Plural Switches Patents (Class 335/11)
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Patent number: 12147213Abstract: A system may include one or more drives configured to receive a first alternative current (AC) voltage from a power source and provide a second AC voltage to one or more load devices. The system may further include one or more safety relay devices configured to couple the power source to the one or more drives and a communication device, where the communication device includes a processor. The processor may be configured to receive a first dataset via an Ethernet communication protocol, where the first dataset may include safety connection data indicative of one or more safety commands for controlling one or more operations of the one or more safety relay devices. The processor may further be configured to transmit a second dataset to the one or more safety relay devices via a subnet infrastructure, where the second dataset includes the one or more safety commands.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2021Date of Patent: November 19, 2024Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Scott D. Braun, Roberto S. Marques, Marius G. Chis
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Patent number: 11761083Abstract: Methods for controlling pulse shape in ALD processes improves local non-uniformity issues of films deposited on substrate surface. The methods include using a variable flow valve creating predetermined pulse shape when a reactant is provided on a substrate surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2020Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.Inventors: Joseph AuBuchon, Kevin Griffin, Hanhong Chen
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Patent number: 11698403Abstract: A diagnostic device includes electrical connectors, load, power supply, switching circuitry, sensors, and processor. The connectors include first and second sets of terminals for connecting to the conductors of a branch circuit in an upstream and downstream direction, respectively, at an outlet location along the circuit. The switching circuitry can isolate the upstream and downstream sections of the circuit from the outlet location, and selectively connect or disconnect the power supply or the load to the upstream or downstream section. The sensors measure electrical characteristics on the conductors of the circuit to monitor load currents, such as on power, neutral and ground lines, of the upstream and downstream circuit sections. The processor controls the switching circuitry, and obtains diagnostic information corresponding to the monitored load currents on the upstream and downstream sections of the branch circuit, from the measurements performed by the sensors.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2020Date of Patent: July 11, 2023Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.Inventor: Jeremy D. Schroeder
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Patent number: 10381819Abstract: The present invention provides a DC circuit breaker combining magnetic induction transfer and resistance current limiting, the circuit breaker comprising: a main current circuit, a current-limiting branch, a breaking branch, and an energy dissipation branch; the current-limiting branch and the breaking circuit each comprises a magnetic induction transfer module; an inductor in the magnetic induction transfer module of the current-limiting branch and a branch inductor in the current-limiting branch are coupled to form a mutual inductor; an inductor in the magnetic induction transfer module of the breaking branch and a second inductor in the transfer current loop are coupled to form a mutual inductor. The present invention can limit the current rising speed and amplitude and completely turned off the short-circuit current, thereby reducing the size and manufacturing cost of the circuit breaker.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2017Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: XI'AN JIAOTONG UNIVERSITYInventors: Yifei Wu, Mingzhe Rong, Fei Yang, Yi Wu, Chunping Niu
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Patent number: 10147565Abstract: A vertical interlock system, comprising: a power supply generating a bypass signal; a first breaker connected to the power supply and controlled by a first switch; a second breaker connected to the power supply and controlled by a second switch, the second breaker being located above the first breaker; a control lever having a first orientation and a second orientation; and a fixer for locking the control lever in either the first or second orientation, wherein when the control lever is in the first orientation the first switch is locked closed, when the control lever is in the second orientation the second switch is locked closed position, when the first switch is open, the control lever cannot be placed in the first orientation, and when the second switch is open, the control lever cannot be placed in the second orientation.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2016Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Power Products, Inc.Inventors: Edward G. Falk, Jordan Liebert, Nathan Riemer
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Publication number: 20150137915Abstract: A circuit breaker assembly includes a plurality of controllable circuit breakers. Each of the controllable circuit breakers includes separable contacts, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, a trip mechanism cooperating with the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts, a first line terminal, a second load terminal, and at least a third terminal. The trip mechanism is structured to trip open the separable contacts responsive to a signal from the third terminal. The circuit breaker assembly also includes a toggle electrical switching apparatus that includes separable contacts electrically connected between the third terminal and ground, and a toggle operating member structured to open and close the separable contacts of the toggle electrical switching apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2014Publication date: May 21, 2015Inventors: Patrick Wellington Mills, James Michael McCormick
