With Direct Connected Contact Separating Means Patents (Class 335/14)
  • Patent number: 11842873
    Abstract: A modified trip lever for a remote controlled miniature circuit breaker comprises a trip lever and a separate kicker lever, which perform alternate functions to either automatically open the main contacts in response to a trip event or alternately open or close the contacts under remote control. The kicker lever rotates clockwise on a pivot in response to an actuator receiving a remote control open signal, to open the contacts by forcing a transverse tab on the kicker lever against a blade carrying a moveable main contact aligned with a stationary main contact. The kicker lever rotates counterclockwise to close the contacts in response to the actuator receiving a remote control close signal. The trip lever mounted on the same pivot, is configured to automatically open the contacts in response to a trip event, by pushing against the back side of the tab of the kicker lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Chad R. Mittelstadt
  • Patent number: 11715614
    Abstract: A remote-controlled mechanism according to an embodiment is used for coupling to a protective switching device to use a controllable drive device of the remote-controlled mechanism to actuate the coupled protective switching device. To this end, the remote-controlled mechanism includes: an actuating element operatively connectable to an actuating element of the coupled protective switching device and actuatable either by a remotely controllable drive device of the remote-controlled mechanism or manually; one or more sensor devices for capturing position data relating to a position of the actuating element of the remote-controlled mechanism; and a controller for evaluating the captured position data and for controlling the drive device via control commands. The controller is designed to disable the drive device upon an evaluation of the position data and/or of the control commands revealing that the actuating element of the remote-controlled mechanism has been switched off manually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Thomas Hochmuth
  • Patent number: 11626265
    Abstract: A trip unit for a circuit breaker includes a magnetic flux transfer system that employs a permanent magnet(s) and solenoid(s) with a ferromagnetic core. The system generates an attractive force using a solenoid to counter the force of a reset spring and latch friction force when a tripping condition is detected. The generated attractive force together with an attractive force from the magnet attracts a yoke which in turn moves the yoke together with an armature to the tripped position. The system also retains the yoke and armature in the tripped position using the attractive force of the magnet when the generated attractive force is no longer being generated. The system further generates a repulsive force using a solenoid when a resettable condition is satisfied to counter the attractive force of the magnet thereby allowing the yoke and armature to move from the tripped position to the reset position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Chad R. Mittelstadt
  • Patent number: 11501929
    Abstract: A remote controlled miniature circuit breaker includes a helical gear that engages with mating teeth of a slider plate coupled to main contacts of the circuit breaker, the helical gear including a flat portion to allow the sliding plate to slide past the helical gear. A unidirectional motor responds to an external signal to drive the helical gear while engaging the mating teeth of the slider plate, thereby moving the slider plate to close the main contacts. The motor is configured to respond to an external signal to resume the unidirectional rotation of the helical gear to position the flat portion of the gear to allow the slider plate to slide past the helical gear and contact a kicker lever to thereby open the main contacts. A trip lever pivotally mounted separately from the kicker lever, pushes the kicker lever to open the main contacts in a trip operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis W. Fleege, Salaheddine Faik, Chad R. Mittelstadt
  • Patent number: 10879018
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a supplementary isolating device for remote operation of a circuit breaker with interlocking functionality. The supplementary isolating device includes: an electrical disconnection switch manoeuvrable between a mechanically lockable first position and a mechanically lockable second position, which electrical disconnection switch is configured to be connected in the control circuit of a circuit breaker for an electrical drive system, wherein the supplementary isolating device is configured to send a first control voltage to the circuit breaker to provide an electrical disconnect and interlocking the operation of the circuit breaker, when the electrical disconnection switch is in the first position, an electric terminal configured to be connected to an auxiliary contact of the circuit breaker to obtain an operational status of the circuit breaker, and an indicator configured to indicate the operational status of the circuit breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Bertil Göransson, Anders Hansson
  • Patent number: 10679811
