Arc Chute Patents (Class 218/34)
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Patent number: 12125648Abstract: An electrical breaking module includes a non-magnetic, electrically insulating casing housing, a fixed contact and a movable contact defining between them a breaking zone in which an electric arc extends at its origin when the electrical circuit is opened. A magnetic blow-out device is provided with at least one magnetic field source arranged in a breaking chamber, opposite the breaking zone to move and stretch the electric arc in a direction substantially perpendicular to the breaking plane towards the housing. The magnetic blow-out device also includes a non-magnetic, electrically insulating deflector, arranged in the breaking chamber to occupy most of the space between the breaking zone and the casing, so as to create at least one arc confinement zone, in which the electric arc when magnetically blown is deflected and constrained to promote its cooling and extinction.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2022Date of Patent: October 22, 2024Assignee: SOCOMECInventors: Arthur Haberer, Jérôme Hertzog
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Patent number: 11837427Abstract: An arc chamber for a low voltage switching device including an insulating casing, having a first and a second lateral walls, a rear and a front wall, that defines an internal space housing a number or arc-breaking plates, a top wall of the casing having a discharge opening for venting off the gases from the internal space, the discharge opening being covered by a top cover. The arc chamber for a low voltage switching device includes a filter made of an open cell metal foam that is positioned at the discharge opening.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2018Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignee: ABB S.p.A.Inventors: Pierantonio Arrighetti, Antonello Antoniazzi, Alessandro Adami, Daniele Torresin, Francesco Agostini
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Patent number: 11694860Abstract: An arc chamber for a DC circuit breaker includes an entry side adapted to receive an electric arc, which was generated outside of the arc chamber and which propagates in a forward direction, a plurality of stacked splitter plates, and at least one inhibitor barrier. The at least one inhibitor barrier is arranged on the entry side to inhibit a reverse propagation of the electric arc out of the arc chamber in a reverse direction. DC circuit breaker comprising an arc chamber. Use of an arc chamber with a circuit breaker in a DC electrical system.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2021Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: ABB SCHWEIZ AGInventors: Rudolf Gati, Matthias Bator, Osvaldo Prestini, Pierluigi Cisana, Thorsten Strassel
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Patent number: 11195673Abstract: An arc chamber for a DC circuit breaker includes an entry side adapted to receive an electric arc, which was generated outside of the arc chamber and which propagates in a forward direction, a plurality of stacked splitter plates, and at least one inhibitor barrier. The at least one inhibitor barrier is arranged on the entry side to inhibit a reverse propagation of the electric arc out of the arc chamber in a reverse direction. DC circuit breaker comprising an arc chamber. Use of an arc chamber with a circuit breaker in a DC electrical system.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2019Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: ABB SCHWEIZ AGInventors: Rudolf Gati, Matthias Bator, Osvaldo Prestini, Pierluigi Cisana, Thorsten Strassel
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Patent number: 10424448Abstract: A pyrotechnic disconnect comprises: a housing with at least a combustion chamber therein; a pyrotechnic charge in the combustion chamber; a busbar covering an opening of the combustion chamber, the busbar configured to be severed by activation of the pyrotechnic charge; and arc splitter plates arranged in the housing on an opposite side of the busbar from the combustion chamber.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2016Date of Patent: September 24, 2019Assignee: TESLA, INC.Inventors: Mark Goldman, Jeff Cortes, Jeffrey G. Reichbach
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Patent number: 10192700Abstract: An air circuit breaker includes two separable electrical contacts connected to electric current input and output terminals; and a chamber for quenching an electric arc, including a stack of splitter plates that are spaced apart from one another, and lateral walls placed on either side of the stack and including a thermosetting-resin impregnated polyamide woven and being devoid of glass fibres. The quenching chamber furthermore includes protective elements made of crosslinked polyamide, the elements being placed in junction zones between the lateral walls and holding plates, the protective elements covering corners of the splitter plates, which corners are adjacent to the lateral walls, so as to separate these corners of the splitter plates from the electrical contacts.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2017Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES SASInventors: Marc Rival, Michael Mary, Eric Pinero, Brice Jacolin
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Patent number: 9281149Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a shielding component having an external portion which defines a space external to the circuit breaker housing and covers a vent in the circuit breaker housing to direct gasses and debris from the vent to an outlet. The external portion also prevents insertion of the circuit breaker into a breaker box closer than the distances defining the space. This can have the advantage of preventing arcing from the breaker contacts to the breaker box. The external portion may also prevent insertion of the circuit breaker into a breaker box such that a vent in the circuit breaker housing is blocked. In some implementations, the shielding component contains an internal portion which extends into the circuit breaker housing and is disposed to impede debris generated by contact arcing, or other debris, from entering the mechanism of the circuit breaker.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Carling Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Michael Fasano, Jianzhuan Lin
