With Direct Connected Contact Separating Means Patents (Class 335/14)
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6801109
    Abstract: A transfer switch includes a miniature circuit breaker housing, a first line terminal, a second line terminal and a load terminal. A transfer arm is adapted to pivot between a first position in which the transfer arm is electrically connected to the first line terminal 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. Separable contacts are electrically connected between the transfer arm and the load terminal. An operating mechanism opens and closes the separable contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin A. Simms
  • Patent number: 6787937
    Abstract: A remote operated device including: a plurality of circuit breakers; a first actuator in operable communication with a second actuator, the first actuator positions the second actuator at a circuit breaker of the plurality of circuit breakers, the second actuator mounted external to the plurality of circuit breakers, the second actuator moves a handle of the circuit breaker to an on position, an off position, or performs a reset operation; and a controller in electronic communication with the first actuator and the second actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Hemant Kumar Mody, Guillermo Wille
  • Patent number: 6768402
    Abstract: An externally controllable circuit breaker includes a set of main contacts, an operating mechanism for opening and closing the main contacts; and a set of secondary contacts electrically connected in series with the main contacts. A control mechanism to open and close the secondary contacts includes an electromagnet with an armature having a first position, which opens the secondary contacts, and a second position, which closes the secondary contacts. The electromagnet also includes a coil electrically interconnected with the main contacts for energization therefrom and adapted for control by one or two external signals from one or two external contacts to operate the armature between the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Davidson, Wayne G. Adamson, Kevin A. Simms, Kenneth L. Uhlman
  • Patent number: 6734768
    Abstract: In a remote controller of a circuit breaker capable of making an maintenance man control a circuit breaker instantly and safely at any place without approaching a certain area such as a control board or a control room, the circuit breaker includes a receiver for receiving a radio control signal for turning on/off or tripping a circuit breaker; a control unit for generating a first control signal or a second control signal depending on the radio control signal inputted from the receiver; a motor driver for controlling the on/off operation of the circuit breaker depending on the first control signal; and a trip unit for tripping the circuit breaker depending on the second control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: LG Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ki Young Kim
  • Patent number: 6724284
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing, separable contacts, an operating mechanism having a pivotally mounted operator handle for opening and closing the separable contacts, and a trip mechanism releasing the operating mechanism to move the operator handle to its tripped position. A micro-switch includes an actuator lever movable between an actuated position and a non-actuated position and adapted to engage a surface of the operator handle. The micro-switch also includes a normally open contact having a closed state corresponding to the actuated position and an open state corresponding to the non-actuated position. The operator handle surface engages and moves the actuator lever to the actuated position in only the ON position of the operator handle. The actuator lever is in the non-actuated position in the OFF position and the tripped position of the operator handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Anthony Simms, Jeffery Wayne Lockhart, Wayne Gerald Adamson
  • Publication number: 20040070473
    Abstract: The invention relates to a low-voltage power switch, wherein the drive device (16) is fixed by means of a supporting framework (17,19) and the associated switch shaft (8) is fixed, by means of two axially external bearing sub-assemblies, to the switch pole sub-assembly (1) In order to ensure that the fitting corresponds to a position based on separate examination of the drive device, the bearing arrangement has an additional, axially central bearing sub-assembly. Said bearing sub-assembly consists of two half-shells (25 and 26) which are axially fixed by means of guide surfaces (45 or 55,56,57 and 58), whereby one is radially supported on the switch pole sub-assembly (1) and the other is radially supported on the supporting framework (17,18) of the drive device (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Torsten Ahlert, Ludvik Godesa, Marc Liebetruth
  • Publication number: 20030193381
    Abstract: An externally controllable circuit breaker includes a set of main contacts, an operating mechanism for opening and closing the main contacts; and a set of secondary contacts electrically connected in series with the main contacts. A control mechanism to open and close the secondary contacts includes an electromagnet with an armature having a first position, which opens the secondary contacts, and a second position, which closes the secondary contacts. The electromagnet also includes a coil electrically interconnected with the main contacts for energization therefrom and adapted for control by one or two external signals from one or two external contacts to operate the armature between the first and second positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: David L. Davidson, Wayne G. Adamson, Kevin A. Simms, Kenneth L. Uhlman