    Abstract: Provided herein is an improved bi-stable relay operable with a relay control circuit including a boost converter and an energy storage device, which is used to switch the bi-stable relay. In some embodiments, the bi-stable relay includes a solenoid wound with multiple coil windings. A conductive plate (e.g., a bus bar) may be coupled to a plunger of the solenoid, and is provided with contacts on each end of the conductive plate. The conductive plate is configured to electrically engage and disengage the solenoid upon respective application of power to the solenoid. The control circuit causes the solenoid to remain in an open position when selectively energized by a pulse for moving and retaining the conductive plate of the plunger against the solenoid for allowing wide operating voltage and reduced operating power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventor: James Riley
  • Patent number: 10347455
    Abstract: A miniature circuit breaker with quick current breaking capability which includes a miniature circuit breaker body, a current transformer CT1, a zero-sequence current transformer CT2 and a smart controller module. The miniature circuit breaker body is internally provided with a main arc extinguishing chamber, a fixed contact, a movable contact, a tripping mechanism, and a magnetic tripping push rod. The tripping mechanism includes a lock catch, a movable contact rocker arm, a jump pin, a connecting rod, and a tension spring. A rotated-hinge repulsive force structure is applied between the fixed contact and the movable contact. The tripping mechanism is further provided with a torsional spring to press the movable contact close to the fixed contact. A shunt tripping device controlling the miniature circuit breaker switch to be turned off is arranged in the smart controller module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Hebei bao kay electric co., LTD
    Inventor: Xinming Zhang
  • Patent number: 10276330
    Abstract: An operating mechanism of a circuit breaker comprising a static contact, a movable contact provided on a contact support and an operating handle that is in linkage with the contact support; a rotation shaft of the movable contact is concentric with a rotation shaft of the contact support, and the movable contact and the contact support are fixedly connected via an elastic component; the movable contact is capable of rotating relative to the contact support. The operating mechanism improves the response velocity of the movable contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: ZHEJIANG CHINT ELECTRICS CO., LTD
    Inventors: Feng Yang, Yukun Jiang, Yingge Si
  • Patent number: 9953786
    Abstract: A self-holding magnet has a spring (accumulator spring) and a first armature. The self-holding magnet is capable of holding the first magnet armature against the spring force in a lift position which is determined by a stop. The stop determines a remaining air gap of a working air gap. The magnetic circuit of the self-holding magnet has a magnetic shunt with particularly low reluctance of the same order of magnitude as a series reluctance of the remaining working air gap(s). The working air gap(s) and the shunt are magnetically connected in parallel with the flow generated by a permanent magnet but in series with the flow generated by the trigger coil. The self-holding magnet additionally has at least one positive feedback device such as a compressible resilient stop or a shunt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Rhefor GbR (Vertreten Durch den Geschaeftsfuehrenden Gesellschafter Arno Mecklenburg)
    Inventor: Arno Mecklenburg
  • Patent number: 9837232
    Abstract: An electromechanical circuit breaker comprising a main contact pair comprising a first main contact disposed on a first main contact bridge; an auxiliary contact pair comprising a first auxiliary contact disposed on a first auxiliary contact bridge, the first auxiliary contact bridge being connected in parallel to the first main contact bridge and wherein the auxiliary contact pair comprises a material that has a higher melting point than a material of the main contact pair; a first armature configured to move the first main contact bridge; a second armature configured to move the first auxiliary contact bridge, wherein the first and second armatures are configured such that the auxiliary contact pair opens after the main contact pair opens, and the auxiliary contact pair closes before the main contact pair closes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Lisa Draexlmaier GmbH
    Inventors: Marko Fellmer, Peter Faltermeier, Christian Gruber, Christoph Machner
  • Patent number: 9530577
    Abstract: A circuit breaker, including a circuit breaker body, a handle, a bottom box, and a bearing plate. The circuit breaker body includes an upper cover, and a notch groove is formed on the upper cover. Two ends of the notch groove are positioned in the on/off position corresponding to the circuit breaker. The handle extends out of the notch groove. A circuit breaker actuating mechanism, a wire inlet end, and a wire outlet end are arranged on the bottom box. The circuit breaker actuating mechanism is triggered by the handle. The bearing plate is arranged between the upper cover and the bottom box and combined with an electrical operating mechanism. The handle is switched in the on/off state during the operation of the electrical operating mechanism under the control of an automatic closing control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignees: HUBEI SHENGJIA WIRING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jiasheng Wan
  • Publication number: 20150015347
