Magnetic Blowout Patents (Class 218/22)
  • Patent number: 11587749
    Abstract: A contact unit for a switching device includes: a first fixed contact; a second fixed contact; a contact bridge; a first movable contact and a second movable contact that are arranged at the contact bridge; a first arc extinguishing chamber, a second arc extinguishing chamber, and a third arc extinguishing chamber; and an arc guiding system. The first fixed contact is in contact with the first movable contact and the second fixed contact is in contact with the second movable contact in a switched-on state of the contact unit. The first fixed contact is free of contact with the first movable contact and the second fixed contact is free of contact with the second movable contact in a switched-off state of the contact unit. The first and the second arc extinguishing chamber and the arc guiding system in coordination with each other extinguish a first arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Volker Lang, Albert Zacharias, Christian Ruempler, Kai Schroeder, Ute Molitor
  • Patent number: 11145473
    Abstract: An improved breaker for high current or voltage applications, for instance industrial and/or railways applications, is provided wherein a high current must be switched on/off or interrupted with high efficiency and extremely fast intervention times. The breaker may include a base portion including an activating mechanism including a holding mechanism and a release mechanism, an intermediate switching or breaking contact portion, including fixed contacts and movable contacts, and a top arc chute extinguishing portion covering the intermediate switching or breaking contact portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Inventors: Marco Corna, Lorenzo Stendardi, Claudio Mondellini
  • Patent number: 10833555
    Abstract: A rotary motor capable of reducing repulsive force is disclosed. The rotary motor comprises a housing, a stator located in the housing and configured to have a shape of a cylinder on which a central part is penetrated, and a rotator configured to rotate in the stator. Here, the stator rotates clockwise or counterclockwise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: FOUNDATION OF SOONGSIL UNIVERSITY INDUSTRY COOPERATION
    Inventor: Hyeong Joon Ahn
  • Patent number: 10650993
    Abstract: An electronic circuit breaker comprises an arc interruption mechanism that would enhance arc attraction to arc plates and would reduce the possibilities of an arc escaping from the arc plates. The arc interruption mechanism includes an enhanced arc extinguishing chamber. The arc extinguishing chamber includes a plurality of arc plates having first and second sides. The circuit breaker further comprises a stationary contact plate that includes a first arc runner disposed near the first side of the plurality of arc plates. The circuit breaker further comprises a load terminal that includes a second arc runner disposed near the second side of the plurality of arc plates. As an arc is attracted by the plurality of arc plates and the arc enters the plurality of arc plates, a length of a current path associated with the arc is reduced through the first arc runner and the second arc runner by reducing a resistance of the current path for the arc or by reducing a voltage across the circuit breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: SIEMENS INDUSTRY, INC.
    Inventors: Raiden Jay Kim, Guang Yang
  • Patent number: 10262818
    Abstract: A switch includes a first switch (100) including a first fixed contact (111) and a first movable contact (121) and a second switch (200) including a second fixed contact (211) and a second movable contact (221). The first fixed contact (111) and the first movable contact (121) come into contact and the second fixed contact (211) and the second movable contact (221) come into contact to turn on the switch. A magnet (320) is installed between the first switch (100) and the second switch (200).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: FUJITSU COMPONENT LIMITED
    Inventor: Daiei Iwamoto
  • Patent number: 10211003
    Abstract: A DC voltage circuit interrupter that provides polarity insensitive arc suppression. The circuit interrupter includes two permanent magnets that are positioned in proximity to each of the contacts in the circuit interrupter and is designed to urge an arc that develops between the contacts either toward a first arc extinguisher or a second arc extinguisher depending on the polarity of the applied DC voltage. The circuit interrupter being quick to assemble, light-weight and relatively inexpensive and easy to mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Carling Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Fasano
  • Patent number: 9972469
    Abstract: A carrier shaft with a modular structure for an electromechanical switching device of an embodiment includes at least one first carrier module, at least one second carrier module and at least one connecting module, arranged in a torsion-inhibiting manner between the at least one first carrier module and the at least one second carrier module. The connecting module includes a main body and at least one connecting device and the connecting device are arranged in the main body, the at least one first carrier module and the at least one second carrier module. Another embodiment relates to an electromechanical switching device with the carrier shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Pavel Naiman, Milos Petracek, Daniel Vavra, Christoph Weber