  • Patent number: 6570269
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for supplying power to a load circuit from main and alternate electric power sources involves actuating a signal-controlled selector inside a housing, at least a portion of which is received in a breaker receptacle of an electric power distribution panel such that a first conductor on the housing is operable to receive electric power from the electric power distribution panel and a second conductor on the housing is operable to receive electric power from an alternate electric power source, to selectively connect the load circuit to the first conductor on the housing or to a second conductor on the housing operable to receive electric power from an alternate electric power source, in response to a control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Xantrex International
    Inventors: Glenn McMillan, Neil Sutcliffe
  • Patent number: 6531938
    Abstract: A remote operated circuit breaker assembly has at least one circuit breaker, a remote module for remotely operating the circuit breaker and an actuator tie pin. Each circuit breaker includes a circuit breaker enclosure of generally rectangular shape having one side and an opposing side, and a circuit breaker actuator link pivotally mounted inside the circuit breaker enclosure. The remote module includes a module housing mounted to the one side of the circuit breaker enclosure and having a shape generally congruent with the circuit breaker enclosure. A motor is disposed in the module housing, a module actuator is pivotally mounted inside the module housing and a gear means couples the motor to the module actuator. The actuator tie pin connects the circuit breaker actuator link to the module actuator within the interior of the circuit breaker enclosure and the module housing. The actuator tie pin is received in aligned slots defined by the abutting circuit breaker enclosure side and module housing side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Carling Technologies
    Inventors: Joseph R. Smith, Gurdev Singh Bains
  • Patent number: 6522227
    Abstract: A remote operated device including: a plurality of circuit breakers; a first actuator in operable communication with a second actuator, the first actuator positions the second actuator at a circuit breaker of the plurality of circuit breakers, the second actuator mounted external to the plurality of circuit breakers, the second actuator moves a handle of the circuit breaker to an on position, an off position, or an off position, or performs a reset operation; and a controller in electronic communication with the first actuator and the second actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Hemant Kumar Mody, Guillermo Wille
  • Patent number: 6507255
    Abstract: A circuit breaker has a set of remotely controllable secondary contacts electrically connected in series with the main contacts which provide overcurrent or fault current protection. An operating mechanism opens and closes the set of main contacts. The secondary contacts are opened and closed by a latching solenoid. The latching solenoid includes a plunger latchable to a first position, which opens the set of secondary contacts, and to a second position which closes the set of secondary contacts. The latching solenoid also includes an open/close coil which when energized with a first polarity signal operates the plunger to the first position and which when energized with an opposite second polarity signal operates the plunger to the second position. A circuit is structured for cooperation with a remote control circuit for energizing the coil with the first polarity signal or, alternatively, the second polarity signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph M. Ennis, James R. Farley, John A. Wafer, Kevin A. Simms
  • Patent number: 6469600
    Abstract: A remote control circuit breaker which includes a first current path and a second current path. The circuit breaker also includes a set of separable main contacts, an operating mechanism for opening and closing the set of main contacts, a trip device in electrical communication with the main contacts, a set of separable latching contacts having an actuator in electrical communication with the trip device. The circuit breaker also includes a by-pass circuit in electrical communication with the trip device. The first current path passes through the main contacts, the trip device, and the latching contacts and the second current path passes through the main contacts, the trip device, and the by-pass circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Ray Seese, Wayne Gerald Adamson
  • Patent number: 6441708
    Abstract: The circuit breaker (10) including a molded housing (12) including a main breaker cover (20), a first terminal (18) and a second terminal (16) mounted in the casing with a contact (44) electrically coupled to the first terminal (18) and a movable contact (42) electrically coupled to the second terminal (16). It also includes an operating mechanism (40) having a pivoting member (13) movable between an ON position, an OFF position and a TRIPPED position, wherein the pivoting member (13) is coupled to the movable contact (42). An intermediate latching mechanism (52) is mounted in the housing (12) and coupled to the operating mechanism (40) is in selective operative contact with a trip unit having a trip bar (54). The trip unit is also coupled to the movable contact (42) and the second terminal (16). An accessory socket (22) formed in the main breaker cover (20), on either side of an opening for the pivoting member (13) is in communication with the housing (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Mauricio Rodriguez, Jill Stegall, Bernard DiMarco