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Patent number: 9087654Abstract: An arc chute arrangement for arc quenching in electrical switching device, said arrangement comprising a plurality of deion plates, each said deion plates further comprising a pair of plates having an ablative material sandwiched therebetween; a lining means for holding said deion plates; wherein said deion plates having a chamfered profile at one corner to generate high magnetic field that drive the arc inside arc chute and said chamfered profile arranged alternatively thereby substantially lengthening the arc.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2012Date of Patent: July 21, 2015Assignee: Larsen & Toubro LimitedInventors: Deepak Nahata, Jibanesh Roy, Deepak M. Ochani
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Patent number: 8912461Abstract: An arc chute assembly includes a housing having a first wall, a second wall, and a pair of side walls coupled to the first wall. The walls configured to form an arc area. The housing further having a divider wall coupled to the first wall between the side walls. The divider wall configured to form a first sub-arc area, a second sub-arc area, and an arc plate area. The first sub-arc area and the second sub-arc area are configured to be in flow communication with the arc plate area. The arc chute assembly further comprises a support coupled to the first wall and the side walls, and an arc plate coupled to the support. The arc plate having a body extending between the side walls and over the divider wall.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2012Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Mahesh Jaywant Rane, Jayesh Mavji Maru, Simhadri Ramalingeswara Rao Gupta
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Patent number: 8847096Abstract: A direct current arc chute includes a ferromagnetic base having first and second ends; first and second ferromagnetic side members disposed from the respective first and second ends; a third ferromagnetic member disposed from the base intermediate the side members and having an end portion opposite the base; and first and second magnets on the respective first and second members have a magnetic polarity facing the third member. A first arc chamber is between the first and third members; and a second arc chamber is between the second and third members. The first magnet and first member extend away from the first end and beyond the end portion, and toward the second magnet and second member after the end portion. The second magnet and second member extend away from the second end and beyond the end portion, and toward the first magnet and first member after the end portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2012Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Mark A. Juds, Xin Zhou, Amogh V. Kank, Paul J. Rollmann, Robert W. Mueller, Michael F. Bartonek
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Patent number: 8829380Abstract: The disclosure relates to an arc chute for a medium voltage circuit breaker having a housing, at least one stack of a plurality of substantially parallel metal plates arranged in the housing, the at least one stack defining a first axis in parallel to a stacking direction; an arc space arranged in the housing, wherein the arc space is adapted to allow an arc to expand therein; and at least one arc quenching plate disposed in the housing, wherein the arc guiding plate has at least one surface which has a surface plane extending in parallel to the first axis. Further, the present disclosure relates to a circuit breaker having a switching unit with a first switch contact and a second switch contact, movable between a first position, wherein the first switch contact contacts the second switch contact, and a second position, wherein the first switch contact is separated from the second switch contact, and an arc chute.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2011Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: ABB Technology AGInventors: Philippe Haeberlin, Philippe Noisette, Yoann Alphand
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Patent number: 8809721Abstract: A plate-shaped quenching element for a quenching unit of a switching device is produced of an electrically and also magnetically conductive plastic. In a special embodiment, the plastic is composed of a flame retardant material. At least one embodiment relates to a quenching unit and a quenching and plugging unit having a plurality of such quenching elements. Furthermore, at least one embodiment of the invention relates to a switching device having such a quenching unit and/or such a quenching and plugging unit.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2008Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Andreas Krätzschmar
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Patent number: 8772665Abstract: A circuit breaker having an arc extinguishing mechanism includes a plurality of grids disposed in a longitudinal direction, each having protruding portions at both ends thereof so as to define a space therebetween, a fixing portion to support the grids, insulating plates fixed to both sides of the grids, a stator located below the grids, the stator including an arc runner and a stationary contact disposed at an upper side of the arc runner, and a mover contactable with or separated from the stationary contact with moving up and down within the space, wherein an interval between the insulating plates within the space is shorter than a width of the mover.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2012Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: LSIS Co., Ltd.Inventor: Young Gyu An