  • Patent number: 9887050
    Abstract: Circuit breakers with a metal arc chute having a base and sidewalls extending outward from the base forming an open cavity, a movable arm holding a movable contact adjacent to the arc chute, a line conductor electrically connected to a stationary contact residing adjacent to the arc chute facing the movable contact and a overlay material of reduced electrical conductivity attached to the arc chute and residing in the cavity of the arc chute between the stationary and movable contacts. The overlay material can be a solid three-dimensional shaped insert/molded member with a cavity and/or an overmolded material directly attached to the metal arc chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Michael Cox, Jeffrey Wayne Lockhart, Edward Lias
  • Patent number: 9552945
    Abstract: A direct current switch with a device for arc extinction independent of current direction includes at least two interconnected switch units, each switch unit having at least one current path having an interruption surface and having at least two switch contact elements for forming the interruption surface. An arc extinction device is associated with one or a plurality of current paths of the switch units. Devices for magnetic field generation are included, each generated magnetic field being assigned to different switch units' interruption surface and oriented such that its field lines run transversally to the respective interruption surface. Given a current flow direction, deflection forces of at least two generated magnetic fields act through flow paths contrary to arcs extending longitudinally to respective interruption surface such that an arc is deflected towards the arc extinction device and a further arc is deflected away from the arc extinction device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: EATON ELECTRICAL IP GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Axel Britz
  • Patent number: 9460870
    Abstract: An arc extinguishing chamber includes an arc formation chamber containing a stationary contact and a movable contact which form an arc between them when separated. The arc formation chamber communicates with an inlet of a second chamber. A separating wall is placed in a volume downstream from said second chamber. The wall extends in the direction of the gas flow to partition the volume in the direction of the flow of the gases and exhaust outlets enabling the quenching gases to be removed outside of the apparatus. The separating wall(s) extend(s) in such a way as to partition in the direction of the flow to the outlets and to thereby form at least a first removal duct and a second removal duct, said ducts each being associated with an exhaust outlet and enabling a substantially complete separation to be achieved between a first flow and a second flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES SAS
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Ramirez, Herve Vallier, Benoit Hage, Loic Rondot
  • Patent number: 9324528
    Abstract: A magnetic trip mechanism for a circuit breaker includes an electrically conductive strap having a first wall portion and a second wall portion that define an interior space therebetween. Also included is a flux block disposed at least partially within the interior space, and movable in response to a short circuit condition of the circuit breaker. Further included is a trip lever operatively coupled to the flux block. Yet further included is a trip latch moveable between a latched condition and an unlatched condition with a handle, wherein rotation of the trip lever occurs in response to the short circuit condition and causes movement from the flux block to actuate the trip latch to the unlatched condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Mahadeva Mittu, Gajendra Vijaykumar Kadam, Mahesh Jaywant Rane, Hemraj Keda Thorat, Anurag Arjundas Jivanani
  • Patent number: 8921728
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Eaton Electrical IP GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Volker Lang, Lutz Friedrichsen
  • Patent number: 8902026
    Abstract: To provide an electric current switching apparatus having a fixed-side electrode unit and a movable-side electrode unit that are arranged to align central axes thereof with each other and to face each other, in which a movable contact provided in the movable-side electrode unit reciprocates on the central axis to contact or separate from a fixed-side contact provided in the fixed-side electrode unit, thereby switching electric current flowing through these electrode units, the electric current switching apparatus including a plurality of permanent magnets that are provided in at least one of the fixed-side electrode unit and the movable-side electrode unit, that have bodies arranged on the central axis to align magnetizing directions thereof with the central axis, and that are arranged to cause same poles of adjacent ones of the permanent magnets to face each other as if butting with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Daisuke Fujita, Hironori Kashiwagi, Shinichiro Nakauchi
  • Publication number: 20140319099