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Publication number: 20140211345Abstract: A circuit breaker for an electric load includes first and second terminals; a number of first separable contacts each electrically connected between one of the first terminals and one of the second terminals; a first mechanism to open, close or trip open the first contacts; a number of second separable contacts each electrically connected in series with a corresponding one of the first contacts; a second mechanism to open or close the second contacts; a processor to cause the second mechanism to open or close the second contacts, annunciate through one of the second terminals a power circuit electrical parameter for the electric load, receive from a number of the second terminals a confirmation from or on behalf of the electric load to cause the second mechanism to close the second contacts, and determine a fault state operatively associated with current flowing through the second contacts.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2013Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: EATON CORPORATIONInventors: RONALD L. THOMPSON, JASON-DAVID NITZBERG, DAVID AUSTIN ELDRIDGE, BRANDON J. ROGERS
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Publication number: 20140111294Abstract: An electrical switching apparatus includes a transductor circuit that senses a direct current between at least one input terminal and at least one output terminal and outputs an alternating current proportional to the direct current between the input terminal and the output terminal. The electrical switching apparatus also includes an alternating current electronic trip circuit configured to control pairs of separable contacts to separate based on the alternating current output from the transductor circuit. The alternating current electronic trip circuit includes a rectifier circuit, an interface circuit, and a processor structured to output a control signal to control a trip actuator to cause an operating mechanism to separate the plurality of pairs of separable contacts.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2013Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: Eaton CorporationInventors: XIN ZHOU, Harry J. Carlino, Brian S. Caffro
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Patent number: 8410876Abstract: The disclosed concept provides for an operating mechanism in a overload relay assembly having a solenoid with a permanent magnet. The solenoid includes a ferrous output member. The solenoid moves the output member between a first retracted position and a second extended position. When the output member is in the first retracted position, the permanent magnet maintains the output member in the first retracted position. Thus, in a system wherein the overload relay assembly interrupts power to its own operating mechanism solenoid, the permanent magnet maintains the output member in the first retracted position even when the solenoid is de-energized.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2011Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Daniel Patrick Heckenkamp, Matthew Wilbur Naiva, Thomas Francis Kurland
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Publication number: 20120049879Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) monitoring system measures the health of PV installations by measuring, calculating, and reporting the passive (dark) and active (illuminated) electrical characteristics of the PV strings, substrings, and modules that comprise the installation.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2011Publication date: March 1, 2012Inventor: David E. Crites
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Publication number: 20120032762Abstract: A DC circuit breaker arrangement for interrupting a current on a transmission line or in a HVDC circuit is provided. The DC circuit breaker arrangement comprises a first DC breaker and a second DC breaker, identical to the first DC breaker. The second DC breaker is connected in parallel with the first DC breaker on the transmission line or in the HVDC circuit and the current is divided between the first and the second DC breakers. By means of the invention, a DC circuit breaker arrangement is provided able to handle very high currents. The invention also relates to a corresponding method.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2008Publication date: February 9, 2012Applicant: ABB TECHNOLOGY AGInventor: Victor Lescale
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Publication number: 20120001706Abstract: The disclosed concept provides for an operating mechanism in a overload relay assembly having a solenoid with a permanent magnet. The solenoid includes a ferrous output member. The solenoid moves the output member between a first retracted position and a second extended position. When the output member is in the first retracted position, the permanent magnet maintains the output member in the first retracted position. Thus, in a system wherein the overload relay assembly interrupts power to its own operating mechanism solenoid, the permanent magnet maintains the output member in the first retracted position even when the solenoid is de-energized.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2011Publication date: January 5, 2012Inventors: DANIEL PATRICK HECKENKAMP, Matthew Wilbur Naiva, Thomas Francis Kurland