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Patent number: 8711547Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 18, 2012Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Rockwell Automation AGInventors: Thomas Strebel Marzano, Willy Feller
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Patent number: 8681482Abstract: This disclosure describes examples of an apparatus to enclose components of a switching assembly of an automatic transfer switch. In one embodiment, the apparatus, or arc chamber cover, has a housing made of material with optical properties that permit observation of the interior of the housing. A mounting assembly couples to the housing. The mounting assembly secures the apparatus to the automatic transfer switch. In one example, the mounting assembly comprises feet comprising a material with mechanical properties that can withstand pressure and other forces inside of the interior chamber. The apparatus also includes one or more baffles to control the flow of gasses and control electric arcs within the switching assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2012Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Suresh Srikantaiah, Arthur Michael Evans, Sudarshan Allada, Pravin Pralhad Kulkarni
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Patent number: 8653396Abstract: A hybrid switch assembly is provided for a vacuum switch, such as for example a vacuum interrupter. The vacuum interrupter includes a vacuum envelope, a fixed contact assembly partially within the vacuum envelope, and a movable contact assembly partially within the vacuum envelope and movable between a closed position in electrical contact with the fixed contact assembly and an open position spaced apart from the fixed contact assembly. The hybrid switch assembly includes at least one radial magnetic field generating mechanism, such as for example a spiral contact or cup member, and a number of axial magnetic field generating mechanisms each comprising a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic member, such as for example, a horseshoe plate assembly. Each axial magnetic field generating mechanism is disposed within the vacuum envelope proximate a corresponding radial magnetic field generating mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2011Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Wangpei Li, Stephen David Mayo, Martin Leusenkamp, Shaojie Ye
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Patent number: 8648274Abstract: Methods, systems, apparatus and devices for an arc resistant electrical enclosure that includes a duct system of adjacent pressure relief chambers separated by flame arresting ventilation partitions to provide a torturous mechanical maze to relieve internal pressure and extinguish internal hot flames within the flame arresting duct system prior to exiting the enclosure expelling gasses into the external environment. The adjacent partitioned pressure relief chambers for routing pressure and or flames through the duct system with ninety degree turns from one pressure relief chamber into the next adjacent pressure relief chamber. In an embodiment, a set of ventilation panels is located within one or more of the adjacent pressure relief chambers and each next pressure relief chamber can have a volume that is less than the volume in the preceding chamber.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2011Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: SMC Electrical Products, Inc.Inventors: Kurt Nels Carlson, Gregory Allen Sanders
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Patent number: 8519292Abstract: An arc chute including an arc extinguishing chamber formed by a stack of deionizing plates, an arc formation chamber defined by first and second side walls or cheeks, and a system for removing gases generated when an electric arc forms in the chute, that include a removal duct behind the second cheek and connected to an exchange space. The arc extinguishing chamber includes permanent magnets, at least a part of the magnets being behind the first cheek, and the gas removal system includes an opening formed partially in the second cheek and exiting outside the arc chute. A circuit breaker may include such an arc chute.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2008Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SASInventor: Eric Domejean
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Patent number: 8502102Abstract: A DC switching device including a plurality of arc-extinguishing chambers and a plurality of contacting units conductively connected in series to each other, each of the contacting units including a stationary contact and a movable contact movable between a rest position and a working position, an air gap is formed between the contacts when the movable contact is moved from the working position to the rest position and each of the chambers enclosing a contacting unit and including a splitter plate unit including one or more splitter plates arranged for splitting and cooling an arc occurring in the air gap between the contacts. The chambers include a permanent magnet for generating a magnetic field between the contacting unit and the splitter plate unit and the splitter plates are made of non-ferromagnetic material, and the splitter plates of the chambers are made of ferromagnetic material.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2012Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.Inventors: Thomas Eriksson, Lars Banghammar