    Abstract: A switching device for direct current applications having a first switching chamber for a first current path and a second switching chamber for a second current path, each current path having a switching contact arrangement having a first and second contact, wherein both the contacts, switched-on, come into contact with each other and, switched-off, are kept out of contact with each other by the creation of an isolation gap; a current path having an extinguishing device to extinguish an arc created between the contacts; an arc driver arrangement, arranged in one of the two switching chambers, and which creates a magnetic field at least in the area of the switching contact arrangement for the relevant current path that drives the arc into the relevant extinguishing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: EATON ELECTRICAL IP GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Guenther Baujan, Klaus Dauer
  • Patent number: 8822866
    Abstract: A circuit interrupter has a first contact, a second contact movable with respect to the first contact, an arcing chamber, and an arc splitter. The arc splitter is located on a first side of the first contact, as is an arc runner. An electrical conductor is connected to the arc runner having a first portion running from the first side of the first contact towards a second side of the first contact, the second side being opposite the first side with respect to the first contact. A second portion is connected to the first portion and the second contact; the second portion is located on the second side of the first contact. A current running through the arc runner and the electrical conductor generates a magnetic force on the arc moving the arc toward the arc splitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Carling Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Fasano
  • Patent number: 8809722
    Abstract: Circuit breakers having an electrical contact assembly with a moving electrical contact that is linearly translatable within an inner cavity are disclosed. A guide linearly carries a moveable contact assembly having the moving electrical contact and the guide has one or more guide supports accessible by a drive member external to the cavity. According to another aspect, a circuit breaker electrical contact assembly and method of operating a circuit breaker is provided, as are other aspects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Hai Chen, Hector Malacara, Justin Cyle Bennett
  • Publication number: 20140166620
    Abstract: A polarity-independent switching device for carrying and disconnecting high DC currents has a gastight, encapsulated, electrically insulating housing which can be filled with an insulating gas, and at least one pair of contacts disposed in the housing and made up of a fixed contact and a mobile contact. The two contacts are in contact with each other in a switched-on state of the switching device and are not in contact in a switch-off state of the switching device. An arc driver arrangement is included which generates a magnetic field at least in the region of the pair of contacts, as well as a first arc routing arrangement with which an arc produced between the contacts is guided in a first current direction to a quenching area arranged at a distance from the contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventors: Karsten Gerving, Volker Lang, Johannes Meissner, Ralf Thar
  • Patent number: 8711547
    Abstract: A contact bus bar assembly for supplying power to a load, and further pertains to a switching device which can be connected to such a compact bus bar assembly, and to a power distribution system. The bus bar assembly includes at least two electrically conductive tracks which are at least partly covered by an electrically insulating cover. An outer surface of said insulating cover is provided with a plurality of ribs arranged in a region connecting pin terminals. The switching device may additionally comprise a separating element provided with a plurality of second ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation AG
    Inventors: Thomas Strebel Marzano, Willy Feller
  • Patent number: 8664553
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitsu Component Limited
    Inventors: Takashi Yuba, Daiei Iwamoto, SeungSeok Beak, Koichi Kiryu, Akio Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8487721
    Abstract: A circuit interruption device includes a conductive element configured to be coupled to a circuit, a contact arm configured to move with respect to the conductive element between a first position and a second position, and a biasing element configured to apply a biasing force on the contact arm to maintain contact between the contact arm and the conductive element when the contact arm is in the first position, wherein the contact arm is configured such that a current flow through the contact arm causes an electromagnetic repulsive force to act on the contact arm in a second direction that is opposite the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Praneeth Kumar Madamshetty
  • Publication number: 20130167753
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a power contactor from an existing contactor having a magnetic amplifier that comprises a blowout coil and a ferromagnetic core, and an arc chute for extinguishing an arc generated by opening the existing contactor under a current load is disclosed. The method includes removing a bolt assembly from the existing contactor and at least one side plate from the existing contactor. The method also includes removing the ferromagnetic core from the existing contactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventors: John Franklin Kral, Sidarta Fornari Beltramin