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Publication number: 20110276104Abstract: A medical device includes a pulse generator, a lead, and an electrode. The lead includes an electrode and a lead conductor connecting the pulse generator with the electrode via first and second conductive paths. The medical device includes first and second switches. The first switch is disposed along the first conductive path and includes an open state in the presence of a magnetic field and a closed state in the absence of the magnetic field. The second switch is disposed along the second conductive path and includes an open state when a voltage applied across the second switch is at or below a threshold voltage and a closed state when the voltage applied across the second switch exceeds a threshold voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2011Publication date: November 10, 2011Inventors: Masoud Ameri, Greg P. Carpenter, David C. Olson
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Publication number: 20110273249Abstract: A circuit breaker with a secondary protection function, comprising a first circuit breaking unit, a second circuit breaking unit, and a housing. The first circuit breaking unit and the second circuit breaking unit are disposed in the housing, the first circuit breaking unit operates to switch on or off loads from electric lines, the second circuit breaking unit operates to disconnect the loads from the electric lines as the first circuit breaking unit fails, and the housing is made of insulating and flame-retardant materials.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2010Publication date: November 10, 2011Applicant: HUBEI SHENGJIA ELECTRIC APPARATUS CO., LTD.Inventors: Jiasheng WAN, Zhiqiang WANG
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Publication number: 20110192822Abstract: A limiter includes a housing having a number of gas ports, a number of gas vents and a number of gas channels. Each of the number of gas channels is between a corresponding one of the number of gas ports and a corresponding one of the number of gas vents. The limiter also includes a number of first terminals, a number of second terminals, and a number of limiter devices. Each of the number of limiter devices is electrically connected between a corresponding one of the number of first terminals and a corresponding one of the number of second terminals. Each of the number of gas ports is structured to receive a corresponding ionized gas flow for passage through a corresponding one of the number of gas channels to the corresponding one of the number of gas vents.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2010Publication date: August 11, 2011Inventors: RICHARD P. MALINGOWSKI, DAVID E. LITTLE, KELLY J. MCCARTHY, MATTHEW R. HUSSEY
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Patent number: 7864004Abstract: A circuit breaker is disclosed. The circuit breaker has a single pole module housing having a 1 W width with a first conduction path and a second conduction path disposed within the single pole module housing. The first and second conduction paths are electrically isolated from each other via an interior wall of the single pole module housing. A first activation mechanism is in operable communication with the first conduction path and a second activation mechanism is in operable communication with the second conduction path. The first activation mechanism is in operable communication with the first conduction path independent of the second activation mechanism and the second conduction path. The second activation mechanism is in operable communication with the second conduction path independent of the first activation mechanism and the first conduction path.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2006Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Victor Elviro Dominguez, Jorge Juan Bonilla Hernandez, Manuel Meana Alcon, Thomas Helmut Frisch
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Patent number: 7646271Abstract: A circuit breaker includes an enclosure with a first side and a second side opposite and distal from the first side. A number of separable contacts are enclosed by the enclosure. An operating mechanism is structured to open and close the separable contacts. A plurality of terminals are electrically interconnected with the number of separable contacts. The terminals protrude through the second side of the enclosure. A number of phase barrier apparatus is disposed on the second side of the enclosure. Each of the number of phase barrier apparatus includes a plurality of separate phase barrier members, each of which is disposed about a corresponding one of the terminals, and a number of interlocking members. Each of the number of interlocking members interlocks with an adjacent pair of the separate phase barrier members.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2007Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Andrew L. Gottschalk, Frankie K. Ostrowski, Kelly J. McCarthy, Paul R. Rakus
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Publication number: 20090256658Abstract: An apparatus includes an enclosure, a plurality of circuit breaker sub poles, each enclosed within a chamber of the enclosure, and a plurality of arc chutes, each installed on one of the chambers enclosing the circuit breaker sub poles.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2008Publication date: October 15, 2009Inventors: Yatin Vilas Newase, Janakiraman Narayanan, Soundararajan Narayanasamy, Sachin Kurkure, Mahesh Jaywant Rane
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Patent number: 7558034Abstract: The present invention relates to a family of resettable circuit interrupting devices that eliminates the need to rewire a resettable circuit interrupting device after it is installed and powered up to correct for a reverse wiring conditions.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2007Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Company, Inc.Inventors: Gaetano Bonasia, Benjamin Moadel, James A. Porter, Steve Campolo