  • Patent number: 6388858
    Abstract: A circuit breaker has a set of remotely controllable secondary contacts connected in series with the main contacts which provide overcurrent protection. The secondary contacts are opened and closed by a latching solenoid having a close coil and an open coil which are separately connected to switched terminals of a first switch. A voltage source, which may be ac, dc or pulsed, is connected to the common terminal of the first switch through a rectifier. The first switch is coupled to the plunger of the latching solenoid which opens and closes the set of secondary contacts and enables the coil which operates the set of secondary contacts to the opposite state. Energization of the enabled coil is completed by additional, remotely located switches connected between each coil and ground. A status line connected to one of the switched terminals of the first switch is energized when the associated coil is enabled to indicate the open/close status of the set of secondary contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Anthony Simms, Wayne Gerald Adamson, David Lee Davidson, Kenneth L. Uhlman
  • Patent number: 6326870
    Abstract: A device is provided for operating a circuit breaker handle. The device includes a body having a receiving area to receive and engage a portion of the circuit breaker handle. The body is fixedly secured to a shaft for movement between a first position and a second position. The body is caused to move by a forces from a first coil and a second coil. The first coil generates a first force in a first direction, and the second coil generates a second force in a second direction, wherein the second direction is opposite to the first direction. The first and second forces are transferred to the shaft for effectuating movement between the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Javier I. Larranaga, Joseph Criniti, Farshid Attarian, Alberto Figueroa, Kevin Fuhr, Joseph B. Kelaita
  • Patent number: 6259339
    Abstract: A remotely controllable circuit breaker has a set of secondary contacts in series with the main contacts and which can be opened and closed from a remote location by a magnetically latchable solenoid. A pivotally mounted operating member/indicator member coupled to the plunger of the solenoid by a non-magnetic pin has an extension which projects through an opening in the circuit breaker housing to provide an indication of the open/closed state of the set of secondary contacts and an operator for manually closing them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Eaton Coporation
    Inventors: Kevin Anthony Simms, Jeffrey Wayne Lockhart, Michael Joseph Erb
  • Patent number: 6232855
    Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker is taught with a housing base and a primary cover disposed on the housing base. The primary cover has a recess therein for an auxiliary module which is disposed in the recess. A secondary cover is disposed on the primary cover for covering the recess when the auxiliary module is disposed therein. A combination manual trip and secondary cover interlock is provided which is accessible from outside of the secondary cover for manually opening separable main contacts or for automatically opening separable main contacts when the secondary cover is removed. There is also provided on the back plane of the housing a single piece DIN rail attachment for securing the back plane to a DIN rail. There is provided an under voltage release mechanism for actuating the circuit breaker to trip on the occurrence of an under voltage condition of predetermined magnitude across the lines served by the circuit interrupter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Richard P. Malingowski, Trent A. Chontas, William C. Farrow, Joseph F. Changle, Kenneth N. Skoug, Roger W. Helms, Lance Gula
  • Patent number: 6204741
    Abstract: A motor-operated remote-control mechanism for electrical switching devices, especially for circuit breakers, can be used for different sizes with different switching characteristics, while taking necessary safety measures into account. The mechanism consumes as little power as possible and has a simple structure. The circuit breaker is screwed onto a frame. The mechanism can be adapted to several sizes of circuit breakers by using different frames combined with different types of mechanism assemblies with and without a snap-action function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Guntram Becker, Rolf Weinhold, Hagen Trinks
  • Patent number: 6201460
    Abstract: An undervoltage release device for a circuit breaker is disclosed having an operating mechanism, a trip bar, line and load terminals, and a cover. The device includes a housing, a solenoid, upper and lower actuators aligned with a plunger of the solenoid and in selective contact with the trip bar, plunger and actuator reset levers mounted upon the solenoid frame, and pair of terminals in electrical contact with the solenoid coil and line terminals of the breaker, wherein the force of the solenoid corresponds to the line voltage. Also disclosed is a method for tripping a circuit breaker when line voltage drops below a selected value, in a circuit breaker having an operating mechanism and a trip unit with an intermediate latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Troy Winslett, Russell Bryant Green, Mauricio Rodriguez, Elizabeth J. Blessitt
  • Patent number: 6107702