  • Patent number: 8445803
    Abstract: An electrical switching device and method are disclosed. The electrical switching device can include two movable contacts. During opening of the switching device, the two movable contacts move in a first direction until one of the movable contacts engages a blocking member. The other movable contact continues in the first direction, effecting opening of the switching device. In a particular implementation, the movable contact that engages the blocking member ā€œbouncesā€ in a second direction after contacting the blocking member. This causes the contacts of the switching device to be separated very quickly, reducing electrical arcing during opening of the switching device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Itron, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Cavailles
  • Publication number: 20130062313
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a gas circuit breaker switch (5) which can be integrated inside a switching device insulated in a dielectric gas, said switch (5) comprising an arc chute (1) inside which a fixed contact (3) and a moving contact (4) are arranged. The integration of the contacts (3, 4) inside at least one casing (19, 20) corresponding to the arc chute (1) allows reducing distances between phases, in addition to preventing any incident in one phase from affecting the remaining phases, and finally more compact electrical equipment is obtained. The switch (5) also comprises at least one generation means (6) for generating at least one gas, at least one blowout/intake means (7) for at least one extinguishing gas and at least one generation means (2) for generating a magnetic field, such that the electric arc generated between the contacts (3, 4) of the switch (5) can be extinguished by combining said means (6, 7, 2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2010
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Norberto Sainz De La Maza Escobal, Juan MarĆ­a Casado CartĆ³n, JosĆ© Manuel Inchausti Sancho, JosĆ© MarĆ­a Torres Novalbos
  • Publication number: 20130021711
    Abstract: A residual current protection device comprises: an arc guiding plate, which is configured to guiding an arc generated during contacts breaking to an arc extinguishing unit. Wherein, the arc extinguishing unit includes an arc extinguishing channel, configured to extinguish the arc; and an enhanced arc extinguisher, disposed between the extinguishing channel and the arc guiding plate, for impelling the arc into the extinguishing channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: ABB SpA
    Inventors: Xinxia Gao, Wei Jiang, Lizhong Ji
  • Patent number: 8334740
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Ramsey Annis, Robert Alfred Duchrow, Theodore John Houck, III, James Peter Miller
  • Patent number: 8263891
    Abstract: An electric switching arrangement disposable in an arcing chamber, the electric switching arrangement including a busbar having a termination surface, a moving contact, a fixed contact carrier having a contact facing carrier, and a fixed contact disposed on the fixed contact carrier at a distance from the termination surface and coupled to the termination surface. The electric switching arrangement further including a ferromagnetic switch arc splitter non-positively disposed on the fixed contact carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Eaton Industries GmbH
    Inventors: Volker Heins, Hartwig Stammberger, Bogdan Zabrocki, Markus Brich
  • Publication number: 20120181254
    Abstract: A design for a winding is based on a material of low electrical resistance, such as copper, and of a diameter typically greater than 90 mm, intended to generate a magnetic field in an electrical contact for a medium voltage vacuum circuit-breaker. The winding includes a hollow cylinder including helical slots that are empty of material, arranged in parallel around its longitudinal axis, and that open out both to the hollow and to the outside of the cylinder. The angular length of each helical slot is equal to at least 360Ā°. The design makes it possible to increase the level of the axial magnetic field (AMF) obtained by the winding(s) incorporated into an electrical contact of a vacuum circuit-breaker while improving uniformity, symmetry of the field, and production cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC ENERGY FRANCE
    Inventor: Said Kantas
  • Publication number: 20120037598
    Abstract: A circuit interrupter has a first contact, a second contact movable with respect to the first contact, an arcing chamber, and an arc splitter. The arc splitter is located on a first side of the first contact, as is an arc runner. An electrical conductor is connected to the arc runner having a first portion running from the first side of the first contact towards a second side of the first contact, the second side being opposite the first side with respect to the first contact. A second portion is connected to the first portion and the second contact; the second portion is located on the second side of the first contact. A current running through the arc runner and the electrical conductor generates a magnetic force on the arc moving the arc toward the arc splitter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Fasano