    Abstract: The detection device (35) according to the invention makes it possible to detect resetting of an electric circuit breaker (10). The electric circuit breaker (10) comprises fixed (12) and moving (14) contacts, the moving contact (14) being capable of moving between an open position, in which the fixed and moving contacts (12, 14) are separated, and a closed position, in which the moving contact (14) is pressed against the fixed contact (12), a mechanism (16) for separating the contacts (12, 14), a lever (18) for resetting the mechanism (16) from the open position to the closed position of the moving contact (14), and an actuator (20) for actuating the separator mechanism (16), the actuator (20) including an electromagnetic coil and a core movable between an idle position and a working position in which the separating mechanism (16) is actuated, the coil being capable of causing the moving core to move from its idle position to its working position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES SAS
    Inventors: Pascal HOUBRE, Fabien ODILLE
  • Patent number: 8853586
    Abstract: An electrical switching apparatus includes two arc runners, two contacts in electrical communication with the respective runners, a movable contact having two portions respectively cooperating with the contacts to provide closed and open contact positions, and two arc chambers each including two ends, a longitudinal axis therebetween, and arc plates between the ends. A magnet assembly cooperates with the arc chambers to establish a generally unidirectional magnetic field normal to the axes, normal to a first direction of a first arc between one contact and the first portion as it moves away from the closed toward the open contact position, and normal to an opposite second direction of a second arc between the other contact and the second portion as it moves away from the closed toward the open contact position. The magnetic field causes one arc to enter one arc chamber depending upon current flow direction between the contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Peter J. Theisen, Paul J. Rollman, Mark A. Juds, Xin Zhou
  • Patent number: 8803640
    Abstract: A circuit breaker having a movable contact arm for opening and closing the circuit which is controlled separately by a circuit breaker mechanism for circuit protection and by a switch lever mechanism which does not require actuation of the circuit breaker mechanism to function. The switch lever may be activated by a solenoid or other suitable means, and various interlocking mechanical states exist among the elements that provide added safety features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Carling Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Fasano
  • Publication number: 20140218139
    Abstract: An electrical operator for a circuit breaker includes a carriage moving assembly and a solenoid having a reciprocating plunger. The plunger is configured to engage with the carriage moving assembly in response to a pulsating current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Artur Wincenty Kubisa
  • Patent number: 8717731
    Abstract: Apparatus and systems and methods are described herein that provide a controlled circuit breaker that selectively interrupts a flow current associated with a first electrical phase and an uncontrolled circuit breaker that selectively interrupts current associated with a second electrical phase. The controlled circuit breaker and uncontrolled circuit breaker are coupled to one another and configured to be installed in adjacent slots in a circuit breaker panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Drew A. Reid, Richard M. Elchik, Sandy Omar Jimenez
  • Patent number: 8711548
    Abstract: A load center includes a housing, a cover, and a circuit breaker. The load center can be retrofitted to further include a rotational motor, an actuator member, and a guide insert. The rotational motor includes a threaded drive shaft positioned through an aperture formed in the cover. The actuator member is threadingly engaged with the threaded drive shaft. The actuator member is oriented relative to the cover such that a handle of the circuit breaker is positioned through an aperture of the actuating member. Rotation of the threaded drive shaft causes the actuator member to translate such that a first actuating surface of the actuator member engages the handle and switches the handle from an OFF position to an ON position. The handle of the circuit breaker has full range of travel between the ON and OFF positions in response to the actuator member being moved into a neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcel Montemayor Cavazos, Jose Enrique Parra Ortiz
  • Publication number: 20130234809
    Abstract: Embodiments provide an electronic circuit breaker. The electronic circuit breaker has a moveable contact arm having a moveable main electrical contact, and a lockout mechanism operable to contact the moveable contact arm and block motion of thereof, the lockout mechanism having a lockout latch with one or more pivot joints pivotal about a pivot axis, a moveable stop on, and an offset engagement portion, the moveable stop adapted to contact the moveable contact arm, and an unlock actuator providing an unlock force at the engagement portion causing lockout latch pivoting about the pivot axis and release of the moveable contact arm. Also disclosed are secondary electrical contacts configured to engage each other in the ON configuration, with a leaf spring operably supporting a moveable one of the secondary contacts, the leaf spring configured to be flexed to close the secondary contacts. A method of operating the electronic circuit breaker is provided, as are other aspects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: SIEMENS INDUSTRY, INC.