    Abstract: An electrical control module for use with a stored energy assembly having a motor for use with a circuit breaker assembly, the circuit breaker assembly providing an electrical signal through electrical contacts for actuating the circuit breaker assembly, the electrical control module comprising a rectifying circuit, which receives and rectifies the electrical signal so as to provide a rectified electrical signal; a motor switch circuit connected to the motor; and an electrical signal flow maintenance circuit, which is operatively connected to the rectifying circuit, the motor switch circuit and the motor, wherein the electrical signal flow circuit maintenance maintains at least a threshold rectified electrical when the electrical contacts are closed so that the motor switch circuit is on and the motor operates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Mario Bilac, Parker A. Bollinger, Jr., Paul D. Reagan
  • Patent number: 6060797
    Abstract: A solenoid operated remote resetting device with a protective solenoid activation circuit is disclosed. The device includes a housing for enclosing and protecting a solenoid with a movable plunger, a movable mechanical operator having an operator arm extending through an opening defined in the housing and a circuit board on which a solenoid activation circuit is mounted. The solenoid activation circuit includes circuitry for protecting the solenoid from overheating due to intentional or unintentional prolonged current flow in the solenoid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Matthew R. Harris, Gregory R. Lawrence, Timothy B. Phillips
  • Patent number: 6034581
    Abstract: A contact assembly (22) is adapted for use with a circuit breaker (12) that is set to open a circuit above a predetermined current load. The contact assembly (22) is adapted to reciprocate between a closed position to permit the flow of current through the circuit and an open position to prevent the flow of current. The contact assembly (22) is further adapted to resist unintended reciprocation from the closed position to the open position at current loads up to or exceeding the predetermined current load. The contact assembly includes a line side conductor (38) and a load side conductor (54).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard DiMarco, David A. Leone
  • Patent number: 5886641
    Abstract: A circuit breaker with trip indicator assembly for indicating the trip status of the circuit breaker. The trip indicator assembly includes a spring powered shaft movable between a cocked position and a trip position in which the spring powered shaft protrudes through the housing of the circuit breaker to indicate the trip status. The shaft is operatively connected to a trip actuating mechanism of the circuit breaker so as to actuate the shaft in response to the trip actuating mechanism actuating an operating mechanism of the circuit breaker. A lost motion coupling is provided to assure that the trip indicator assembly is not actuated until after actuation of the operating mechanism. A bell alarm switch assembly for signalling the trip status of the circuit breaker may be operatively connected to the trip indicator assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Phillip L. Ulerich, Gregory D. Tallman
  • Patent number: 5861784
    Abstract: A remotely controllable circuit breaker device for interrupting current in a circuit path between a source and a load includes local and remote monitoring capabilities and a gear mechanism for reliable remote control of the interruption mechanism. The device includes a first contact and a second contact cooperatively arranged in the circuit path so as to provide current from the source to the load. At least one of the contacts is disposed on a contact carrier which is movable for interrupting the current provided to the load. The gear mechanism includes a motor with a rotatable shaft which responds to open and closed control signals generated from a remote location, and a gear, rotatably responsive to the rotatable shaft, for controlling the contact carrier so that the circuit path is interrupted and established, respectively. The gear mechanism controls the contact carrier using a coupling arrangement, which has a first part coupled to the contact carrier and a second part coupled to the gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: James Arthur Heise, Duane Lee Turner, Dennis William Fleege
  • Patent number: 5838219
    Abstract: An electricity switching device has an control handle reciprocally moveable between two positions. A remotely controllable operator attaches to the switching device and has an actuator that is coupled by a lever to the control handle enabling for manual operation of the device. A motor drives a threaded shaft on which a driver in mounted. Rotation of the threaded shaft by the motor causes the driver to slide within the operator. A handle actuator is coupled to slide with the driver and pushes the control handle between the two positions. Once the handle actuator has been pushed into one of the two positions, the handle actuator moves over the other side of the control handle in order to push in the opposite direction. Movement to the other side also eliminates the handle actuator from interfering with manual operation of the electricity switching device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Kebo Du, Stefan Gabrielson
  • Patent number: 5834997
    Abstract: A coupling member for securing a spring to a rotatable motor shaft so that the spring rotates with the motor shaft. The coupler has a cylindrical hollow middle which fits snugly onto the motor shaft and includes a main body portion having a smaller cylindrically shaped nose portion extending therefrom for receiving one end of the spring therearound. The main body portion includes a ramp portion, extending upwardly therefrom, a wall behind the ramp portion and a slot therein for receiving a hook portion extending from the spring. The hook portion is snugly secured in the slot and behind the wall so that as the motor shaft rotates, the coupler member causes the spring to rotate with the motor shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Dennis William Fleege, James Arthur Heise, Duane Lee Turner
