Operating Mechanism Structure Or Arrangement Patents (Class 218/153)
  • Patent number: 11430622
    Abstract: It is provided an interrupter assembly for power distribution systems that is improved in terms of at least one of compactness, durability, synchronicity and dielectric withstand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Lars Edvardsen, Robert Espeseth, Pål Skryten, Ganesh Shetiya
  • Patent number: 11004633
    Abstract: A three-pole polymeric switch with command and protection electronics integrated into a standalone device, wherein the medium voltage interruption element, the command, control and power supply circuits are self-powered by the primary network and installed in the potential. Protection, sectioning, fault indication and communication functions are integrated into the standalone device for use both as an automation device integrated into control centers, and as a protection device against transient currents from short-circuits. The device makes it possible to either reduce the interruption time of electric circuits, thus reducing interruptions during transient events, or isolate stretches when permanent events occur. The device contains a long-range communication radio, allowing long-distance communication by sending its status to control centers, reducing the time required for identifying problematic overhead distribution sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Inventors: Celso Garcia Lellis Junior, Ayres Antonio de Paes de Oliveira
  • Patent number: 9520699
    Abstract: An object is to provide a switchgear having a simple structure. To solve the problem, a switchgear according to the invention is characterized by having a fixed side electrode 3, a movable side electrode 4 configured to come into contact with or separate from the fixed side electrode 3, and an operating mechanism configured to allow drive force for movement of the movable side electrode 4 to be generated, wherein the operating mechanism for operating the movable side electrode 4 includes one operating mechanism, and the one operating mechanism allows the movable side electrode 4 to stop at three or more positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hajime Urai, Yasuaki Aoyama, Hiroaki Hashimoto, Tatsuro Kato, Ayumu Morita, Toshiaki Rokunohe, Yoichi Oshita
  • Publication number: 20150129554
    Abstract: An operating system for a circuit breaker includes a bail and a base that supports the circuit breaker and the bail. The bail extends around the circuit breaker and is pivotally attached to the base, such as by snap engagement. The bail and the base are made of an insulative plastic material such that the circuit breaker may vent hot gases, charged particles, plasma and the like without transferring charge to the operating system components. Additional features may be molded into the parts, such as supports and operators for auxiliary switches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Troy Micheal Bellows, Jacek Tomasz Pochopien, Krzysztof Adam Nowacki, Miroslaw Safian, Paul T. Krause, Todd Richard Sauve
  • Patent number: 8933360
    Abstract: A three-phase disconnect switch for a power distribution system that supplies three-phase power from a source through a main circuit breaker to multiple three-phase feeder circuits, includes three pairs of contacts adapted for connection to the three phase lines of a selected one of the feeder circuits for opening and closing each of the phase lines, and a movable actuator associated with the three pairs of contacts and responsive to a signal indicating the occurrence of an arcing fault in the selected feeder circuit for initially creating a short circuit across the three phase lines of the feeder circuit and then opening the contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Conrad Weiden
  • Patent number: 8933358
    Abstract: Disclosed are a power transmission device for a vacuum interrupter, and a vacuum breaker having the same. The device includes: a driving link coupled to an adjuster; a driven link coupled to a movable electrode of a vacuum interrupter; connection links configured to connect the driving link and the driven link with each other, and coupled to the driving link and the driven link such that an interval between the driving link and the driven link is varied; cams coupled to the connection links in a perpendicular direction; and cam guides having guide recesses for slidably coupling the cams, and configured to guide the interval between the driving link and the driven link to be changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: LSIS Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jae Min Yang
  • Patent number: 8913370
    Abstract: A spout assembly is provided. The spout assembly includes a spout and a spout base. The spout base has a cross-sectional area that is smaller than a spout sized to enclose an electrical switching apparatus electrical coupling. That is, the spout base includes a CT support surface with a cross-sectional area that is smaller than the spout cross-sectional area. Current transformers are disposed upon the spout base CT support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Smith, Brad Robert Leccia, Steven Z. Chen
  • Patent number: 8754730
    Abstract: An electromagnetically operated switching device according to the present invention includes a pair of electromagnetically operated mechanisms for driving a main circuit contact of a switch via a link mechanism symmetrically arranged with respect to an operational center axis, and a length of a spring retaining plate can be regulated in accordance with a change of a link ratio, which is caused by a design change of the main circuit contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Kimura, Tomotaka Yano
  • Patent number: 8664550