    Inventors: Guang Yang, Timothy Biedrzycki
  • Patent number: 8497750
    Abstract: A release mechanism for a circuit interrupting device includes a ferromagnetic main frame through which can flow a current and a ferromagnetic movable core designed to be translated in an opening of the main frame between a first position where the circuit interrupting device remains closed and a second position where the circuit interrupting device is opened. The release mechanism is designed to use the flux generated inside the main frame by the current flowing through it to displace the movable core between its first and second positions. The release mechanism further includes at least two permanent magnets mounted on the main frame on each side of the opening and relatively oriented so as to generate a unidirectional unique magnet flux inside the main frame and the movable core, the magnet flux creating a first force on the movable core that tends to maintain it in its first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Secheron SA
    Inventor: Christopher Nazeri
  • Publication number: 20130187734
    Abstract: An exemplary magnetic actuator for a circuit breaker arrangement includes a coil, a core with a groove for accommodating a section of the coil, and a movable plate configured to be attracted by the core. When a magnetic field is generated by the coil, the movable plate actuates the circuit breaker arrangement based on the attraction to the core. The magnetic actuator also includes a position locker for locking the coil in the groove. The position locker having a locking part protruding away from the core and over a section of the coil not accommodated in the groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: ABB Technology AG
    Inventor: ABB Technology AG
  • Patent number: 8461947
    Abstract: An installation switching device which rapidly disconnects short-circuit currents is provided. A contact lever is arranged at least partially in an air gap in a magnetic circuit such that, in case of a short circuit, the interaction between current flow and magnetic flux within the air gap can result in an electrodynamic force effect, which leads to rapid opening of at least one contact point. A switching mechanism acts via a first operating connecting line on the contact lever to open the contact point and/or to keep it open. In case of overcurrent tripping, an overcurrent release acts, by a switching mechanism and via a second operating connecting line, on the switching mechanism to open the contact point and keep it open. In case of short-circuit tripping, the contact lever acts via a third operating connecting line on the switching mechanism to keep the contact point open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: ABB AG
    Inventors: Joachim Wendel, Roland Ritz, Joachim Becker, Ralf Weber
  • Publication number: 20130088310
    Abstract: Embodiments provide an electronic circuit breaker. The electronic circuit breaker has a moveable contact arm having a moveable main electrical contact, and a lockout mechanism operable to contact the moveable contact arm and block motion of thereof, the lockout mechanism having a lockout latch with one or more pivot joints, a moveable stop, and an offset engagement portion, the moveable stop adapted to contact the moveable contact arm, and an unlock actuator providing an unlock force at the engagement portion causing lockout latch pivoting and release of the moveable contact arm. Also disclosed are secondary electrical contacts configured to engage each other in the ON configuration, with a leaf spring operably supporting a moveable one of the secondary contacts, the leaf spring configured to be flexed to close the secondary contacts. A method of operating the electronic circuit breaker is provided, as are other aspects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: SIEMENS INDUSTRY, INC.