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Publication number: 20130075367Abstract: A DC switching device including a plurality of arc-extinguishing chambers and a plurality of contacting units conductively connected in series to each other, each of the contacting units including a stationary contact and a movable contact movable between a rest position and a working position, an air gap is formed between the contacts when the movable contact is moved from the working position to the rest position and each of the chambers enclosing a contacting unit and including a splitter plate unit including one or more splitter plates arranged for splitting and cooling an arc occurring in the air gap between the contacts. The chambers include a permanent magnet for generating a magnetic field between the contacting unit and the splitter plate unit and the splitter plates are made of non-ferromagnetic material, and the splitter plates of the chambers are made of ferromagnetic material.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2012Publication date: March 28, 2013Inventors: Thomas Eriksson, Lars Banghammar
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Patent number: 8368492Abstract: A direct current electrical switching apparatus includes a first contact in electrical communication with first and third arc runners, a second contact in electrical communication with second and fourth arc runners, a movable contact, a first arc chamber including first arc plates having a first width, a second arc chamber including second arc plates having a greater second width, an operating mechanism, and a magnet assembly cooperating with the arc chambers to establish generally oppositely directed magnetic fields. The magnetic fields cause one of a first arc and a second arc to enter one of the arc chambers depending upon a direction of current flow between the contacts. The electrical switching apparatus is rated for a first magnitude of current flowing from the first contact to the second contact and for a greater second magnitude of opposite second current flowing from the second contact to the first contact.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2012Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Peter J. Theisen, Paul J. Rollmann, Mark A. Juds, Xin Zhou
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Patent number: 8334740Abstract: A contactor assembly includes a stationary contact, an arc contact, an arc arrestor, and a magnetic intensifier. The magnetic intensifier is constructed to be secured in generally close proximity to the stationary contact. During communication of power through the contactor assembly, the magnetic intensifier accentuates a magnetic field associated with the stationary contact and increases the magnitude of a magnetic force directed to the arc arrestor. A pair of arc guides extend along the magnetic intensifier and, cooperatively with the magnetic force, ensure efficient, repeatable, and expedient transfer of a circuit termination arc to the arc arrestor. Such a construction increases the operable range and lifecycle of the contactor by reducing the damage associated with propagation of the circuit termination arc.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2011Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Ramsey Annis, Robert Alfred Duchrow, Theodore John Houck, III, James Peter Miller
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Patent number: 8247727Abstract: An electrical switching apparatus includes separable contacts, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, and an arc chamber. The arc chamber includes a slot motor having a core and a housing with an opening therein, an arc chute, and a number of gassing inserts disposed in the opening of the housing. The number of gassing inserts and the housing are structured to form a number of gas flow circulation paths. The number of gas flow circulation paths are structured to drive an arc into the arc chute.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2010Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Xin Zhou, Paul J. Rollmann, William E. Beatty, Jr., Robert W. Mueller
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Patent number: 8247726Abstract: An arc chute assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus. The electrical switching apparatus includes a housing and separable contacts enclosed by the housing. An arc is generated in response to the separable contacts being separated. The housing includes a number of arc chambers each having a first side and a second side disposed opposite and spaced apart from the first side. The arc chute assembly includes a plurality of first arc plates extending outwardly from the first side of a corresponding one of the arc chambers toward the second side of the corresponding one of the arc chambers, and a plurality of second arc plates extending outwardly from the second side of the corresponding one of the arc chambers toward the first side of the arc chamber. None of the arc plates engages the opposing side of the arc chamber.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2009Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Richard D. Prohaska, Jeffrey B. Ensley
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Patent number: 8237074Abstract: A switching device has an input terminal and an output terminal for connection to electrical conductors, and two switching contacts which, when closed, close a current path between the input terminal and the output terminal. A disconnect device is operatively connected to at least one of the input terminal and the output terminal for disconnecting the two switching contacts. An arc quenching chamber composed of a plurality of metal plates is arranged in the region of the switching. At least two of the metal plates abut one another at least over a region to attain high reliability and operational safety even after repeated disconnects.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2009Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Moeller Gebäudeautomation GmbHInventors: Adolf Tetik, Roman Kolm