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Patent number: 7541899Abstract: Disclosed are a multi-pole circuit breaker and an apparatus for preventing deformation of a driving shaft thereof. The multi-pole circuit breaker includes: a plurality of single pole breaking units having a pair of fixed contactors, a movable contactor, and shafts; a switching mechanism disposed on a certain one of the plurality of single pole breaking units; a pair of driving shafts connected to each shaft; and a driving shaft deformation prevention unit disposed between the single pole breaking unit, spaced relatively far from the switching unit among the plurality of single pole breaking units, and the adjacent single pole breaking unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2006Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Assignee: LS Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.Inventor: Byoung-Soo Ahn
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Patent number: 7532095Abstract: An apparatus for remotely actuating a circuit breaker with two stable positions corresponding to a switch-on position and a switch-off position, has a drive mechanism with an electric motor. The apparatus further has first and second switches for switching the motor on and off, a transmission, a coupling mechanism for mechanically coupling the drive mechanism to the circuit breaker and a lever. The transmission can be positioned in two basic positions, and the lever is capable of being moved from a first end position into a second end position with the aid of the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is configured such that, in the event of the lever being moved over manually from one end position into the other end position, one of the switches is actuated, with the result that the transmission is moved over from one basic position into the other basic position.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2007Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: Ellenberger & Poensgen mbHInventors: Wolfgang Schmidt, Johann Kellermann
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Patent number: 7515022Abstract: A trip lever for a shared tripping device, wherein the shared tripping device is structured to operatively couple at least two circuit breakers, a primary circuit breaker and a secondary circuit breaker, the trip lever having an elongated trip lever body with a mounting end and a distal end. The trip lever body mounting end pivotally is coupled to a cage in the primary circuit breaker and engages a trip bar in the secondary circuit breaker. The trip lever body distal end is disposed in a path of travel of an inter-phase link body distal end within the primary circuit breaker. The trip lever body distal end is structured to be engaged by the inter-phase link body distal end as the inter-phase link body distal end moves along the path of travel and the trip lever is structured to actutate the secondary circuit breaker trip bar when the trip lever is engaged by the inter-phase link body distal end.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2005Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Mark O. Zindler
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Publication number: 20090058573Abstract: A power switching apparatus includes a breaker unit, an operating unit, a measuring unit, and a controlling unit. The breaker unit is connected on a three-phase current line, and includes switches each corresponding to one of phases of the three-phase current line. The operating unit simultaneously turns on or off the switches. The measuring unit measures a current flowing in each phase, and determines a time point where current flowing in one of the phases becomes zero as a reference time point. The controlling unit controls, when interrupting load current, the operating unit to turn off the switches in a range from 20 degrees to 40 degrees of an electric angle from the reference time point.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Tomohito Mori, Haruhiko Koyama
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Patent number: 7449983Abstract: An inter-phase link for a shared tripping device, wherein the shared tripping device is structured to operatively couple at least two circuit breakers, and the inter-phase link has an elongated body with a mounting end and a distal end. The inter-phase link body mounting end is structured to be coupled to the primary circuit breaker operating mechanism and the inter-phase link body distal end is structured to extend through a primary circuit breaker housing assembly shaped opening and a secondary circuit breaker housing assembly shaped opening to engage the secondary circuit breaker trip device.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2005Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Mark O. Zindler
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Publication number: 20080164961Abstract: A system that includes micro-electromechanical system switching circuitry is provided. The system may include a first over-current protection circuitry connected in a parallel circuit with the micro-electromechanical system switching circuitry for suppressing a voltage level across contacts of the micro-electromechanical system switching circuitry during a first switching event, such as a turn-on event. The system may further include a second over-current protection circuitry connected in a parallel circuit with the micro-electromechanical system switching circuitry for suppressing a current flow through the contacts of the micro-electromechanical system switching circuitry during a second switching event, such as a turn-off event.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2007Publication date: July 10, 2008Inventors: William James Premerlani, Kanakasabapathi Subramanian, Kathleen Ann O'Brien, John Norton Park, Owen Jannis Schelenz, Maja Harfman Todorovic