    Inventors: Guang Yang, Timothy Biedrzycki
  • Patent number: 8410875
    Abstract: The disclosed concept relates to an overload relay and, more specifically, to an overload relay switch having a reduced number of components and less complex components. The reduced number of components includes the lack of a return spring on the manual actuators. Further, the relay switch member, which was typically a snap switch conducting member structured to change its configuration, is a substantially flat blade. Further, a circuit is used to detect an over-current condition and a solenoid actuates the relay switch assembly, thereby eliminating the need for a mechanical over-current detection and switch actuation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel Patrick Heckenkamp
  • Patent number: 8410876
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Patrick Heckenkamp, Matthew Wilbur Naiva, Thomas Francis Kurland
  • Publication number: 20120068794
    Abstract: A release mechanism for a circuit interrupting device includes a ferromagnetic main frame through which can flow a current and a ferromagnetic movable core designed to be translated in an opening of the main frame between a first position where the circuit interrupting device remains closed and a second position where the circuit interrupting device is opened. The release mechanism is designed to use the flux generated inside the main frame by the current flowing through it to displace the movable core between its first and second positions. The release mechanism further includes at least two permanent magnets mounted on the main frame on each side of the opening and relatively oriented so as to generate a unidirectional unique magnet flux inside the main frame and the movable core, the magnet flux creating a first force on the movable core that tends to maintain it in its first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: SECHERON SA
    Inventor: Christopher NAZERI
  • Patent number: 8138862
    Abstract: An installation switching device having at least one pole current path comprises two stationary contact pieces; a moving contact bridge including two moving contact pieces forming a double-break pole with the two stationary contact pieces; a contact pressure spring exerting a pressure on the moving contact bridge in a closing direction of the moving contact bridge; a pusher configured to act on the moving contact bridge counter to the pressure of the contact pressure spring in an opening direction, the pusher including a slide and a striking pin disposed moveably relative to the moving contact bridge and to one another in a movement direction of the moving contact bridge; a switch latch having a latching point; an operating lever configured to act on the pusher; and an electromagnetic release having an impact armature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: ABB AG
    Inventors: Ralf Mueller, Frank Hustert, Hans-Peter Weyand
  • Patent number: 8116919
    Abstract: A circuit breaker configuration contains a number of circuit breakers each to be connected via lines to a system component of a power distribution system and a plurality of control buttons with a respective one of the control buttons connected to a respective one of the circuit breakers. The respective control button for the respective circuit breaker passes through a control panel and is actuated from a front side of the control panel. A coupling element accessible from the front side of the control panel is provided for an interchange of diagnosis data and/or parametrization data. The coupling element is associated with the circuit breakers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Ellenberger & Poensgen GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Naumann, Markus Miklis, Peter Meckler, Patric Gross
  • Patent number: 7936239
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a breaker interlock system. The system includes, a trip unit for a breaker, and a breaker receptive of the trip unit. The breaker is closable when the trip unit is assembled thereto and the breaker is non-closable when the trip unit is not assembled to the breaker. The interlock system is further configured to prevent disassembly of the trip unit from the breaker when the breaker is in a closed configuration. The breaker having a plurality of solenoids and each of the plurality of solenoids is in operable communication with the breaker to trip the breaker on command. A first of the plurality of solenoids is responsive to a signal from the breaker via the trip unit, and a second of the plurality of solenoids is responsive to an externally supplied signal from a source other than the electronic trip unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Triplicane Gopikrishnan Babu, Janakiraman Narayanan, Mahesh Jaywant Rane, Soundararajan Narayanasamy
  • Patent number: 7920037
    Abstract: A fault interrupter and load break switch includes a trip assembly configured to automatically open a transformer circuit electrically coupled to stationary contacts of the switch upon the occurrence of a fault condition. The fault condition causes a Curie metal element electrically coupled to at least one of the stationary contacts to release a magnetic latch. The release causes a trip rotor of the trip assembly to rotate a rotor assembly. This rotation causes ends of a movable contact of the rotor assembly to electrically disengage the stationary contacts, thereby opening the circuit. The switch also includes a handle for manually opening and closing the electrical circuit in fault and non-fault conditions. Actuation of the handle coupled to the rotor assembly via a spring-loaded rotor causes the movable contact ends to selectively engage or disengage the stationary contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Kurt Lawrence Lindsey, Randal Vernon Malliet