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Patent number: 8232499Abstract: A contactor assembly is adapted for switching power to a circuit having a power source. The contactor assembly includes a housing, carry contacts, and arc contacts. The housing defines an interior compartment and includes internal chamber walls that laterally extend within the compartment to define a protection chamber. The carry contacts are disposed in the protection chamber of the housing. The carry contacts include conductive bodies that protrude from the housing and are configured to close the circuit. The arc contacts are disposed in the housing outside of the protection chamber. The arc contacts include conductive bodies that protrude from the housing and are configured to close the circuit. The internal chamber walls of the housing prevent material that is expelled from one or more of the arc contacts when an electric arc emanates from one or more of the arc contacts from contaminating one or more of the carry contacts.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2009Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Tyco Electronics CorporationInventors: Bernard Bush, Marcus Priest
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Patent number: 8222555Abstract: An improved circuit breaker and arc chute has a shield apparatus that includes a number of plate-like shield members that have elongated openings formed therein to receive portions of arc plates therethrough. The portions of the arc plates that pass through the shield member are received in receptacles of a support apparatus that supports the arc plates. The arc plates are themselves configured to retain the shield members against the support apparatus to protect the support apparatus from damage in the event of an electrical arc. Advantageously, the retention of the shield members between portions of the arc plates and portions of the support apparatus enables the shield members to be held in place without the use of adhesives or separate fastening systems.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2010Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Brian John Schaltenbrand, Mark Anthony Janusek, Ronald William Brand, Jr., James Michael Smeltzer
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Patent number: 7915985Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 14, 2008Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Eaton Industries GmbHInventors: Gerd Schmitz, Volker Lang, Wolfgang Kremers, Lothar Winzen
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Patent number: 7902948Abstract: A switching device, in particular a power switching device, has two pairs of series-connected switching contacts for interrupting a conducting path and at least one quenching packet, disposed near the pairs of switching contacts, for quenching the arcs occurring when the conducting path opens. The pairs of switching contacts are arranged such that their opening paths are substantially mutually parallel or antiparallel. The pairs of switching contacts are connected in series such that the same current flowing in both arcs flows spatially in the same direction. The quenching packet is disposed in the area between the opening paths.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2009Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Carsten Lüders
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Patent number: 7839243Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, which can comprise a set of substantially planar arc plates. The substantially planar arc plates can be adapted to cause a dissipation of energy caused by an arc in a circuit breaker. A housing can be adapted to receive each of the set of substantially planar arc plates.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2008Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.Inventors: Hai Chen, John D Stephenson
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Patent number: 7812276Abstract: An arc member is provided for an electrical switching apparatus. The electrical switching apparatus includes an operating mechanism for opening and closing separable contacts, and an arc chute disposed proximate the separable contacts to attract an arc generated thereby. The separable contacts include a stationary contact and a movable contact. The stationary contact has an edge, which is disposed in a plane. The arc member includes an arc element disposed between the stationary contact and the arc chute. The arc element has first and second portions and first and second arc attractors. The first arc attractor extends outwardly from the first portion toward the plane of the edge of the stationary contact to draw the arc from the separable contacts to the arc member. The second arc attractors, which are disposed on the second portion of the arc element, direct the arc into the arc chute.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2008Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: James G. Maloney, Michael J. Erb
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Patent number: 7748105Abstract: A method for producing a switching device with a switching device with a switching structure (1). The method includes producing a molded part, which includes a cage formed by opposing first sidewalls (5) and a bottom wall (6) integrally connecting the first sidewalls, and second sidewalls (23) integrally connected to the cage assembly, severing the molded part at a point where the second sidewalls are connected to the cage, and inserting the cage and the severed second sidewalls into a bottom part such that a defined gap (27) is left, respectively, between the cage and the second sidewalls.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2006Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Rudolf Kinzler, Ludwig Niebler, Anton Scharf