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Publication number: 20080157904Abstract: A circuit breaker is disclosed. The circuit breaker has a single pole module housing having a 1 W width with a first conduction path and a second conduction path disposed within the single pole module housing. The first and second conduction paths are electrically isolated from each other via an interior wall of the single pole module housing. A first activation mechanism is in operable communication with the first conduction path and a second activation mechanism is in operable communication with the second conduction path. The first activation mechanism is in operable communication with the first conduction path independent of the second activation mechanism and the second conduction path. The second activation mechanism is in operable communication with the second conduction path independent of the first activation mechanism and the first conduction path.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2006Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Victor Elviro Dominguez, Jorge Juan Bonilla Hernandez, Manuel Meana Alcon, Thomas Helmut Frisch
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Patent number: 7352265Abstract: A manual trip control method and arrangement is provided to manually trip a plurality of circuit interrupters. Specifically, where the circuit interrupters include magnetic-actuator-driven vacuum interrupters including permanent magnets that hold the contacts of the circuit interrupter in the closed position via a plunger, a first of the circuit interrupters is manually tripped via movement of the plunger. To operate the remaining circuit interrupters to trip open, the voltage generated in the magnetic actuator of the first circuit interrupter is coupled to the magnetic actuators of the remaining circuit interrupters for tripping thereof.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2005Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: S & C Electric Co.Inventors: John C. Opfer, Christopher R. Lettow
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Patent number: 7268651Abstract: The invention relates to a electromechanical switching device having two movable contact elements interacting with a fixed contact. Said switching device has a housing. When viewing a fixing side from the top, said housing is divided into two areas bordering with a longitudinal side of the housing, one of the movable contact elements and the corresponding fixed contact being located in said areas, wherein each of the housing areas has a narrow partial area and a broad partial area bordering therewith. The broad partial area of the first housing area is adjacent to the narrow partial area of the second housing area and the narrow partial area of the first housing area is adjacent to the broad partial area of the second housing area. The actuation directions of the movable contact elements are directed opposite each other.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2004Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Gunther Eckert, Wolfgang Leitl
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Patent number: 6815622Abstract: An automatic transfer switch includes a main body having a solenoid side and an auxiliary side. A solenoid side limit switch assembly is mounted to the solenoid side and an auxiliary side limit switch assembly is mounted on the auxiliary side. The solenoid side limit switch assembly includes a plurality of limit switches and a solenoid side mounting plate. The auxiliary side limit switch assembly includes a plurality of limit switches and an auxiliary side mounting plate.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2001Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Sheldon Milman, Mark A. Serrano
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Patent number: 6747532Abstract: A neutral pole for a multipole circuit breaker is disclosed. The circuit breaker includes a housing, a plurality of contact arms for opening and closing an electrical circuit, and an operating mechanism for driving the contact arms. The neutral pole includes a neutral housing, a conduction path within the neutral housing having a neutral arm arranged to open and close the conduction path, a bias spring configured to exert a first bias moment on the neutral arm when the conduction path is closed, a spring support configured to support the bias spring, a rotor pivotally arranged within the neutral housing and configured to displace the neutral arm and to open the conduction path, and a drive pin configured to couple the rotor to the multipole circuit breaker. The spring support is fixedly arranged at the neutral housing. The rotor is responsive to the opening and closing action of the operating mechanism of the multipole circuit breaker.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Michael Tobin, Girish Hassan, Michael Ronzello, Ramakrishna Kalagotla
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Patent number: 6710687Abstract: An improved test button assembly for use in a circuit breaker includes a frame and a button member, with the button member being pivotably mounted on the frame. A pair of microswitches are mounted on a printed circuit board that is disposed on the frame. The button member is alternately engageable with the two microswitches, with one of the microswitches being connectable with a ground fault protection circuit, and the other microswitch being connectable with an arc fault protection circuit. In an alternate embodiment, a common electrical contact is mounted on the button member, and a pair of contacts are mounted on the frame, with the common contact being alternately engageable with each of the contacts mounted on the frame. The contacts mounted on the frame are connected with the ground fault and arc fault protection circuits.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2002Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Robert T. Elms, Michael J. Whipple