  • Patent number: 5831500
    Abstract: A circuit breaker device for interrupting current in a circuit path between a source and a load. The device includes a first contact and a second contact cooperatively arranged in the circuit path so as to provide current from the source to the load. At least one of the contacts is disposed on a contact carrier which is movable for interrupting the current provided to the load. A contact status indication arrangement is provided for indicating the status of the contacts. The contact status indication arrangement includes a trip flag, a status insert, a clear plastic lens, a flag guide, and a status flag. The trip flag, status insert and status flag are viewable through the lens, which is disposed in an aperture in the circuit breaker housing. Only one status indicator is viewable through the lens at any one time, each indicating a different circuit breaker status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Duane Lee Turner, James Arthur Heise
  • Patent number: 5657002
    Abstract: A resettable, latching indicator is described. The indicator has a pair of electrical terminals through which it connects to the circuitry whose state is being indicated. The device includes an electromagnetic coil with a first lead connected to a first terminal of the device and a second lead connected to a first contact within the device. A second contact within the device is connected to the second indicator terminal, completing the circuit within the device. In a preferred embodiment, the device is arranged as a fuse state indicator with the device terminals connected in parallel with a fuse. Before fuse blow, an internal electrical contact is formed as the first and second contacts are closed an abutment formed on a spring-biased indicator flag. When the fuse blows, current passes through the coil, thus creating a magnetic field. The field moves a spring-biased armature having a catch which normally retains the indicator flag in a non-indicating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Electrodynamics, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald W. Ogden
  • Patent number: 5614878
    Abstract: A remote controlled circuit breaker providing thermal and magnetic overload current protection as well as remote load management capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Patrick, Eduard Zubar, Edward L. Tevis
  • Patent number: 5534833
    Abstract: A remote closing operator is positioned within a circuit breaker enclosure to allow remote operation of the circuit breaker operating mechanism to open and close the circuit breaker contacts. A pair of solenoids are employed to control the state of the contact closing springs. The first solenoid is energized to initially release the contact closing springs and the second solenoid is energized to interrupt the flow of current to the first solenoid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, James J. Smith, Thomas A. Murphy
  • Patent number: 5532660
    Abstract: A remotely controllable circuit breaker device for interrupting power in a circuit path between a source and a load includes local and remote monitoring capabilities and a worm-gear mechanism for reliable control of the interruption mechanism. The device includes a first contact and a second contact cooperatively arranged in the circuit path so as to provide current from the source to the load. At least one of the contacts are movable for interrupting the power provided to the load. The worm gear mechanism includes a motor with a rotatable shaft which responds to open and closed control signals generated from a remote location, and a gear, rotatably responsive to the rotatable shaft, for controlling the movable contact so that the circuit path is interrupted and established, respectively. The worm gear mechanism controls the movable contact using a coupling arrangement, which has a first part coupled to the movable contact and a second part coupled to the gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Lowell D. Smith, Robert G. Cook
  • Patent number: 5519367
    Abstract: A logic switch take-up system is incorporated into a circuit breaker's electronic trip unit and signals the circuit breaker's programmer box that the electronic trip unit has been actuated and therefore that the circuit breaker contacts have been displaced from their closed to their open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Jeffrey D. Lord
  • Patent number: 5493264
    Abstract: An electrical protection apparatus is formed by association of a circuit breaker electrically connected in series with an effector. Switching of the arc onto an electrode when tripping of the mechanism occurs following a fault causes shunting of the effector. The electrode is separated from the stationary contact by an insulating gap, which is dimensioned to enhance said switching of the arc onto the electrode at the beginning of the opening travel of the movable contact, and to guarantee the dielectric withstand in the closed state of the contacts of the circuit breaker, and in the open state of the effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Schneider Electric SA
    Inventors: Alain Menier, Eric Domejean, Alain Frolla, Jean-Jacques Nardin
  • Patent number: 5408208