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Patent number: 7705263Abstract: An arc chute assembly includes a housing having a lateral axis and a quenching portion disposed within the housing. The quenching portion includes at least two deion plates being spaced along the lateral axis of the housing and each having a cut portion wherein the cut portions are staggered along the lateral axis with respect to one another and are configured to mitigate an arc.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2008Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Mahesh Jaywant Rane, Janakiraman Narayanan, Yatin Vilas Newase, Pankaj Agrawal
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Patent number: 7674996Abstract: A gassing insulator for the arc chute assembly of a circuit breaker includes a number of insulating members. The arc chute assembly includes first and second opposing sidewalls, and arc plates having first and second ends and first and second legs. Each insulating member includes a first side coupled to one of the first and second opposing sidewalls of the arc chute assembly, a second side disposed generally opposite the first side, a first end disposed at or about the first ends of the arc plates, and a second end disposed distal from the first end of the insulating member and extending toward the second ends of the arc plates. The first side of the insulating member overlays at least one of the first and second legs of the arc plates, in order to electrically insulate them. An arc chute assembly and an electrical switching apparatus are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2006Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: John J. Shea, Nathan J. Weister, William C. Pollitt, Aaron T. Kozar
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Publication number: 20090314746Abstract: An arc-quenching core assembly is disclosed for an electric switch, such as a circuit-breaker or motor circuit-breaker, having arc-quenching plates, or sheets, arranged in parallel and including ferromagnetic material, wherein the sheets can be at least partially coated on at least one face with another material. The arc-quenching core assembly is composed of a series of first quenching sheets, completely or partially coated on both faces and second uncoated quenching sheets, or of a series of third quenching sheets, completely or partially coated on one face and uncoated on the other, thus creating a series of coated and uncoated arc-quenching sheet broad faces in the stacking direction. The arc-quenching sheets are arranged one behind the other in the stacking direction in such a way that at least two uncoated arc-quenching sheet broad faces are located between a coated arc-quenching sheet broad face and a next coated arc-quenching sheet broad face in the stacking direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2009Publication date: December 24, 2009Applicant: ABB AGInventors: Thilo BAHLINGER, Joachim BECKER
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Patent number: 7551050Abstract: A contactor assembly includes a stationary contact, an arc contact, an arc arrestor, and a magnetic intensifier. The magnetic intensifier is constructed to be secured in generally close proximity to the stationary contact. During communication of power through the contactor assembly, the magnetic intensifier accentuates a magnetic field associated with the stationary contact and increases the magnitude of a magnetic force directed to the arc arrestor. A pair of arc guides extend along the magnetic intensifier and, cooperatively with the magnetic force, ensure efficient, repeatable, and expedient transfer of a circuit termination arc to the arc arrestor. Such a construction increases the operable range and lifecycle of the contactor by reducing the damage associated with propagation of the circuit termination arc.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2006Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Ramsey Annis, Robert Alfred Duchrow, Theodore John Houck, III, James Peter Miller
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Patent number: 7532097Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing, separable contacts, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, a power conductor including a first conductor and a second reverse loop conductor, the second reverse loop conductor carrying one of the separable contacts, and a slot motor. The slot motor includes a first slot motor portion, and a second slot motor portion including a plurality of generally U-shaped slot motor laminations, a first insulative housing portion, and a second insulative housing portion. The first and second insulative housing portions interlock with one another to form a generally U-shaped insulative slot motor housing. The first and second insulative housing portions cooperatively receive the generally U-shaped slot motor laminations.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2007Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Richard P. Malingowski, William G. Eberts, Mark A. Janusek
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Patent number: 7521645Abstract: An arc plate for a circuit breaker arc chute assembly includes first and second portions coupled to opposing sidewalls of the arc chute assembly, first and second ends, and a throat portion between the first and second portions and including an aperture. The aperture extends from the first end toward the second end and includes an end section, an intermediate neck section adjacent the end section, and an interior section adjacent the intermediate neck section and distal from the end section. The end section has a first width and attracts and directs an arc toward the intermediate neck section. The intermediate neck section tapers from the first width of the end section to a second width, further attracting the arc and directing it into the interior section. The interior section includes a taper and turns with respect to the intermediate neck section, in order to attract and retain the arc.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2006Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: John J. Shea, Nathan J. Weister