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a multi-pole circuit breaker with auxiliary supports, which comprises a base, a plurality of single-pole circuit breaking units, an operating mechanism and a rotation axis assembly, wherein the rotation axis assembly consists of a plurality of supporting assemblies and a plurality of support shaft parts in series; each of the support shaft parts is provided with a movable contact bridge; each of the supporting assembly consists of a rotation axis, an auxiliary support, an auxiliary support bearing and at least one supporting rod; the rotation axis maintains synchronous revolution with the support shaft parts; the outside of the bearing is tightly assembled with a bearing hole of the auxiliary support, while the inside is tightly assembled with the rotation axis; the supporting rod is tightly assembled with a supporting rod installing hole on the auxiliary support; the operating mechanism is fixedly connected with the supporting rod; and the supporting rod is fixedly installed o
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Noark Electrics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Denggui Ao, Shangjing Wei
  • Publication number: 20140054271
    Abstract: A three-phase disconnect switch for a power distribution system that supplies three-phase power from a source through a main circuit breaker to multiple three-phase feeder circuits, includes three pairs of contacts adapted for connection to the three phase lines of a selected one of the feeder circuits for opening and closing each of the phase lines, and a movable actuator associated with the three pairs of contacts and responsive to a signal indicating the occurrence of an arcing fault in the selected feeder circuit for initially creating a short circuit across the three phase lines of the feeder circuit and then opening the contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Conrad Weiden
  • Patent number: 8658931
    Abstract: A three-phase vacuum interrupter switch assembly for power distribution systems comprises an outer case having at least one window, a plurality of internal disconnect switch assemblies, and a plurality of vacuum interrupter bottle switch assemblies within the case. Each vacuum interrupter bottle switch is coupled in electrical series with a corresponding internal disconnect switch assembly. Because the open/closed state of a bottle switch is not directly observable owing to its sealed interior, a direct visible indication of the state of the three-phase vacuum interrupter switch assembly is provided by a visually detectable contact rod for each internal disconnect switch that is visible through the case window. To prevent potentially serious damage caused by arcing between the contacts of the internal disconnect switch, the internal disconnect switch is prevented from opening or closing when the bottle switches are closed. The case interior is preferably free of oil and/or SF6 gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Impact Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl Heller, Kuang-Chien Hu, Robert Sung, Patrick Lin
  • Patent number: 8642912
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vacuum circuit breaker. As a plurality of components of main circuit units are integrally formed as one module by molding using epoxy, the main circuit units are easily fabricated, and assembly errors are prevented. Since the main circuit units are arranged to be symmetrical to each other based on a driving unit, an insulation distance between a switchgear and the main circuit units can be obtained without increasing a size of the switchgear. This may allow the main circuit units to be easily arranged at the right side or at the left side according to an installation state of the switchgear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: LS Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dong Sik Lee
  • Patent number: 8592708
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hayato Hatanaka, Teyon Shin, Masahiko Fujita
  • 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: 8237076
    Abstract: A vacuum switch means a unit switch section comprising a pair of vacuum main circuit switches, an earth switch, operating rods for operating movable conductors of the main circuit vacuum switch and earth switch, and a molding case covering the main circuit switch, earth switch and the operating rods, wherein the operating rods are connectable with an operating mechanism, and the fixed conductors of the main circuit switch and earth switch are connected with bushing conductors. The main circuit vacuum switches are disposed in separate vacuum chambers. The movable conductors of the main circuit switches and electrically connected to each other via a transition conductor, and the movable conductors are operated synchronously by means of a transition rod connected to the transition rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Sato, Kenji Tsuchiya, Ayumu Morita
  • Patent number: 8168911
    Abstract: A circuit breaker having an arc quenching system is provided. The quenching system includes an ablative device positioned within a chamber. On end of the ablative device includes an opening that receives a stationary contact. A movable contact arm travels within a channel between the closed position and an open position. When an abnormal operating condition is detected, the circuit breaker trips causing the contact arm to move. This generates a plasma arc that evaporates material from the ablative device. The evaporated material generates a pressurized gas that cools and quenches the plasma arc to improve the performance of the circuit breaker during undesired operating conditions such as a short circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thangavelu Asokan, Ranjit Manohar Deshmukh, Ranganath Gururaj, Kamal Pandey