    Abstract: A remote tripping mechanism for use with a spring loaded safety switch. In a preferred embodiment, the mechanism is made up of two cams with a compression type trip spring anchored between them. The two cams are held in the "normal position" (the spring compressed) by a latch. In this position, the switch operates in the same manner as a conventional safety switch. A trip lever connected to a solenoid is positioned such that it is unobtrusive when the switch is turned ON and OFF. When the switch is in the ON position and power is applied to the solenoid, the trip lever unlatches the latch and the two cams separate. The first cam engages and lifts the bail, turning the switch OFF. The cams are reset by turning the handle to the OFF position. This compresses the trip spring and resets the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard DiMarco, Bradley J. Lewis, Bruce D. Guiney
  • Patent number: 5381121
    Abstract: A circuit breaker which is remote controllable by an external remote control switch by way of an electronic control unit and an electromagnetic switch drive controlled by the electronic control unit. The switch drive switches the electric circuit by a switch lock, which is latched to it and which, during an overload, is unlatched and opened by way of the release of the bimetal of switch drive and, as a result, interrupts the electric circuit. During bimetal release, an auxiliary switch is actuated, which by way of the electronic control unit turns the remote control switch off and re-latches switch drive with the opened switch lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Ellenberger & Poensgen GmbH
    Inventors: Josef Peter, Peter Meckler, Fritz Krasser, Gerhard Endner
  • Patent number: 5331301
    Abstract: A residual current circuit breaker 1 has a partition wall 3 which separates an over-current protection device 4 from a residual current detection circuit 5. A plunger rod 24 extends through a bore 23 in the armature 21 of a coil 20 and is moved independently through the coil 20 to trip the breaker if a residual current is detected by the circuit 5. The plunger rod 24 is moved by a drive rod 31, the operation of which is controlled by a permanent magnet which retains the drive rod 31 retracted and an electromagnet which allows the drive rod 31 to drive forwardly under the action of a spring 32 in the event of a residual current being detected. The plunger rod 30 is reset by a reset lever 40 which is moved when an operating handle 18 of the breaker moves from a non-tripped to a tripped position on tripping of the breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Oliver Glennon, James Early, James Shortt, Martin F. Healy, Hendrik A. Bosch, Soedjiemat F. Darmohoetomo, Raymond Burke
  • Patent number: 5301083
    Abstract: A remote control residential and commercial lighting and appliance branch circuit breaker provides both overload current protection and load management. Structure is provided enabling packaging in a three-quarter inch width case, including a first set of contacts in the case provided by a pair of separable overload breaker contacts, trip structure in the case for causing separation of the overload breaker contacts in response to overload currents therethrough, a second set of contacts in the case provided by a pair of switching relay contacts having open and closed conditions and electrically connected in series with the overload breaker contacts, and an actuator in the case energizable to mechanically actuate the switching relay contacts. Feedback circuitry is included providing status indication of the condition of the switching relay contacts. Structure is provided for reducing actuator and spring requirements and sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: William E. Grass, Peter K. Moldovan, Earl T. Piber, Robert J. Clarey, James R. Jaeschke, Robert A. Kihn, Richard G. Smith, Herbert R. Streich
  • Patent number: 5289148
    Abstract: A power switching module is adaptable for installation in a variety of existing circuit breaker panels. The module contains electrical controls providing selected control functions, such as an integral timer function. The module plugs into an existing breaker position in the circuit breaker panel adjacent a conventional circuit breaker on the same panel. The module has external terminals, including an interchangeable clip for connecting to the circuit breaker panel buss, a switched-circuit input series-connected to the load line output from the adjacent circuit breaker, a switched circuit output for carrying power to an external load being controlled by the switch, and a neutral wire extending to a neutral terminal on the panel. A microprocessor contained in the module provides the switched timer function that is set by digital inputs and displayed on the module housing. The microprocessor obtains operating power from the circuit breaker panel buss and controls operation of the switch solenoids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: Intelligent Electrical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John V. Siglock, Lawrence Phillips, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5250920
    Abstract: Assembly of a remote controlled relay has steps of: previous assembling of units which are constituted by components having a concern with each other; positioning of the units on a base member; soldering of wires of electric components; coupling on the units which have mechanical concern; and covering of the units by a cover member which is fit and fixed to the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroaki Fujihisa, Manabu Sogabe
  • Patent number: 5248951
    Abstract: In a remote controlled relay having a manual operation handle coupled to a plunger of an electromagnetic device, a relatively large clearance in a coupling part allows for free movement of the plunger without any interference except a friction force thereof even when the operation handle is stopped at a deadlock point between an ON position and an OFF position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Manabu Sogabe, Hiroaki Fujihisa, Shuji Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 5200723