  • Publication number: 20100259347
    Abstract: A circuit interrupting device is disclosed that includes a first conductor, a second conductor, a switch between the first conductor and the second conductor wherein the switch is disposed to selectively connect and disconnect the first conductor and the second conductor, a circuit interrupter disposed to generate a circuit interrupting actuation signal, a solenoid coil and plunger assembly disposed to open the switch wherein the solenoid coil and plunger assembly is actuatable by the circuit interrupting actuation signal wherein movement of the plunger causes the switch to open, and a test assembly that is configured to enable a test of the circuit interrupter initiating at least a partial movement of the plunger in a test direction, from a pre-test configuration to a post-test configuration, without opening the switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: William Ziegler, James Richter, Benjamin Moadel, Michael Kamor, James Porter, David Chan, Mario Angelides
  • Patent number: 7706927
    Abstract: A circuit breaker configuration contains a number of circuit breakers each to be connected via lines to a system component of a power distribution system and a plurality of control buttons with a respective one of the control buttons connected to a respective one of the circuit breakers. The respective control button for the respective circuit breaker passes through a control panel and is actuated from a front side of the control panel. A coupling element accessible from the front side of the control panel is provided for an interchange of diagnosis data and/or parameterization data. The coupling element is associated with the circuit breakers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Ellenberger & Poensgen GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Naumann, Markus Miklis, Peter Meckler, Patric Gross
  • Patent number: 7598830
    Abstract: An electromagnetic coil apparatus includes a ferrous coil frame having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A coil assembly includes a conduit, a number of coils within the ferrous coil frame and being disposed on the conduit, and a ferrous plunger movable in the conduit. A first ferrous heel member is disposed proximate the first end of the ferrous coil frame. A second ferrous top plate member has an opening and is disposed proximate the second end of the ferrous coil frame. A magnetic flux enhancer is external to the conduit and is at least partially external to the ferrous coil frame. The magnetic flux enhancer includes a ferrous conduit coupled to the second ferrous top plate member and cooperates with the opening thereof to form a passageway. A portion of the ferrous plunger of the coil assembly passes through the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Erik R. Bogdon, Thomas A. Whitaker, Mark A. Juds
  • Patent number: 7595710
    Abstract: An electrical contact assembly includes a magnetic latch solenoid for actuating a moveable contact of a contact pair. The magnetic latch solenoid includes a magnet that latches the contact assembly in an open position, and a coil that moves an armature to the latched position under current in one polarity, and disrupts the permanent magnet field to release the armature from the latched position under current in a reverse polarity. A spring biases the contacts to the closed position. The spring is separate from the magnetic latch solenoid. The contact assembly may also include a printed circuit board for providing pulses to the coil to operate the assembly. The contact assembly is part of a remote operated circuit breaker assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: John DeBoer, Brian Timothy McCoy
  • Patent number: 7558034
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Gaetano Bonasia, Benjamin Moadel, James A. Porter, Steve Campolo
  • Patent number: 7557681
    Abstract: An electrical switching apparatus accessory sub-assembly is for an electromagnetic coil including a movable stem. The electrical switching apparatus accessory sub-assembly includes a coil frame having a first end and an opposite second end. A housing includes a plurality of interior surfaces, a first end and an opposite second end. The second end of the housing has an opening structured to receive the movable stem of the electromagnetic coil. A number of the interior surfaces of the housing are structured to selectively hold the coil frame in either one of a first position in which the coil frame first end faces the housing first end and the coil frame second end faces the housing second end, and a second position in which the coil frame first end faces the housing second end and the coil frame second end faces the housing first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Whitaker, Erik R. Bogdon
  • Patent number: 7541899
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: LS Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Byoung-Soo Ahn
  • Patent number: 7538644
    Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-pole circuit breaker. The multi-pole circuit breaker includes: a substrate disposed between the single pole breaking unit, spaced relatively far from the switching mechanism as compared to the other single pole breaking units among the plurality of single breaking units, and the adjacent single pole breaking unit; a link mechanism rotatably supported on the substrate; and springs having one ends supported by the substrate and the other ends supported by the link mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: LS Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ki-Hwan Oh
  • Patent number: 7501775
    Abstract: The invention concerns a switching device system including at least one switching device, signal means and control means. Each switching device includes at least one mobile contact part, an electric motor and, coupling means. The coupling means is arranged to transfer motion from the electric motor to the mobile contact part. The control means is arranged to control the switching device. According to the invention the control means is at least partly remotely located from the switching device. The signal means transmit signals from the switching device to the remotely located control means and vice/versa. The signals represent real-time data and/or off-line data. The invention concerns also a switching device, control means and methods related to the invented system as well as computer program products for such system and electric power system being provided with such system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: ABB AB
    Inventors: Stefan Valdemarsson, Per Larsson, Philip C. Kjaer, Per-Olof Thureson, Sjoerd G. Bosga
  • Patent number: 7482901
    Abstract: A circuit breaker is comprised of a make-and-break mechanism part disposed between frame plates opposite to each other; a base in which a breaking portion including cross bar, moving contact, fixed contact and arc-extinguishing device, and an over-current trip device are contained; a middle base, in which a partition wall separating the breaking portion from the make-and-break mechanism part, and the breaking portion from the over-current trip device, is provided; and a cover for covering the base and middle base. A frame of the make-and-break mechanism part is secured to the base through the middle base, and the secured part of the frame and the inner bottom face of the base are disposed in the proximity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazumasa Watanabe, Hiroyuki Kakisako, Shigeki Koumoto, Takashi Iitsuka, Kouzou Maeta
  • Patent number: 7385153
    Abstract: A trip bar is provided for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker includes a housing, an operating mechanism, and a number of accessories installable within the housing. At least one of the accessories has an actuator, such as a stem. The trip bar includes an elongated pivot member having a first end pivotably coupled to the operating mechanism, a second end disposed opposite and distal from the first end, and at least one protrusion extending outwardly from the elongated pivot member between the first and second ends. Such protrusion is actuatable by the stem to pivot the elongated pivot member. A deflecting mechanism, such as a cam surface, is disposed at or about the second end of the elongated pivot member. When such one of the accessories is being installed within the housing, the stem deflects the cam surface to facilitate insertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Erik R. Bogdon, Thomas A. Whitaker, Joseph B. Humbert, Ronald W. Brand
  • Patent number: 7342474
    Abstract: A circuit breaker configured to be remotely operated is disclosed. The circuit breaker includes a set of main contacts configured to connect between an electrical source and an electrical load, an operating mechanism in operable communication to open and close the main contacts, and a remotely operable drive system configured to open and close the main contacts separate from actuation of the operating mechanism. The drive system includes a motor responsive to first and second control signals, a primary drive responsive to the motor, and an opening spring responsive to the primary drive, the main contacts being responsive to the opening spring. In response to the first control signal, the primary drive moves to charge the opening spring, and in response to the second control signal and the main contacts being closed, the primary drive moves to allow the opening spring to discharge thereby resulting in the main contacts opening independent of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger Castonguay, Joseph G. Nagy, Narayansamy Soundararajan, Dennis Zuffelato, Craig Benjamin Williams, Heather Pugliese
  • Publication number: 20080012664
    Abstract: An electrical contact assembly includes a magnetic latch solenoid for actuating a moveable contact of a contact pair. The magnetic latch solenoid includes a magnet that latches the contact assembly in an open position, and a coil that moves an armature to the latched position under current in one polarity, and disrupts the permanent magnet field to release the armature from the latched position under current in a reverse polarity. A spring biases the contacts to the closed position. The spring is separate from the magnetic latch solenoid. The contact assembly may also include a printed circuit board for providing pulses to the coil to operate the assembly. The contact assembly is part of a remote operated circuit breaker assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: John DeBoer, Brian Timothy McCoy
  • Patent number: 7310032