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Patent number: 6469601Abstract: An under-voltage tripping device installed on a main body of a circuit breaker includes an electromagnetic under-voltage tripping mechanism; an early-operation auxiliary switch for switching a conductive path of an electromagnet of the electromagnetic under-voltage tripping mechanism in connection with a handle mechanism of the circuit breaker; and a unit case having two opposite ends and external connection terminals at the two opposite ends thereof. The unit case is shaped to fit an outward frame of the main body. The wiring circuits for the electromagnet and the early-operation auxiliary switch are separated from each other in the unit case. The early-operation auxiliary switch is connected between the external connection terminals of the unit case, and the electromagnet has leads emerging directly from the unit case and connected to an external wiring.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2002Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masao Miura, Koji Asakawa
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Patent number: 6400242Abstract: An auxiliary switch for a circuit breaker of the split case type. The switch is capable of switching the rated interrupt current capacity of the breaker and is fitted in to the circuit breaker case so that the overall width is substantially equal to or less than the overall width of the circuit breaker. Several embodiments of the auxiliary switch disclose various features which contribute to increasing the interrupt current rating and/or down sizing the width of the auxiliary switch.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2000Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignee: Carling Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Fasano, Thomas R. J. Swift
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Patent number: 6052046Abstract: A two pole circuit breaker having arc fault and ground fault protection circuits, in addition to a standard thermal-magnetic trip units, that is designed to fit in a standard knock-out, three-quarter inch or one-inch, of a circuit breaker load center panel. The circuit breaker is divided into three compartments with two side-by-side compartments housing the electro-magnetic trip mechanism respectively for each pole, and a third compartment in tandem with the other two for housing the electronics associated with the ground fault and arc fault protection circuits. The circuit breaker spans the area allocated to a single knock-out with portions of the electro-magnetic trip compartments seated within the knock-out opening and with the third compartment hidden behind the panel.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 1998Date of Patent: April 18, 2000Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Ralph Mason Ennis, Thomas Michael Doring
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Patent number: 5898236Abstract: Apparatus for synchronizing the output pulses from a pair of magnetic switches. An electrically conductive loop is provided between the pair of switches with the loop having windlings about the core of each of the magnetic switches. The magnetic coupling created by the loop removes voltage and timing variations between the outputs of the two magnetic switches caused by any of a variety of factors. The only remaining variation is a very small fixed timing offset caused by the geometry and length of the loop itself.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1997Date of Patent: April 27, 1999Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Kim W. Reed, Paul Kiekel
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Patent number: 4906958Abstract: A multi-pole circuit breaker apparatus includes first and second circuit breakers having first and second handles extending therefrom for switching the circuit breakers between "On" and "Off" positions. The circuit breakers are connected together with the handles extending generally parallel to each other. A handle tie connects the first and second handles for simultaneous operation. The handle tie has first and second handle openings disposed therethrough. The first and second handles extend all the way through the first and second handle openings, respectively, so that a forwardmost extension of the combined handles and handle tie is no greater than a forwardmost extension of the handles in the absence of the handle tie. The handle tie is slidably received about the handles so that it is free to float along at least a portion of a length of the handles.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 1988Date of Patent: March 6, 1990Assignee: Square D CompanyInventor: Wayne G. Adamson
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Patent number: 4804933Abstract: An automatic electric load transfer switch incorporates an over-the-center spring mechanism to operate switch contacts. The spring mechanism has a first position at which the electric load is connected to one electricity source and a second position at which the load is connected to another electricity source. The spring mechanism is driven by a solenoid activated cam shaft. An apparatus is provided for halting the movement of the spring mechanism at a position intermediate the first and second positions at which the load is not connected to either electricity source. The halting apparatus is releasable so that the spring mechanism can continue its movement between the first and second positions.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 1988Date of Patent: February 14, 1989Assignee: Brown Industrial Gas, Inc.Inventors: James A. Becker, Lawrence F. Freitag, Frank W. Kussy