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Patent number: 7495190Abstract: An electrical switch is disclosed. The switch includes at least one switching contact which is held against the prestressing force of a contact force spring on a moving contact mount, and an arc quenching device, in which at least one section of the at least one contact force spring extends between side pieces of the contact mount. A device for limiting the spreading of combustion products is provided, which has an angle bracket inclined with respect to the opening direction of the moving contact mount. When the contact mount is in the open position, the bracket overhangs the at least one section of the at least one contact force spring. In order to protect the contact force springs, in particular at the end of the opening process, even better against contamination by spreading combustion products, the inclined angle bracket is seated in a prestressed manner on the side pieces.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2006Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Hans-Joachim Kuhrt, Günter Seidler
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Patent number: 7488915Abstract: An arc baffle for an arc chute assembly of a circuit breaker includes a first baffle member disposed at or about the second end of the arc chute assembly and including a plurality of first venting holes, a second baffle member including a plurality of second venting holes and being coupled to and disposed opposite from the first baffle member, and a filter assembly disposed at or about the second baffle member and including a number of filter elements. The first and second venting holes of the first and second baffle members are offset to induce turbulent flow of ionized gases being discharged from the arc chute assembly. The filter elements of the filter assembly filter the turbulent flow. An arc chute assembly and an electrical switching apparatus are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2006Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: William C. Pollitt, John J. Shea, Aaron T. Kozar, Nathan J. Weister
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Patent number: 7459652Abstract: Electric switchgear device comprising at least one electric pole-unit comprising a stationary contact part made of conducting material, a movable contact part and an arc chute. The arc chute comprises two side parallel flanges, a rear wall, and a bottom arcing horn made of conducting material, electrically connected to the stationary contact part. Said bottom arcing horn is surrounded by a periphery made of gas-generating material. The arc chute comprises a stack of separators at least two of which separators comprise a notch. The arc chute comprises at least one regenerating separator placed parallel to the bottom arcing horn, said at least one separator comprising at least one metallic surface covering at least half of the notches in the longitudinal mid-plane.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2006Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SASInventor: Marc Rival
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Patent number: 7439469Abstract: An electric switching device, designed to carry a low-voltage, in particular a circuit-breaker or contactor, having at least one arc-quenching unit (16;18) is provided. Connection contacts (8) are mounted in a housing (2) that can be sealed by a cover (4) and switching chambers (10) are configured in the housing. To adapt the device to different current ranges, the housing (2) and cover (4) are equipped with guide and retaining elements (12, 26, 28, 30) for cooling plates (16) that can be inserted and for arc-quenching laminated cores (18) that can be interchanged with the plates.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2004Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Moeller GmbHInventor: Karsten Gerving
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Publication number: 20080197113Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2006Publication date: August 21, 2008Applicant: SECHERON SAInventors: Serge Martin, Henri Duffour, Raphael Kissling, Bjorn Fischer
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Patent number: 7371987Abstract: The invention relates to a switching device with a switching structure (1), which includes a cage assembly (21) having two opposite first sidewalls (5) and a bottom wall (6) integrally connecting the first sidewalls. The cage assembly (21) is at least partly configured as a cage (24) in which a slide (4) is displaceably arranged. A moving contact bridge (3) associated with stationary contact members is held in an opening (15) of the slide (4) under the pressure of a contact pressure spring (2). A clearance (26) is provided between the two first sidewalls (5) for the displacement of the contact bridge (3). A limit stop (18) is provided to retain the slide (4). Arcing chambers (7) formed by insulating second sidewalls (23) form part of the switching structure (1).Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2007Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Rudolf Kinzler, Ludwig Niebler