  • Patent number: 7910852
    Abstract: A medium voltage circuit interrupter includes a circuit interrupter housing and a plurality of poles. Each of the poles includes an encapsulated pole unit. The encapsulated pole unit includes a first unit having a first conductor, a second conductor, a vacuum interrupter electrically connected between the first conductor and the second conductor, and a first housing housing the vacuum interrupter. A removable second unit includes a third conductor, a fourth conductor having a first portion electrically connected to the third conductor and a second portion removably electrically connected to one of the first conductor and the second conductor, an electronic device structured to sense a characteristic of the pole, and a second insulative housing encapsulating the third conductor, the first portion of the fourth conductor and the electronic device. An operating mechanism is structured to open and close the vacuum interrupter of each of the poles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Z. Chen, James J. Benke, Zachary R. Jenkins, Xin Zhou
  • Patent number: 7897890
    Abstract: A vacuum insulated switchgear is provided with: an enclosure having a switch block defined by a grounded metal plate, a bus block positioned above the switch block, and a cable block positioned on the rear side of the bus block; a bus provided in the bus block and connected with a fixed contact of a vacuum double-break three-position switch; the vacuum double-break three-position switch provided in the switch block so that its movable contacts are positioned below its fixed contacts; an operating device provided in the switch block so as to be positioned below the vacuum double-break three-position switch; and a lever mechanism that couples together the movable contacts of the vacuum double-break three-position switch and the operating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuichi Kikukawa, Kenji Tsuchiya, Yuko Kajiyama
  • 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: 7750264
    Abstract: A high-voltage switch configuration having a subdivision housing, which is supported on a frame by an insulating supporting housing, and having a switch which is fitted to this subdivision housing and has an insulator, a switching chamber surrounded by the insulator, and disconnectible contacts which are accommodated in the switching chamber. The switch can be switched via a switching linkage that can be operated by a drive and is arranged within the supporting housing and the subdivision housing. At least three switches are attached to the subdivision housing, and each switch has a separate associated switching linkage with a separate drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Karsten Laskowski, Manfred Meinherz
  • Patent number: 7705262
    Abstract: A first switch (10) has a first pair of contacts (12, 14) that are mounted to move relative to each other in translation. A circuit-breaker second switch (20) has a second pair of contacts (21, 24) that are mounted to move relative to each other in translation, the second switch (20) being put in parallel with the first switch (10). A disconnector third switch (30) has a third pair of contacts (32, 34) that are mounted to move relative to each other. Synchronization means (50, 50?) make it possible, while breaking is taking place, for the contacts of the first switch (10) to separate before the contacts of the second switch (20) separate, the contacts of the second switch themselves separating before the third contacts (32, 34) separate fully. The synchronization means are actuated by a servomotor (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Areva T&D SA
    Inventors: Xavier Allaire, Denis Frigiere, Jean-Marc Willieme
  • Patent number: 7696447
    Abstract: A stored energy assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The stored energy assembly includes a mount removably coupled to the circuit breaker housing. A stored energy mechanism, such as a spring, is coupled to the mount and is movable among charged and discharged positions. An actuating element is cooperable with the gears of a gear assembly in order to move among first and second positions corresponding to the spring being disposed in the charged and discharged positions, respectively. A manual charging mechanism and an automatic charging mechanism are coupled to the gear assembly, and move the gears, in order to move the actuating element and charge the spring. The spring, the actuating element, the gear assembly, and the charging mechanisms are coupled to the mount, thereby forming a sub-assembly. The sub-assembly is removeably coupled to the circuit breaker housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Z. Chen, James J. Benke, Alan K. Edmunds, Daniel E. Palmieri, Paul T. Bottegal
  • Patent number: 7598468
    Abstract: A time delay mechanism is provided for a circuit breaker stored energy assembly including a mount, a spring coupled to the mount, at least one charging mechanism for charging the spring to store energy, at least one actuator for releasing the stored energy, and a drive assembly for transferring the stored energy into movement of the circuit breaker operating mechanism. First and second trip shafts of the time delay mechanism are pivotably coupled to the mount. Linking elements interconnect the first and second trip shafts. A trip catch and a drive lever are coupled to the first trip shaft. The linking elements and a damper, which is connected to the drive lever, contribute to a delay from a first time that the first trip shaft initially moves, to a second time that the second trip shaft moves to release the trip catch. The damper is adjustable to adjust the delay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Z. Chen, James J. Benke, Collin C. Otis
