arcing, includes at least one single-pole protection switch module having a housing, a movable contact mounted on a switching arm for pivoting against a fixed contact between a closed position and an open position and a quenching device for quenching electrical arcing of the switch. The quenching device includes a quenching chamber with an inlet and an outlet for the arc. A first running rail connects the fixed contact with a first side wall of the quenching chamber and a second running rail connects a stopping surface, against which the movable contact abuts in the open position of the switching arm, to a second side wall of the quenching chamber. A separation strip extends substantially from side wall to side wall at the outlet of the quenching chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2008Publication date: June 11, 2009Applicant: ELLENBERGER & POENSGEN GMBHInventors: Markus Birner, Klaus Loos
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Patent number: 7064640Abstract: The invention relates to a low voltage circuit breaker which comprises a contact system for a principal current and an arc extinction chamber. An are transmitting element is disposed between the contact system for the principal current and the arc extinction chamber. Said are transmitting element comprises at least one are guiding element which makes it possible to direct said arc in a certain manner to the arc extinction chamber.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2003Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Jörg-Uwe Dahl, Hans-Joachim Kuhrt, Detlev Schmidt, Günter Seidler, Ingo Thiede, Sezai Türkmen
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Patent number: 6809282Abstract: An electromagnetic circuit breaker is provided with a pair of magnets on opposing sides of the contacts in the open position. A magnetic field generated by the magnets combines with the magnetic field generated by the electrical arc created upon opening of the contacts during an overcurrent condition sensed by the breaker. The combined magnetic fields deflect the arc current, shifting the arc current away from the contact points and lengthening the path of the arc, thereby increasing the voltage rating of the breaker, by decreasing the intensity of an associated arc current.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2002Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: Carling Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Michael A. Fasano
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Patent number: 6417474Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a load terminal and a line terminal; a pair of main contacts; a separable pair of arcing contacts; and a moving conductor assembly having a contact carrier mounted for movement between an open position and a closed position to open and close the separable pairs of contacts. The circuit breaker further includes an arc chute and an arc runner electrically connected to a stationary arcing contact and extending toward the arc chute to provide a path for an arc struck between the separable pair of arcing contacts as the separable pair of arcing contacts open with movement of the moving conductor assembly from the closed position. The arc runner has a longitudinal elongated raised ridge generally laterally centered.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2001Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Paul Richard Rakus, Perry Robert Gibson
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Patent number: 6320149Abstract: A moving first electrical contact arrangement (K1) has a switching contact (P4) and a U-shaped arcing horn (R1) on the end face. A stationary second electrical contact arrangement (K2) has a switching contact (P1) and a U-shaped electrical conductor loop (R2) on the end face. The electrical conductor loop (R2) is composed in its U-shaped part, of a bimetallic strip, composed of steel (2) on the inside and copper (3) on the outside; two mutually opposite switching contacts (P2, P3) are provided adjacent to this, and an arcing horn (3′) is provided on the end face. When the electrical switch is closed, the first electrical contact arrangement (K1) is moved to the left in the opposite direction to an arrow (5), so that all four switching contacts (P1)-(P4) make a pressure contact with one another.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2001Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.Inventor: Lutz Niemeyer
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Patent number: 6300586Abstract: An arc runner is fixedly retained on a load (or line) strap without hardware and without employing a mechanical operation. Either the arc runner or the strap has features, such as legs or holes, which engage notches or pins on either the strap or the arc runner and cause the arc runner to be retained on the strap.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1999Date of Patent: October 9, 2001Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Dennis J. Doughty, Dave S. Christensen
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Patent number: 6288621Abstract: An electrical circuit breaker pole comprises an arc extinguishing chamber with two side flanges, a rear wall, separators, a front opening, a lower arcing horn electrically connected to the stationary contact and an upper arcing horn. The rear part of the lower arcing horn is of large width. It is bordered by a periphery made of gas-generating material interposed between the edge of the rear part and the side flanges. This arrangement fosters breaking of arcs of weak intensity, in high voltage.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2001Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Square D CompanyInventor: Marc Rival