    Abstract: A remote controlled circuit breaker switch handle engagement apparatus is provided. The apparatus is adapted to be removably attached across a circuit breaker face-plate of a traditional residential and commercial circuit breaker in order to facilitate remote completion of a circuit between a source and load, thereby reestablishing electrical service having been previously interrupted. The apparatus utilizes a handle trip assembly which engages an operating switch handle of the circuit breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Inventor: Harry Kouris
  • Publication number: 20070279161
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method using a current to control a switch, using a switch, comprising a first electrode and a second electrode, positioned within the magnetic range of a magnetic field produced by an electric current passing through a path, whereupon at least either the first electrode or the second electrode responds to the magnetism due to magnetic field variation, whereat the first electrode and the second electrode come in mutual contact or separate by means of the magnetic variation, thereby enabling controlling the switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventor: Chen-Kai Lin
  • Patent number: 7061349
    Abstract: A circuit breaker configured to be remotely operated is disclosed. The circuit breaker includes a set of main contacts configured to connect between an electrical source and an electrical load, an operating mechanism in operable communication to open and close the main contacts, and a remotely operable drive system configured to open and close the main contacts separate from actuation of the operating mechanism. The drive system includes a motor responsive to first and second control signals, a primary drive responsive to the motor, and an opening spring responsive to the primary drive, the main contacts being responsive to the opening spring. In response to the first control signal, the primary drive moves to charge the opening spring, and in response to the second control signal and the main contacts being closed, the primary drive moves to allow the opening spring to discharge thereby resulting in the main contacts opening independent of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger Castonguay, Joseph G. Nagy, Narayansamy Soundararajan, Dennis Zuffelato, Craig B. Williams, Heather Pugliese
  • Patent number: 6963042
    Abstract: A remote controlled circuit breaker switch handle engagement apparatus is provided. The apparatus is adapted to be removably attached across a circuit breaker face-plate of a traditional residential and commercial circuit breaker in order to facilitate remote completion of a circuit between a source and load, thereby reestablishing electrical service having been previously interrupted. The apparatus utilizes a handle trip assembly which engages an operating switch handle of the circuit breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Inventor: Harry Kouris
  • Patent number: 6897757
    Abstract: Disclosed is an accessory device for a manual motor starter attached to one side of a body of the manual motor starter so as to perform various accessory functions, such as a forcible trip function for the manual motor starter by remotely switching the manual motor starter or a trip function for the manual motor starter when under-voltage occurs between a power source and load. A remotely switchable trip function and under-voltage trip function are achieved by using one accessory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ho Soung Kim
  • Patent number: 6888431
    Abstract: A remote-controlled circuit breaker system, comprising a single voltage input connector for receiving current from an external power supply, at least two pole assemblies each including a trip mechanism, and a trip crossbar. The input connector provides a single power source to both pole assemblies, and the trip crossbar couples the trip mechanisms together. One of the pole assemblies further includes a remote-controlled actuator that controls only one of the two pole assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventor: Scott C. Jordan
  • Patent number: 6861931
    Abstract: A system for remotely manipulating circuit breakers between open and closed conditions in an electrical panel having a number of circuit breakers in a vertical array includes an activator unit removably attachable to the panel and having an elongated shaft equipped with a series of control switches adjustably spaced apart to interact with the circuit breakers. A motorized drive feature achieves controlled axial rotation of the shaft to a sufficient extent to cause effective movement of selected circuit breakers. A wireless control unit activates the drive feature to rotate the shaft in either direction to move the circuit breakers to their open or closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventors: Joseph J. Corliss, Daniel E. Gannon
  • Patent number: 6861930
    Abstract: A transfer switch includes a miniature circuit breaker housing, a first line terminal, a second line terminal, a load terminal, and separable contacts electrically connected to the first line terminal. A transfer arm is electrically connected to the load terminal and is adapted to move between a first position in which the transfer arm is electrically connected to the separable contacts and a second position in which the transfer arm is electrically connected to the second line terminal. A solenoid having a first coil, a second coil and a plunger moves the transfer arm between the first and second positions thereof. An operating mechanism opens and closes the separable contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin A. Simms, John A. Wafer