  • Patent number: 7545245
    Abstract: A manual opening device is for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a synchronous circuit breaker, including a housing having an opening, a plurality of pole mechanisms each comprising separable contacts, and at least one operating mechanism including a number of actuators adapted to open and close the separable contacts. The operating mechanism is supported by the housing and includes a corresponding pole shaft. The manual opening device comprises an operating handle, a cam assembly, and a drive assembly. A first end of the operating handle protrudes through the opening of the housing and the second end is coupled to the cam assembly. The drive assembly couples the cam assembly to the corresponding pole shaft of the operating mechanism and cooperates with the corresponding pole shaft and actuators to simultaneously open the separable contacts when the operating handle is moved from a first position to a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Xin Zhou, Brad R. Leccia, Paul J. Rollmann
  • Patent number: 7534976
    Abstract: A vacuum recloser including a first connection section adapted to connect to a first electrical conductor; a second connection section mechanically connected to the first connection section; and an arm connected between the first and second connection sections. The second connection section is adapted to connect to a second electrical conductor. The arm includes a vacuum bottle section with contacts that are movable into and out of contact with each other for respectively electrically connecting and disconnecting the first and second connection sections with each other. The arm is movable to electrically disconnect the vacuum bottle section from one of the connection sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: FCI Americas Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Bernard C. Crutcher
  • Patent number: 7479612
    Abstract: A circuit breaker and/or earthing switch are disclosed wherein a rotatable spindle nut, which is mounted in a spindle housing, displaces a spindle in a translatory manner, thus displacing contact elements of the switching device. The spindle actuates a contact pin that is configured in a contact carrier by a connection yoke that is common to all phases or poles and an isolating bar for each phase or pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Waldi, Kuno Hug, Thomas Betz, Volker Thomas, Henrich Neumaier, Peter Klonecki, Christian Ries
  • Patent number: 7457105
    Abstract: A vacuum switchgear system, which comprises a plurality of vacuum switchgears each comprising a vacuum container for accommodating the desired number of vacuum switches selected from a disconnecting switch or load break switch, an earth switch and an vacuum circuit breaker. Each of the vacuum switches has connecting terminals. The switchgears constitute different types of switchgears, the switchgears being classified into the power receiving side and power distribution side. The switchgears are connected with the adjoining switchgear or an element selected from an arrester and a PCT by means of an insulated connecting conductor having terminals around both ends thereof. The terminals are electrically connectable with and detachable from the connecting terminals of the switchgears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuuichi Kikukawa, Kenji Tsuchiya, Satoru Kajiwara, Masato Kobayashi, Yoshiki Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 7238909
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes line and load ends and separable contacts electrically disposed between the line and load ends. A movable arm carries a movable contact and includes an elongated body having a first general longitudinal axis and an offset disposed at one end. The offset displaces the movable contact relative to the first general longitudinal axis. A line conductor carries a fixed contact and is electrically connected between the line end and the movable contact. The line conductor includes a bend portion structured to increase a gap between the separable contacts in the open position. The bend portion forms an angle which is substantially greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees between the fixed contact and the second general longitudinal axis, which is generally parallel to the first longitudinal axis in the closed position. An arc chute is disposed proximate the separable contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: William E. Beatty, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7238910
    Abstract: A crossbar assist mechanism is for a circuit breaker including a housing, a movable contact, a stationary contact, and an operating mechanism. The operating mechanism includes a crossbar, a carrier coupled to the crossbar, and a movable contact arm which is pivotably cooperable with the carrier. The movable contact is disposed on the movable contact arm. The crossbar moves the carrier and the movable contact arm, thereby moving the movable contact into and out of electrical contact with the stationary contact. The crossbar assist mechanism includes an electrically conductive member electrically interconnecting the carrier and the movable contact arm to a load terminal. A spring disposed between the crossbar and the electrically conductive member biases the crossbar from a first position corresponding to the movable contact and the stationary contact being separated, toward a second position corresponding to the movable contact being in electrical contact with the stationary contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Michael P. Puskar, Robert W. Mueller, William E. Beatty, Kenneth D. Kolberg
  • Patent number: 7202437