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Publication number: 20080067150Abstract: An arc plate for a circuit breaker arc chute assembly includes first and second portions coupled to opposing sidewalls of the arc chute assembly, first and second ends, and a throat portion between the first and second portions and including an aperture. The aperture extends from the first end toward the second end and includes an end section, an intermediate neck section adjacent the end section, and an interior section adjacent the intermediate neck section and distal from the end section. The end section has a first width and attracts and directs an arc toward the intermediate neck section. The intermediate neck section tapers from the first width of the end section to a second width, further attracting the arc and directing it into the interior section. The interior section includes a taper and turns with respect to the intermediate neck section, in order to attract and retain the arc.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2006Publication date: March 20, 2008Inventors: John J. Shea, Nathan J. Weister
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Patent number: 7285742Abstract: The invention relates to a switching device with a switching structure (1), which includes a cage assembly (21) having two opposite first sidewalls (5) and a bottom wall (6) integrally connecting the first sidewalls. The cage assembly (21) is at least partly configured as a cage (24) in which a slide (4) is displaceably arranged. A moving contact bridge (3) associated with stationary contact members is held in an opening (15) of the slide (4) under the pressure of a contact pressure spring (2). A clearance (26) is provided between the two first sidewalls (5) for the displacement of the contact bridge (3). A limit stop (18) is provided to retain the slide (4). Arcing chambers (7) formed by insulating second sidewalls (23) form part of the switching structure (1).Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2004Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Rudolf Kinzler, Ludwig Niebler, Anton Scharf
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Patent number: 7247808Abstract: The invention proposes an electrical service device, in particular line circuit breaker or motor circuit breaker, having a housing having connecting areas and connection means (2, 3) for the purpose of connecting busbars and/or connection lines on both end sides and, having at least one switching contact having a fixed and a movable contact piece (4, 6), an arc (13) being produced in an arc prechamber area (7) between said fixed and movable contact pieces (4, 6) in the event of a disconnection. The arc enters a current-limiting arc-quenching device (12), in particular an arc splitter stack, via arc guide rails (14, 16), at least one insulating plate (20, 25+26) being arranged at the edge of the arc-quenching device (12). The insulating plate (20, 25+26) is fixed to the end section of an arc guide rail (14) by means of a fixing clip (22).Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2006Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: ABB Patent GmbHInventors: Alexander Rab, Wolfgang Dorfeld, Ralf Weber
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Patent number: 7220933Abstract: The present invention specifies an arc quenching device having improved current limitation and reduced heat losses, in the case of which a moving contact piece (31) is not subject to increased erosion and wear. For this purpose, a quenching path according to the invention is provided which takes over an arc from said contact piece (31) and comprises arc guide rails (61), a quenching chamber (71) and a current-limiting element (8). Based on circuit breakers with double interruption, the current-limiting element (8) is preferably provided between arc guide rails (62, 52) of a second contact point and provided with a blowing section (81) for additional magnetic blowing of the arc of the first contact point.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2005Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: ABB Schweiz AGInventor: Tudor Baiatu
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Patent number: 7202436Abstract: A secondary arc chute is for an electrical switching apparatus including a housing, a pair of separable contacts enclosed within the housing, and a primary arc chute disposed proximate the separable contacts in order to attract an arc generated by the separable contacts. The primary arc chute has a first end including an arc horn, and a second end. The secondary arc chute includes a chute member made from a magnetic material, such as nickel-plated steel, and including a first portion disposed at or about the arc horn of the primary arc chute, and a second portion. The chute member provides an extension of the primary arc chute in order to facilitate drawing the arc away from the separable contacts and to ground the arc into the housing of the electrical switching apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2005Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Mark O. Zindler
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Patent number: 7105764Abstract: A current limiting power switch has a monolithic stationary conductor with a conductor section that mounts fixed contacts that engage moving contacts on moving contact fingers to form a reverse current loop with the contacts closed. A terminal section projects transversely from one end of the conductor section and an arc runner section extends from the other end. The tapered arc runner has a generally laterally centered tapered area that gathers the arcs and urges them along a raised rib on the arc runner to an arc chute. A reinforcing rib running from the back of the conductor and arc runner sections to the terminal section resists distortion of the monolithic stationary conductor by the high temperatures and closing and electromagnetic forces during interruption.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2005Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Paul R. Rakus, Thomas C. Pendrick, John J. Shea, Michael B. Schulman, Yun-Ko N. Chien