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Patent number: 5877467Abstract: A circuit breaker is equipped with a current limiting arc runner for effective overcurrent interruption without additional heating under quiescent operating conditions. Upon contact separation, an arc is drawn with the endpoints of the arc being initially rooted on the set of open contacts. Further opening of the contacts commutates the arc onto the current limiting arc runner to suppress the circuit current.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 1997Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: David Arnold, Anil R. Duggal, Lionel M. Levinson
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Patent number: 5844187Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 12, 1997Date of Patent: December 1, 1998Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.Inventor: Keith J. Thornton
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Patent number: 5770827Abstract: There is provided an acr extinguishing device of a circuit breaker which closes and opens an electric line, one of two contact parts being fixed to a base part. The arc extinguishing device includes an arc runner formed of an electrically conductive member and arranged on an outer circumference of the above one of the two contact parts. The arc extinguishing device moves, to the arc runner, an arc occurring when a contact made by the two contact parts is opened whereby the arc is extinguished. The arc runner has a cylindrical shape and includes a rising portion formed on an entire inner circumference of the cylindrical shape. A slant angle of the rising portion obtained on a depth side thereof is greater than another slant angle thereof obtained on a front side thereof.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1996Date of Patent: June 23, 1998Assignee: Togami Electric Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kazuyoshi Maki
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Patent number: 5744772Abstract: An electromagnetic circuit breaker is provided with a copper plated arc horn on the top side of the movable contact arm opposite the movable contact. The horn extends beyond the movable contact and has an upturned sweep so as to enhance migration of the electrical arc created upon opening of the contacts during a short circuit condition sensed by the breaker. An arc shoe is provided in conjunction with the fixed contact of the breaker as well and cooperates with the arc horn for the same purpose.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 1996Date of Patent: April 28, 1998Assignee: Carlingswitch, Inc.Inventor: Michael A. Fasano
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Patent number: 5686712Abstract: An electrical contact assembly including a pair of first contact arms, each having a terminal end portion, a tip end portion and first contacts fixed to said tip end portions, and a second contact arm arranged opposite the first contact arms and having a tip end portion provided with a lengthened bridge contact. Either the pair of first contact arms or the second contact arm is moveable and the other one is stationary, respectively. Upon actuation of the moveable contact arm or arms, a current path is closed between the first contact arms via said bridge contact. Further, a pair of arc runner strips is provided at opposed lateral edges of either the pair of first contact arms or of the second contact arm. Each of the arc runner strips has a free end projecting toward a facing area of the second contact arm or the first contact arm, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1996Date of Patent: November 11, 1997Assignee: Siemens Electromechanical Components, Inc.Inventor: William L. Weber
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Patent number: 5608198Abstract: An arrangement in an electrical switching device for protection against electrical arcs comprises a tripping mechanism, a stationary contact carrier, a movable contact carrier, an exhaust vent, an arc runner, and an arc extinguishing barrier. The stationary contact carrier has a stationary contact mounted thereon, and the movable contact carrier has a movable contact mounted thereon. In response to an overcurrent condition, the tripping mechanism causes the movable contact carrier to rotate from a closed position to an open position, thereby generating an electrical arc. In the closed position the movable contact abuts the stationary contact, and in the open position the movable contact is separated from the stationary contact. The arc extinguishing barrier is composed of an outgassing material and is located between the stationary contact and a portion of the tripping mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 1995Date of Patent: March 4, 1997Assignee: Square D CompanyInventors: Robert J. Clark, Greg Ghere, Jeffrey M. Kaufman, Terry D. Repstien, Willard J. Rezac, Steven C. Wilgenbusch
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Patent number: 5495083Abstract: An electrical switch device with separable contacts is provided with a shunt conductor adapted to receive one end of the arc that is struck when the contacts separate after it has jumped a dielectric gap. The shunt conductor determines an interim arc current path in which is a current limiter device.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1994Date of Patent: February 27, 1996Assignee: Schneider Electric SAInventors: Juan Aymami-Pala, Joel Devautour, Jean-Pierre Guery, Michel Rapeaux
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Patent number: 5493091Abstract: An electromechanical switch of the contactor or circuit-breaker type with adjacent contacts, which are provided on respective mobile and fixed contact parts. This arrangement defines a narrow ionization slot which is maintained at the start of contact opening in order to cause a secondary arc to fire substantially perpendicular to the contact opening direction constituting a shunting arc to eliminate the time duration of the contacts and switch legs.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1994Date of Patent: February 20, 1996Assignee: Schneider Electric SAInventors: Joel Devautour, Jean-Pierre Guery, Herve Lefebvre