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing having a first insulating portion, a line end, a load end and a pair of separable contacts electrically disposed between the line end and the load end. An operating mechanism includes a second insulating portion and a movable arm carrying one of the separable contacts. The operating mechanism is structured to move the separable contacts between an open position and a closed position. A shunt is electrically interconnected between the movable arm and one of the line and load ends. The first insulating portion is disposed between the separable contacts and a portion of the shunt. The first and second insulating portions cooperate at or about the closed position of the separable contacts to prevent an arc from passing from the separable contacts to the conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Craig A. Rodgers, Mark O. Zindler
  • Patent number: 7186942
    Abstract: A vacuum circuit interrupter includes a line conductor, a vacuum interrupter, a load conductor, a ground conductor and an operating mechanism. The vacuum interrupter includes a fixed conductor and a vacuum envelope containing a fixed contact and a movable contact movable between a closed circuit position in electrical connection with the fixed contact and an open circuit position spaced apart from the fixed contact. The fixed conductor is outside of the vacuum envelope and is electrically connected to the fixed contact. The load conductor is electrically connected to the movable contact. The operating mechanism is structured to: open and close the fixed and movable contacts, and move the vacuum interrupter and the fixed conductor thereof between a first position wherein the fixed conductor is electrically connected to the line conductor, and a second position wherein the fixed conductor is electrically connected to the ground conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Paul G. Slade, Erik D. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7141751
    Abstract: Disclosed is a breaker for providing successive trip mechanism based on PTC current-limiting device, which includes a first switch having first fixed/movable contact points; a second switch having second fixed/movable contact and connected to the first switch in parallel; PTC current-limiting device connected to the first and second switches in parallel or series and allowing a change of current flow direction from the first switch to the second switch at a fault current; a movable arm to which the movable contact points are installed at an interval therebetween and opening/closing the switches by operating the movable contact points; a fixed arm including first and second fixed arm conductors for guiding current flow toward the first fixed contact point in a normal load current mode and guiding current flow toward the second fixed contact point via the PTC current-limiting device in a fault current mode; and a successive trip means for elastically biasing the second switch by operation of the movable arm in
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: LS Cable Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong-Sung Kang, Yun-Hyuk Kwon, Seok-Hyun Nam, Bang-Wook Lee, Won-Joon Choi
  • Patent number: 7053326
    Abstract: In an integrated type gas-insulated switching apparatus, a plurality of switching devices are provided. Each of switching devices includes a contact and an insulated container in which the contact is contained. The contact comprises electrodes adapted to be contacted with each other and separated therefrom. The insulated container is filled with an insulating gas. A conductive container is provided, to which the plurality of switching devices are connected, respectively. An insulated structure supports the conductive container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Sachio Muraki, Hiroshi Murase, Reiji Ohara, Akio Kobayashi, Hirokazu Takagi
  • Patent number: 7038157
    Abstract: Vacuum circuit breaker, provided with a casing, in which a fixed and movable contact member are each attached to a supporting contact rod and supported therein in a mutually electrically isolated manner, and a coil coaxial to the casing and surrounding the contact members and having end connections. A first end connection of the coil is connected to one of the contact members. The contact member to which the first end connection of the coil is connected is coupled via a first coupling element to a feeder or outgoer connection of the vacuum circuit breaker. The second end connection of the coil is coupled via a second coupling element to the feeder or outgoer connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Eaton Electric N.V.
    Inventors: Martin Bernardus Johannes Leusenkamp, Johannes Hermannus Laurentius Antonius Hilderink
  • 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: 6943307
    Abstract: The switching device for switching high electrical currents and voltages has at least one switch pole (1, 1?, 1?) which is operated by means of a rotatable shaft (8, 8?, 8?). Furthermore, the switching device has at least one lever system (10, 10?, 10?), a first switching linkage (11) and at least one drive (2) with a drive rod (24), with the rotatable shaft (8, 8?, 8?) being connected to the lever system (10, 10?, 10?), the lever system (10, 10?, 10?) being connected to the first switching linkage (11), and the first switching linkage (11) being operatively connected to the drive rod (24). Movements of the drive rod (24) are converted to rotary movements of the rotatable shaft (8, 8?, 8?). The physical space which is required for installation of the switching device is intended to be capable of being matched to the physical circumstances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Alstom Technology, Ltd.