  • Patent number: 7948336
    Abstract: A mold cased circuit breaker is disclosed that enables a user to easily discern an actually connected state between stationary contactors and movable contactors and forcibly separates a connection therebetween if there arises electrical fault, wherein the circuit breaker comprises: a first isolation link hinged at a lower end thereof to a shaft unit and selectively engaged at an upper end thereof with a lateral surface of a lever; a second isolation link centrally formed with an oblong hole for accommodating a guide pin protruded on a side plate and linked at one end thereof to an upper end of the first isolation link; and an isolation lever adjacently positioned at one end thereof to the other end of the second isolation link, and so positioned at the other end thereof as to selectively engage with a nail, and rotatably mounted at the side plate to rotate the nail by way of operation of the second isolation link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: LS Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jin Young Park
  • Patent number: 7915985
    Abstract: A switching device for direct-current applications includes a housing having a first wall and a second wall, a plurality of receiving areas for respective mutually substantially parallel current paths disposed in the housing. Each of the current paths has a respective stationary switching contact element and a respective movable switching contact element, the movable switching element being actuatable into a closed position and into an open position so as to form a respective air break, the respective movable switching contact elements being actuatable simultaneously. The switching device includes a plurality of arc-quenching devices associated with the current paths and disposed next to each other, and at least one magnet. The at least one magnet is configured to generate a magnetic field so as to generate a deflection force on the arcs so as to deflect the respective arcs toward at least one of the respective arc-quenching devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Eaton Industries GmbH
    Inventors: Gerd Schmitz, Volker Lang, Wolfgang Kremers, Lothar Winzen
  • Publication number: 20100288732
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical switching arrangement which is arranged in a switching chamber, comprising at least one contact arrangement comprising a moving contact and a fixed contact, with the fixed contact being formed on a fixed contact mount (18) which is arranged at the end (13) of a busbar (10), and, furthermore, with a contact rest mount (20) and a switching arc guide apparatus (30), which is produced from ferromagnetic material, being formed on the fixed contact mount (18). It is proposed that the fixed contact mount (18) be formed with a holding opening (17) and that the switching arc guide apparatus (30) be in the form of an inlay element which can be mounted with a force fit in the holding opening (17) on the fixed contact mount (18).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: Moeller GmbH
    Inventors: Volker Heins, Hartwig Stammberger, Bogdan Zabrocki, Markus Brich
  • Patent number: 7812276
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: James G. Maloney, Michael J. Erb
  • Patent number: 7772943
    Abstract: An electrical contact assembly resists blow-open under conditions of increased current flow. The contact assembly includes parallel conducting surfaces on fixed and moveable conductors that generate forces biasing the contacts together under current flow conditions. The assembly also includes a magnetic armature and yoke that exert a magnetic force to resist movement of the contacts toward the open position. Current flowing through both the fixed and moveable conductors contribute to the magnetic force. A spring may additionally bias the contacts to the closed position. The contact assembly may be used in remote-controlled circuit breaker applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: John DeBoer, Brian Timothy McCoy
  • Patent number: 7716816
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Ramsey Annis, Robert Alfred Duchrow, Susan L Beneke, legal representative, James Peter Miller
  • Patent number: 7683276
    Abstract: A pole shaft assembly for a circuit breaker includes a receiving portion disposed on the exterior side of the housing, a pole shaft pivotably disposed within the receiving portion and including at least one protrusion, a number of cover members overlaying the pole shaft and the receiving portion, at least one first seal disposed between the receiving portion and a corresponding protrusion, and at least one second seal disposed between such protrusion and a corresponding one of the cover members. The seals resist undesired entry of debris between the receiving portion and the pole shaft, and control the discharge of arc gases from the circuit breaker. The first seal is formed by the interaction between the receiving portion and the corresponding protrusion. The second seal is formed by the interaction between the protrusion and the corresponding one of the cover members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Nathan J. Weister, William C. Pollitt, Paul R. Rakus, Ronald W. Brand
  • Patent number: 7663457