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Patent number: 4764836Abstract: The circuit breaker displays a commutation device (4) and a semiconductor valve arrangement (6) which is connected in parallel with the commutation device (4), an isolating switching point (5) connected in series with the semiconductor valve arrangement (6) and a control circuit (11). The control circuit detects the polarity of the current to be disconnected and, together with a switching-off command (24), emits a response command to the commutation device (4) when the detected current flows in the direction of conduction of the semiconductor valve arrangement (6). When the current to be disconnected is interrupted in the semiconductor valve arrangement (6) after the commutation device (4) has responded, the control circuit (11) emits a release command to the isolating switching point (5) forming an isolating gap. As a result, the semiconductor valve arrangement (6) is isolated and the switching-off process is terminated.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 1987Date of Patent: August 16, 1988Assignee: BBC Brown, Boveri & Company, Ltd.Inventors: Gerhard Mauthe, Lutz Niemeyer, Friedrich Pinnekamp, Norbert Wiegart
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Patent number: 4524338Abstract: A ganged, multiple pole circuit breaker in which the multiple poles of each circuit breaker are mechanically related to a single operating point on the associated breaker. Their single operating points are pivotally related to a first common pivot point, which is fixed in relation to a common frame which supports both circuit breakers. Their single operating pivot points are additionally pivotally related to a second common pivot point. A guide arrangement, fixed to the common frame, guides the second common pivot point in a predetermined rectilinear path when actuated by an operating mechanism which includes a shaft arranged to extend through a transformer tank wall to a master operating handle. The guide arrangement prevents any motion of the second common pivot point in a direction lateral to the rectilinear path.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1984Date of Patent: June 18, 1985Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.Inventor: John F. Cotton
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Patent number: 4330772Abstract: A pushbutton circuit breaker switch, including two sets of contacts, connected in series. One set of contacts, the switch contacts (24, 30), open and close during normal on-off switch cycling. The other set of contacts, the breaker contacts (36, 42, 54), open only on overload, leaving the switch contacts closed. Of the three breaker contacts, two are stationary (36, 42) and one is a movable bridging contact (54). This movable contact is mounted on an insulative slide block (44), and an overload slides into an insulative enclosure (10g) in the housing (10) of the switch. Thus the movable contact is almost completely surrounded by insulative material cutting off any arc formed. The switch contacts are opened and closed by a W-cam (16). The actuator for the W-cam is a trapeze spring (14), the length of the horizontal portion of which is greater than the width of the W-cam, so that the center high point (16a) of the W-cam passes through the actuator without interference therewith.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 1980Date of Patent: May 18, 1982Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Jerome K. Hastings, George F. Lamboy
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Patent number: 4202602Abstract: A radiant energy source modulator comprising a plurality of electro-mechanical drivers which operate individually to close an aperture through which radiant energy from an infrared laser light, etc., source must pass. Excitation of each of said drivers with separate desired input signals operates to obstruct or permit the radiant energy to pass through the aperture, the overall radiant energy which passes being modulated by the plurality of drivers.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 1973Date of Patent: May 13, 1980Inventor: Ismael Torres
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Patent number: 4132967Abstract: A unitized combination motor starter includes a unitized insulating base for an electromagnetic contactor section and a circuit breaker section having automatic trip means. The unitized base is part of a common insulating housing for the contactor and circuit breaker sections and circuit elements serially connecting these sections are disposed within the common housing.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1976Date of Patent: January 2, 1979Assignee: I-T-E Imperial CorporationInventor: Carl E. Gryctko
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Patent number: 3987382Abstract: A unitized combination motor starter is provided with a single insulated housing wherein a plurality of pole units are disposed side-by-side. Each pole unit includes a circuit breaker contact section and a contactor contact section. A spring powered mechanism for circuit breaker operation is disposed on one side of the pole units and an electromagnet for contactor operation is disposed on the other side of the pole units. The current carrying elements of each pole unit are arranged to provide a current loop having relatively close opposing arms so that large mechanical forces accompany high magnitude current flow. These forces are directed so as to produce a blow-off effect at the circuit breaker contacts, resulting in current limiting action to protect the contactor contacts.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 1975Date of Patent: October 19, 1976Assignee: I-T-E Imperial CorporationInventors: John B. Cataldo, Frank W. Kussy, Frank R. Keller