    Inventors: Olaf Hunger, Kurt Dahinden, Thomas Schoenemann
  • Patent number: 6930271
    Abstract: A power circuit interrupter includes a housing having an opening, one or more vacuum interrupters including separable contacts, and an operating mechanism, supported by the housing, adapted to open and close the contacts. A linear actuator cooperates with the operating mechanism to open and close the contacts, and is responsive to a close signal to close the contacts. A pivotable trip member protrudes through the opening of the housing and cooperates with the operating mechanism and the linear actuator to open the contacts when pivoted from a first position to a second position. A close circuit includes an input inputting the close signal. A micro-switch includes an operator and a contact electrically connected in series with the input of the close circuit. The operator is engaged by the pivotable trip member to open the contact in response to partial pivoting thereof from the first position toward the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel E. Palmieri, Robert N. Krevokuch, Brad R. Leccia, John J. Hoegle, Henry J. Remic
  • Patent number: 6784393
    Abstract: An arc quenching device for an air-switching low-voltage switching device includes quenching plates, which are arranged between and attached to parallel insulating walls, as well as a cover. A separate cooling device may be introduced into the space between the quenching plates and the cover. The cooling device is in the form of an insert cartridge and contains deionization technology for switching gases. Attachment pins on the cooling device and corresponding holding openings on the inside of the cover make it possible to fit the cooling device to the cover before this cover engages with the insulating walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Bach, Guenter Seidler-Stahl, Sezai Tuerkman, Detlev Schmidt, Ingo Thiede, Artur Wajnberg
  • Patent number: 6759617
    Abstract: A vacuum circuit breaker includes a plurality of switching mechanism units having movable contacts and stationary contacts for connecting/breaking an electrical circuit between an electric source and an electric load, respectively, and disposed in a lengthwise direction; an actuator unit including at least one rotary shaft for providing the movable contacts with dynamic power so as to move to positions contacting the stationary contacts or positions separating from the stationary contacts; a supporting frame for fixing and supporting the switching mechanism units and the actuator unit; and a transfer link unit for transferring rotating movement of the rotary shaft to a plurality of vertical movements, whereby the vacuum circuit breaker can be easily installed in a power distributing cabinet and the power of the actuator unit can be evenly transmitted to the plurality of switching mechanism units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: LG Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seok Jung Yoon
  • Patent number: 6686553
    Abstract: A three-phase encapsulated high-voltage circuit breaker for outdoor use, whose interrupter units are arranged in a tubular switch housing which is arranged horizontally. Phase connections of the interrupter units are passed vertically and together through in each case one connecting flange, with each connecting flange having an associated splitting module which is fitted with outdoor bushings. Each phase connection has an associated current transformer, and these items are located within the housing and are attached to the respective splitting module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Manfred Meinherz
  • Publication number: 20030000925
    Abstract: An arc chamber for low-voltage circuit breakers, whose particularity consists of the fact that it comprises: multiple substantially U-shaped metallic plates; an enclosure made of insulating material which is substantially shaped like a parallelepiped and comprises two side walls, a bottom wall, a top wall and a rear wall, the side walls having, on the inside, multiple mutually opposite slots for the insertion of the metal plates, the bottom and top walls each having at least one opening and the enclosure being open at the front.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Lucio Azzola, Michele Ferrari
  • Patent number: 6483066
    Abstract: The invention relates to switchgear with switching devices that can be controlled by magnetic drive devices, especially vacuum circuit breakers, wherein the switching devices are arranged by blocks in a housing in correspondence with the number of phases to be switched, said housing enclosing the switching devices on three sides and said devices being releasably fixed by screws in the housing by a top and a bottom contact connection piece. The switching devices (VS) have separate housings that are formed by pole shells (PS) arranged as a mirror image of each other and the top and bottom contact connecting piece (KAo, KAu) form a top and a bottom cooling body (KKo, KKu) which are releasably fixed between separately arranged vacuum circuit breaker fixing webs (VB . . . ) of the pole shells (PS), wherein the top cooling body (KKo) is fitted in the peripheral area of the switching devices (VS) with ventilation slots (LS . . .