    Abstract: Magnetically latching and releasing a voice coil actuator for controlling electrical switchgear. The voice coil actuator includes a voice coil magnet disposed on a common longitudinal axis with respect to a voice coil assembly. A coil of the voice coil assembly exerts a magnetic force on the voice coil assembly, thrusting the voice coil assembly towards the voice coil magnet. At least one pair of latching members mounted to the voice coil assembly creates a permanent magnet circuit between the latching members and the voice coil magnet. The permanent magnet circuit maintains the position of the voice coil assembly relative to the voice coil magnet, even when power to the coil is removed. This latch can be released by applying a current in the coil or by applying an external, physical force to a member coupled to the voice coil assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Bela Peter Szeifert, Michael Peter Dunk
  • Patent number: 7646269
    Abstract: A shunt assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus including a conductor assembly having a load conductor and a movable contact assembly with a number of movable contact arms. The movable contact assembly is movable in response to a fault current. The shunt assembly includes a number of flexible conductive elements each having a first end electrically connected to the load conductor, a second end electrically connected to a corresponding one of the movable contact arms, and a number of bends disposed between the first and second ends. At least one constraint element is disposed proximate a corresponding one of the bends and constrains movement of the flexible conductive element in response to the fault current, thereby translating the magnetic repulsion force associated with the fault current into a corresponding torque of the movable contact arms of the movable contact assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Nathan J. Weister, Paul R. Rakus, John J. Shea, William C. Pollitt
  • Patent number: 7569784
    Abstract: A bearing assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus including a housing having at least one parting line and an exterior side, a stationary contact assembly disposed on one side of the parting line, a movable contact assembly, and an operating mechanism with a pole shaft for moving the movable contact assembly into and out of electrical contact with the stationary contact assembly. The bearing assembly includes a number of primary bearings pivotably supporting the pole shaft on the same side of the parting line as the stationary contact assembly. An integral bearing section including secondary bearings pivotably couples the pole shaft to the housing at least one bearing cover member having a fastening portion. The pole shaft is pivotably disposed at or about the integral bearing section on the exterior side of the housing. A housing and an electrical switching apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Paul R. Rakus, David M. Olszewski, Nathan J. Weister
  • Patent number: 7551050
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Ramsey Annis, Robert Alfred Duchrow, Theodore John Houck, III, James Peter Miller
  • Publication number: 20090127229
    Abstract: A switching device for direct-current applications includes a housing having a first wall and a second wall, a plurality of receiving areas for respective mutually substantially parallel current paths disposed in the housing. Each of the current paths has a respective stationary switching contact element and a respective movable switching contact element, the movable switching element being actuatable into a closed position and into an open position so as to form a respective air break, the respective movable switching contact elements being actuatable simultaneously. The switching device includes a plurality of arc-quenching devices associated with the current paths and disposed next to each other, and at least one magnet. The at least one magnet is configured to generate a magnetic field so as to generate a deflection force on the arcs so as to deflect the respective arcs toward at least one of the respective arc-quenching devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: Moeller GmbH
    Inventors: Gerd Schmitz, Volker Lang, Wolfgang Kremers, Lothar Winzen
  • Patent number: 7518477
    Abstract: The electromechanical circuit breaker is intended to establish and break the current in a main circuit (3, 4) and comprises a fixed contact element (5) and a moving contact element (6) which in a first position are in electrical contact with each other for carrying the current of the main circuit (3, 4). Said moving contact element (6) is adapted to be displaced to a second position in which it is separated from the fixed contact element (5) so that the current in the main circuit is cut off. The circuit breaker is provided with a blow-out device (2) comprising a magnetising coil (8) traversed by a magnetising current for producing a magnetic field (26) adapted to drive an arc generated by the separation of said two contact elements (5, 6) into an arc extinction means. The blow-out device (2) comprises electrodes (12) electrically connected to the magnetising coil (8) and adapted to cooperate with said arc in such a manner that the latter generates said magnetising current in the magnetising coil (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Secheron S.A.