    Abstract: A remotely controlled relay having a lever and a link, both of which being driven by a bistable polar electromagnet device. The lever drives a switch circuit to open and close while the link operates the main-circuit opening-and-closing assembly. A current is supplied to the coil of the bistable polar magnet device from an external circuit and magnetizes the plunger such that the plunger moves through a stroke between a first and second positions. When the plunger arrives at the center of its stroke while the plunger is moving from the first position to the second position, the lever causes the micro-switch to switch from the a first contact position to a second contact position. When the plunger arrives at the center of plunger stroke while the plunger is moving from the second position to the first position, the lever causes the micro-switch to switch from the second contact position to the first contact position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroaki Fujihisa, Manabu Sogabe
  • Patent number: 5181001
    Abstract: A remotely controlled relay having a lever and a link, both of which being driven by a bistable polar electromagnet device. The lever is also manually operable. The lever drives a switch circuit to open and close while the link operates the main-circuit opening-and-closing assembly. The display provided on the lever indicates the open and closed conditions of the main circuit. A current is supplied to the coil of the bistable polar magnet device from an external circuit and magnetizes the plunger such that the plunger moves through a stroke between a first and second positions. When the plunger arrives at the center of its stroke while the plunger is moving from the first position to the second position, the lever causes the micro-switch to switch from the a first contact position to a second contact position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroaki Fujihisa, Manabu Sogabe
  • Patent number: 5180051
    Abstract: A remotely controllable circuit breaker device for interrupting power in a circuit path between a source and a load includes local and remote monitoring capabilities and a worm-gear mechanism for reliable control of the interruption mechanism. The device includes a first contact and a second contact cooperatively arranged in the circuit path so as to provide current from the source to the load. At least one of the contacts are movable for interrupting the power provided to the load. The worm gear mechanism includes a motor with a rotatable shaft which responds to open and closed control signals generated from a remote location, and a gear, rotatably responsive to the rotatable shaft, for controlling the movable contact so that the circuit path is interrupted and established, respectively. The worm gear mechansim controls the movable contact using a coupling arrangement, which has a first part coupled to the movable contact and a second part coupled to the gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Robert G. Cook, Daniel J. Runyan, Willard J. Rezac, Thomas A. Edds, Ronald J. Bilas
  • Patent number: 5172086
    Abstract: A remotely controlled relay having two micro-switches driven to open and close by the plunger of a bistable polar electromagnet device. A current is supplied to the coil of the electromagnet device from an external power source to magnetize the plunger so that the plunger is moved through a stroke between a first position and a second position. When the plunger moves from the first position to the second position, a first micro-switch is closed to energize the coil in a first direction until the plunger passes through the middle of the stroke. When the plunger moves from the second position to the first position, a second micro-switch is closed to energize the coil in a second direction until the plunger passes through the middle of the stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroaki Fujihisa, Manabu Sogabe
  • Patent number: 5164693
    Abstract: A remotely controllable circuit breaker has an improved scheme for effecting rapid arc extinction as well as protecting the breaker contact from the resulting arc current. The breaker includes first and second movable contacts 11 and 12 which are held respectively on parallel extending first and second contact arms 31 and 32 and are driven individually by a switching mechanism 20 including a manual handle 22 with a contact trip capability and by a remotely controllable switch 60. An arc runner 115 is connected to be in the same electrical potential as the second contact arm 32 and extends in the contact separating direction for receiving the one end of the arc developed between the rapidly separating contacts 11 and 12 and guiding the arc toward an arc extinguishing chute 110 as the first contact 11 moves away from the second contact 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Youichi Yokoyama, Hideya Kondo, Youichi Kunimoto, Manabu Yano
  • Patent number: 5083103
    Abstract: A circuit breaker control system includes a motor driven fork assembly, activated from a remote location, for simultaneously opening all of the breaker load contacts and locking them in an open condition. A DC voltage is selectively applied to energize the reversible DC motor. The switch at the remote location can be operated to enable a user-customer to return the breaker to operable condition at the breaker site. This is accomplished with an SCR circuit that is enabled by the remote switch and actuated by the user to operate the motor in a reverse direction to release the load contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: John M. Winter, Jerry L. Scheel, Matthew D. Sortland