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Erk, Hartmut Schöntag, Andreas Stelzer, Reinhard Zeuke
  • Patent number: 6437276
    Abstract: A three-phase-encapsulated high-voltage circuit breaker, arranged horizontally and with a compact construction, is intended to have as small a physical height as possible and to require as small an installation area as possible. To this end, the tubular switch enclosure is provided at each of its ends with a connecting flange for horizontal connection of a surface-mounted enclosure. The drive device is attached to a mounting flange in the casing region of the switch enclosure. The circuit breaker poles are supported via insulating posts on the casing of the switch enclosure and are in the form of bushings for the coupling elements which are connected to the drive device. The power movement of a lever drive arranged downstream of a coupling element passes via a direction-changing lever which is mounted in the respective circuit breaker pole. The internal construction of such a circuit breaker may also be applied to single-phase-encapsulated circuit breakers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bernd Bruchmann, Manfred Meinherz, Bernd Raeth, Michael Suhr
  • Patent number: 6380504
    Abstract: In a high-voltage circuit breaker, in particular having three poles, each circuit-breaker pole having at least one interrupter unit whose actuatable switching contact can be actuated by a joint actuating mechanism via a switching rod so that in the event of a closing operation there is a time delay at least between the closing of the interrupter units of two circuit-breaker poles. The switching rods of the second and/or third circuit-breaker pole are connected to the actuating mechanism via spring elements that are compressible in the event of a closing operation and expand after contact has been made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Christian Klocke, Gunnar Lutzke
  • Patent number: 6362444
    Abstract: A gas insulating switchgear comprising: a first switching unit for connecting or breaking an electric circuit between a power source and a load; a second switching unit being mechanically and electrically connected with the first switching unit and being selectively movable to an electrically conducting position, an electrically breaking position or an electrically grounding position; and an actuator being connected to supply a driving force to the second switching unit so that the second switching unit can be moved. In case that the gas insulating switch gear is applied to a switchgear having a rated insulating breakage voltage level of 125 KV, the switch gear can have a rated breakage insulating voltage of more than 125 KV (150 KV) by using the vacuum interrupter and the second switching unit each having the rated insulating voltage level of about 75 KV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: LG Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seok Won Lee
  • Patent number: 6337449
    Abstract: A low-voltage limiting circuit breaker comprises a stationary contact part and a movable contact part itself comprising a support pivoting around a fixed axis between a closed position and an open position, a contact finger pivoting around a fixed axis between a non-repelled position and a repelled position, and a bistable device comprising a spring arranged between the support and the finger. When the finger is positioned in its repelled position and the support pivots from its closed position to its open position, it drives the finger to its non-repelled position. A part of the energy necessary to pass the dead point of the bistable device is provided by a spring which urges the support to its open position only at the beginning of opening, which enables the opening spring of the circuit breaker not to be overdimensioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Square d Company
    Inventors: Alain Brouillat, Jean-Philippe Herpin
  • Patent number: 6313424
    Abstract: A multipoint switch, especially for high voltage, having identically configured interrupter units (2, 3, 4), the pivoting contacts (10) of which are connected to a common drive (44) by a linkage mechanism (50, 60, 71) associated with the interrupter unit (2, 3, 4) and by a drive linkage (47), whereby the linkage mechanisms (50, 60, 71) of all interrupter units (2, 3, 4) are identically configured and are moved back and forth between the on- and off-position by the drive. Each linkage mechanism (50, 60, 71) includes a rocker arm (21, 65) attached to a pivoting shaft (20, 64) and a connecting rod (22, 63) articulated to it and to the pivoting contact. A rocker link (27, 66) is arranged on the pivoting shaft (20, 64), which under combined action is connected to the drive linkage (47) with at least another linkage mechanism (32, 33, 36, 62, 70). Two operatively combined links of the linkage mechanism (50, 60, 71) take a position at least close to a stable position in the on- and off-position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Gec Alsthom T&D AG
    Inventor: Felix H. Bachofen
  • 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: 6268579
    Abstract: A vacuum switch gear provided with a vacuum container grounded within a grounded vacuum container or a gas-insulated ground container, and a pair of buses connected to an external conductor of the switch gear. A portion for connecting the buses and the external conductor is interface insulation in which an elastic body and solid insulation are utilized in combination. The interface insulation performs adhering and tightening work by rotating an adjuster from the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoru Kajiwara, Toru Tanimizu, Yoshiyasu Watanabe, Yozo Shibata, Ayumu Morita
  • Patent number: 6242708
    Abstract: A modular three position vacuum isolator switch that is operable to connect a stationary contact to either of two moveable contacts or an intermediate position which is out of electrical engagement with either of the moveable contacts. One of the moveable contacts is grounded and the other is connected a power source. The stationary contact is connected to two electrical connectors. One of the two electrical connectors is connected to a breaker and the second is connected to a corresponding input on a second similar isolator switch model, which itself is connected to a second line source. The stationary contact is connected to the circuit interrupter for connecting the circuit interrupter to either of the two line sources, to ground, or to isolate the circuit interrupter by placing the isolator switch module in the intermediate position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Francois J. Marchand, George Alfred Hodkin, Trevor Brian Marshall, Norman Davies, Peter J. Theisen