    Inventors: Serge Martin, Henri Duffour, Raphaƫl Kissling, Bjorn Fischer
  • Patent number: 7417520
    Abstract: The invention relates to a contactor for direct current and alternating current operation with at least one contact point with a fixed contact and a movable contact, at least one permanent magnet, arranged adjacent to the contact point, for the generation of a permanent magnetic blowout field and at least one coil, arranged adjacent to the contact point, for the generation of an electromagnetic blowout field, for blowing an arc that is formed when opening the contact point into at least one arc chamber. A contactor is to be provided that allows a quick and reliable separation of the contacts and consequently also a quick and reliable extinguishing of the arcs and that allows a structure with a simple design and simple manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Schaltbau GmbH
    Inventor: Robert Kralik
  • Patent number: 7259646
    Abstract: The invention proposes an electrical service device, in particular line circuit breaker or motor circuit breaker, having a housing having connection means (20, 21) for the purpose of connecting busbars and/or connection lines on at least one end side, having at least one switching contact having a fixed and a movable switching contact piece, an arc (6) being produced in an arc prechamber area (5) between said fixed and movable switching contact pieces in the event of a disconnection, said arc entering a current-limiting arc-quenching device (7) via arc guide rails. Prechamber plates (9, 12) are arranged in the region of the arc prechamber area (5), return-flow channels (10, 13) being formed by said prechamber plates (9, 12) from the arc-quenching device (7) to the arc prechamber area (5) between the housing wall (2) and the prechamber plates (9, 12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: ABB Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Rab, Klaus Kling, Patrick Claeys, Richard Kommert
  • Patent number: 7148775
    Abstract: A contactor assembly for a circuit breaker is disclosed. There is provided a contactor assembly, wherein stationary pins fixed to a rotary shaft and supporting one ends of springs and limit pins contacting the upper surface of the movable contactor and supporting the other ends of the springs are connected by link plates, comprising a movable contactor provided on the upper surface of the movable contactor with groove surfaces having a constant first curvature radius and curve surfaces having a constant second curvature radius larger than the first curvature radius. By this, a contact pressure provided by the springs is constant, and a separating position can be maintained when separating the contactor by an electromagnetic repulsive force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: LS Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jin-Young Park
  • Patent number: 7148774
    Abstract: A circuit breaker contact assembly includes a line conductor having a folded back fixed contact end, a fixed contact mounted on the contact end, and a movable contact arm having an inner edge and first and second ends. A movable contact is mounted on the first end. The movable contact arm is pivotable about the second end between a closed position in which the inner edge extends adjacent the contact end with the movable contact in contact with the fixed contact to form a reverse current loop, and an open position in which the movable contact is pivoted away from the fixed contact. The contact arm includes a first inner longitudinal member extending along the inner edge and a second outer longitudinal member. The first inner longitudinal member has a higher electrical conductivity than the second outer longitudinal member, which has a higher shear strength and a lower specific density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: John J. Shea, Jeffrey A. Miller
  • Patent number: 7145419
    Abstract: A contactor assembly for a circuit breaker comprises a first spring supporting pin, a cam plate, a second spring supporting plate, a link, and a spring. When a movable contactor is rotated without a rotation axis, a fluctuation of a rotation center of the movable contactor is not generated and a current limiting function is fast performed. Also, after contacts are separated from each other, the movable contactor is prevented from returning towards fixed contactors and the separated position is maintained for a predetermined time. An assembly process of the contactor assembly is simplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: LS Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong-Gi Kim
  • 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: 7081596
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an arc-quenching device for circuit breakers having double-break contacts for use in low-voltage distribution systems. Provided around a prechamber (41) is a magnetic shield (91) for the purpose of intensifying the magnetic blowing action on an arc formed between the arc guide rails (51, 61) of the prechamber. In addition, a blowing loop (81) is inserted in the arc-quenching circuit and extends in sections parallel to an arc guide rail (61). Prechamber insulation having a bulge constricting the arc area likewise serves the purpose of optimizing the arc run.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Gerhard Schneider, Siegfried Mayer, Norbert Papok
  • Patent number: 7067758
    Abstract: An electric power circuit breaker includes a connecting bar against which an arcing horn rests with an attaching limb. The connecting bar extends through an opening of a rear wall of the housing. In order to connect the arching horn to the connecting bar, a projection is provided on the attaching limb of the arcing horn and a recess that accommodates the projection is provided on the connecting bar. When inserting the connecting bar with the arching horn resting thereon, the attaching limb of the arching horn is covered by a collar mounted on the housing. The attaching device grasp a fillet located on the underside of the connecting bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Michael Kruschke
  • Patent number: 7005594
    Abstract: Disclosed is a movable contactor assembly of a circuit breaker capable of enhancing a current limiting function by maintaining a contact state between a movable contactor and fixed contactors in a closed circuit state, by preventing the separated movable contactor from returning towards the fixed contactors at the time of a current limiting operation, by accelerating a separation operation of the movable contactor from the fixed contactors at the time of a current limiting operation, and by continuously maintaining a separated state of the movable contactor from the fixed contactors until a trip operation is performed by a trip mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: LS Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong-Gi Kim